JP2008002528A - Rolling element storage belt for linear motion guide device, linear motion guide device, mold for manufacturing rolling element storage belt, and method of manufacturing rolling element storage belt using the mold - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rolling element storage belt for a linear guide device suitably holding a lubricant between a connection arm part and a guide groove even when the connection arm part is formed straight in an expanded state. <P>SOLUTION: The linear guide (linear motion guide device) comprises an endless circulation path having the guide groove extending in the direction in which balls 46 are arranged. The rolling element storage belt 50 having interposed parts 51 interposed between the adjacent balls 46 and connection arm parts 52 connecting the interposed parts 51 to each other and guided by the guide groove is installed in the endless circulation path. The connection arm parts 52 of the rolling element storage belt 50 are formed to have lubricating oil sump parts 53 formed of recessed parts in the surface facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions inside the endless circulation path among the surfaces guided by the guide groove. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rolling element accommodation belt for a linear motion guide device, a linear motion guide device, a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing die, and a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing method using the same.

  The linear motion guide device moves the slider relative to the guide rail via a plurality of rolling elements that circulate while rolling in an infinite circulation path. However, in the linear motion guide device, when the slider moves relative to the guide rail, the rolling elements move while rotating in the same direction, so that the adjacent rolling elements rub against each other and smooth rolling of the rolling elements occurs. Be disturbed. Therefore, noise increases and the progress of wear of the rolling elements is accelerated. Therefore, conventionally, in order to suppress the generation of noise and smoothly operate the linear motion guide device, a rolling element housing belt has been proposed in which the rolling elements are aligned in the alignment direction in the infinite circulation path.

  For example, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a rolling element housing belt including an interposed part interposed between adjacent rolling elements and a connecting arm part that connects the interposed parts to each other. Is disclosed. According to the rolling element housing belt having such a configuration, the rolling elements can be aligned as rolling element rows in the direction of arrangement in the infinite circulation path, to suppress the generation of noise and smoothly circulate in the infinite circulation path. it can.

Here, for example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a guide groove is provided along an infinite circulation path, and the connecting arm portion is guided in the guide groove. Thereby, the wobbling of the rolling element housing belt is effectively prevented. In addition, as for this connection arm part, the surface guided to a guide groove is formed of the one plane over a longitudinal direction.
For example, in the technique described in Patent Literature 2, the connecting arm portion is formed from one surface extending in the longitudinal direction, and the cross-sectional shape thereof is circular. Thereby, since this connection arm part carries out a line contact with respect to the guided guide groove, the frictional force which generate | occur | produces when sliding can be suppressed.

For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, the connecting arm portion is formed in a curved shape. Thereby, since spring property is provided to the connecting arm portion, durability against repeated bending and stretching can be improved.
JP-A-11-315833 Utility Model Registration No. 3105042 JP 2004-332769 A

  Here, this type of rolling element housing belt is guided while its connecting arm portion rubs against the guide groove. Usually, a lubricant such as oil or grease is filled between the rolling element housing belt and the guide groove. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 or 2, the surface of the connecting arm portion that is guided by the guide groove is formed by a single surface that extends in the longitudinal direction. When used over a long period of time, the oil film tends to break due to a lack of lubricant. Therefore, there is a possibility that the connecting arm portion and the guide groove of the rolling element housing belt are worn. And if the filling amount of the lubricant is small, the degree of friction between the rolling element housing belt and the guide groove is increased, so that the circulation resistance of the rolling element housing belt is further increased. Smooth operation becomes a factor.

  For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, from the viewpoint of lubrication between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove, the connecting arm portion is formed in a curved shape. Adhesion is relatively good. Therefore, there is little possibility that the connecting arm portion and the guide groove of the rolling element housing belt are worn. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, since the connecting arm portion is formed in a curved shape as a whole, it is necessary to make the width of the guide groove wider than that in which the connecting arm portion is straight. Therefore, a wider space is required for configuring the entire linear motion guide device. Therefore, for example, there is still room for study in reducing the size of the linear motion guide device.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and even when the connecting arm portion in a deployed state is formed straight, it is between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove. An object of the present invention is to provide a rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device, a linear motion guide device, a die for manufacturing the rolling body housing belt, and a rolling body housing belt manufacturing method using the same. It is said.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a first invention of the present invention includes an infinite circulation path in which a plurality of rolling elements circulate while rolling, and the rolling elements on both sides in the width direction in the infinite circulation path. Used in a linear motion guide device having guide grooves extending in the alignment direction, the interposition part interposed between the adjacent rolling elements and the interposition part on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circulation path A rolling element containing belt that is coupled to the guide groove and projects outwardly from an end surface of the interposition part, the guide arm being guided by the guide groove. It is characterized in that a lubricant reservoir portion having a concave portion or a convex portion is provided on at least one of the surfaces to be formed.

  According to the first invention, since the connecting arm portion includes the lubricant reservoir portion on at least one of the surfaces guided by the guide groove, the connecting arm portion is connected to the connecting arm portion by the lubricant reservoir portion. The adhesion of the lubricant can be improved. That is, the lubricant reservoir portion functions as a lubricant reservoir around the concave portion or the convex portion. Therefore, for example, compared with the one described in Patent Document 1 or 2, the connecting arm portion according to the present invention has a connecting arm portion of the rolling element housing belt when the guided surface is entirely in sliding contact with the guide groove. The lubricating state between the guide groove and the guide groove can be kept good over a longer period. Therefore, even when the connecting arm portion in the deployed state is formed straight, the lubricant can be more suitably held between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove.

  Here, in the rolling element housing belt according to the first invention, an extrusion pin for extruding the molded product has a molded product shape portion for molding the rolling element housing belt between the upper mold and the lower mold. It is manufactured by injection molding from a synthetic resin material using a mold that can move forward and backward with respect to the molded product shape portion, and the concave portion or convex portion of the lubricant reservoir portion formed on the rolling element containing belt is It is preferable if it is formed by the tip of the extrusion pin. With such a configuration, since the concave portion or the convex portion for the lubricant reservoir can be formed by the tip portion of the extrusion pin, it is not necessary to provide the mold with fine processing for forming the lubricant reservoir. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the mold can be reduced. Further, the linear motion guide device can be provided at low cost.

  Moreover, the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on 1st invention WHEREIN: As for the recessed part or convex part of the said lubricant reservoir part, if the outer edge shape is circular, it is preferable. With such a configuration, even when the concave portion or the convex portion hits a slight step of the guide groove, since the portion in contact with the concave portion or the convex portion forms a circular ridgeline, mutual catching is eased. In particular, when the lubricant reservoir portion is formed by the tip portion of the extrusion pin, it is preferable that the outer edge shape of the concave portion or the convex portion is circular from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost of the mold.

  In the rolling element housing belt according to the first invention, it is preferable that the lubricant reservoir is formed on a surface facing at least the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions in the endless circulation path. Such a configuration is desirable for maintaining a good lubrication state between the connecting arm portion of the rolling element housing belt and the guide groove. That is, when the rolling element housing belt is manufactured, a linear belt is used following the curved shape in the infinite circulation path. There is a tendency to rub, and friction with the guide groove on the outer peripheral side becomes a problem. Therefore, if the lubricant reservoir portion is formed at least on the surface facing the outer peripheral side, the lubrication state between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove can be satisfactorily maintained.

  In the rolling element housing belt according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lubricant reservoir is provided in the vicinity of a portion that connects the interposition part and the connecting arm part to each other. With such a configuration, for example, when providing the lubricant reservoir portion formed of a recess, the recess is provided avoiding the position that is the weakest part of the connecting arm portion, which is directly beside the rolling element. This is suitable for preventing a reduction in belt strength.

Further, in the rolling element housing belt according to the first invention, the lubricant reservoir portion is formed from a concave portion, and a part of the outer edge shape of the concave portion opens to an edge portion in the width direction of the connecting arm portion. Is preferably provided. With such a configuration, the concave portion having a portion opening at the edge portion takes in the lubricant between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove from the portion opening at the edge portion when supplying the lubricant. Can do. Therefore, more lubricant can be attached to the connecting arm portion.
Moreover, 2nd invention among this invention is a linear motion guide apparatus, Comprising: It has the rolling element accommodation belt for linear motion guide apparatuses which concerns on 1st invention, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a linear motion guide device that exhibits the functions and effects of the rolling element housing belt for the linear motion guide device according to the first aspect of the invention.

  The third invention of the present invention is used for manufacturing the rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device according to the first invention from a synthetic resin material by injection molding, and includes an upper mold and a lower mold. And having a molded product shape portion for forming the rolling element housing belt between the upper die and the lower die, and an extruding pin for extruding the molded product can be moved forward and backward with respect to the molded product shape portion. The extrusion pin is disposed at a position facing at least one of the surfaces guided by the guide groove of the connecting arm portion to be molded, and the advancement / retraction of the extrusion pin The position of the tip is set so that the retracted position in the direction is a position that protrudes or retracts from the surface of the connecting arm part forming part of the molded product shape part. The lubricant reservoir formed Concave or convex portion of, is characterized in that is adapted to be formed by the tip of the ejector pin.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the lubricant reservoir can be formed by the tip of the extrusion pin, it is not necessary to provide the mold with fine processing for forming the concave portion or the convex portion. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of a metal mold | die can be reduced and a linear guide apparatus can be provided cheaply. Therefore, it is possible to provide a die for manufacturing a rolling element housing belt suitable for manufacturing the rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device according to the first aspect of the invention.

The fourth invention of the present invention is a method for producing a rolling element containing belt using the rolling element containing belt producing mold according to the third invention, wherein the position of the tip of the push pin is determined. In the state set in the projecting or retracted position, the molten synthetic resin material is injected into the molded product shape portion to manufacture a rolling element containing belt.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the concave portion or the convex portion is formed on the connecting arm portion according to the protruding or retracted position by the tip portion of the extrusion pin, the above-described processing is performed without providing fine processing on the mold. A concave portion or a convex portion for the lubricant reservoir can be formed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the rolling element housing belt can be reduced, and the linear motion guide device can be provided at a low cost. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rolling element housing belt manufacturing method suitable for manufacturing the rolling element housing belt for the linear motion guide device according to the first invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when the connecting arm portion in the unfolded state is formed straight, the linear motion that can more suitably hold the lubricant between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove. It is possible to provide a rolling element accommodation belt for a guide device, a linear motion guide device, a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing die, and a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing method using the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a rolling element accommodation belt for a linear motion guide device, a linear motion guide device, a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing die, and a rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing method using the same according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. I will explain.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide of a first embodiment of a linear motion guide device provided with a rolling element housing belt according to the present invention. 2 is a front view with the end cap of the linear guide of FIG. 1 removed, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the linear guide of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the linear guide 10 includes a guide rail 12 having a rolling element guide surface 14 and a slider 16 straddling the guide rail 12 so as to be movable relative to the guide rail 12. And.
The guide rail 12 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, and a total of four rolling element guide surfaces 14 are formed on each side of the guide rail 12 along the longitudinal direction.
As shown in FIG. 1, the slider 16 includes a slider body 17 and end caps 22 attached to both ends of the slider body 17 in the axial direction. The shape of the slider body 17 and the end cap 22 that are continuous in the axial direction is a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slider body 17 has a substantially semicircular load rolling element guide surface facing the respective rolling element guide surfaces 14 of the guide rail 12 inside the substantially U-shaped sleeves. A total of 4 strips are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the end cap 22 is formed with a pair of direction change paths 24 respectively connected to both ends of the load rolling element guide surface 18. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the slider body 17 communicates with the pair of direction change paths 24, and is a rolling element return path formed of a through hole having a circular cross section parallel to the load rolling element guide surface 18. 20 is formed inside the sleeve. A space sandwiched between the rolling element guide surface 14 of the guide rail 12 and the load rolling element guide surface 18 of the slider body 17 facing the rolling element guide path 12 forms a rolling element track 26. Then, a total of four infinite circulation paths 28 that are annularly continuous are formed by the pair of direction changing paths 24, the rolling element return paths 20, and the rolling element raceways 26. Further, a plurality of balls 46 as rolling elements are loaded in each infinite circulation path 28. The plurality of balls 46 in each endless circulation path 28 constitute a rolling element row 62 together with the rolling element accommodation belt 50 by the rolling element accommodation belt 50.

Hereinafter, the rolling element housing belt 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 as appropriate. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the rolling element housing belt. FIG. 4A is a plan view thereof, FIG. 4B is a front view thereof, and FIG. 4C is a view passing through the center of the rolling element. Sectional drawing along a row direction and the figure (d) are expanded sectional views of the important section of a connecting arm part.
As shown in FIG. 3, the rolling element housing belt 50 is formed in an end shape, and includes an interposition part 51 interposed between adjacent balls 46 in the endless circulation path 28, A connecting arm portion 52 that connects the mounting portions 51 to each other is provided. The interposition part 51 and the connecting arm part 52 are integrally formed by injection molding from a synthetic resin material which is a flexible elastic material having elasticity. Examples of such a synthetic resin material include polyester elastomer and urethane.

  More specifically, the connecting arm portion 52 is a thin and long flat belt-shaped member as shown in FIG. 3, and is a circular through-hole for accommodating the ball 46 as shown in FIG. A certain ball receiving hole 58 is formed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The ball receiving hole 58 is formed with an inner diameter dimension that allows the ball 46 to freely engage and disengage in the front and back directions of the connecting arm portion 52. The connecting arm portion 52 connects the intervening portions 51 at a position deviated by a predetermined dimension T toward the inner peripheral side of the endless circulation path 28 with respect to the line CL connecting the centers O of the balls 46. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the connecting arm portion 52 protrudes on both sides in the width direction in the endless circulation path 28, and the thickness thereof is slightly smaller than the groove width of the guide groove 60, which is necessary and sufficient. It is formed thin as long as it can maintain high strength. In addition, the thickness of the connection arm part 52 in this embodiment is 0.5 mm. As a result, the rolling element housing belt 50 slidably engages the connecting arm portion 52 with the guide groove 60 formed in the endless circulation path 28 in the slider 16, and the width direction of the endless circulation path 28. The rolling element accommodation belt 50 is guided on both sides of the belt to prevent the wobbling thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the rolling element containing belt 50 has two end portions 57 located at both ends of the endless shape facing each other in the endless circulation path 28 in a non-contact state. One ball 46 is loaded between the opposing end portions 57.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the connecting arm portion 52 is a surface 52a facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral direction of the endless circulation path 28 among the surfaces 52a and 52b guided by the guide groove 60. Only, the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed. The lubricant reservoir 53 is formed of a recess whose outer edge is substantially circular. The lubricant reservoirs 53 are equally disposed adjacent to all the intervening parts 51 at two locations for each intervening part 51. The position where the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed is wider than the position corresponding to the center O of the ball 46, avoiding the position corresponding to the side (the weakest part) in the width direction. Furthermore, it is provided in the vicinity of the part which connects the interposition part 51 and the connection arm part 52 mutually with respect to each interposition part 51, respectively. The substantially circular recess has a diameter DA of 1 mm and a depth DB of 50 μm. The lubricant reservoir 53 is arranged in four locations around the rolling element storage portion 59A located in the center in the longitudinal direction, and the lubricant reservoir 53 is provided on the basis of this rolling element storage portion 59A. A plurality are arranged symmetrically on the left and right.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the interposition part 51 is disposed on both sides of each ball receiving hole 58 in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged with respect to the connecting arm part 52. The interposed portion 51 is a short cylindrical member having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ball 46, and the short cylindrical axis line coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rolling element containing belt 50. In addition, the interposition part 51 is disposed on both sides of each ball receiving hole 58 at a predetermined distance, and is connected to both sides in the width direction of the infinite circulation path 28 by the connecting arm part 52. Both ends of the short columnar shape are rolling element contact surfaces 56 facing the adjacent balls 46 in the endless circulation path 28.

  Specifically, the rolling element contact surfaces 56 between the adjacent interposing parts 51 form a pair, and the pair of rolling element contact surfaces 56 are the rolling surfaces of the ball 46 as shown in FIG. Each rolling element contact surface 56 includes a side surface portion 56b made of a concave cylindrical surface extending to the outer peripheral side with the same width in the opposing direction, and an inner peripheral side. It is comprised by two surfaces with the slope part 56a which is a concave conical surface which the part where the distance in an opposing direction becomes narrow toward the edge part of this is made.

  Further, the distance TW in the opposing direction of the opposing side surface portions 56 b of the pair of contact surfaces 56 is equal to the inner diameter (diameter) of the ball receiving hole 58 and is received in each ball receiving hole 58. The ball 46 is allowed to move toward the outer peripheral side of the infinite circulation path 28. On the other hand, the slope portions 56 a of the pair of rolling element contact surfaces 56 are concave conical surfaces that contact each other at a predetermined inclination angle α with respect to the arrangement direction, and are accommodated in the ball accommodation holes 58. The movement of the ball 46 is constrained toward the inner peripheral side of the infinite circulation path 28.

  As a result, the rolling element accommodation belt 50 has a rolling element accommodation portion 59 defined by the ball accommodation hole 58 of the interposition part 51 and the connecting arm part 52. And it is possible to constitute the rolling element row 62 by individually accommodating the balls 46 in this rolling element accommodation part 59 and aligning them in the direction of arrangement in the endless circulation path 28. A pair of rolling element contact surfaces 56 facing each other in the alignment direction allow the movement of the ball 46 in each rolling element housing portion 59 to the outer peripheral side of the infinite circulation path 28 and restrain it toward the inner peripheral side. However, the ball 46 can be held freely rolling.

Here, this rolling element accommodation belt 50 is manufactured by injection molding using a metal mold | die.
Hereinafter, the metal mold | die for manufacturing the said rolling element accommodation belt 50 and its manufacturing method by injection molding using the same are demonstrated, referring FIG. 5 suitably. Since the injection molding itself is performed by a normal method, only the outline is briefly described.
A steel material is used for a mold that is a mold for molding the rolling element housing belt 50. As shown in the figure, the mold 90 includes an upper mold 91 that is a movable mold and a fixed mold. A lower mold 92 that is a mold is provided. The upper mold 91 and the lower mold 92 are arranged to face each other, and a gap defined between the upper mold 91 and the lower mold 92 is a molded product shape portion (cavity) 93. . In the molded product shape portion 93, an interposed portion forming portion 51S for forming each interposed portion 51 and a connecting arm forming portion 52S for forming the connecting arm portion 52 are defined. That is, the shape of the molded product shape portion 93 formed on the upper mold 91 and the lower mold 92 is a shape that is opposite to the male and female formed relative to the shape of the rolling element housing belt 50 that is a molded product (product). Further, the dimensions are determined in consideration of the deformation amount due to injection molding.

  Here, the lower mold 92 is provided with a gate (pouring port) 94 for injecting a molten synthetic resin material (hot water) into the molded product shape portion 93 of the mold 90. As many gates 94 as necessary are provided at positions corresponding to the inner peripheral side end portions of the interposed portions 51 to be molded (in the example of the figure, every other spacer portion 51). Further, on the upper mold 91 side, an extruding pin 95 for extruding a molded product at each position corresponding to the position where each of the lubricant reservoirs 53 is formed can be moved forward and backward with respect to the molded product shape portion 93. Has been placed. The extrusion pin 95 is a solid cylindrical pin and has a diameter of 1 mm. Here, the push pin 95 is disposed on the side of the upper die 91 and the lower die 92 that has the molded product shape portion 93 that is the side that allows the movement of the ball 46.

In the manufacturing process using the mold 90, first, the upper mold 91 and the lower mold 92 are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined position, and the upper mold 91 is moved downward to bring the upper mold 91 and the lower mold 92 into close contact with each other at a predetermined opposed position. Let
Here, the push pin 95 provided in the upper die 91 has a connecting arm portion molding portion 52S of the molded product shape portion 93 as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. The position of the front end portion 95a is set so as to be slightly protruded from the surface 91s. In the example of the present embodiment, the protruding amount of the tip portion 95a of the push pin 95 is 50 μm.

  Next, the synthetic resin material (hot water) melted from the gate 94 provided in the lower die 92 into the molded product shape portion 93 in a state where the position of the tip portion 95a of the extrusion pin 95 is set to the protruding position. Eject. Next, after the synthetic resin material is solidified, the upper die 91 is moved upward to open the die in the vertical direction, and the rolling element housing belt 50 formed by the push pin 95 arranged on the upper die 91 side is ejected and taken out. Thereby, the rolling element accommodation belt 50 which has the lubricant reservoir part 53 mentioned above in the connection arm part 52 is manufactured.

Next, functions and effects of the rolling element housing belt 50 and the linear guide 10 will be described.
In the linear guide 10 having the above-described configuration, when the slider 16 is relatively moved in the axial direction of the guide rail 12, the ball 46 moves while rotating in the infinite circulation path 28, and the rolling element housing belt 50 is also infinite along with the ball 46. It moves in the circulation path 28. At this time, the interposing part 51 of the rolling element housing belt 50 pushes the ball 46 in front of its own moving direction in the endless circulation path 28, and the ball 46 is in front of its own moving direction. Press 51. As a result, the entire rolling element row 62 circulates in the endless circulation path 28. Then, the rolling element row 62 moves in the direction opposite to the slider 16 in the rolling element raceway 26 and enters one direction changing path 24 that is continuous from one end of the rolling element raceway 26 to change the moving direction. , Repeating the circulation of entering the rolling element return passage 20 from the direction changing path 24 and moving in the same direction as the slider 16, entering the other direction changing path 24, changing the moving direction again, and returning to the rolling element raceway 26. Can do.

  According to this linear guide 10, since the interposition part 51 is interposed between the balls 46 in the endless circulation path 28, the balls 46 are not in direct contact with each other. Generation of noise and wear due to friction between each other is prevented. In addition, since the interposition portions 51 are connected to each other by the connecting arm portion 52 to form the rolling element accommodation belt 50, each ball 46 is smoothly formed as a rolling element row 62 in the endless circulation path 28 while maintaining a predetermined interval. Can circulate.

  Further, according to this linear guide 10, the connecting arm portion 52 of each rolling element housing belt 50 is engaged with the guide groove 60. Therefore, it is prevented that each interposition part 51 falls down in the rolling element track 26, and the arrangement of the rolling element rows 62 is disturbed and the smooth movement is prevented from being disturbed. Further, since the connecting arm portion 52 of the rolling element accommodation belt 50 is guided along the guide groove 60 along the endless circulation path 28, the deflection when the rolling element accommodation belt 50 moves is restricted, and the rolling element accommodation belt 50 is The swing of the balls 46 held between the connecting arm portions 52 is also restricted, and the entire rolling element row 62 can be moved accurately and smoothly in the endless circulation path 28.

Furthermore, according to this linear guide 10, the connecting arm portion 52 is formed from the concave portion on the surface 52a facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral direction of the endless circulation path 28 among the surfaces 52a and 52b guided by the guide groove 60. Since the lubricant reservoir 53 is provided, the lubricant reservoir 53 can improve the adhesion of the lubricant to the connecting arm portion 52.
That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lubricant J can be stored in the recessed portion of the lubricant reservoir 53. Therefore, for example, compared with the rolling element housing belt described in Patent Document 1 or 2, the connecting arm portion 52 having the lubricant reservoir portion 53 has an adhesion property of the lubricant J to the surface 52 a guided by the guide groove 60. Can be improved. Therefore, when the guided surface 52a is slidably in contact with the guide groove 60 as a whole, the lubrication state between the connecting arm portion 52 of the rolling element housing belt 50 and the guide groove 60 is kept good for a longer period of time. be able to. Therefore, even when the connecting arm portion in the unfolded state is straight (thin and long flat belt shape) as in the present embodiment, it is more suitable between the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide groove 60. Can hold the lubricant J.

  Further, according to the linear guide 10, the rolling element containing belt 50 has the molded product shape portion 93 for molding the rolling element housing belt 50, and the extrusion pin 95 for extruding the molded product is advanced and retracted with respect to the molded product shape portion 93. Since it is manufactured by injection molding from a synthetic resin material using a mold 90 that is possible, the lubricant reservoir 53 formed on the rolling element housing belt 50 is formed by the tip 95 a of the push pin 95. It is not necessary to provide the mold 90 with fine processing for forming the lubricant reservoir 53. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the mold 90 can be reduced. Moreover, the linear guide 10 can be provided at low cost.

  Moreover, according to this linear guide 10, since the outer shape of the lubricant reservoir 53 is substantially circular, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6B to 6C, the substantially circular lubricant reservoir 53 is Even if the guide groove 60 hits the step 60b due to a slight protrusion such as a burr, the portion contacting the guide groove 60 is a circular ridgeline, so that mutual catching is eased. In particular, as described above, when the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed by the tip portion 95a of the push pin 95, making the outer edge shape of the recessed portion to be circular reduces the manufacturing cost of the mold 90. It is preferable also from a point.

  Further, according to the linear guide 10, the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed on the surface 52 a facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions in the endless circulation path 28, and therefore, the connecting arm portion of the rolling element housing belt 50. This is suitable for maintaining a good lubrication state between 52 and the guide groove 60. That is, since this rolling element accommodation belt 50 is manufactured in a linear shape following the curved shape in the endless circulation path 28 (the pair of direction change paths 24), the connecting arm portion 52 is There is a tendency to mainly rub against the guide groove 60 on the outer peripheral side, and friction with the guide groove on the outer peripheral side becomes a problem. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed on the surface 52a facing the outer peripheral side, and the lubrication state between the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide groove 60 can be satisfactorily maintained.

  Further, according to the linear guide 10, the lubricant reservoir 53 is formed only on the surface 52 a facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions in the endless circulation path 28. That is, since the lubricant reservoir 53 is not formed on the surface 52b facing the inner peripheral side, the shape of the rolling element housing belt 50 can be simplified. Therefore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of easy production and reducing the production cost of the mold 90.

  Further, according to the linear guide 10, the lubricant reservoir portion 53 formed of the concave portion is provided in the vicinity of the portion connecting the interposition portion 51 and the connecting arm portion 52 to the connecting arm portion 52. Yes. That is, since it is provided avoiding the position that is the side of the ball 46 that is the weakest part of the connecting arm portion 52, there is little possibility of reducing the strength of the rolling element containing belt 50. Further, in the present embodiment, the depth of the lubricant reservoir 53 formed of the concave portion is as small as 50 μm with respect to the thickness of the connecting arm portion 52 of the rolling element housing belt 50 (the thickness of the connecting arm portion 52). 10%), the strength of the rolling element housing belt 50 is hardly reduced. Accordingly, there is little risk of damage such as cutting of the rolling element housing belt 50.

  Further, the rolling element-accommodating belt 50 is different from that in which, for example, the connecting arm portion is formed in a curved shape as in the technique described in the above-described Patent Document 3, the connecting arm portion is straight (thin walled). Therefore, the width of the guide groove 60 can be made relatively narrow. Therefore, it is preferable to hold the lubricant more suitably between the connecting arm portion and the guide groove and to reduce the size of the linear motion guide device.

  As described above, according to the rolling element housing belt 50 and the linear guide 10 including the rolling element housing belt 50, the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide groove can be formed even when the connecting arm portion 52 is straightly formed in the unfolded state. According to the metal mold 90 for manufacturing the rolling element accommodation belt 50 and the method for manufacturing the rolling element accommodation belt 50 using the same, the rolling element accommodation belt 50 can be held between the lubricant J and the lubricant J more suitably. Can be provided, and a die for manufacturing a rolling element housing belt and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided.

In addition, the rolling element accommodation belt for linear motion guide apparatuses, the linear motion guide apparatus, the rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing die according to the present invention, and the rolling element accommodation belt manufacturing method using the same are limited to the above embodiments. However, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the linear guide provided with the ball has been described as an example of the linear motion guide device including the rolling element housing belt according to the present invention. Can be applied to a roller guide provided with a roller.

  Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the rolling element accommodating portion 59 is formed so as to allow the movement of the ball 46 accommodated therein toward the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions of the endless circulation path 28. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, in a configuration in which the rolling element housing belt is released without applying an excessive force, the rolling element housing portion moves the rolling elements housed therein. May be formed so as to be allowed toward at least one side in the inner and outer circumferential directions of the infinite circulation path. With such a configuration, after forming the rolling element containing belt in the mold, it can be released from the side without the undercut without difficulty by protruding with an extrusion pin from the side allowing the movement of the rolling element. it can. Moreover, you may comprise the rolling-element accommodating part 59 so that the movement in the inner-periphery direction of the infinite circulation path of the ball | bowl 46 accommodated there may be restrained. In this case, it has an undercut.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the lubricant reservoir portion 53 provided in the connecting arm portion 52 is formed from a concave portion whose outer edge shape is substantially circular, and the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral direction of the endless circulation path 28 is formed. Although the example which is formed only on the facing surface 52a has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.
Hereinafter, modifications of the lubricant reservoir provided in the connecting arm portion 52 will be described. In addition, since the following modifications are different from the above-described embodiment only in the rolling element-accommodating belt and the other configurations are the same, different points will be described, and other descriptions will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 shows a first modification. As shown in the figure, in the rolling element housing belt of the first modified example, the lubricant reservoir 53B formed in the connecting arm portion 52 is in the inner and outer circumferential directions of the endless circulation path 28 as in the above embodiment. The outer edge shape formed on the surface 52a facing the outer peripheral side is further provided with an annular convex portion 53b provided along the outer edge shape of the concave portion 53a in addition to the concave portion 53a having a substantially circular shape. Is different. The annular protrusion 53b is formed such that its radial width is wide on the surface 52a which is the base end side and gradually narrows toward the outer peripheral side of the infinite circulation path 28. The tip is an acute angle. Even in such a configuration, when the guided surface 52a of the connecting arm portion 52 is in sliding contact with the guide groove 60 as a whole, the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide of the rolling element housing belt 50 are guided as in the above embodiment. The lubrication state between the grooves 60 can be kept good over a longer period. Therefore, even when the connecting arm portion 52 in the deployed state is formed straight, the lubricant can be more suitably held between the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide groove 60. In particular, according to the configuration of the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 5B, in addition to being able to store the lubricant J in the recessed concave portion 53a, the annular convex portion 53b. A layer of lubricant J can also be formed around Therefore, according to the lubricant reservoir 53B, the periphery of the recess 53a and the protrusion 53b functions as a lubricant reservoir, and the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52 can be further improved.

  FIG. 8 shows a second modification. As shown in the figure, in the rolling element housing belt of the second modification, the lubricant reservoir 53C formed on the connecting arm portion 52 is substantially the same as the lubricant reservoir 53 in the above embodiment. A difference is that a part of the outer edge shape of the circular recess 53a is formed so as to protrude from both edges of the connecting arm portion 52 in the width direction, thereby having a portion opening at the edge.

  Even with such a configuration, the same operations and effects as the above-described embodiment are obtained. In particular, according to this second modification, the lubricant reservoir 53C has a portion where the recess 53a opens at the edge, so that the lubricant is replenished at the edge of the recess 53a when replenishing the lubricant. The lubricant can be taken in between the connecting arm portion 52 and the guide groove 60 also from the opening portion. Therefore, more lubricant can be attached to the connecting arm portion 52.

  FIG. 9 shows a third modification. In the above embodiment, the lubricant reservoir portion 53 is a concave portion. However, in the rolling element housing belt of the third modified example, as shown in FIG. The lubricant reservoir 53D is different in that the lubricant reservoir 53D is formed of a substantially circular convex portion 53d. The substantially circular convex portion 53d has a diameter DA of 1 mm and a height DH of 50 μm.

  Here, the rolling element accommodation belt of the third modified example is formed by the mold 90 in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in the figure, the tip end of the push pin 95 for pushing out the molded product in the forward / backward direction is slightly retracted from the surface 91s of the connecting arm portion molding portion 52S. The position of the part 95a is set. In the third modification, the retraction amount of the tip portion 95a of the push pin 95 is 50 μm.

  Even in such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 5C, the periphery of the convex portion 53d functions as a lubricant reservoir. Therefore, the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52 can be improved by the lubricant reservoir 53D as in the above embodiment. Further, with such a configuration, the lubricant reservoir 53D is formed from a convex portion instead of a concave portion with respect to the surface 52a guided by the guide groove 60, so that the thickness of the connecting arm portion 52 is small. It will not be thin. Therefore, the strength of the rolling element housing belt is not reduced.

  FIG. 10 shows a fourth modification. In the rolling element housing belt of the fourth modified example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the lubricant reservoir 53E formed on the connecting arm portion 52 is formed on the surfaces 52a and 52b guided by the guide groove 60. The lubricant reservoir 53E is formed on both surfaces, and is different in that the lubricant reservoir 53E is formed of an annular convex portion 53e. The annular convex portion 53d has a diameter DA of 1 mm and a height DH of 50 μm. In addition, as shown to the figure (a), the position where this lubricant reservoir 53E is arrange | positioned is arrange | positioned in the front and back at the same position as the said embodiment.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 6C, a recessed portion 53k is formed inside the annular shape of the lubricant reservoir 53E, and therefore the lubricant J is applied to the recessed portion 53k. Can be stored. Further, a lubricant J layer can be formed around the annular convex portion 53e. Therefore, according to the lubricant reservoir 53B, the periphery of the recess 53a and the protrusion 53b functions as a lubricant reservoir, and the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52 can be further improved. In addition, since the annular lubricant reservoir 53E is formed from a convex portion instead of a concave portion with respect to both surfaces 52a and 52b guided by the guide groove 60, the connecting arm portion 52 is thin. Don't be. Therefore, the strength of the rolling element housing belt is not reduced.

FIG. 11 shows a fifth modification. In the rolling element housing belt of the fifth modified example, as shown in the figure, the lubricant reservoir 53F formed on the connecting arm portion 52 has a substantially dumbbell shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the rolling element housing belt. The difference is that it is formed from a recess.
Specifically, the lubricant reservoir 53F is formed at a position that avoids a position that is directly next to the center of the ball 46 to be accommodated, as in the above-described embodiment. It is provided at two places on both sides of the direction. Each lubricant reservoir 53 </ b> F connects each interposition part 51 and the connecting arm part 52 to each other and has a wide part (a part avoiding the position where the connecting arm part 52 has the narrowest width). In addition, a substantially rectangular recess 53f that forms both sides of a substantially dumbbell shape is formed. The substantially rectangular recesses 53f are respectively provided on both sides in the arrangement direction with respect to each interposition part 51, and these recesses 53f have the diagonal directions aligned with the longitudinal direction of the rolling element containing belt. Are arranged. For each of the intervention parts 51, two substantially rectangular recesses 53f on both sides of each of the intervention parts 51 are provided with a narrow recess part 53p (the width of the recess part 53p is the part where the width of the connecting arm part 52 is the narrowest). Are narrower than each other, thereby forming a substantially dumbbell shape by connecting the portions of the apexes facing each other, so that one recess is formed as a whole. According to the fifth modification, the lubricant reservoir 53F is formed from the recess extending along the longitudinal direction of the rolling element housing belt, and therefore can hold more lubricant.

  FIG. 12 shows a sixth modification. The rolling element housing belt of the sixth modification is an example having the same lubricant reservoir 53 as in the above embodiment, but the position of the rolling element accommodation belt is located at the center in the longitudinal direction as shown in the figure. Lubricant reservoirs 53 are provided at four locations around the rolling element accommodating portion 59A, and are arranged with respect to every other intervening portion 51 symmetrically on the left and right in the figure with reference to this rolling element accommodating portion 59A. Is different. That is, in the said embodiment, although it arrange | positions equally 2 places for every intervention part 51, in this 6th modification, the lubricant reservoir part 53 is provided in a jump. Even in such a configuration, the lubricant reservoir 53 functions as a lubricant reservoir around the periphery, and the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52 can be improved.

  FIG. 13 shows a seventh modification. The rolling element housing belt of the seventh modification is different in that it has the same lubricant reservoir 53 as that in the above embodiment and the same lubricant reservoir 53D as that of the above third modification. That is, in the seventh modified example, two types of lubricant reservoirs are provided. In the figure, the lubricant reservoir 53 formed of a concave portion is indicated by a white circle, and the lubricant reservoir 53D formed of a convex portion is indicated by a black circle.

  And, as shown in the figure, two positions are arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction (left side in the figure) among the four places around the rolling element housing portion 59A located in the longitudinal center. The lubricant reservoir 53 is provided on the other side (right side in the figure), and the lubricant reservoir 53D is provided at two locations on the other side (right side in the figure). It arrange | positions with respect to the intervention part 51. FIG. In this example, the lubricant reservoir 53 and the lubricant reservoir 53D are alternately and regularly arranged. However, the lubricant reservoir 53 and the lubricant reservoir 53D may be randomly arranged. Even in such a configuration, the lubricant reservoirs 53 and 53D can function as a lubricant reservoir around them, and improve the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52.

  FIG. 14 shows an eighth modification. The rolling element housing belt 50B according to the eighth modification has an interposed part 51B interposed between the adjacent balls 46, and projects outward from the end face of each interposed part 51B to the guide groove 60. A pair of connecting arm portions 52B to be guided. Here, in the pair of connecting arm portions 52B, the surface 53r guided by the guide groove 60 is formed from one surface extending in the longitudinal direction having a circular cross-sectional shape, and the guided surface 53r The endless circulation path 28 is formed with a lubricant reservoir 53G at a portion facing the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions. The lubricant reservoir 53G is formed of a recess whose outer edge is substantially rectangular. The lubricant reservoir 53G is disposed at every position between the adjacent interposing parts 51B of the pair of connecting arm parts 52B. Further, the position where the lubricant reservoir 53G is formed is formed at a position directly beside the center O of the ball 46. Even in such a configuration, the concave portion of the lubricant reservoir 53G functions as a lubricant reservoir, and the adhesion of the lubricant J to the connecting arm portion 52B can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the linear guide of one Embodiment of the linear motion guide apparatus provided with the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. It is the front view which removed the end cap of the linear guide of FIG. It is a figure explaining the linear guide which concerns on this invention, The figure is sectional drawing in the XX line part in the linear guide of FIG. It is a figure explaining the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, The figure (a) is the top view, The figure (b) is a front view, The figure (c) passes along the center of a rolling element, The alignment direction FIG. 4D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the connecting arm portion. It is a figure explaining the metal mold | die for manufacturing the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, The figure (a) is the figure which cut | disconnected the metal mold | die along the longitudinal direction of the rolling element accommodation belt to shape | mold, FIG. 2B is an enlarged sectional view of the main part. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the linear motion guide apparatus provided with the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, the figure (a) shows the figure corresponding to FIG.4 (d), and the figure (b) It is a principal part top view which shows the guide groove and lubricant storage part in an infinite circulation path, The figure (c) is a front view in the figure (b). It is a figure explaining the modification (1st modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. In addition, the figure (a) shows the figure corresponding to FIG.4 (d) in embodiment, The figure (b) has shown the figure corresponding to Fig.6 (a). It is a figure explaining the modification (2nd modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. In addition, the figure (a) has shown the figure corresponding to FIG. 4 (a) in embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification (3rd modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. In addition, the figure (a) shows the figure corresponding to FIG.4 (d) in embodiment, the figure (b) shows the figure corresponding to FIG.5 (b), and the figure (c). The figure corresponding to Fig.6 (a) is shown. It is a figure explaining the modification (4th modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. 4A shows a view corresponding to FIG. 4A in the embodiment, FIG. 4B shows a view corresponding to FIG. 4D, and FIG. The figure corresponding to Fig.6 (a) is shown. It is a figure explaining the modification (5th modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, and the figure corresponding to FIG. 4 (a) in embodiment is shown. It is a figure explaining the modification (6th modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, and the figure corresponding to Fig.4 (a) in embodiment is shown. It is a figure explaining the modification (7th modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention, and the figure corresponding to Fig.4 (a) in embodiment is shown. It is a perspective view explaining the modification (8th modification) of the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Linear guide (linear motion guide device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Guide rail 14 Rolling element guide surface 16 Slider 17 Slider main body 18 Load rolling element guide surface 20 Rolling element return path 22 End cap 24 Direction change path 26 Rolling element track 28 Endless circulation path 46 Ball (Rolling element)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Rolling body accommodation belt 51 Interposition part 52 Connection arm part 53 Lubricant storage part 56 Rolling body contact surface 58 Ball accommodation hole 59 Rolling body accommodation part 60 Guide groove 62 Rolling body row | line | column 90 Mold 91 Upper mold 92 Lower mold 93 Molded product shape (cavity)
94 Gate 95 Extrusion pin J Lubricant

Claims (9)

Adjacent to a linear motion guide device having an infinite circulation path in which a plurality of rolling elements circulate while rolling, and having guide grooves extending in the arrangement direction of the rolling elements on both sides in the width direction in the infinite circulation path The interposition part interposed between the rolling elements and the interposition part are connected to each other on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circulation path, and project outside the end face of the interposition part to guide the guide A rolling element housing belt comprising a pair of connecting arm portions guided by a groove,
For the linear motion guide device, the connecting arm portion includes a lubricant reservoir portion having a concave portion or a convex portion on at least one of the surfaces guided by the guide groove. Rolling element housing belt. A mold having a molded product shape part for molding the rolling element housing belt between the upper mold and the lower mold and having an extrusion pin for extruding the molded product so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the molded product shape part is used. Manufactured by injection molding from synthetic resin material,
2. The rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion or the convex portion of the lubricant reservoir is formed by a tip portion of the push pin.   3. The rolling element containing belt for a linear motion guide device according to claim 1, wherein an outer edge shape of the concave portion or the convex portion of the lubricant reservoir is circular.   The rolling element accommodation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lubricant reservoir portion is formed on a surface facing at least the outer peripheral side in the inner and outer peripheral directions in the endless circulation path. belt.   The rolling element accommodation belt according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lubricant reservoir is provided in the vicinity of a portion that connects the interposition part and the connecting arm part to each other.   The said lubricant reservoir part is formed from a recessed part, and a part of the outer edge shape of the said recessed part opens and is provided in the edge part in the width direction of a connection arm part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The rolling element accommodation belt according to claim 5.   A linear motion guide device comprising the rolling element housing belt for the linear motion guide device according to claim 1. The rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used for manufacturing by injection molding from a synthetic resin material, and comprises an upper mold and a lower mold, A mold having a molded product shape part for molding the rolling element housing belt between an upper mold and a lower mold, and having an extrusion pin for extruding the molded product so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the molded product shape part. And
The push pin is disposed at a position facing at least one of the surfaces guided by the guide groove of the connecting arm portion to be molded, and the retreat position of the push pin in the advance / retreat direction is: The lubricant reservoir formed in the rolling element containing belt is set at a position of its tip so that it is in a position protruding or retracted from the surface of the connecting arm forming part of the molded product shape part. A die for manufacturing a rolling element containing belt, wherein a concave portion or a convex portion of the portion is formed by a tip portion of the push pin. A method for producing a rolling element accommodation belt using the rolling element accommodation belt production mold according to claim 8,
A rolling element containing belt is manufactured by injecting a molten synthetic resin material into the molded product shape portion in a state where the position of the tip portion of the extrusion pin is set to the protruding or retracted position. A rolling element containing belt manufacturing method.

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