JP2009197871A - Rolling roller, its manufacturing method, and linear guide device equipped with the rolling roller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rolling roller that can suppress the deterioration of the operability and durability of a linear guide device, its manufacturing method, and the linear guide device equipped with the rolling roller. <P>SOLUTION: Rolling rollers 2 are arranged with a lubricant between a rail side roller rolling groove provided on a guide rail and a slider side roller rolling groove provided on a slider. A plurality of inclined grooves 28 that incline in the axial direction of the rolling rollers 2 are formed on the outside circumferential surface of the rolling rollers 2, which roll contacting the rail side roller rolling groove and a slider side roller rolling groove along with the relative movement of the guide rail and the slider. When the depth of each inclined groove 28 is represented as Dt, the conditional expression of 0.1<Dt<1.0 μm is satisfied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a linear motion guide device used in a machine tool, an injection molding machine, and the like, a rolling roller provided in the linear motion guide device, and a manufacturing method thereof.

As a linear motion guide device used for machine tools, injection molding machines, etc., for example, there is a linear motion guide device as described in Patent Document 1.
As shown in FIG. 10, the linear motion guide device 1 includes a plurality of parallel guide rails 6a and 6b that move relative to each other in the axial direction, and a plurality of guide rails 6a and 6b. It has rolling elements. Further, a lubricant (not shown) such as grease is disposed between the guide rails 6a and 6b and the rolling elements, and lubrication is performed between the guide rails 6a and 6b and the rolling elements with this lubricant. A film is formed. And this linear motion guide apparatus 1 uses the rolling roller 2 as a rolling element. In addition, FIG. 10 is a figure which shows the linear motion guide apparatus 1 of a prior art example. Further, a member denoted by reference numeral 14 in FIG. 10 is a cage for the rolling roller 2.

The rolling roller 2 is formed by making the circumferential surface roughness of the outer peripheral surface thereof substantially the same as the axial surface roughness of the outer peripheral surface or slightly larger than the axial surface roughness. is doing. Specifically, the surface roughness in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is in the range of 0.05 μm or more and 0.10 μm or less in the center line average roughness.
When the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is in the above-described state, for example, a rolling roller manufacturing method described in Patent Document 2 is used.
In this manufacturing method, first, superfinishing is performed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical member that is a material of the rolling roller 2. And the surface roughness of the circumferential direction and the surface roughness of an axial direction in the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 are made into said relationship by tumbling the outer peripheral surface which performed the superfinishing process.

With the linear motion guide device 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the difference generated in the relative movement amount between the rolling roller 2 and the two guide rails 6a and 6b during the forward and backward movements of the reciprocating motion. It becomes. For this reason, the relative position of both the guide rails 6a and 6b and the cage 14 is shifted, and finally, the phenomenon that the cage 14 is detached from the both guide rails 6a and 6b (micro slip phenomenon) is suppressed. It becomes possible to do.
JP-A-3-234911 JP-A-3-292416

By the way, like the linear motion guide device described in Patent Document 1, the linear motion guide device using a rolling roller as a rolling element has a higher load than the linear motion guide device using a ball as the rolling element. It is possible to respond. That is, in a linear motion guide device in which a high load is applied to a rolling element, a rolling roller is often used as the rolling element.
However, in the linear motion guide device in which a high load is applied to the rolling roller, the moving speed of the lubricant with respect to the rotational speed of the rolling roller is often low during operation. For this reason, it is difficult to form a lubricating film between the rolling roller and the guide rail (hereinafter referred to as “linear motion member”), and the lubricating film may be reduced.

Further, when a high load is applied to the rolling roller, that is, when a high load is applied to the rolling roller, the lubricant present at the contact portion between the rolling roller and the linear motion member is easily removed. For this reason, it is difficult to form a lubricating film between the rolling roller and the linear motion member, and the lubricating film may be reduced.
When the lubrication film decreases between the rolling roller and the linear motion member, the frictional force generated between the rolling roller and the linear motion member increases when the linear motion guiding device is activated. There arises a problem that the performance is lowered.

Further, if the frictional force generated between the rolling roller and the linear motion member increases, wear of the rolling roller that occurs during the operation of the linear motion guide device is promoted, so that the durability of the rolling roller decreases. There is a problem that the durability of the linear motion guide device is lowered.
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-described problems, and is a rolling roller capable of suppressing a reduction in a lubricating film formed with a lubricant between the rolling roller and the linear motion member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method and a linear motion guide device including the rolling roller.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention is arranged with a lubricant between a first linear motion member and a second linear motion member that move relative to each other in the axial direction, A rolling roller that rolls in a state in which the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member and the outer peripheral surface are in contact with relative movement of the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member. And
An inclined groove that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller,
The conditional expression of 0.1 μm <Dt <1.0 μm is satisfied when the depth of the inclined groove is Dt.

According to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller disposed together with the lubricant is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller between the first linear moving member and the second linear moving member that are relatively moved in the axial direction. An inclined groove is formed.
For this reason, when rolling with the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member in contact with each other, the first linear motion member, the second linear motion member, and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller are in contact with each other. With this rolling, the lubricant in the inclined groove can be moved and moved in the axial direction of the rolling roller.

In the present invention, a conditional expression of 0.1 μm <Dt <1.0 μm is established when the depth of the inclined groove is Dt.
For this reason, it becomes possible to ensure the movement path of the lubricant along the axial direction of the rolling roller between the first linear moving member and the second linear moving member and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. It is possible to suppress breakage of the lubricating film formed with the lubricant.

Next, the invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, characterized in that the inclined groove is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. is there.
According to the present invention, since the inclined groove is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller, the movement path along the axial direction of the rolling roller of the lubricant existing in the inclined groove is rolled. It becomes possible to continue along the circumferential direction of the roller.
For this reason, it is possible to secure a movement path of the lubricant along the axial direction of the rolling roller along the circumferential direction of the rolling roller with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller, and to form with the lubricant. It is possible to suppress breakage of the lubricating film.

Next, the invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rolling roller, And forming a lubricant holding groove continuous with the inclined groove,
When the depth of the lubricant retaining groove is Dh, the conditional expression Dt <Dh is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the lubricant retaining groove that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rolling roller and that is continuous with the inclined groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. Further, when the depth of the lubricant holding groove is Dh and the depth of the inclined groove is Dt, the conditional expression of Dt <Dh is established.
For this reason, the lubricant held in the lubricant holding groove having a depth deeper than that of the inclined groove can be moved in the inclined groove along the axial direction of the rolling roller. Further, the lubricant that moves in the inclined groove along the axial direction of the rolling roller can be held in the lubricant holding groove.

Next, the invention described in claim 4 is a rolling roller manufacturing method for manufacturing the rolling roller described in any one of claims 1 to 3,
An inclined groove forming step of forming the inclined groove by performing a cutting process by a groove forming means on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller;
The groove forming means has a cutting portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and cuts the outer peripheral surface.
In the inclined groove forming step, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and the cutting portion are relatively moved in the inclined direction of the inclined groove.

According to the present invention, the rolling roller manufacturing method includes an inclined groove forming step of forming an inclined groove by cutting the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller with the groove forming means. Further, the groove forming means has a cutting portion that performs cutting processing in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. In the inclined groove forming step, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and the cutting portion are relatively moved in the inclined direction of the inclined groove.
For this reason, it is possible to form the inclined groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller with a simple configuration and procedure, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency of forming the inclined groove on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the rolling roller.

Next, the invention described in claim 5 is a linear motion guide device including the rolling roller described in any one of claims 1 to 3.
According to the present invention, as the rolling roller provided in the linear motion guide device, that is, as the rolling roller disposed together with the lubricant between the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member relatively moving in the axial direction, The rolling roller described in any one of Items 1 to 3 is provided.
For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film formed by the lubricant between the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member and the rolling roller, and the first linear motion device is activated during the operation of the linear motion guide device. The frictional force generated between the moving member and the second linearly moving member and the rolling roller can be reduced. Further, it is possible to suppress the wear of the rolling elements that occurs during the operation of the linear motion guide device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film formed between the linear motion member and the rolling roller, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in operability and durability of the linear motion guide device. It becomes possible.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same components as those shown in FIG. 10 are described with the same reference numerals.

1 is a side view showing the configuration of the linear guide apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. 1 and 2 show a state in which a part of the linear motion guide device 1 is broken for explanation.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment includes a second linear motion member, a first linear motion member, and a second linear motion member disposed above the first linear motion member. And a plurality of rolling rollers 2 disposed between the two. Although not shown, a lubricant such as grease is disposed along with the plurality of rolling rollers 2 between the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustration of the first linear motion member is omitted for explanation.

In the present embodiment, the first linear member has a linear groove (hereinafter referred to as “rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4”) on the surface facing the second linear member, that is, the upper surface. The guide rail 6 is used.
In the present embodiment, the second linear motion member is the slider 8 disposed above the first linear motion member.
The slider 8 includes a slider main body 10, two end caps 12, and two cages 14.

The slider body 10 has a linear slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 that faces the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4. Thereby, a linear load rolling path 18 is formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16. The slider body 10 has a linear roller return path 20 that is parallel to the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16.
The two end caps 12 are respectively joined to both axial end surfaces of the slider body 10. Each of the two end caps 12 has an arcuate direction changing path 22 that allows the load rolling path 18 and the roller return path 20 to communicate with each other. Thereby, the rolling element rolling path 24 is formed from the roller return path 20, the load rolling path 18 and the direction changing path 22.

The two cages 14 are respectively disposed in the roller return path 20 and the load rolling path 18. In the drawings and the following description, the cage 14 arranged in the roller return path 20 is referred to as “cage 14a”, and the cage 14 arranged in the load rolling path 18 is referred to as “cage 14b”. ".
The cage 14 a is formed in a linear shape extending along the roller return path 20, and both end portions thereof are respectively attached to the two end caps 12. The cage 14b is formed in a linear shape extending along the load rolling path 18, and both ends thereof are respectively attached to the two end caps 12 in the same manner as the cage 14a.

Each rolling roller 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape using bearing steel or the like as a material.
Moreover, each rolling roller 2 is loaded into the rolling element rolling path 24 so as to be freely rollable.
Further, each rolling roller 2 forms a rolling element row in the rolling element rolling path 24. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which each rolling roller 2 forms two rows of rolling element rows in the rolling element rolling path 24.

An end face of the rolling roller 2 is provided with a flange portion 26 that protrudes in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. The flange portion 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape like the rolling roller 2. In addition, the flange portion 26 is disposed closer to the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 side than the cage 14 b in the load rolling path 18.
The radius of the collar portion 26 is a value that makes the radius of the rolling roller 2 larger than the sum of the radius of the collar portion 26 and the thickness of the cage 14 when viewed from the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 in the load rolling path 18 protrudes toward the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 side from the cage 14b. Thereby, with the relative movement of the guide rail 6 and the slider 8, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is rolled while being in contact with the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16. It will be.

Here, between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, that is, between the guide rail 6 and the slider 8 and the rolling roller 2. A lubricating film (not shown) formed of the above-described lubricant is formed.
As described above, the linear guide device 1 of the present embodiment forms a linear roller bearing in which the guide rail 6 and the slider 8 are relatively moved in the axial direction through the rolling of the rolling roller 2.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line IV in FIG. 1 and illustrates the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. In FIG. 4, illustrations other than the rolling roller 2 are omitted for explanation. Moreover, in FIG. 4, illustration of the collar part is abbreviate | omitted for description.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 that are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. In FIG. 4, the central axis CLr of the rolling roller 2 is described as a line indicating the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.
The inclination angle θ of the inclined groove 28 is set within a range of 0 ° <θ <90 ° or 90 ° <θ <180 °. That is, the inclination angle θ of the inclined groove 28 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 does not include an angle that is orthogonal or parallel to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a range surrounded by a circle V in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the inclined groove 28 is formed to satisfy the following conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.
0.1 μm <Dt <1.0 μm (1)
Hereinafter, the reason why the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (1) will be described.

When the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 is 0.1 μm or less, the gap formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 is within the inclined groove 28. It becomes the narrow space which suppresses the movement of the lubricant which exists in.
For this reason, it becomes difficult to secure a movement path of the lubricant between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, and the lubricating film is reduced. It becomes easy to do.

Further, if the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 is 1.0 μm or more, the gap formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 is an inclined groove. It becomes a wide space where air is likely to be mixed in the lubricant present in 28.
For this reason, the movement of the lubricant is easily cut between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, and the lubricating film is broken. Since it becomes easy, it becomes easy to reduce a lubricating film.
For the above reason, in the present embodiment, the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (1).

(Production method)
Next, a manufacturing method for manufacturing the rolling roller 2 having the above-described configuration with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 (hereinafter, referred to as “manufacturing method of the rolling roller 2”). Will be described.
The method for manufacturing the rolling roller 2 includes an inclined groove forming step in which the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is cut by the groove forming means to form the inclined groove 28.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an inclined groove forming step.
As shown in FIG. 6, the groove forming means 30 has a cutting portion 32 and a relative moving means 34.

The cutting part 32 is formed in a rod shape, and a grindstone 36 is fixed to the tip part thereof.
The grindstone 36 is formed using, for example, a superfinishing grindstone used in the final step of multistage superfinishing. As the superfinishing grindstone, for example, a first abrasive grain made of silicon carbide abrasive grains, etc., and a second abrasive grain made of diamond abrasive grains having an average abrasive grain size about 0.5 to 2 times the first abrasive grains, etc. Are mixed and bonded with a grindstone binder.

The base end portion of the cutting portion 32 is attached to a cutting depth control portion 38 to be described later.
The relative moving means 34 includes a processing object holding unit 40, a processing object rotating unit 42, a cutting unit moving unit 44, a cutting depth control unit 38, and a relative movement control unit 46.
The workpiece holding unit 40 holds the rolling roller 2 by gripping the rolling roller 2 by pressing it from both ends.

  The processing object rotating unit 42 includes a rotatable actuator such as a motor, for example, and rotates the processing object holding unit 40 in accordance with the rotation signal S1 output from the relative movement control unit 46. Thereby, the rolling roller 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction. Information about the rotational speed at which the workpiece holding unit 40 is rotated, that is, the rotational speed at which the rolling roller 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction is included in the rotation signal S1.

The cutting unit moving unit 44 includes, for example, a rotatable actuator such as a motor, and a conversion mechanism that converts the rotation of the actuator into a horizontal movement, and according to the movement signal S2 output from the relative movement control unit 46. Then, the cutting part 32 is moved along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. Information on the moving speed for moving the cutting unit 32 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 is included in the movement signal S2.
The cutting depth control unit 38 is attached to the cutting unit moving unit 44, and the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 satisfies the conditional expression (1) according to the previously stored depth Dt of the inclined groove 28. Thus, the contact state of the grindstone 36 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is controlled. In addition to this, the cutting depth control unit 38 controls the inclination angle of the cutting unit 32 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2, specifically, the inclination angle of the grindstone 36 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2, The contact state of the grindstone 36 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is controlled.

  The relative movement control unit 46 rotates the rolling roller 2 in the circumferential direction according to the inclination angle θ of the inclined groove 28 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2, and the cutting unit 32 moves the shaft of the rolling roller 2. The moving speed to be moved along the direction is calculated. And the information signal containing the rotational speed which rotates the rolling roller 2 to the circumferential direction is output to the workpiece rotating part 42 as rotation signal S1. In addition, an information signal including a moving speed for moving the cutting unit 32 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 is output to the cutting unit moving unit 44 as a movement signal S2.

Hereinafter, a procedure for forming the inclined groove 28 on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 in the inclined groove forming step will be described.
First, the rolling roller 2 whose outer shape is formed in a desired shape is held by the workpiece holding unit 40.
Next, the cutting portion 32 is brought into contact with one end surface side of the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. At this time, the cutting depth control unit 38 controls the cutting unit 32 so that the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 satisfies the conditional expression (1) according to the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28 stored in advance. The contact state with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is controlled.

Then, the relative movement control unit 46 calculates a rotational speed for rotating the rolling roller 2 in the circumferential direction and a moving speed for moving the cutting unit 32 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. The relative movement control unit 46 having calculated the rotation speed and the movement speed outputs the rotation signal S1 to the workpiece rotation unit 42 and outputs the movement signal S2 to the cutting unit movement unit 44.
The workpiece rotation unit 42 that has received the rotation signal S1 rotates the workpiece holding unit 40 in accordance with the information about the rotational speed at which the rolling roller 2 included in the rotation signal S1 rotates in the circumferential direction. The moving roller 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction.

At the same time, the cutting unit moving unit 44 that has received the input of the movement signal S2 moves the cutting unit 32 according to the information on the moving speed that moves the cutting unit 32 included in the movement signal S2 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. It moves along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.
When the rolling roller 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction and the cutting portion 32 is moved along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 and the cutting portion 32 are inclined in the inclination direction of the inclined groove 28. It will be moved relative to.

As described above, the inclination angle on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is the inclination angle θ of the inclined groove 28 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 and the depth Dt satisfies the conditional expression (1). A groove 28 is formed.
After forming the single inclined groove 28, the position where the cutting part 32 is brought into contact with one end face side of the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is moved at an arbitrary interval from the position of the formed inclined groove 28, The next inclined groove 28 is formed. By repeating this, a desired number of inclined grooves 28 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, and the inclined groove forming step is completed.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the linear guide device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
When the slider 8 moves relative to the guide rail 6 during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, the outer surface of the rolling roller 2 in the load rolling path 18 is rail-side rolled along with the relative movement. Rolling occurs in contact with the moving body rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling body rolling groove 16.
At this time, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 that are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2.

For this reason, among the lubricants arranged between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, the lubricant present in the inclined groove 28 is: As the rolling roller 2 rolls, it moves in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.
Further, the inclined groove 28 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.

For this reason, the gap formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 can secure a movement path of the lubricant existing in the inclined groove 28. It becomes an easy space, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film.
In addition to this, a space formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 is a space in which air is not easily mixed in the lubricant existing in the inclined groove 28. It becomes. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the breakage of the lubricating film between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, thereby reducing the lubricating film. It becomes possible to suppress.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
Therefore, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 that are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. Each inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the above conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt. That is, the depth of the inclined groove 28 is set to a depth exceeding 0.1 μm and a depth less than 1.0 μm.

For this reason, if the rolling is performed in a state where the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, the inclined groove is accompanied by the rolling of the rolling roller 2. Lubricant present in 28 moves in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.
Further, a clearance formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 can be easily secured as a movement path of the lubricant existing in the inclined groove 28. It becomes possible to make it a space. In addition to this, a space formed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the inclined groove 28 is a space in which air is not easily mixed in the lubricant present in the inclined groove 28. It becomes possible.

  As a result, it becomes possible to suppress the breakage of the lubricating film between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, thereby reducing the lubricating film. It becomes possible to suppress. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in frictional force and wear of the rolling roller 2 that occur during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, thereby suppressing a decrease in the operability and durability of the linear motion guide device 1. It becomes possible.

In the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the manufacturing method of the rolling roller 2 is an inclined groove that forms the inclined groove 28 by cutting the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 by the groove forming means 30. A forming step.
Further, the groove forming means 30 has a cutting portion 32 that cuts in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. Further, in the inclined groove forming step, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 and the cutting portion 32 are relatively moved in the inclination direction of the inclined groove 28.

For this reason, it becomes possible to form the inclined groove 28 with a simple configuration and procedure, and it is possible to improve the working efficiency of forming the inclined groove 28 on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. The production efficiency of the roller 2 can be improved, and the production efficiency of the linear motion guide device 1 can be improved.
Furthermore, the rolling roller 2 included in the linear guide device 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of inclined grooves 28 formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Each inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the above conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.

For this reason, during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, the breakage of the lubricating film is suppressed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film.
As a result, it is possible to suppress wear of the rolling roller 2 that occurs during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, and thus it is possible to suppress damage to the rolling roller 2 and durability of the rolling roller 2. Can be improved.

(Application example)
In the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the rolling roller 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape (cylindrical roller). However, the shape of the rolling roller 2 is not limited to this, for example, a conical shape ( A tapered roller), a barrel shape (a barrel roller), or a rod shape (a needle roller) may be used. In short, the shape of the rolling roller 2 may be any shape that can form the inclined groove 28 on the surface facing the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16.

  In the linear motion guide device 1 according to the present embodiment, the linear motion guide device 1 is a roller bearing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the linear motion guide device 1 may be a roller pack, a linear guide, or the like. . Further, the linear motion guide device 1 may not have a circulation path of the rolling roller 2 such as a cross roller guide. In short, the linear motion guide device 1 only needs to have a configuration in which the rolling roller 2 is disposed together with a lubricant between two members (a first linear motion member and a second linear motion member) that relatively move in the axial direction. .

  Furthermore, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, in the method for manufacturing the rolling roller 2, the grindstone 36 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 at the distal end portion of the cutting portion 32 and cuts the outer peripheral surface. However, the structure of the cutting part 32 is not limited to this. That is, the configuration of the cutting unit 32 may be configured to include a laser beam generation source that can contact the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 and cut the outer peripheral surface. In this case, for example, the relative movement unit 34 moves the roller 2 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 while rotating the roller 2 while fixing the irradiation direction of the laser beam. The outer peripheral surface and the laser beam are relatively moved in the inclination direction of the inclined groove 28.

  Further, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of inclined grooves 28 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. Only one inclined groove 28 may be formed. However, as in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, forming the plurality of inclined grooves 28 on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 averages the lubricating film over the entire outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. Therefore, it can be formed efficiently.

(Second embodiment)
(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the structures other than the rolling roller 2 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the linear motion guide apparatus of this embodiment abbreviate | omits the description about structures other than the rolling roller 2. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 provided in the linear motion guide device of the present embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 7, illustration of the collar part is abbreviate | omitted for description similarly to said FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, only one inclined groove 28 that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2.
The inclined groove 28 is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2.
The inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the above-described conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the linear motion guide device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 7.
When the slider 8 moves relative to the guide rail 6 during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, the outer surface of the rolling roller 2 in the load rolling path 18 is rail-side rolled along with the relative movement. It rolls in a state where it is in contact with the rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16.

At this time, on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, a spiral inclined groove 28 is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 while being inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. Further, the inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.
Therefore, the lubricant present in the inclined groove 28 moves in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 while continuing along the circumferential direction of the rolling roller 2 as the rolling roller 2 rolls.
Thereby, it becomes possible to secure a movement path of the lubricant along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 along the circumferential direction of the rolling roller 2 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. Since the breakage can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the lubricating film.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
Therefore, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the inclined groove 28 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2.
For this reason, the movement path along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 of the lubricant present in the inclined groove 28 can be continued along the circumferential direction of the rolling roller 2. It is possible to ensure a lubricant movement path that is continuous along the circumferential direction.
As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film, and it is possible to suppress an increase in frictional force and wear of the rolling roller 2 that occur when the linear motion guide device 1 is operated. It becomes possible to suppress a decrease in the operability and durability of 1.

(Application example)
In the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, only one spiral inclined groove 28 along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. However, the configuration is not limited to this. That is, for example, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, and at least one of these inclined grooves 28 may be formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. . Further, a plurality of spiral inclined grooves 28 along the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 may be formed, and each inclined groove 28 may not be continuous on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2.

(Third embodiment)
(Constitution)
First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, since the structures other than the rolling roller 2 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the linear motion guide apparatus of this embodiment abbreviate | omits the description about structures other than the rolling roller 2. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 provided in the linear motion guide device of the present embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 8, illustration of the collar part is abbreviate | omitted for description similarly to said FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 that are inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 and one lubricant holding groove 48 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. .

Each inclined groove 28 is formed so as to satisfy the above-described conditional expression (1) when the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt.
The lubricant retaining groove 48 is a concave groove that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 and is continuous with the inclined groove 28. The position where the lubricant retaining groove 48 is formed is the center position between both ends of the rolling roller 2. That is, the center in the width direction of the lubricant holding groove 48 overlaps the center in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 when viewed from the radial direction of the rolling roller 2.
The lubricant holding groove 48 is formed so as to satisfy the following conditional expression (2) when the depth of the lubricant holding groove 48 is Dh and the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt. .
Dt <Dh (2)

Hereinafter, the reason why the depth Dh of the lubricant holding groove 48 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (2) will be described.
When the depth Dh of the lubricant holding groove 48 is set to be equal to or smaller than the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28, most of the lubricant existing in the inclined groove 28 continuous with the lubricant holding groove 48 is in the lubricant holding groove 48. Move through. That is, the lubricant retaining groove 48 forms a moving path through which most of the lubricant moves, like the inclined groove 28.

On the other hand, when the depth Dh of the lubricant holding groove 48 is greater than the depth Dt of the inclined groove 28, most of the lubricant existing in the inclined groove 28 that is continuous with the lubricant holding groove 48 is the lubricant. After temporarily retaining in the holding groove 48, the lubricant moves from the lubricant holding groove 48 into the inclined groove 28. That is, the lubricant holding groove 48 temporarily holds the lubricant disposed between the rail-side rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. An agent reservoir will be formed.
For the above reason, in the present embodiment, the depth Dh of the lubricant holding groove 48 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (2).
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the linear motion guide device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 8.
When the slider 8 moves relative to the guide rail 6 during the operation of the linear motion guide device 1, the outer surface of the rolling roller 2 in the load rolling path 18 is rail-side rolled along with the relative movement. It rolls in a state where it is in contact with the rolling element rolling groove 4 and the slider-side rolling element rolling groove 16.

At this time, a plurality of inclined grooves 28 and a lubricant holding groove 48 continuous with the inclined grooves 28 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2. Further, the lubricant holding groove 48 is formed so as to satisfy the conditional expression (2) when the depth of the lubricant holding groove 48 is Dh.
Therefore, the lubricant present in the inclined groove 28 moves in the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 while continuing along the circumferential direction of the rolling roller 2 along with the rolling of the rolling roller 2, and lubricates the lubricant. It stays temporarily in the agent holding groove 48.

Most of the lubricant staying in the lubricant holding groove 48 moves from the lubricant holding groove 48 into the inclined groove 28 as the rolling roller 2 rolls.
As a result, it is possible to secure a lubricant reservoir in addition to the lubricant movement path on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 and to prevent the lubricant film from being cut off. Can be suppressed.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
Therefore, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the lubricant retaining groove 48 that is orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 and that is continuous with the inclined groove 28. Form. Further, when the depth of the lubricant holding groove 48 is Dh and the depth of the inclined groove 28 is Dt, the conditional expression of Dt <Dh is established.
Therefore, the lubricant that moves in the inclined groove 28 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 can be held in the lubricant holding groove 48. Further, the lubricant held in the lubricant holding groove 48 having a depth deeper than that of the inclined groove 28 can be moved in the inclined groove 28 along the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.

As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the lubricating film, and it is possible to suppress an increase in frictional force and wear of the rolling roller 2 that occur when the linear motion guide device 1 is operated. It becomes possible to suppress a decrease in the operability and durability of 1.
Further, since the lubricant can be held in the lubricant holding groove 48, it is possible to reduce the frequency of supply of the lubricant between the guide rail 6 and the slider 8 and the rolling roller 2. The maintenance efficiency of the linear motion guide device 1 can be improved.

(Application example)
In the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, the position where the lubricant holding groove 48 is formed is the center position between both ends of the rolling roller 2, but the position where the lubricant holding groove 48 is formed is However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the position where the lubricant retaining groove 48 is formed may be, for example, closer to the end face side of the rolling roller 2 than the center position between both ends of the rolling roller 2.
Further, in the linear motion guide device 1 of the present embodiment, only one lubricant retaining groove 48 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2, but this is not a limitation, and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 is not limited thereto. In addition, a plurality of lubricant holding grooves 48 may be formed.

(Application examples corresponding to the first to third embodiments)
In the linear motion guide device 1 according to the first to third embodiments described above, the inclination angle of the inclined groove 28 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 is all the same angle. The inclination angle with respect to the axial direction is not limited to this. That is, among the plurality of inclined grooves 28, at least two inclined grooves 28 may be formed with different inclination angles θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 from each other.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a case will be described in which at least two of the plurality of inclined grooves 28 are formed with different inclination angles θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.
FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 of a modified example corresponding to the first to third embodiments. In addition, in FIG. 9, like FIG. 4 mentioned above, illustration of the collar part is abbreviate | omitted for description. In FIG. 9, as in FIG. 4, the center axis line CLr of the rolling roller 2 is shown as a line indicating the axial direction of the rolling roller 2.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of inclined grooves 28 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller 2 have different inclination angles θ with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2 with the lubricant retaining groove 48 interposed therebetween. It is. 9 and the following description, the inclined groove 28 disposed on the left side of the lubricant retaining groove 48 in FIG. 9 among the plurality of inclined grooves 28 is referred to as “inclined groove 28a”, and FIG. Among them, the inclined groove 28 disposed on the right side of the lubricant holding groove 48 is referred to as an “inclined groove 28b”.

  The inclined groove 28 a is inclined at an angle θ 1 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2, and the inclined groove 28 b is inclined at an angle θ 2 with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller 2. The angle formed between the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 is, for example, a right angle or a substantially right angle. That is, the angle formed by the inclined grooves 28a and 28b having different inclination angles is a right angle or a substantially right angle. Thereby, the inclined groove 28a and the inclined groove 28b are opposed to each other with the lubricant holding groove 48 as a boundary.

It is a side view which shows the structure of the linear guide apparatus in 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a view taken along line II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view taken along line III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a range surrounded by a circle V in FIG. 5. It is a figure explaining the inclined groove formation process which the manufacturing method of a rolling roller has. It is a figure explaining the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller with which the linear guide apparatus in 2nd embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a figure explaining the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller with which the linear guide apparatus in 3rd embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a figure which shows the modification with respect to 1st to 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the linear motion guide apparatus of a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Linear motion guide apparatus 2 Rolling roller 4 Rail side rolling element rolling groove 6 Guide rail 8 Slider 10 Slider main body 12 End cap 14 Cage 16 Slider side rolling element rolling groove 18 Load rolling path 20 Roller return path 22 direction Conversion path 24 Rolling body rolling path 26 Gutter part 28 Inclined groove 30 Groove forming means 32 Cutting part 34 Relative moving means 36 Grinding wheel 38 Cutting depth control part 40 Work object holding part 42 Work object rotating part 44 Cutting part moving part 46 Relative movement control unit 48 Lubricant holding groove θ Inclination angle of inclined groove with respect to axial direction of rolling roller CLr Center axis of rolling roller Dt Depth of inclined groove S1 Rotation signal S2 Movement signal Dh Depth of lubricant holding groove

Claims (5)

Along with the relative movement of the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member, the first linear motion member and the second linear motion member that are relatively moved in the axial direction are disposed together with the lubricant. A rolling roller that rolls in a state in which the one linear motion member and the second linear motion member are in contact with the outer peripheral surface,
An inclined groove that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rolling roller is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller,
A rolling roller characterized by satisfying a conditional expression of 0.1 μm <Dt <1.0 μm, where Dt is a depth of the inclined groove.   The rolling roller according to claim 1, wherein the inclined groove is formed in a spiral shape along an outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller. On the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller, a lubricant holding groove that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rolling roller and is continuous with the inclined groove is formed.
3. The rolling roller according to claim 1, wherein a conditional expression of Dt <Dh is satisfied when the depth of the lubricant holding groove is Dh. A rolling roller manufacturing method for manufacturing the rolling roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An inclined groove forming step of forming the inclined groove by performing a cutting process by a groove forming means on the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller;
The groove forming means has a cutting portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and cuts the outer peripheral surface.
In the inclined groove forming step, the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and the cutting portion are relatively moved in the inclined direction of the inclined groove.   A linear motion guide device comprising the rolling roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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