JP2022174653A - Linear motion guide unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a linear motion guide unit usable regardless of the installation direction of the linear motion guide unit and having an oil supply groove which is easy of oil supply.SOLUTION: The linear motion guide unit has oil supply ports in both side faces and the front face of an end cap of a slider and an oil supply pathway communicated with a direction changing passage through the oil supply ports. The oil supply pathway includes a first pathway connecting the oil supply ports, a second pathway including a first part connecting a pair of first points of the pair of direction changing passage and a pair of second points and a second part connecting the pair of second points, a first connection passage connecting a third point located in the first part of the first pathway and the second pathway, and passing through a fourth point located at a position higher than the second pathway, and a second connection passage connecting the second part of the first pathway and the second pathway, and communicated with the oil supply port in the front face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a linear guide unit.

2. Description of the Related Art Among linear motion guide units, there is known one in which an end cap of a slider is provided with a lubricating port. The lubricating oil injected from the oil supply port moves through the oil groove formed in the end cap and reaches the raceways of the rolling elements provided in the end cap. Filler ports are often provided on the side of the end cap and on the front of the end cap.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a slider of a linear motion guide unit having a first oil filler opening in the front center of an end cap and second oil filler openings on both side surfaces. In the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 1, a pin is inserted into a pin hole formed in the oil supply path, and the pin is rotated to open the oil supply path between the first oil supply opening and the second oil supply opening. / Blocking can be switched.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-221008 JP-A-2007-100951

The linear motion guide unit is installed in various postures depending on the mode of use. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a linear motion guide unit that can be used regardless of the installation posture of the linear motion guide unit and that can be easily refueled.

A linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure includes a rail, a slider slidable on the rail, and rolling elements capable of rolling on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider. , provided. The slider has a slider body and end caps fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and formed with a pair of turning paths connected to the rolling path. The end cap has an oil filler opening including a pair of first oil filler openings respectively formed on both side surfaces of the end cap and a second oil filler opening formed on the front surface of the end cap. The linear motion guide unit is formed with an oil supply path that communicates the oil supply port and the direction change path. An X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap, a Y-axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap, and a Z-axis extending in the height direction of the end cap from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap. a point where a YZ plane passing through the center of the end cap in the width direction, an XZ plane including the end surface of the end cap in contact with the slider body, and an XY plane including the bottom surface of the end cap intersect; Defines the coordinate space to be the origin. In the coordinate space, the fuel supply route includes a first route, a second route, a first connection path, and a second connection path. The first path connects between the pair of first fuel filler ports and the second fuel filler port. The second path includes a pair of first points on each of the pair of turning paths, a pair of second points that are more positive in the Z-axis direction than the pair of first points, and and a second portion connecting between the pair of second points. The first connection path connects between a pair of third points on the pair of first portions of the pair of first paths and the second path, and is further Z than the second path. Pass through the fourth point at the positive axial position. The second connection path communicates with the second fuel filler port and connects between the second portion of the first path and the second path. The pair of third points has an absolute value of the X-coordinate that is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of first portions of the first path.

According to the linear motion guide unit, it can be used regardless of the installation posture of the linear motion guide unit, and it is easy to refuel.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a linear guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the linear guide unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end cap of the linear guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a front view of an end cap of the linear guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the end cap of the linear guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1 when the end cap is used horizontally. FIG. 11 is a rear view of a modification of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a rear view of a modification of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a rear view of a modification of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is a rear view of a modification of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

[Overview of embodiment]
First, the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. A linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure includes a rail, a slider slidable on the rail, and rolling elements capable of rolling on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider. , provided. The slider has a slider body and end caps fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and formed with a pair of turning paths connected to the rolling path. The end cap has an oil filler opening including a pair of first oil filler openings respectively formed on both side surfaces of the end cap and a second oil filler opening formed on the front surface of the end cap. The linear motion guide unit is formed with an oil supply path that communicates the oil supply port and the direction change path. An X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap, a Y-axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap, and a Z-axis extending in the height direction of the end cap from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap. a point where a YZ plane passing through the center of the end cap in the width direction, an XZ plane including the end surface of the end cap in contact with the slider body, and an XY plane including the bottom surface of the end cap intersect; Defines the coordinate space to be the origin. In the coordinate space, the fuel supply route includes a first route, a second route, a first connection path, and a second connection path. The first path connects between the pair of first fuel filler ports and the second fuel filler port. The second path includes a pair of first points on each of the pair of turning paths, a pair of second points that are more positive in the Z-axis direction than the pair of first points, and and a second portion connecting between the pair of second points. The first connection path connects between a pair of third points on the pair of first portions of the pair of first paths and the second path, and is further Z than the second path. Pass through the fourth point at the positive axial position. The second connection path communicates with the second fuel filler port and connects between the second portion of the first path and the second path. The pair of third points has an absolute value of the X-coordinate that is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of first portions of the first path.

The linear motion guide unit has a pair of track paths formed on both side surfaces of the rail. Such a linear motion guide unit has an attitude in which the pair of track paths are positioned horizontally with each other (generally referred to as vertical installation), and an attitude in which the pair of track paths are positioned in the vertical direction with respect to each other (generally referred to as horizontal installation). It is installed in various postures according to the device to which it is attached, the space, etc. Further, the linear motion guide unit is supplied with lubricating oil from the outside as needed. Therefore, it is desired that the lubricating oil can be easily supplied to both of the pair of track paths regardless of the installation posture.

Conventionally, there has been proposed a linear motion guide unit that can supply lubricating oil regardless of the installation posture. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-221008) discloses a slider having oil supply openings on both side surfaces and a front central portion of the end cap of the slider, and an oil supply path connecting these oil supply openings. The oil supply passage of Patent Document 1 is provided with two pin holes, and by rotating the pin inserted in the pin hole, the opening/blocking of the oil supply passage can be switched. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of cost and quality control, it is desirable that the number of parts constituting the linear motion guide unit is small.

Further, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-100951) discloses an oil supply groove in an end cap of a linear motion guide unit, which communicates from an oil supply port to a direction changing passage. When the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 2 is used horizontally, part of the oil supply groove is closed with resin or the like, and two end caps arranged on both end surfaces of the slider body are used to Oil can be supplied from one of the two end caps to the upper directional change passage and from the other to the lower directional change passage. However, if it is possible to supply oil to both the upper and lower turning paths from one end cap, the supply of oil becomes easier and the convenience is further improved.

Therefore, a lubrication route that allows lubrication to both a pair of tracks from one end cap without increasing the number of parts that make up the linear motion guide unit and regardless of the installation orientation of the linear motion guide unit is being studied. was done.

The relative positions of the pair of turning paths formed in the end caps change according to the installation posture of the linear motion guide unit. Lubricating oil, on the other hand, always follows gravity. The inventor paid attention to this fact, and designed a route so that lubricating oil is supplied from above or at the same position in the vertical direction to both of the pair of direction changing passages in both the horizontal and vertical orientations. I planned to configure the According to the linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure, when placed vertically, lubricating oil is supplied to both of the pair of direction changing paths through the oil supply path in the center of the end cap as in the conventional case, and when placed horizontally, lubricating oil is supplied in the vertical direction. It was confirmed that the lubricating oil was supplied to the connecting portion to the direction change passage located above, and that the lubricant reached both the upper direction change passage and the lower direction change passage. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, lubricating oil can be supplied from one end cap to both of the pair of raceways in both horizontal and vertical installation postures.

When the linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure is vertically installed, lubricating oil supplied from the oil filler port first enters the first path connected to the oil filler port. The first connection path and the second connection path are connected to the first path, but since the first connection path passes through a point positioned vertically above the first path, the lubricating oil passes through the first connection path. It only reaches halfway through the road. On the other hand, since the second connection path does not pass through a position vertically above the first path, the lubricating oil enters the second connection path and moves to the first path connected to the second connection path. The second connection path connects to the first path at a second portion of the first path located vertically above the first point that is the connection point to the turning path. Therefore, the lubricating oil that has flowed into the second connection path flows through the second portion of the first path, flows into the first portion of the first path, and reaches the turning path.

When the linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure is placed horizontally, a pin or the like is inserted and closed immediately below the upper connecting portion of the connecting portion between the first path and the first connecting path. Then, the lubricating oil supplied from the oil supply port located above the end cap flows into the first connection path from the first path connected to the supply port. The first connection path connects to the first portion of the first path. Also, the point where the first connecting path and the first portion of the first route connect is at the same position or above both of the pair of turning paths. Therefore, lubricating oil is supplied to both the upper direction change passage and the lower direction change passage.

As described above, according to the linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure, it can be used in both vertical and horizontal installation postures. Both can be refueled. Also, by using only one pin, it can be applied to both vertical and horizontal installation.

In the linear motion guide unit, the first path may be a through-hole extending linearly through the interior of the end cap, and the second path may be an end surface of the end cap on the side contacting the slider body. The path may be a path formed on the upper surface of the slider, and a conduit is formed by tightly fixing the end cap and the slider body. Such a configuration can be achieved by forming a straight hole in the end cap and forming a groove in the end face of the end cap. That is, it can be manufactured by a practical and rational method, and a linear motion guide unit with stable quality can be manufactured by an established method.

In the linear motion guide unit, the first path and the second portion of the second path may both extend in the X-axis direction and be separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. A linear motion guide unit having such a configuration can be manufactured by a practical and rational method using known machining. In addition, the configuration of the oil supply route is simple, and it can be applied to a small linear motion guide unit that has a small space for arranging the oil supply route.

In the linear motion guide unit, the first path may be located at a positive position in the Z-axis direction relative to the second portion of the second path. According to this configuration, when the linear motion guide unit is vertically installed, the lubricating oil flows smoothly from the first path to the second path, and lubrication can be reliably performed with a small amount of lubricating oil.

In the linear motion guide unit, the pair of first portions of the second path may extend in the Z-axis direction, and the second portion of the second path may extend in the X-axis direction. With such a configuration, a simple and short lubricating route is realized, and the amount of lubricating oil remaining in the lubricating route is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of lubricating oil used and to avoid stagnation of the lubricating oil in the oil supply path.

In the linear motion guide unit, the pair of first connection paths are connected to the second path and extend in the Y-axis direction, and on the end face of the end cap on the side contacting the slider body. and a second connecting portion being formed, wherein the third point and the fourth point may both be at the second connecting portion. Such a configuration realizes a simple and short oil supply path. Further, a linear motion guide unit having the above effects is manufactured by using the conventional manufacturing method of forming a hole in the Y-axis direction from the end face of the end cap and forming a groove on the end face of the end cap. can.

In the linear motion guide unit, the second connecting portion may be formed with an S-shaped curve. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to realize an oil supply path having a desired shape and to reduce curved portions in the oil supply path. Therefore, the movement of the lubricating oil in the oil supply route becomes smooth, and it is possible to avoid stagnation of the lubricating oil in the oil supply route.

[Specific example of embodiment]
Next, an example of specific embodiments of the linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the following drawings are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In the drawings, the black dots attached to the ends of the lead lines indicating the points (p1, p2, etc.) are added for easy understanding, and do not indicate the actual configuration.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of a linear motion guide unit 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the X-axis is the width direction of the linear motion guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100, the Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the linear motion guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100, the Z-axis is the linear motion guide unit 1, It is the height direction of the rail 10 and the slider 100 .

First, the overall configuration of the linear guide unit 1 will be described.
Referring to FIG. 1, linear motion guide unit 1 includes rail 10, slider 100, and roller 200 which is a rolling element. The slider 100 straddles the rail 10 and is slidable on the rail 10 . The slider 100 has a pedestal that is an upper surface and sleeves hanging down from both side ends of the pedestal. The slider 100 includes a casing 110, which is a slider body, and end caps 120 attached to both end faces of the casing 110 in the length direction (Y-axis direction). An end seal 140 is attached to the end face of the end cap 120 opposite to the side contacting the casing 110 . A grease nipple 31 is attached to the side surface of the end cap 120 .

The rail 10 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 11 for fixing a mating member to which the linear motion guide unit 1 is mounted. A plurality of holes 101, which are screw holes for attaching mating members such as workpieces and equipment, are formed on the upper surface of the casing 110 .

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA cross section in FIG. 1 and 2, a pair of track surfaces 10a and 10b are formed on both side surfaces of rail 10. As shown in FIG. The pair of track surfaces 10 a and 10 b includes two upper and lower rows of track surfaces 10 a and 10 b extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail 10 . In casing 110, raceway surfaces 110a and 110b are formed at positions facing raceway surfaces 10a and 10b. The raceway surfaces 10a and 110a and the raceway surfaces 10b and 110b form two rows of raceways 102a and 102b, which are load areas. That is, the linear motion guide unit 1 has two upper and lower track paths. As the slider 100 moves, the rollers 200 roll within the track. Inside casing 110, return paths 103a and 103b, which are no-load regions, are formed which are continuous with track paths 102a and 102b, respectively.

The return paths 103a and 103b may be formed by combining pipes 111 and 112 split into two along the longitudinal direction. Ends of the pipes 111 and 112 are formed so as to be fittable with projections 105 and 106 (FIG. 3) formed on the end cap 120 . The pipes 111 and 112 may be made of sintered resin members impregnated with lubricating oil and capable of retaining the lubricating oil. The rolling elements 200 rolling on the trackways 102a and 102b are held by a holding plate 131 and a holding band 132 so that the rolling elements 200 do not fall off even when the slider 100 is removed from the rails 10. FIG. An outwardly recessed groove extends in the longitudinal direction on the side of the holding plate 131 facing the rail 10 . A holding band 132 is arranged in the groove. A bottom seal 129 is provided at a position facing the rail 10 on the bottom of the end cap 120 .

An end cap of a linear guide unit according to the present disclosure will be described.
3 is a perspective view of the end cap 120 of the linear guide unit 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the side s6 of the end cap 120. FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the front surface s4 of the end cap 120. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120. FIG.

First, the coordinate space S for describing the configuration of the end cap 120 will be described. Referring to FIG. 3, the X-axis is an axis extending in the width direction of end cap 120 . The direction of the X-axis is the same as the width direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The Y-axis is an axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap 120 . The Y-axis is the same direction as the length direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The Z-axis is an axis extending in the height direction of the end cap 120 from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap 120 . That is, the top side of the end cap 120 is in the positive direction in the Z-axis direction with respect to the bottom side. The Z-axis is in the same direction as the height direction of the linear motion guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The origin of the coordinate space S is the YZ plane passing through the center _x0 of the end cap 120 in the width direction, the XZ plane including the end surface s1 of the end cap 120 on the casing 110 side, and the XY plane including the bottom surface s2 of the end cap 120. , is the intersection of The end surface s1 of the end cap 120 has holes, grooves, projections, and the like. means the XZ plane containing In addition, the bottom surface s2 of the end cap 120 is formed with hooks and the like for locking the bottom seal. means the XY plane containing

In this specification, the terms “in the direction of the X axis”, “in the direction of the Y axis”, and “in the direction of the Z axis” do not mean strictly parallel to the axis in a mathematical sense. Of course, it also includes cases where there are unavoidable deviations that occur in the process of In addition, as long as it includes the same extent range as the wording of horizontal direction, vertical direction, and depth direction, and does not impair the effect of the invention, it may be at a certain angle (for example, about 15 ° or less) with respect to the axial direction. include.

Referring to FIG. 3, the end cap 120 has an end surface s1 which is a rear surface, a bottom surface s2, a top surface s3, a front surface s4, and a pair of side surfaces s5 and s6. The end cap 120 is formed symmetrically with respect to the widthwise center of the end cap 120 . In the present specification, "a pair" means "a pair provided symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the end caps". The end cap 120 is formed with a pair of turning paths 104a, 104b. Turning paths 104a, 104b connect with track paths 102a, 102b and return paths 103a, 103b (FIG. 2) to form an endless circular path. Protrusions 105 and 106 are formed at the ends of the direction change paths 104a and 104b. The projections 105, 106 are fitted to the ends of the pipes 111, 112 forming the return paths 103a, 103b.

3, 5 and 6, end cap 120 is formed with through holes 21a and 21b. Screws for fixing the end cap 120 and the end seal 140 to the casing 110 can be inserted into the through holes 21a and 21b. The end cap 120 and the end seal 140 are fixed to the casing 110 by inserting screws into the through holes 21a and 21b and screwing the screws into the threaded holes 118 of the casing.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side surface of end cap 120 is formed with oil filler port 22 as a first oil filler port. The coordinates of point p8, which is the center of fuel filler port 22, are ( _Xp8 , _Yp8 , _Zp8 ). The inner peripheral surface of the oil filler port 22 may be threaded so that a grease nipple or plug can be screwed. A conduit 220 that is a first route in the oil supply route L is formed continuously with the oil supply port 22 . That is, end cap 120 has a cylindrical peripheral wall that defines conduit 220 . A conduit 220 is formed inside the end cap 120 and extends in the X-axis direction, and its position in the coordinate space S in the height direction is _Zp8 . Pipe line 220 connects a pair of filling ports 22 formed on side surface s6 and side surface s5. The conduit 220 linearly penetrates between the side s6 and the side s5 of the end cap 120 .

Referring to FIG. 5, a front face s4 of end cap 120 is formed with oil filler port 25, which is a second oil filler port. The inner peripheral surface of the oil filler port 25 may be threaded so that a grease nipple or a plug can be screwed. A conduit 250 that is a second connection path in the oil supply path L is formed continuously with the oil supply port 25 . That is, end cap 120 has a cylindrical peripheral wall that defines conduit 250 . A conduit 250 is a conduit formed inside the end cap 120 and extending in the Y-axis direction. The conduit 250 passes straight through the end cap 120 between the front surface s4 and the rear surface s1. The bottom of the end cap 120 is provided with a hook 123 that can engage a bottom seal 129 (FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 6, a pair of turning paths 104a and 104b, which are concave portions, are formed on the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120. As shown in FIG. Although not shown, the direction changing paths 104a and 104b may be formed with unevenness that fits with the holding member 131 and the holding band 132 . On the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120, grooves 210 (210a, 201b) and grooves 240b that form the oil supply path L are formed. When the slider 100 is assembled, the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120 is tightly fixed to the end surface of the casing 110. As shown in FIG. When the slider 100 is assembled, the opening faces of the grooves 210 (210a, 201b) and the grooves 240b are closed by the end faces of the casing 110 to form pipelines. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grooves 210 (210a, 201b) and the grooves 240b may be rectangular, U-shaped, semicircular, or semielliptical.

The recessed grooves 210 (210a, 201b) and the recessed grooves 240b that form the oil supply path L will be described.
A recessed groove 210 as a second path in the oil supply path L is formed in the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120 . In other words, end cap 120 has a peripheral wall that defines groove 210 as a second path in oil supply path L. As shown in FIG. The recessed groove 210 includes a pair of first portions 210a extending in the Z-axis direction and second portions 210b extending in the X-axis direction and continuing from upper ends of the first portions 210a. The first portion 210a is connected to the turning paths 104a, 104b at a first point p1. In Embodiment 1, the point p1 is provided in the vicinity of the intersection of the turn path 104a and the turn path 104b. By adopting this position, both rolling elements arranged in two rows can be efficiently lubricated. The point p1 may be any position on the turn paths 104a, 104b.

The second portion 210b of the groove 210 is connected to the first portion 210a at a pair of second points p2. In other words, the second portion 210b connects between each of the pair of second points p2. The point p2 is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the point p1. The coordinates (X _p1 , Y _p1 , Z _p1 ) of the point p1 and the coordinates (X _p2 , Y _p2 , Z _p2 ) of the point p2 are Y _p1 =Y _p2 and Z _p1 <Z _p2 . Also, |X _p1 |=|X _p2 | may be satisfied, and |X _p2 | may be smaller than |X _p1 |. That is, the point p2 may be provided closer to the center of the end cap 120 in the width direction than the point p1.

Second portion 210b is also connected to pipeline 250, which is a second connection path in oil supply path L, at point p7. The coordinates (X _p7 , Y _p7 , Z _p7 ) of the point p7 are X _p7 =0, Y _p2 =Y _p7 and Z _p7 is slightly larger than Z _p2 . That is, the point p7 is slightly higher than the point p2 in the height direction of the end cap. With these configurations, when the end cap 120 is vertically placed, lubricating oil supplied from the conduit 250 enters the second portion 210b of the second path from the point p7. After reaching the point p2, the lubricating oil reaches the point p1 according to gravity. In this manner, lubricating oil is supplied to both of the turn paths 104a and 104b.

A pair of recessed grooves 240b forming a pair of first connection paths in the oil supply path L are formed in the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120. As shown in FIG. The recessed groove 240b is an S-shaped recessed groove extending from a point p5 to a point p3 via a point p4 when looking at the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120. As shown in FIG. The groove 240b is connected to the groove 210a at the third point p3. The point p3 is positioned between the points p1 and p2, which are both ends of the first portion 210b. The coordinates of points p1 and p2 and the coordinates _of point p3 (X _p3 , Y _p3 , Z _p3 ) satisfy Y _p1 =Y _p2 =Y p3 and Z _p2 >Z _p3 >Z _p1 . Further, |X _p3 |≧|X _p1 | and |X _p3 |≧|X _p2 |. That is, the absolute value of the X coordinate of the point p3 is the same as or larger than the absolute values of the X coordinates of the points p1 and p2. With this configuration, when the linear motion guide unit 1 is placed horizontally, the lubricating oil supplied to the upper p3 of the pair of points p3 moves to p1 and p2 according to gravity.

The groove 240b passes through the fourth point p4 (X _p4 , Y _p4 , Z _p4 ). Point p4 is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than pipeline 220 (FIG. 4). That is, Z _p4 >Z _p8 . The concave groove 240b is connected to the conduit 240a (FIG. 8) at point p5. The pipeline 240a is a pipeline extending in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, the groove 240b is a groove extending on the end surface s1 of the end cap 120 (in other words, on the XZ plane). That is, the conduit 240a and the groove 240b extend perpendicularly to each other. The first connection path 240 is composed of a conduit 240a and a groove 240b. The first connection path 240 connects between the pipeline 220 as the first path and the groove 210a as the second path.

7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 120. FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, pipeline 220, which is a first path, connects between a pair of fuel filler ports 22, which are first fuel filler ports. Further, pipeline 220 communicates with pipeline 250 extending from fuel filler port 25, which is the second fuel filler port. Pipe line 220 extends linearly in the X-axis direction. Pipe line 250 extends linearly in the Y-axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the linear motion guide unit 1 is installed vertically, that is, as shown in FIG. The movement of the lubricating oil when Although only the end cap 120 is shown here for the sake of explanation, the end cap 120 is actually combined with the casing 110 and the like, and the concave groove formed in the end surface s1 of the end cap 120 serves as a pipe. It becomes a road.

With reference to FIG. 7, lubricating oil inserted from oil filler port 22 or oil filler port 25 moves to conduit 220 and conduit 250 . The lubricating oil that has entered the pipeline 220 enters the pipeline 240a and reaches the concave groove 240b. However, since the concave groove 240b passes through the point p4 (FIG. 6) which is located at a positive position in the Z-axis direction with respect to the pipeline 220, the lubricating oil moving according to gravity cannot reach the point p4. On the other hand, the lubricating oil that has entered the pipeline 250 then moves to the concave groove 210b via the point p7. Further, the lubricating oil enters the concave groove 210a from the point p2, reaches the point p1, and enters the turning paths 104a and 104b.

Both the conduit 220 and the groove 210b extend linearly in the X-axis direction. At the same time, the conduit 220 and the groove 210b are formed apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the conduit 220 is positioned slightly positive in the Z-axis direction relative to the groove 210b. That is, the Z coordinate (Z _p8 ) of the pipeline 220 and the Z coordinate (Z _p2 ) of the groove 210b have a relationship of Z _p8 >Z _p2 . In other words, the conduit 220 and the groove 210b are paths parallel to each other. By arranging the pipeline 220 and the groove 210b in this manner, the oil supply path L can be arranged even in a small end cap. Further, the oil supply path L can be configured by a simple process of providing a through hole between the oil supply ports 22 .

8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 120. FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, the first connection path 240 is composed of a pipeline 240a as a first connection portion and a groove 240b as a second connection portion. The pipeline 240a is connected to the pipeline 220 at the point p6. A pipeline 240a, which is a pipeline from point p6 to point p5, is a pipeline extending in the Y-axis direction. The concave groove 240b is a concave groove extending from the point p5 to the point p3 via the point p4. The groove 240b is connected to the groove 210a at a point p3. The relationship between point p3 (X _p3 , Y _p3 , Z _p3 ), point p4 (X _p4 , Y _p4 , Z _p4 ), and point p5 (X _p5 , Y _p5 , Z _p5 ) is |X _p5 |>|X _p4 |>|X _p3 |, Y _p3 =Y _p4 =Y _p5 , and Z _p3 <Z _p5 <Z _p4 . The relationship between point p5 (X _p5 , Y _p5 , Z _p5 ) and point p6 (X _p6 , Y _p6 , Z _p6 ) is |X _p5 |=|X _p6 |, Y _p6 >Y _p5 , Z _p5 =Z _p6 .

9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 120. FIG. FIG. 9 shows the plug 300 inserted into the conduit 220 . Plug 300 is a member for partially blocking oil supply path L. As shown in FIG. A plug 300 is used when the linear guide unit 1 is used horizontally. When the linear motion guide unit 1 is used horizontally, the plug 300 is inserted directly below the upper point p6 of the pair of points p6 (FIG. 8) in the pipeline 220. As shown in FIG. The linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure can lubricate both of the pair of track paths by simply inserting the plug 300, even when the linear motion guide unit is used horizontally.

FIG. 10 shows the end cap 120 when the linear guide unit is installed horizontally. The end cap 120 is installed such that the positive direction of the X-axis is vertically upward. A plug 300 is inserted into a conduit 220 indicated by a dotted line. Referring to FIG. 10, when the linear motion guide unit 1 is placed horizontally, that is, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 illustrates the migration of lubricants when installed. Although only the end cap 120 is shown here for the sake of explanation, the end cap 120 is actually combined with the casing 110 and the like, and the concave groove formed in the end surface s1 of the end cap 120 serves as a pipe. It becomes a road.

With reference to FIG. 10, the lubricating oil inserted from the oil supply port 22 positioned vertically above enters a conduit 240a ([FIG. 8]). Since conduit 220 is blocked by plug 300 , lubricating oil does not enter conduit 220 below plug 300 . Lubricating oil enters the groove 240b from the pipeline 240a through the point p5, and then enters the groove 210a through points p4 and p3 of the groove 240b. A part of the lubricating oil that has entered the concave groove 210a enters the upper turning paths 104a and 104b via the point p1. Also, part of the lubricating oil that has entered the groove 210a enters the groove 210b via the point p2. The lubricating oil that has entered the groove 210b moves downward (in the negative direction of the X-axis) according to gravity, passes from point p2 to point p1, and enters the lower direction change paths 104a and 104b. Although part of the lubricating oil moves from the point p3 to the concave groove 240b, the lubricating oil can be prevented from leaking out by closing the oil supply port 22 located vertically below with a grease nipple or plug.

(Modification)
The first embodiment described above is merely one embodiment, and many configurations can be changed. For example, in Embodiment 1, two rows of rolling element circulation paths are formed on one side of each rail, but the configuration of the circulation paths is not limited to this. The linear guide unit may be of a type in which a single row of circulation paths is formed on one side of the rail. Also, the rolling elements are not limited to rollers, and may be balls. It may be provided with a retainer that maintains the interval between the rolling elements.

Further, in Embodiment 1, groove 240b is formed in an S shape, but the specific shape of groove 240b is not limited to this. The shape of the concave groove 240b can be changed according to the size of the slider and the end cap, the amount and properties of the lubricating oil to be supplied, and the like. As _a modification _{of the} concave groove _{240b ,} for example, referring to FIG _. , |X _p44 |>|X _p5 |, Y _p44 =Y _p5 , Z _p44 >Z _p5 ). Referring to FIG. 11, concave groove 240b extends linearly outwardly upward from point p5 to point p44, curves 180° at point p44, extends linearly downwardly inward from point p44, and reaches point p3. up to. Further, referring to FIG. 12, the concave groove 240b may be formed in a curved shape extending from the point p5 to the outside upward in a curved line, passing through the point p44, and reaching the point p3. Further, referring to FIG. 13, concave groove 240b extends curvilinearly outward and upward from point p5 and passes through point p44, and between point p44 and point p3 extends downward from point p44 (in the Y-axis direction). ) may be formed into a shape consisting of a linearly extending portion and a linearly extending portion laterally (in the X-axis direction) toward the point p3.

Further, referring to FIG. 14, a third portion 210c, which is a connecting portion, can be provided between the conduit 250 and the second portion 210b of the groove 210. As shown in FIG. That is, the groove 210 as the second path includes a first portion 210a, a second portion 210b, and a third portion 210c. The first portion 210a connects a point p1, which is a first point, and a point p21, which is a second point located at a positive position in the Z-axis direction relative to the point p1. The second portion 210b connects between the pair of points p21. The third portion 210c extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the pipeline 250 and the second portion 210b. The third portion 210c is connected to a pipeline 250, which is a second connection path in the oil supply path L, at a point p7. The relationship between the coordinates (X _p21 , Y _p21 , Z _p21 ) of the point p21 and the coordinates (X _p7 , Y _p7 , Z _p7 ) of the point p7 is |X _p21 |>X _p7 =0, Y _p21 =Y _p7 , Z _p7 >Z _p21 . That is, the point p7 is located higher than the point p21 in the height direction of the end cap. Also, a position p41 (X _p41 , Y _p41 , Z _p41 ) outside and above the point p5 (X _p5 , Y _p5 , Z _p5 ) (where |X _p41 |>|X _p5 |, Y _p41 =Y A fourth point is set at _p5 , Z _p41 >Z _p5 ). The concave groove 240b connecting between the points p5 and p3 extends linearly upward (in the Y-axis direction) from the point p5, passes through the point p41, bends 180° at the point p41, and bends downward (in the Y-axis direction). 2) extends linearly and further bends at point p411 to reach point p3.

Further, referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, first portion 210a of groove 210 may have a path whose thickness changes along the way. Specifically, the thickness may vary between points p1 and p3, and a path may be formed that is relatively thin in the vicinity of point p1 and relatively thick in the vicinity of point p3. The same applies to other routes, and the thickness of the route may be the same over the entire area, or may include portions with different thicknesses.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any aspect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the scope of the claims.

1 linear motion guide unit 10 rail 100 slider 11, 101 hole 10a, 10b, 110a, 110b track surface 110 casing 102a, 102b track path 103a, 103b return path 104a, 104b turning path, 105, 106 protrusions, 111, 112 pipes, 118 screw holes, 120 end caps, 123 hooks, 128 plugs, 129 bottom seals, 131 retaining plates, 132 retaining bands, 140 end seals, 200 rolling elements, 210, 201a, 210b, 240b, concave groove, 21a, 21b through hole, 22, 25 oil filler port, 220, 250, 240a pipeline, 300 plug,
p1, p2, p21, p3, p4, p41, p44, p5, p6, p7, p8 points

Claims (7)

a rail;
a slider slidable relative to the rail;
and a rolling element capable of rolling on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider,
The slider is
a slider body;
an end cap fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and formed with a pair of direction changing paths connected to the rolling path;
The end cap is
a pair of first oil filler ports respectively formed on both side surfaces of the end cap;
a second fuel filler port formed on the front surface of the end cap;
The linear motion guide unit is formed with an oil supply path that communicates the oil supply port and the direction change path,
an X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap;
a Y-axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap;
a Z-axis extending from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap in the height direction of the end cap;
The point where the YZ plane passing through the center of the end cap in the width direction, the XZ plane including the end surface of the end cap in contact with the slider body, and the XY plane including the bottom surface of the end cap intersect is the origin. In the coordinate space,
The oil supply route is
a first route connecting between the pair of first fuel filler ports and the second fuel filler port;
A pair of first points that connect a pair of first points on each of the pair of turn paths and a pair of second points that are more positive in the Z-axis direction than the pair of first points. a second path including a portion and a second portion connecting between the pair of second points;
connecting between a pair of third points on the pair of first portions of the pair of first paths and the second path, and at a position more positive in the Z-axis direction than the second path a first connection path passing through a fourth point;
a second connection path that communicates with the second fuel filler port and connects between the second portion of the first path and the second path;
The linear motion guide unit, wherein the absolute value of the X coordinate of the pair of third points is equal to or greater than the maximum value of the absolute values of the X coordinates of the pair of first portions of the first path. the first path is a through hole that linearly penetrates the interior of the end cap;
3. The second path is a path formed on an end surface of the end cap on a side contacting the slider body, and a conduit is formed by tightly fixing the end cap and the slider body. 1. A linear guide unit according to 1. 3. The first path and the second portion of the second path according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both are paths extending in the X-axis direction and separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. linear guide unit. 4. The linear motion guide unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first path is located at a position in the Z-axis direction that is more positive than the second portion of the second path. . 5. The straight line according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said pair of first portions of said second path extends in the Z-axis direction and said second portion of said second path extends in the X-axis direction. motion guide unit. The pair of first connection paths,
a first connection portion connected to the second path and extending in the Y-axis direction;
a second connection portion formed on the end face of the end cap on the side contacting the slider body;
The linear motion guide unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein both the third point and the fourth point are on the second connection portion. 7. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 6, wherein said second connecting portion is formed with an S-shaped curve.

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