JP4393820B2 - Linear guide device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a linear guide device comprising a Jun lubricant supply member.

  As a lubricant supply body used in a linear motion guide device or the like, the present applicant has previously proposed a structure in which both ends of a slider of a linear guide device are disposed close to a side seal (see Patent Document 1). ). This lubricant supply body is obtained by molding a mixture of a polyolefin-based synthetic resin such as polyethylene and a lubricating oil into a predetermined shape by injection molding or the like, and is solidified in a state containing the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil gradually oozes out and enables long-term lubrication.

Further, the applicant of the present invention, in order to facilitate the replenishment of the lubricant in the lubricant supply body described in Patent Document 1, or to improve the restriction of the combination of the lubricating oil and the synthetic resin from the compatibility, A synthetic resin fiber comprising an outer layer and a lubricating oil retaining layer storing lubricating oil, the lubricating oil retaining layer having the ability to absorb 2.5 times or more of the lubricating oil relative to its own weight, and capable of being replenished A lubricant supply body is proposed in which a lubricant is absorbed in a sintered porous body of synthetic resin particles (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-25933 JP 2003-49835 A

  However, even in the lubricant supply body described in Patent Document 2 above, the lubricant oil is only held by capillarity between the synthetic resin fibers and the like. It is assumed that the lubricating oil retained in a relatively short time is released by sliding heat generation.

The present invention has such has been made in view of the conventional problems, easy restocking further comprises a lubricant supply having a grease supply capacity long-term, stable lubrication over a long period heard It aims at providing the linear guide apparatus which can be maintained.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following linear guide device .
(1) In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed in proximity to a side seal of a slider,
The lubricant supplier comprises an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of polyethylene fiber or polypropylene fiber having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, and mineral oil or poly α-olefin as a base oil, It is a laminated structure comprising a lubricant holding layer made of metal soap or urea compound as a thickener and absorbing grease having a blending degree (JIS K2220) of 355 to 430, and has a lubricant release inhibiting means. A linear guide device characterized by that.
(2) In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed in proximity to a side seal of a slider,
The lubricant supplier comprises an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of polyamide fiber or polyester fiber having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, and ester oil or polyphenyl ether oil as a base oil. A laminated structure comprising a lubricant holding layer formed by absorbing a grease having a metal soap or urea compound as a thickener and having a blending degree (JIS K2220) of 355 to 430, and comprising means for suppressing lubricant release A linear guide device comprising:
(3) In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed in proximity to a side seal of a slider,
The lubricant supply body includes an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of fluorine fiber having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, fluorine oil as a base oil, and PTFE as a thickener. A linear guide device comprising a laminated structure composed of a lubricant holding layer formed by absorbing grease having a blending degree (JIS K2220) of 355 to 430, and comprising a lubricant release suppressing means.

In the present invention , since the lubricant supply body is provided with various means for suppressing the seepage of the lubricant in the lubricant holding layer, the lubricant can be supplied over a longer period. In addition, the lubricant can be replenished, and further, if a lubricant supply body made of a replenishment unit or a lubricant-containing polymer is separately provided, a further life extension effect can be expected, and the reliability is improved. Therefore, the linear guide device provided with this lubricant supply body also has a long lubrication life.

Hereinafter, the linear guide device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the lubricant supply body will be described.
The lubricant supply body used in the present invention is a laminated structure in which an outer layer and a lubricant holding layer having the ability to store grease are joined, and is molded into a shape corresponding to the lubrication site. Here, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, the shape corresponding to the lubricant supply body incorporated in the slider of the linear guide device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-25933 will be described as an example. . 1 is a plan view seen from the side seal side of the lubricant supply body, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembled state to the linear guide device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer layer 15 of the lubricant supply body 10 is substantially U-shaped so as to be fitted around a guide rail (not shown) of the linear guide device, and the guide rail is provided on the inner peripheral surface 15 a. It has a planar shape in which a semicircular convex portion 13 corresponding to the rolling element rolling groove is formed, and is attached to the end cap 2B and the side seal 40 (FIG. 3) of the slider body 2A of the linear guide device. The mounting through-hole 12 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a recess 14 is provided along the inner peripheral surface 15 a in one plane portion of the outer layer 15, and the lubricant retaining layer 16 is embedded in the recess 14. Is done.

  The inner peripheral surface 16a of the lubricant holding layer 16 has a planar shape similar to the inner peripheral surface of the outer layer 15, but slightly protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the outer layer 15, and the protruding amount is determined by the linear guide device. When it is assembled, the projection 17 is set so as to coincide with the rolling element rolling groove of the guide rail. Further, replenishment holes 18 reaching the lubricant retaining layer 16 are provided at appropriate positions of the outer layer 15, for example, both end surfaces and upper end surfaces, so that grease can be replenished.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lubricant retaining layer 16 has a first lubricant non-permeable film 20a as a lubricant release suppressing means on the upper surface side in the drawing and a second lubricant non-permeable film 20b on the outer side. Attached to the surface in contact with the layer 15, respectively. A separate lubricant non-permeable film may be used instead of the lubricant non-permeable films 20a and 20b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lubricant holding layer 16 includes a first lubricant holding layer piece 16c, a second lubricant holding layer piece 16d, and a second lubricant holding layer piece 16d. A two-layer structure can also be used. At that time, the outer dimension of the first lubricant holding layer piece 16c on the upper side in FIG. 4A is set so as not to be in contact with the guide rail, and the first lubricant is provided on the upper surface side thereof. An agent non-permeable membrane 20a is attached. In addition, the second lubricant holding layer piece 16d on the lower side in FIG. 4A has an outer dimension set so that an inner peripheral portion thereof is in contact with the guide rail, and is in contact with the outer layer 15. A second lubricant non-permeable membrane 20b is attached to the surface on the side where the contact is made.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the lubricant supply bodies 10 is attached to the end cap 2 </ b> B of the slider body 2 </ b> A while being sandwiched by side seals 40. The side seal 40 is provided with mounting through holes 40a and 40b that are aligned with the mounting through hole 12 of the lubricant supplier 10, and the end cap 2B of the slider body 2A is lubricated by bolts 43a and 43b. It is fixed in a state where it is overlapped with the agent supply body 10.

Oite to or lubricants donor 1 0 described above, the outer layer 1 5 is formed of metal or resin.

  The type of metal is not particularly limited, but aluminum or aluminum alloy is preferable because it is lightweight, excellent in formability, and inexpensive.

  The type of resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include thermoplastic resins such as polyphenylene sulfide, polyacetal, and polyamide (polyamide 6, polyamide 66, etc.). These resins can be used as they are, but a composite material containing glass fibers or the like is preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance and strength. Among these, a polyamide resin reinforced with glass fiber or the like, particularly polyamide 66, is most preferable in terms of heat resistance, oil resistance, strength, and cost. In addition, various additives usually used for resin molding may be appropriately added to these resins in order to impart various resistances such as strength, moldability, and antioxidant, moldability, and the like. The molding method of these resins or resin compositions is not limited, but injection molding is most suitable in terms of cost.

On the other hand, the lubricant retaining layer 1 of 6 or each lubricant retaining layer pieces, fibers made of synthetic resin having a performance capable of absorbing grease (hereinafter referred to as "synthetic fibers"), and containing air sufficiently The needle felt hardened in a state is molded into each shape shown in the figure. The amount of grease absorbed by the needle felt is preferably at least twice that of its own weight. The individual synthetic fibers may be solid, or may be hollow fibers that can hold more grease.

In the present invention as a synthetic fiber satisfying such requirements, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 66, aromatic nylon (commonly called aramid resin) nylon fibers such as, fluorine, such as P TFE use of the fibers, and the like.

Among the synthetic fibers described above, assuming the usage environment of the linear guide device, polypropylene, polyethylene, and fluorine-based fibers that have almost no water absorption when they become needle felt are particularly preferable.

Moreover, the porosity of the needle felt formed of synthetic fibers is defined below.
Porosity (%) = [1− (apparent density of needle felt ÷ density of synthetic fiber)] × 100
Here, considering the grease absorption and the mechanical strength such as wear resistance, the porosity of the needle felt is preferably 60 to 85%, more preferably 70 to 80%. If the porosity is less than 60%, the amount of grease absorbed is reduced, and punching with a needle felt blade die becomes difficult, which is not preferable because of manufacturing problems. On the other hand, when the porosity exceeds 85%, although the initial grease absorption amount is large, the spacing between the fibers is widened, and the retention of the grease is lowered, which is not preferable. Furthermore, since the amount of fibers is small, mechanical strength such as wear resistance is also lowered, and practicality is lowered.

  The thread of the synthetic fiber forming the needle felt is preferably thinner in consideration of the retention of grease. However, the diameter is preferably 5 to 40 μm in view of the balance between the production problem of the thread and the mechanical strength. More preferably, it is ˜25 μm.

In addition, needle felt, but it may also be arranged a plurality in the outer layer.

  The grease to be absorbed by the lubricant retaining layer or the lubricant retaining layer piece is not particularly limited. However, the combination of the synthetic fiber forming the lubricant retaining layer or the lubricant retaining layer piece with a similar chemical structure has better wettability to the resin. Is preferable. For example, in the case of synthetic fibers with low polarity such as polyethylene and polypropylene, greases with low polarity lubricating oils such as mineral oil and poly α-olefin oil as base oil and thickener as metal soap and urea compound are suitable. is there. In the case of synthetic fibers with high polarity such as nylon, polyester, etc., base oils are highly polar lubricating oils such as ester oils such as dioctyl sebacate and tri-2-ethylhexyl trimellitate, and polyphenyl ether oils such as tetraphenyl ether. A grease containing a metal soap or a urea compound as a thickener is suitable. In the case of a fluorine resin such as PTFE, a grease using a fluorine oil such as perfluoropolyether oil as a base oil and PTFE as a thickener is suitable.

Further, since the above grease has a small amount of thickener when it has a high consistency , the network of synthetic fibers forming the lubricant holding layer or the lubricant holding layer piece and the thickener in the grease are entangled with each other. The effect of suppressing the discharge of the base oil in the grease is small. Accordingly, in view of the balance between the effect of controlling the discharge and the ease of absorption of the lubricant, a grease having a penetration degree (JIS K2220) in the range of 355 to 430 (No. 0 to 00 penetration degree) is preferable. When the consistency becomes larger than this, that is, when the amount of the thickening agent decreases, it becomes the same as in the case where the lubricating oil is absorbed, and is depleted at an early stage.

  Table 1 shows typical synthetic resin needle felts and their grease absorption rates. The grease absorption rate was determined by immersing each synthetic fiber needle felt in the shape of a JIS No. 3 rubber tensile test piece in mineral oil grease (No. 0 consistency, Li soap) in vacuum for 1 hour. Then, the weight is measured after the grease taken out and adhered to the surface is wiped off. The weight ratio is obtained by subtracting the weight before immersion from this weight and dividing by the weight before immersion.

  As shown in Table 1, the needle felt made of polypropylene fiber has a high affinity with a mineral oil-based grease and a large grease absorption rate, and can be suitably used in the present invention. Further, if the needle felt made of polyester fiber is made of hollow fiber, the grease absorption rate is high, which is preferable.

In addition, as a specific example of a synthetic fiber needle felt having a high absorption rate for mineral oil-based grease, a polypropylene needle felt (“Ecero Saver PCN-400” manufactured by Chubu Shinshinkai felt; grease absorption rate: 12.1), Polyester Needle Felt (Ecolo Saber ACS-200, Chubu / Shin Tokai Felt; Grease Absorption Rate: 13.64), Polyester (Tetron) Needle Felt (Fujiron 5000H, Hayashi Felt Co., Ltd .; Grease Absorption Rate: 4.4), heat-resistant nylon needle felt (“Fujiron 6000CN” manufactured by Hayashi Felt Co., Ltd .; grease absorption rate: 5.83 ), and the like .

  As a method of absorbing the grease in the lubricant holding layer or the lubricant holding layer piece, the compression work is repeated with the lubricant holding layer or the lubricant holding layer piece submerged in the grease, or the grease is removed in vacuum. Applying care work is applicable.

In the above-mentioned lubricant supply body, the grease or the base oil in the grease absorbed into the lubricant holding layer or the lubricant holding layer piece made of the synthetic fiber felt gradually oozes out and enables long-term lubrication. In addition, there is an advantage that new grease can be replenished. The replenishment can be performed through the replenishing hole 1 8 provided on Jun lubricant supply member.

Further, Oite the lubricant supply member 1 0, the outer layer 1 5, a lubricant holding layer was 1 6 or is combined is formed thicker than each of the lubricant holding layer pieces and mounting holes 1 2 is penetrated. Therefore, to stress the lubricant supplying member 1 0 is subjected in use, the deformation of the high-strength member is a outer layer 1 5 is a lubricant holding layer was 1 6 or by the action of the respective lubricant holding layer piece Prevent and maintain the grease supply performance for a long time.

In the above, in addition to the configuration in which a lubricant non-permeable film or a separate lubricant non-permeable film is attached as a lubricant release suppressing means (FIG. 1), in addition to the lubricant non-permeable film or a separate lubricant non-permeable film The lubricant holding layer is composed of a plurality of lubricant holding layer pieces, and only a part of the lubricant holding layer pieces are brought into contact with the lubricating member, whereby the contact area between the lubricant holding layer and the lubricating portion is reduced to the lubricating member. Although the structure (FIG. 4) added to make it smaller than the projected area is shown, at least one of the surface of the lubricant retaining layer or the lubricant retaining layer piece that contacts the lubrication site and the surface that does not contact the lubrication site. It is possible to instantaneously burn the portion with a flame to melt the surface portion of the fiber, thereby narrowing the mesh of the felt on the surface or completely eliminating the mesh (surface bake treatment). Further, as a lubricant release suppressing means, a slit can be formed in the lubricant holding layer, and a lubricant non-permeable film can be inserted into the slit. About the structure which inserted the lubricant non-permeable film into the surface hair baking treatment, the slit and the slit, the lubricant supply body for the linear guide device is shown as an example below.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the surface hair baking treatment, corresponding to FIG. As shown in the drawing, the upper surface 21a of the lubricant retaining layer 16 in the drawing, the surface 21b in contact with the outer layer 15, and the surface 21c on the side in contact with the guide rail can be burned. In the surface hair baking treatment, the surface of the lubricant holding layer 16 is instantaneously burned with a flame to melt the felt of the surface layer portion, thereby narrowing the mesh or completely eliminating the mesh, that is, the lubricant holding layer 16 By reducing the porosity of the surface, the bleeding of the lubricant is suppressed. This porosity is preferably lower in the portions (21a, 21b) that do not come into contact with the lubrication sites, and more preferably 30% or less, assuming that the mesh opening before the surface bake treatment is 100%. Moreover, in the part (21c) which contacts a lubrication site | part, since the bleeding of a lubricant will be lose | eliminated if a porosity is set to zero, it is preferable to make a porosity into 20 to 70%.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing examples in which slits are further formed, which correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. As shown in the drawing, the upper surface 21a of the lubricant holding layer 16 and the surface 21b in contact with the outer layer 15 are subjected to a hair burning treatment, and further slits 19 are formed at appropriate positions on the upper surface 21a to a predetermined depth. In the lubricant retaining layer 16, the retained lubricant is transmitted to the outside through the felt surface by capillary action, but the felt is cut by the slit 19, so that the outflow speed of the lubricant can be reduced. Since the lubricant flows through a portion where the slit 19 is not formed (that is, a portion directly below the slit 19), the slit 19 can be formed so as to completely divide the lubricant holding layer 16.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a lubricant non-permeable film 20 can be inserted into the slit 19. In addition, although the synthetic resin film which is mentioned later is suitable as the lubricant non-permeable film 20, an adhesive may not be provided. The lubricant non-permeable film 20 completely blocks the flow of the lubricant at the slit 19.

  As the lubricant non-permeable membrane, a film in which the needle felt is heated for a short time with a heating press or the like at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the synthetic resin fibers constituting the needle felt, and the surface layer is melted to form a film. A film made of a hot melt adhesive that melts at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point and adheres (bonds) to the adherend, a synthetic resin film (for example, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene), acrylic, rubber, A film with a silicone-based adhesive or the like can be used. Suitable hot melt adhesives include polyethylene, ethylene / propylene, ethylene / butene-1, poly α-olefin copolymers such as ethylene / 4-methylpentene-1, EVA (ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer), Nylon 11, low melting point copolymer nylon mainly composed of nylon 12, polyamides such as dimer acid polyamide, dibasic acids such as terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1, 3 Examples include a polyester-based base polymer obtained by polycondensation with an alkylene glycol such as butanediol or neopentyl glycol, and a tackifier added to the base polymer. As the tackifier, a polyterpene resin, an alicyclic petroleum resin, a fatty acid / aromatic petroleum resin, a hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin, a hydrogenated rosin / ester, etc. are usually used alone or in combination. Moreover, an antioxidant, a filler, etc. may be mix | blended. Further, when the lubricant non-permeable membrane also serves as a fixed joint to the outer layer, the lubricant non-permeable membrane is made of a nonwoven fabric, the above synthetic resin film, and a foam (for example, polyethylene, polyurethane, butyl rubber) as a base material, A double-sided tape with a hot-melt adhesive such as vinyl acetate (EVA) as a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side of the lubricant holding layer and an acrylic or other normal pressure-sensitive adhesive on the other side Can be suitably used. When the lubricant retaining layer or the lubricant retaining layer piece is fixedly bonded with the lubricant non-permeable film, it is caused by a slight movement between the outer layer and the lubricated part with the reciprocating motion of the linear motion device or the like. A force is applied to the lubricant holding layer or the lubricant holding layer piece, so that it is possible to suppress wear due to the grease being pressed out against the inner wall of the outer layer.

  The lubricant non-permeable film is separate from the lubricant holding layer, and specifically, is a film made of a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, a fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. If the grease to be impregnated into the lubricant retaining layer is hydrocarbon-based, the use of a fluorine resin film will deteriorate the wettability, and the grease oozes out between the lubricant non-permeable film and the lubricant retaining layer. Can be suppressed.

  Further, as a lubricant release control means, a non-woven fabric in which fibers are bonded or fused to each other between a lubricant holding layer piece that is in contact with a lubricating part and a lubricant holding layer piece that is not in contact with the lubricating part. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a sheet is interposed to suppress the transfer of grease from the lubricant holding layer piece not in contact with the lubrication site to the lubricant holding layer piece in contact with the lubrication site. Alternatively, the lubricant holding layer piece that is not in contact with the lubrication site may be made of a nonwoven fabric in which fibers are bonded or fused together.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a nonwoven fabric sheet is provided between a lubricant holding layer piece 16d that is in contact with a guide rail (not shown) as a contact member and a lubricant holding layer piece 16c that is not in contact with the guide rail. 35 can be interposed. The lubricant holding layer pieces 16c and 16d are both made of needle phenyl. Further, by adhering the lubricant non-permeable films 20a and 20b to the upper surface of the lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the surface of the lubricant holding layer piece 16d that contacts the outer layer 15, it is possible to further suppress the seepage of grease. it can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 , the lubricant holding layer piece in contact with the guide rail is made of non-woven fabric (reference numeral 36), and the lubricant holding layer piece 16c that is not in contact with the guide rail is made of needle phenyl to join them together. Further, the lubricant non-permeable films 20a and 20b can be bonded to the upper surface of the lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the surface of the nonwoven fabric lubricant holding layer piece 36 that contacts the outer layer 15.

  As the nonwoven fabric, a synthetic fiber similar to the above-mentioned needle felt can be suitably used by bonding or fusing each other by an appropriate method. As a method for bonding fibers, a chemical bond method for bonding the intersections of fibers with an adhesive resin, a thermal bond method in which heat-bonded fibers are mixed in advance with one of the materials, and the fibers are bonded by thermocompression bonding or heat treatment, A spunbond method in which melted raw resin is directly eluted from the nozzle tip and spun and bonded by self-adhesion of continuous long fibers can be employed. The nonwoven fabric formed by bonding or fusing the fibers together is the needle felt that is not bonded because the fibers are intertwined when grease is taken in because the intersections of the fibers are bonded to each other. Compared to, the discharge of grease to the outside is delayed. Therefore, effective lubrication can be achieved by interposing this nonwoven fabric between the divided lubricant holding layer pieces, or by using the non-woven fabric for the lubricant holding layer piece in contact with the lubrication site in the divided lubricant holding layer pieces. It becomes agent release suppression means.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 , FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , the lubricant non-permeable film or the lubricant non-permeable film is lubricated so as not to contact the non-contact portion with the lubrication portion or the lubrication portion of the lubricant holding layer. When attached to the lubricant retaining layer piece, the grease retained when the lubricant retaining layer reciprocates with respect to the lubrication site together with the outer layer is suppressed from seeping out the grease retained from the lubricant retaining layer, An effect of further reducing the amount of exuded grease can be obtained. In particular, if there is a lubricant non-permeable film or a lubricant non-permeable film in a portion not sandwiched between the outer layers, the reduction of the amount of exuded grease becomes more effective.

In order to make the contact area of the lubricant retaining layer with the lubrication site smaller than the projected area, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 , 11, and 12 , a method of adjusting a plurality of lubricant retaining layer pieces in combination. In addition, for example, a method in which the cross-sectional shape of the lubricant holding layer piece to the lubricating portion is partially tapered, for example, a method for limiting the original contact position of the lubricant holding layer piece (for example, in the linear guide device, the ball comes into contact) It is conceivable that only the groove is brought into contact, and the other portions are dimensioned as gaps).

  When the contact area of the lubricant holding layer with the lubrication site is made smaller than the projected area, the contact area of the lubricant holding layer is preferably 10 to 80% when the projected area is 100%. When the contact area is less than 10%, the amount of lubricant supplied to the lubricated part is undesirably reduced. On the other hand, when the contact area exceeds 80%, the effect of suppressing the release of lubrication is small and the practicality is low.

  In addition, it is conceivable to devise a needle felt that holds the lubricant as a lubricant release suppressing means. Specifically, a synthetic resin fiber constituting the needle felt is manufactured by mixing a synthetic resin having a melting point lower than that of the synthetic resin fiber, preferably a fibrous material, and then the melting point of the low melting point synthetic resin or higher. In addition, only the low melting point synthetic resin is melted by heat treatment at a temperature lower than the melting point of the synthetic resin constituting the felt. As a result, it is possible to make the network structure consisting only of the synthetic resin fibers constituting the needle felt denser, improving the lubricant holding power, and suppressing the release of the lubricant. As an example of a combination of synthetic fibers constituting needle felt and synthetic resin (fiber) having a lower melting point, polypropylene fibers are used as synthetic fibers constituting needle felt, and low melting point synthetic fibers and polyethylene (fibers) are exemplified. it can. Further, the mixing amount of the low melting point synthetic resin is preferably 2 to 20 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the synthetic fiber constituting the needle felt. When the mixing amount is less than 2 parts by weight, the absolute amount is too small, and the lubricating retention is hardly improved, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the mixing amount exceeds 20 parts by weight, the lubricant retention is improved, but the retention amount of the lubricant is decreased and the heat resistance of the felt itself is decreased, which is not preferable.

  It is possible to combine the lubricant non-permeable film, lubricant non-permeable film, contact area specification, surface bake treatment, slit, and non-woven fabric listed above, and more effectively reduce the amount of lubricant released. it can.

( Linear guide device)
Next, a preferred embodiment of the linear guide equipment comprising a lubricant supply body shown in FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of such a linear guide device. A slider 2 having a substantially U-shaped cross section is straddled on a substantially square guide rail 30 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction. Yes. The guide rail 30 is formed with a first rolling groove 31A formed of an axially recessed groove having a substantially arc-shaped cross section at a ridge line portion where the upper surface 30a and both side surfaces 30b intersect, and the guide rail 30 A second rolling groove 31B having a substantially semicircular cross section is formed at an intermediate position between the both side surfaces 30b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14 as an exploded perspective view, the slider 2 has a lubricant supply body shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 outside the end caps 2B provided at both ends in the axial direction of the slider body 2A. 10 is attached together with the side seal 40. Therefore, in this linear guide device, lubrication can be maintained over a long period of time by the above-described action of the lubricant supply body 10.

Further, in order to improve the lubrication life, it is preferable to provide a lubricant supply body 22 (hereinafter referred to as “lubricant-containing polymer member”) made of a lubricant-containing polymer as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . . The planar shape of the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 is similar to that of the lubricant supply body 10 described above, and the inner surface of the U-shape matches the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 30 and the upper surface 30a of the guide rail 30. The outer surface 30b is in non-contact or at least partially slidable. The lubricant-containing polymer member 22 is formed with through holes 22a and 22b through which mounting screws pass when fixed to the slider body 2A, and through holes 22c for mounting grease nipples. Tubular sleeves 25A, 25B, and 25C are fitted into 22a, 22b, and 22c, and a grease nipple passes through the inside of the sleeve 25C. The outer diameters of the sleeves 25A and 25B are set larger than the through holes 40a and 40b of the side seal 40, whereby the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 is sandwiched between the side seal 40 and the lubricant supply body 10. When the mounting screws 43a and 43b are tightened, the pressing force is not applied to the lubricant-containing polymer member 22, and the self-shrinking action of the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 is prevented from being hindered.

  The lubricant-containing polymer member 22 has basically the same chemical structure such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polymethylpentene, etc., as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-25933 by the present applicant, for example. For polyolefin resin, paraffinic hydrocarbon oil such as poly α-olefin oil, naphthenic hydrocarbon oil, mineral oil, ether oil such as dialkyldiphenyl ether oil, ester oil such as phthalate, etc. Alternatively, a raw material prepared by mixing in the form of a mixed oil and formed into a predetermined shape by injection molding or the like can be used.

  Further, as the lubricant-containing polymer member 22, a lubricant-containing polymer containing, as resin components, the following polyamide-based elastomer and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene which are also described in a prior application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-38928) by the present applicant. However, since it has the advantage that it is excellent in injection moldability, it can be used conveniently. The polyamide-based elastomer has a basic structure represented by the following general formula (I), and includes a polyamide 12 structure (part A in the formula) that is a crystalline hard component and a polyether structure that is a soft component ( Part C) in the formula is included in the skeleton. The hard component may be a polyamide 11 structure.

  The hardness of such a polyamide-based elastomer is the length of the polyether structure (the value of n in the formula) and the ratio of the hard component to the soft component (ratio of the values of a and b in the formula). The hardness decreases as the soft component increases. Among the polyamide-based elastomers having a polyamide 12 structure as a hard component, those having a hardness (Shore hardness D) of 40 to 65 are commercially available. The lower the hardness is, the more lubricant can be retained. However, since the lubricant is softened by containing the lubricant, among them, those having a hardness of 45 to 62 are preferable.

  Part B of the polyamide-based elastomer is a part formed by reaction of a dicarboxylic acid component (part D) and a diamine component (part E) containing a polyether structure (part C). Examples of the starting material include dicarboxylic acids having a total carbon number of 4 to 36. Specifically, aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, alicyclic dicarboxylic acids such as 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and decalindicarboxylic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, and azelain Aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as acid, sebacic acid, suberic acid, dodecanedioic acid and undecanedioic acid can be used. In addition, a mixture of dimerized fatty acids with 36 carbon atoms (trade name: EMPOL Dimer and Trimer Acids) manufactured by Unilever, the Netherlands, and the following chemical formula (II) In addition, dicarboxylic acid commercially available under the trade name “Diacid 1550” from Westvaco, USA can also be used.

  Moreover, as a diamine which is also a starting material, a diamine represented by the following general formula (III) is given as a representative example, and preferably has 3 to 30 ether bonds (oxygen) in the structure. . That is, the value of k in the formula is preferably 2 to 4, and the value of j is preferably 3 to 30.

  In addition, bis- (3-aminopropyl) -polytetrahydrofuran represented by the following chemical formula (IV) can also be used as a starting material for the diamine component. In the formula, the value of p is preferably 2 to 30.

  Other examples of the polyamide-based elastomer that can be used in the present invention include those represented by the following chemical formula (V).

  The polyamide-based elastomer represented by the chemical formula (V) also has a polyamide 12 structure that is a crystalline hard component and a polyether structure that is a soft component (part F in the formula (V)) in the skeleton. Yes. Part F is a part derived from polyether diol, which is a starting material for polyamide-based elastomers. The part G in the formula is also a part derived from dodecanedioic acid, and plays a role of connecting the soft component and the hard component.

  The part F and the part G can have other structures. For example, the number of carbon atoms of the portion F derived from the polyether diol is not limited to 4, and other integers are possible. Further, the portion G may be the above-mentioned dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 36 carbon atoms instead of dodecanedioic acid.

The ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene used in combination with the polyamide elastomer preferably has an average molecular weight of about 1 × 10 ^{6 to} 5 × 10 ⁶ . This ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is a component for improving the melt moldability when making a lubricant-containing polymer member, and when the molecular weight is less than 1 × 10 ⁶ , the melt viscosity becomes too low and exceeds 5 × 10 ^6. The melt viscosity becomes too high and is not suitable for improving melt moldability.

  The polyamide elastomer is mixed in a proportion of 75 to 95% by weight and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene of 25 to 5% by weight. If the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is less than 5% by weight, it is unsuitable for melt molding, and if it exceeds 25% by weight, the heat resistance becomes insufficient.

On the other hand, as the lubricant, a first lubricating oil having high compatibility with the polyamide-based elastomer and a second lubricating oil having low compatibility are used. The term “highly compatible” as used herein refers to a lubricating oil having a compatibilization rate (S: unit%) defined below of 95% or more and 100% or less, and “low compatibility” is the same as the compatibilization rate. “Low compatibility A” in which S is 50% or more and less than 95%, “Low compatibility B” in which compatibility S is 25% or more and less than 50%, and “Low phase in which compatibility S is 0% or more and less than 25% Lubricating oil classified as “soluble C”.
<Compatibilization rate>
The polyamide-based elastomer and the lubricating oil are mixed at a weight ratio of 1: 1 above the melting point of the polyamide-based elastomer, and then cooled to room temperature and solidified. Then, the weight of the lubricating oil remaining outside without being contained in the polyamide-based elastomer is determined. Then, the value is divided by the weight of the originally used lubricating oil, and the ratio (%) of the lubricating oil contained in the polyamide-based elastomer of the originally used lubricating oil is determined as the compatibilization rate S.

  Examples of the first lubricating oil include polyphenyl ether oils such as tetraphenyl ether and pentaphenyl ether represented by the following chemical formula (VI), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, and ditridecyl phthalate. A phthalic acid ester etc. can be mentioned. These can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. Moreover, the grease which uses these as base oil is also contained as a 1st lubricant.

  On the other hand, examples of the lubricating oil classified as low compatibility A which is the second lubricating oil include monoalkyl tetraphenyl ether, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, diisodecyl adipate, di-2-ethylhexyl azelate, and the like. Can do.

  Examples of the lubricating oil classified as low compatibility B include dialkyl tetraphenyl ether, tri-2-ethylhexyl trimellitate and the like.

  Examples of the lubricating oil classified as low compatibility C include mineral oil, poly α-olefin oil, eicosyl naphthalene, octadecyl diphenyl ether, and the like.

  The above-mentioned low-compatible A to C lubricating oils may be used singly or in combination of two or more. Moreover, the grease which uses these lubricating oils as base oil is also contained as a 2nd lubricant. The total amount of the second lubricant is 25% by weight or less in total with the first lubricant.

  The content of the lubricant (total of the first lubricant and the second lubricant) in the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 is 30 to 80% by weight, particularly 40 to 70%, considering lubricity and mechanical strength. It is preferable to set the weight%.

  In addition, the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 may be added with additives such as known antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, additives for preventing deterioration, reinforcing materials, solid lubricants, and the like.

  In order to obtain the lubricant-containing polymer member 22, for example, a first lubricant and a second lubricant are added to a mixture of a pellet-type or powder-like polyamide elastomer and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in a container. In addition, they are mixed at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the polyamide-based elastomer and uniformly mixed. Then, the mixture in a dissolved state is poured into a mold having a desired shape and solidified by cooling. Alternatively, the mixture may be injection molded.

  The lubricant-containing polymer member 22 mentioned above has a feature that the encapsulated lubricant gradually oozes from the surface. Therefore, by providing the lubricant supply body 10 and the lubricant-containing polymer member 22 together, even when all of the absorbed oil in the lubricant holding layer 16 of the lubricant supply body 10 is released, this lubricant content is contained. Since lubrication is continued by the lubricant from the polymer member 22, the reliability of the linear guide device is further improved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , a replenishment unit 50 may be provided in place of the lubricant-containing polymer member 22. As shown in FIG. 16 , the replenishment unit 50 has a substantially similar shape to the lubricant holding layer 16 on one surface of the outer layer 55 having the same planar shape as the lubricant supply body 10 shown in FIG. A recess 57 is formed, and the recess 57 is filled with grease 56. In addition, a replenishment hole 58 communicating with the recess 57 is provided at an appropriate position of the outer shell layer 55 so that the grease 56 can be replenished. Further, mounting through holes 52 a and 52 b for mounting on the end cap 2 B and the side seal 40 of the slider body 2 A are provided coaxially with the mounting through holes 12 of the lubricant supply body 10. Further, the outer layer 55 can be formed of the same material as the outer layer 15 of the lubricant supplier 10, but by forming it with a transparent material (polysulfone, polymethylpentene, transparent nylon, etc.), the grease 56 remains. Is preferable because it is easy to confirm.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the replenishment unit 50 is mounted on the slider body 2A by being sandwiched by the side seal 40 with the surface filled with the grease 56 facing the lubricant holding layer 16 of the lubricant supply body 10. Is done. Accordingly, the recess 57 of the replenishment unit 50 and the lubricant holding layer 16 of the lubricant supply body 10 are fixed in contact with each other, and the grease 56 filled in the replenishment unit 50 or the base oil in the grease is used as the lubricant supply body. 10 of the lubricant holding layer 16 is absorbed.

  By providing the replenishment unit 50 in this manner, the lubricant supply period becomes longer and a long-life linear guide device can be obtained as in the case where the lubricant-containing polymer 22 is also provided.

  The grease 56 filled in the replenishing unit 50 may be the same as the grease absorbed in the lubricant holding layer 16 of the lubricant supply body 10, but the grease having a higher miscibility has higher oil separation and linearity. Grease or lubricating oil easily moves to the lubricant holding layer 16 due to the centrifugal force accompanying the movement of the guide device. Preferable consistency is 310 to 475 (No. 1 to 000 in consistency number), more preferably 355 to 475 (No. 0 to 000 in consistency number).

Example 1
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lubricant holding layer 16 made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 5 mm) is prepared, and the surface on the lubricant holding layer side is EVA hot melt adhesive. Adhering to the outer layer 15 using a lubricant non-permeable film 20b in the form of a double-sided tape (base material made of non-woven cloth in the middle) whose surface on the outer layer side is an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the other surface ( A lubricant non-permeable membrane 20a made of a polyethylene terephthalate film was attached to the upper surface) via an acrylic adhesive. The lubricant retaining layer 16 protrudes from the end surface of the outer layer 15 so that the contact area with the guide rail is 100%. Then, the lubricant holding layer 16 mineral oil - lithium soap grease is taken in a proportion of 75 mass% (penetration 400, 150 mm ² / s at the base oil kinematic viscosity 40 ° C.), and the test specimen of Example 1.

(Example 2)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first lubricant holding layer piece 16c made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 2.5 mm each), and a second lubricant holding layer piece 16d was joined to form a lubricant holding layer. At that time, the first lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the second lubricant holding layer piece 16d have the same thickness so that the second lubricant holding layer piece 16d is in contact with the guide rail (contact area). 50%). Otherwise, the test body of Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

(Example 3)
As shown in FIG. 6 , a lubricant holding layer 16 made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 5 mm) is produced, and further its upper surface 21a, surface 21b in contact with the outer layer 15, and guide rail The surface 21c in contact with the surface was subjected to a hair baking treatment, and the others were made into test specimens in the same manner as in Example 1. The surface 21b in contact with the upper surface 21a and the outer layer 15 has a porosity of 20%, and the surface 21c in contact with the guide rail has a porosity of 30%.

Example 4
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a lubricant holding layer 16 made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 5 mm) is prepared, and an upper surface 21 a and a surface 21 b in contact with the outer layer 15 are formed. The surface was burned, a slit 19 having a depth of 3 mm was formed, and a polyethylene terephthalate film 20 was inserted. The upper surface 21a and the surface 21b in contact with the outer layer 15 have a porosity of 20%.

(Example 5)
As shown in FIG. 11 , between the first lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the second lubricant holding layer piece 16d made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 2.3 mm each). Nonwoven fabric sheet 35 (bonding nylon, rayon, polyclar by chemical bond method (using acrylic resin), thickness 0.09 mm) is interposed between the upper surface of the first lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the second lubricant. Lubricant non-permeable films 20a and 20b (polytetrafluoroethylene film, thickness 0.18 mm) are adhered to the surface of the holding layer piece 16d that is in contact with the outer layer 15, and the others are the same as in Example 1. It was. The second lubricant holding layer piece 16d is configured to contact the guide rail (contact rate 50%).

(Example 6)
As shown in FIG. 12 , a first lubricant holding layer piece 16c made of polypropylene felt (yarn diameter 20 μm, porosity 72%, thickness 3.5 mm each) and non-woven fabric (polypropylene and polyethylene in a dry thermal bond method) And a second lubricant holding layer piece 36 having a thickness of 1.1 mm), and the upper surface of the first lubricant holding layer piece 16c and the outer layer of the second lubricant holding layer piece 36. A lubricant non-permeable film 20a, 20b (polytetrafluoroethylene film, thickness: 0.18 mm) was adhered to the surface in contact with 15, and the other specimens were used in the same manner as in Example 1. The second lubricant holding layer piece 36 is configured to contact the guide rail (contact rate 22%).

(Comparative Example 1)
A test body of Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the lubricant non-permeable membranes 20a and 20b were not attached.

(Comparative Example 2)
A test body of Comparative Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as Comparative Example 1 except that the lubricant holding layer 16 was allowed to absorb mineral oil (base oil kinematic viscosity of 150 mm ² / s at 40 ° C.).

  Each test body of the above-mentioned examples or comparative examples is attached to a linear guide device (“LH30” manufactured by NSK Ltd .; see FIG. 5), and the average feed amount is 28.4 m / min at an atmospheric temperature of 60 ° C. The operation was performed at a maximum of 32 m / min and a stroke of 800 mm, and the weight of the lubricant holding layer 16 was measured every predetermined time, and the amount of the lubricant (grease or mineral oil) exuded was determined from the weight difference from the initial weight.

The results are shown in FIG. 17 , and it can be seen that by using grease as the contained lubricant and providing the lubricant release suppression means, the amount of lubricant exudation is suppressed and the lubrication can be maintained for a long time. Moreover, it can be seen from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 2 that the lubrication life is further extended by reducing the contact area with the guide rail. Further, it is more effective to perform surface hair burning treatment or to form slits as in the third and fourth embodiments, and particularly, to the surface in contact with the guide rail as in the third embodiment. It can be said that the treatment can effectively delay the seepage of grease and is effective. In addition, it is also effective to interpose the nonwoven fabric sort as in Example 5 and Example 6 or to make the lubricant holding layer piece in contact with the guide rail made of nonwoven fabric. By using the lubricant holding layer piece, it is possible to delay the seepage of the grease most.

It is a top view which shows the lubricant supply body used for the linear guide apparatus of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is a top view which shows the other example of a lubrication agent supply body. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which assembled | attached the lubricant supply body to the linear guide apparatus. It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a surface singeing treatment as a lubricant release suppression means. It is a top view which shows an example of the slit as a lubrication agent release suppression means . It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. An example of fitting the lubricant nontransparent film to slit as a lubricant release suppression means is shown to plan view. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure provided with the nonwoven fabric sheet and lubricant non-permeable film as a lubricant release suppression means . It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure provided with the non-woven fabric lubricant holding layer piece and lubricant non-permeable film as a lubricant release control means . It is a perspective view which shows the linear guide apparatus which concerns on this invention . It is an exploded oblique view showing the configuration of an end portion of the slider of the linear guide device shown in FIG. 13. It is an exploded perspective view shows the configuration of the end portion of the slider of the linear guide apparatus provided with the supply unit. It is the top view (A) and AA arrow sectional drawing (B) of the replenishment unit shown in FIG. Ru graph der showing temporal changes of the lubricant amount of seeped Examples and Comparative Examples.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lubricant supply body 15 Outer layer 16 Lubricant holding layer 16c, 16d Lubricant holding layer piece 17 Convex part 18 Supply hole 19 Slit 20a 1st lubricant non-permeable film 20b 2nd lubricant non-permeable film 20c Lubricant non-transparent film 22 lubricant-containing polymer member 30 guide rail 40 side seal 50 supply unit 56 grease

Claims (11)

In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed close to a side seal of a slider ,
The lubricant supplier comprises an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of polyethylene fiber or polypropylene fiber having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, and mineral oil or poly α-olefin as a base oil, a metal soap or urea compound as a thickener, worked penetration (JIS K2220) is Ri laminate structure der comprising a lubricant retaining layer ing grease to absorb the 355-430, and lubricant release suppression means A linear guide device comprising: In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed close to a side seal of a slider ,
The lubricant supplier comprises an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of polyamide fiber or polyester fiber having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, and ester oil or polyphenyl ether oil as a base oil. A laminated structure comprising a lubricant holding layer formed by absorbing a grease having a metal soap or urea compound as a thickener and having a blending degree (JIS K2220) of 355 to 430, and comprising means for suppressing lubricant release linear guide device, characterized in that it comprises. In a linear guide device including a lubricant supply body disposed close to a side seal of a slider ,
The lubricant supply body includes an outer layer made of metal or resin, a needle felt made of fluorine fibers having a diameter of 5 to 40 μm and a porosity of 60 to 85%, fluorine oil as a base oil, and PTFE as a thickener. A linear guide device characterized by being a laminated structure comprising a lubricant holding layer formed by absorbing grease having a blending degree (JIS K2220) of 355 to 430, and comprising a lubricant release inhibiting means . As the lubricant release suppression means, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lubricant nontransparent film is provided on at least a portion of the contact portion and Hise'蝕部amount of the lubricating portion of the lubricant holding layer - 4. The linear guide device according to any one of 3 above. As the lubricant release suppression means, any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least part of a surface of the contact portion and the non-contact portion of the lubricant holding layer is processed singeing linear guide device according to. The contact area with the said lubrication site | part of the said lubricant holding | maintenance layer is set smaller than the projection area to the said lubrication site | part as the said lubricant release suppression means, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. linear guide device according to. As the lubricant release controlling means, any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the slits extending to a predetermined depth from at least a portion on the surface of the non-contact portion of the lubricant holding layer is formed The linear guide device according to item . As the lubricant release suppressing means, the lubricant holding layer is divided into at least two parts, at least one of the divided lubricant holding layer pieces is not in contact with the lubricating part, and at least one part is in the lubricating part. linear guide device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in a Turkey in contact. As the lubricant release suppressing means, the lubricant holding layer is divided into at least two parts, at least one of the divided lubricant holding layer pieces is not in contact with the lubricating part, and at least one part is in the lubricating part. A sheet made of a non-woven fabric in which fibers are bonded or fused to each other between a lubricant holding layer piece that is in contact with the lubricating part and a lubricant holding layer piece that is not in contact with the lubricating part is interposed. linear guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is. As the lubricant release suppressing means, the lubricant holding layer is divided into at least two parts, at least one of the divided lubricant holding layer pieces is not in contact with the lubricating part, and at least one part is in the lubricating part. A non-contact lubricant holding layer piece is formed with needle felt at the lubrication site while being in contact, and a lubricant holding layer piece in contact with the lubrication site is formed with a nonwoven fabric in which fibers are bonded or fused together. linear guide device according to any one of TsumeMotomeko 1-3, characterized in Kotokoto that is has been. Claims wherein the lubricant nontransparent film, film made by melting the surface layer of needle felt, characterized in that it is a film formed by attaching a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface of the film or a synthetic resin film comprising a hot melt adhesive 4. The linear guide device according to 4 .

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