JP4556830B2 - Rolling body accommodation belt for linear motion guide device and linear motion guide device - Google Patents

Rolling body accommodation belt for linear motion guide device and linear motion guide device Download PDF

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JP4556830B2
JP4556830B2 JP2005289228A JP2005289228A JP4556830B2 JP 4556830 B2 JP4556830 B2 JP 4556830B2 JP 2005289228 A JP2005289228 A JP 2005289228A JP 2005289228 A JP2005289228 A JP 2005289228A JP 4556830 B2 JP4556830 B2 JP 4556830B2
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rolling element
connecting arm
circulation path
belt
rolling
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JP2007100757A (en
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淳 松本
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NSK Ltd
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NSK Ltd
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16CSHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C29/00Bearings for parts moving only linearly
    • F16C29/04Ball or roller bearings
    • F16C29/06Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load
    • F16C29/0633Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides
    • F16C29/0635Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end
    • F16C29/0638Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end with balls
    • F16C29/0642Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end with balls with four rows of balls
    • F16C29/0647Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end with balls with four rows of balls with load directions in X-arrangement
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16CSHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/38Ball cages
    • F16C33/3825Ball cages formed as a flexible belt, e.g. spacers connected by a thin film

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bearings For Parts Moving Linearly (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)

Description

本発明は、直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルトおよび直動案内装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device and a linear motion guide device.

直動案内装置は、無限循環路内を転動しつつ循環する複数の転動体を介してスライダを案内レールに対して相対移動させている。しかし、直動案内装置では、スライダが案内レールに対して相対移動すると、各転動体は同一方向へ回転しつつ移動するため、隣合う転動体同士が擦れ合って転動体の円滑な転動が妨げられる。そのため、騒音が大きくなり、転動体の摩耗の進行も早くなる。そこで、従来から、騒音の発生を抑制し、円滑に直動案内装置を作動させるために、転動体を無限循環路内の並び方向で整列させる転動体収容ベルトが提案されている(例えば特許文献1〜3参照)。   The linear motion guide device moves the slider relative to the guide rail via a plurality of rolling elements that circulate while rolling in an infinite circulation path. However, in the linear motion guide device, when the slider moves relative to the guide rail, each rolling element moves while rotating in the same direction, so that adjacent rolling elements rub against each other and smooth rolling of the rolling elements occurs. Be disturbed. Therefore, noise increases and the progress of wear of the rolling elements is accelerated. Therefore, conventionally, in order to suppress the generation of noise and smoothly operate the linear motion guide device, a rolling element housing belt has been proposed in which the rolling elements are aligned in the alignment direction in the infinite circulation path (for example, Patent Documents). 1-3).

例えば、特許文献1に記載の技術では、隣合う転動体同士の間に介在する間座部と、その間座部を相互に連結する連結腕部とを備えており、有端状に形成された転動体収容ベルトが開示されている。この転動体収容ベルトの連結腕部は、無限循環路の幅方向の両側で間座部をそれぞれ連結することで一対をなしており、無限循環路の幅方向で対称に形成されている。そして、それぞれの連結腕部が間座部の外周面よりも外側に張り出して形成されている。さらに、無限循環路内には、転動体の並び方向に連続する案内溝が無限循環路の幅方向の両側に形成されており、この案内溝に連結腕部が案内されるようになっている。このような構成により、この転動体収容ベルトは、転動体を無限循環路内の並び方向で整列させつつ、その連結腕部が案内溝に沿って案内されて、転動体と共に無限循環路内を円滑に循環することを意図している。
特許第3243415号公報 特開2002−122136号公報 特開平10−318257号公報
For example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 includes a spacer portion interposed between adjacent rolling elements and a connecting arm portion that connects the spacer portions to each other, and is formed in an end shape. A rolling element containing belt is disclosed. The connecting arm portions of the rolling element housing belt are paired by connecting spacers on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circuit, and are formed symmetrically in the width direction of the endless circuit. And each connection arm part is projected and formed outside the outer peripheral surface of the spacer part. Further, in the endless circuit, guide grooves that are continuous in the direction in which the rolling elements are arranged are formed on both sides in the width direction of the endless circuit, and the connecting arm portion is guided in the guide grooves. . With such a configuration, this rolling element housing belt is arranged in the endless circulation path together with the rolling elements, with the connecting arm portion being guided along the guide groove while aligning the rolling elements in the alignment direction in the endless circulation path. It is intended to circulate smoothly.
Japanese Patent No. 3243415 JP 2002-122136 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-318257

しかしながら、この種の直動案内装置では、その製造を容易にするために、無限循環路は、複数の無限循環路構成路を組み合わせて構成されるのが普通である。そのため、組み合わされた無限循環路構成路相互の連結部において、僅かな段差が案内溝に生じることを避けることは困難である。
例えば上記特許文献1に記載の技術では、スライダは、スライダ本体と、そのスライダ本体に配設されてスライダ本体とともに移動するエンドキャップとから構成されている。そして、スライダ本体には、案内レールに形成された転動体案内面に対向して転動体案内面とともに転動体軌道路を構成する負荷転動体案内面が形成される。また、エンドキャップには、前記転動体軌道路に連なるように方向転換路が形成される。さらに、スライダ本体には、その方向転換路に連通する転動体戻し通路が形成され、転動体軌道路、方向転換路、および転動体戻し通路が無限循環路構成路になっている。つまり、これらの無限循環路構成路が循環可能に連通して一の無限循環路を構成している。そのため、エンドキャップとスライダ本体との連結部、つまり方向転換路と転動体軌道路とが繋がる部分には、無限循環路内の案内溝に上述のような段差が存在し得る。そのため、この段差に転動体収容ベルトが差し掛かると、有端状に形成された上記一対の連結腕部の端部は、この案内溝の段差に引っ掛かりが生じる。特にこの例では、一対の連結腕部は、無限循環路の幅方向で対称になっている。そのため、端部での一対の連結腕部は、それぞれがほぼ同時に案内溝の段差に進入する。したがって、無限循環路内での転動体収容ベルトの円滑な循環が阻害され易く、スライダの円滑な運動が妨げられることになる。
However, in this type of linear motion guide device, in order to facilitate manufacture, the infinite circulation path is usually configured by combining a plurality of infinite circulation path constituent paths. For this reason, it is difficult to avoid a slight step in the guide groove at the connecting portion of the combined infinite circulation path constituting paths.
For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the slider includes a slider body and an end cap that is disposed on the slider body and moves together with the slider body. The slider body is formed with a load rolling element guide surface that constitutes a rolling element track along with the rolling element guide surface, facing the rolling element guide surface formed on the guide rail. Further, a direction changing path is formed in the end cap so as to be continuous with the rolling element raceway. Further, a rolling element return passage communicating with the direction changing path is formed in the slider body, and the rolling element raceway, the direction changing path, and the rolling element return path are infinite circulation path constituting paths. In other words, these endless circulation path com- munications communicate with each other so as to circulate to form one infinite circulation path. For this reason, there may be a step as described above in the guide groove in the endless circulation path at the connecting portion between the end cap and the slider body, that is, the portion where the direction change path and the rolling element raceway are connected. Therefore, when the rolling element housing belt reaches the step, the end portions of the pair of connecting arm portions formed in an end shape are caught in the step of the guide groove. Particularly in this example, the pair of connecting arms are symmetrical in the width direction of the infinite circulation path. Therefore, the pair of connecting arm portions at the end portions enter the step of the guide groove almost simultaneously. Therefore, the smooth circulation of the rolling element housing belt in the endless circulation path is easily hindered, and the smooth movement of the slider is hindered.

また、スペースの制約などによって、コンパクトなリニアガイドが必要とされる場合には、寸法上、無限循環路の全域に渡って案内溝を設けることができない場合がある。このときは、案内溝のない部分から段差のある部分に転動体収容ベルトの先端がさしかかる際に、転動体収容ベルトの引っ掛かりが生じやすい。
また、例えば特許文献2に記載の技術では、有端状の一対の連結腕部が、上記特許文献1同様に無限循環路の幅方向で対称に形成された転動体収容ベルトが開示されている。そして、この転動体収容ベルトでは、その端部に位置する連結腕部に単純な面取りを設けている。しかし、このような単純な面取りが連結腕部の端部になされていても、一対の連結腕部は無限循環路の幅方向で対称なため、ほぼ同時に案内溝の段差に進入することに変りはなく、案内溝の段差に引っ掛かり易い。
In addition, when a compact linear guide is required due to space restrictions or the like, the guide groove may not be provided over the entire area of the infinite circulation path due to dimensions. At this time, when the tip of the rolling element accommodation belt approaches the portion having a step from the portion without the guide groove, the rolling element accommodation belt is easily caught.
Further, for example, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, a rolling element housing belt is disclosed in which a pair of end-like connecting arm portions are formed symmetrically in the width direction of the infinite circulation path as in Patent Document 1. . And in this rolling-element accommodation belt, the simple chamfering is provided in the connection arm part located in the edge part. However, even if such simple chamfering is made at the end of the connecting arm portion, the pair of connecting arm portions are symmetrical in the width direction of the infinite circulation path, so that it changes into entering the step of the guide groove almost simultaneously. No, it is easy to get caught in the step of the guide groove.

また、例えば特許文献3に記載の技術では、有端状に形成され、一対の連結腕部の両端部に、相互に連結可能な係止構造を有する転動体収容ベルトが開示されている。そのため、この転動体収容ベルトによれば、無限循環路内で対向する両端部を相互に連結することができる。しかし、この例においても、有端状の一対の連結腕部は、上記各特許文献同様に無限循環路の幅方向で対称に形成されている。したがって、一対の連結腕部はほぼ同時に案内溝の段差に進入するため、やはり、案内溝の段差に引っ掛かり易い。
そこで、本発明は、このような問題点に着目してなされたものであって、無限循環路内の案内溝に段差があっても、その段差への連結腕部の引っ掛かりを緩和し得る直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルトおよび直動案内装置を提供することを目的としている。
Further, for example, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, a rolling element housing belt that is formed in an end shape and has a locking structure that can be connected to each other at both ends of a pair of connecting arm portions is disclosed. Therefore, according to this rolling element accommodation belt, the both ends which oppose in an infinite circuit can be connected mutually. However, also in this example, the pair of end-like connecting arm portions are formed symmetrically in the width direction of the infinite circulation path as in the above-mentioned patent documents. Accordingly, since the pair of connecting arm portions enter the step of the guide groove almost simultaneously, it is easy to be caught by the step of the guide groove.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and even if there is a step in the guide groove in the endless circuit, it is possible to alleviate the hooking of the connecting arm portion to the step. An object of the present invention is to provide a rolling element housing belt for a motion guide device and a linear motion guide device.

上記課題を解決するために、請求項1に記載の発明は、複数の転動体が転動しつつ循環する無限循環路を備え、該無限循環路内に前記転動体の並び方向に延びる案内溝を有する直動案内装置に用いられ、隣合う転動体同士の間に介在する間座部と、前記無限循環路の幅方向の両側で前記間座部を相互に連結するとともに、前記間座部の端面よりも外側に張り出して前記案内溝に案内される一対の連結腕部とを備え、前記転動体を前記無限循環路内の並び方向で整列させる転動体収容ベルトであって、前記一対の連結腕部は、前記並び方向に端部を有しており、それら一対の連結腕部の端部同士は、該端部同士が相対向する側に向けて前記並び方向に前後して形成されるとともに、該端部同士の間に転動体が介装されるようになっており、さらに、該端部同士の間に介装される転動体に倣う凹曲面をそれぞれ有し、該凹曲面は、転動体の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する連結腕部同士が組み合わされることによって、該端部同士の間に介装される転動体を拘束可能になっていることを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with an infinite circulation path in which a plurality of rolling elements circulate while rolling, and the guide grooves extending in the direction in which the rolling elements are arranged in the infinite circulation path. And a spacer between the adjacent rolling elements and the spacer on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circuit, and the spacer. And a pair of connecting arm portions projecting outward from the end face of the guide member and guided by the guide groove, the rolling element containing belts aligning the rolling elements in the arrangement direction in the endless circulation path, The connecting arm portion has an end portion in the arrangement direction, and the end portions of the pair of connecting arm portions are formed back and forth in the arrangement direction toward the side where the end portions face each other. In addition, a rolling element is interposed between the end portions. , Each having a concave curved surface that follows the rolling elements interposed between the end portions, and the concave curved surfaces are formed by combining the connecting arm portions whose end portions face each other in the arrangement direction of the rolling elements. The rolling elements interposed between the end portions can be restrained .

また、請求項2に記載の発明は、直動案内装置であって、請求項1に記載の直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルトを備えていることを特徴としている。 The invention according to claim 2 is a linear motion guide device, characterized in that it comprises the rolling element housing belt for linear motion guide device according to claim 1 .

本発明によれば、端部を有する一対の連結腕部は、それら一対の連結腕部の少なくとも一端側では、それら端部位置が無限循環路内での転動体の並び方向に前後して形成されている。そのため、無限循環路内の案内溝の段差に当該端部が進入するに際し、端部での一対の連結腕部を、片側ずつタイミングをずらして段差に進入させることができる。したがって、案内溝の段差への連結腕部の引っ掛かりを緩和することができる。   According to the present invention, the pair of connecting arm portions having end portions are formed so that the end portion positions in the endless circulation path are arranged back and forth on at least one end side of the pair of connecting arm portions. Has been. Therefore, when the end portion enters the step of the guide groove in the endless circulation path, the pair of connecting arm portions at the end portion can enter the step by shifting one side at a time. Therefore, the hook of the connecting arm part to the step of the guide groove can be alleviated.

以下、本発明に係る直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルト及びその転動体収容ベルトを備えた直動案内装置の一実施形態について図面を適宜参照しつつ説明する。
図1は、本発明に係る転動体収容ベルトを備えた直動案内装置の一実施形態のリニアガイドを示す斜視図である。また、図2(a)は、図1のリニアガイドのエンドキャップを取り外した正面図、図3は、図2(a)のリニアガイドでのX−X線部分における断面図である。
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guiding device according to the invention and a linear motion guiding device including the rolling element housing belt will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide of one embodiment of a linear guide device provided with a rolling element housing belt according to the present invention. 2A is a front view with the end cap of the linear guide shown in FIG. 1 removed, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of the linear guide shown in FIG.

図1および図2(a)に示すように、このリニアガイド10は、転動体案内面14を有する案内レール12と、その案内レール12に対して相対移動可能に案内レール12上に跨設されるスライダ16とを備えている。
案内レール12は、ほぼ角形の断面形状を有し、その両側面にそれぞれ2条づつ計4条の転動体案内面14が、その長手方向に沿って直線状に形成されている。
スライダ16は、図1に示すように、スライダ本体17と、スライダ本体17の軸方向両端にそれぞれ装着されたエンドキャップ22とを備えて構成されている。スライダ本体17およびエンドキャップ22の軸方向に連続した形状は、ともに略コ字形の断面形状である。
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the linear guide 10 is provided on a guide rail 12 having a rolling element guide surface 14 and straddling the guide rail 12 so as to be relatively movable with respect to the guide rail 12. The slider 16 is provided.
The guide rail 12 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape, and a total of four rolling element guide surfaces 14 are formed on each side of the guide rail 12 along the longitudinal direction.
As shown in FIG. 1, the slider 16 includes a slider body 17 and end caps 22 attached to both ends of the slider body 17 in the axial direction. The shape of the slider body 17 and the end cap 22 that are continuous in the axial direction is a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

スライダ本体17には、図2(a)に示すように、その略コ字形をした両袖部の内側に、案内レール12の各転動体案内面14にそれぞれ対向する断面ほぼ半円形の負荷転動体案内面18が計4条形成されている。また、エンドキャップ22には、図3に示すように、その負荷転動体案内面18の両端にそれぞれ連なる一対の方向転換路24が内部に形成されている。さらに、図2(a)および図3に示すように、スライダ本体17には、その一対の方向転換路24に連通して、負荷転動体案内面18に平行で断面円形の貫通孔からなる転動体戻し通路20が袖部の内部に形成されている。   As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the slider body 17 has a substantially semicircular cross section facing the respective rolling element guide surfaces 14 of the guide rail 12 inside the substantially U-shaped sleeves. A total of four moving body guide surfaces 18 are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the end cap 22 is formed with a pair of direction change paths 24 respectively connected to both ends of the load rolling element guide surface 18. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the slider body 17 communicates with the pair of direction change paths 24 and is formed of a rolling hole having a circular cross section parallel to the load rolling element guide surface 18. A moving body return passage 20 is formed inside the sleeve portion.

そして、図3に示すように、案内レール12の転動体案内面14と、これに対向するスライダ本体17の負荷転動体案内面18との間に挟まれた空間が転動体軌道路26をなしている。そして、一対の方向転換路24、転動体戻し通路20、および、転動体軌道路26が無限循環路構成路になっている。そして、これら無限循環路構成路によって環状に連続する無限循環路28が計4本構成されている。
さらに、同図に示すように、各無限循環路28内には、転動体としてのボール46が複数装填されている。そして、各無限循環路28内の複数のボール46は、転動体収容ベルト50によって転動体収容ベルト50とともに転動体列62を構成している。
As shown in FIG. 3, a space sandwiched between the rolling element guide surface 14 of the guide rail 12 and the load rolling element guide surface 18 of the slider body 17 facing the rolling member guide path 12 forms a rolling element track 26. ing. And a pair of direction change path 24, rolling-element return channel | path 20, and rolling-element track path 26 are the infinite circulation path structure path. A total of four infinite circulation paths 28 that are annularly continuous are formed by these infinite circulation path constituting paths.
Further, as shown in the figure, each infinite circulation path 28 is loaded with a plurality of balls 46 as rolling elements. The plurality of balls 46 in each endless circulation path 28 constitute a rolling element row 62 together with the rolling element accommodation belt 50 by the rolling element accommodation belt 50.

転動体収容ベルト50は、無限循環路28内で隣り合うボール46同士の間に介装される間座部51と、間座部51同士を無限循環路28の幅方向の両側で連結するベルト状の一対の連結腕部52とを備えて構成されている。そして、転動体収容ベルト50は、間座部51および連結腕部52で画成された空間が複数の転動体収容部になっており、その転動体収容部にボール46を所定の間隔で個別に収容して無限循環路28内での並び方向で整列させて転動体列62を構成可能になっている。なお、転動体収容ベルト50は、図2(a)に示すように、無限循環路28内で幅方向に張り出す連結腕部52が、スライダ16内の無限循環路28内に形成された案内溝60に、無限循環路28の幅方向の両側で案内されている。なお、転動体収容ベルト50は、方向転換路24の内部では、連結腕部52が弾性変形し、転動体列62全体が回動しつつ移動する。そのため、この連結腕部52の変形範囲に合わせた曲率を考慮して方向転換路24内では、案内溝60の溝幅を拡幅させている。   The rolling element housing belt 50 is a belt that connects the spacers 51 interposed between the adjacent balls 46 in the endless circulation path 28 and the spacers 51 on both sides in the width direction of the endless circulation path 28. And a pair of connecting arm portions 52. In the rolling element accommodation belt 50, the space defined by the spacer 51 and the connecting arm portion 52 is a plurality of rolling element accommodation portions, and balls 46 are individually placed at predetermined intervals in the rolling element accommodation portion. The rolling element row 62 can be configured by being housed in the infinite circulation path 28 and aligned in the direction of arrangement in the endless circulation path 28. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the rolling element containing belt 50 has a guiding arm formed in the endless circulation path 28 in the slider 16 with a connecting arm portion 52 projecting in the width direction in the endless circulation path 28. The groove 60 is guided on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circulation path 28. The rolling element housing belt 50 moves while the connecting arm portion 52 is elastically deformed inside the direction changing path 24 and the entire rolling element row 62 is rotated. For this reason, the groove width of the guide groove 60 is increased in the direction change path 24 in consideration of the curvature according to the deformation range of the connecting arm portion 52.

次に、上記転動体収容ベルト50についてより詳しく説明する。
図4および図5は、転動体収容ベルト50を説明する図であり、図4(a)は、転動体収容ベルト50を展開した状態で示す平面図、同図(b)はその正面図である。また、図5は、転動体収容ベルト50の両端部が無限循環路内で相対向している状態を示す説明図であり、同図では転動体収容ベルト50の相対向する両端部を拡大して示している。
Next, the rolling element accommodation belt 50 will be described in more detail.
4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the rolling element housing belt 50. FIG. 4 (a) is a plan view showing the rolling element housing belt 50 in a developed state, and FIG. 4 (b) is a front view thereof. is there. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which both ends of the rolling element housing belt 50 are opposed to each other in the endless circulation path. In FIG. 5, both opposite ends of the rolling element housing belt 50 are enlarged. It shows.

この転動体収容ベルト50は、図4(a)および(b)に示すように、有端状に形成されており、可撓性をもつ合成樹脂材料から射出成形によって、上記間座部51および連結腕部52が一体に成形されている。
一対の連結腕部52は、薄肉で長尺のベルト形状の部材であり、ボール46を収容するための円形のボール収容穴55が、長手方向に並んで形成されている。そして、このボール収容穴55は、その内径寸法が、ボール46の外径より僅かに大きな径をもって形成されている。
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rolling element housing belt 50 is formed in an end shape, and the spacer 51 and the spacer 51 are formed by injection molding from a flexible synthetic resin material. The connecting arm portion 52 is formed integrally.
The pair of connecting arm portions 52 are thin and long belt-shaped members, and circular ball accommodating holes 55 for accommodating the balls 46 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The ball receiving hole 55 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ball 46.

間座部51は、図5に示すように、ボール46の外径より小さい外径を有する短円柱状の部材である。間座部51は、隣合うボール46の曲面に倣う球面状の凹曲面51a,51bを、その短円柱状の両端面それぞれに、無限循環路28内でのボール46の並び方向に向けて有している。つまり、間座部51は、上記一対の連結腕部52に対し、ボール46の並び方向で各ボール収容穴55の両側にそれぞれ配置されて、ボール46の脱落を防止可能な距離を隔てて相対向して上記転動体収容部を構成する。   As shown in FIG. 5, the spacer portion 51 is a short columnar member having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the ball 46. The spacer 51 has spherical concave curved surfaces 51 a and 51 b that follow the curved surface of the adjacent ball 46, facing both ends of the short cylindrical shape in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged in the endless circulation path 28. is doing. That is, the spacer portion 51 is disposed on both sides of each ball receiving hole 55 in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged with respect to the pair of connecting arm portions 52, and is spaced apart by a distance that can prevent the balls 46 from falling off. The above-mentioned rolling element accommodation part is constituted.

ここで、この転動体収容ベルト50は、一対の連結腕部52は、ボール46の並び方向に端部を有しており、それら一対の連結腕部の両端は、各端部位置がボール46の並び方向に前後している。すなわち、同図に示すように、その有端状をなす両端部での一対の連結腕部52は、一方が他方よりボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出してそれぞれ形成されている。   Here, in this rolling element housing belt 50, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 have end portions in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged, and the end positions of the ends of the pair of connecting arm portions are the balls 46. It moves back and forth in the direction. That is, as shown in the figure, one end of the pair of connecting arm portions 52 at both ends forming the end shape protrudes toward the side where the ends are opposed to each other in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged. Each is formed.

より詳しくは、同図での左側の端部では、一方の連結腕部52Aは、凸の半円弧状に形成されている。また、他方の連結腕部52Bは、当該端部に位置するボール収容穴55と略同心の円弧で形成されており、その円弧の半径R1を、当該端部に位置する間座部51でのボール46の並び方向で外側を向く面51pに当該円弧がほぼ接する長さで形成している。そして、同図での右側の端部では、左側の端部同様に、一方の連結腕部52Aは、凸の半円弧状をなし、他方の連結腕部52Bは、当該端部に位置するボール収容穴55と略同心で、当該端部に位置する間座部51でのボール46の並び方向で外側を向く面51pにほぼ接する半径R1の円弧で形成している。   More specifically, at the left end portion in the drawing, one connecting arm portion 52A is formed in a convex semicircular arc shape. The other connecting arm portion 52B is formed by an arc substantially concentric with the ball receiving hole 55 located at the end portion, and the radius R1 of the arc is set at the spacer portion 51 located at the end portion. The arc 46 is formed in such a length that the arc substantially touches the surface 51p facing outward in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged. Then, at the right end portion in the figure, like the left end portion, one connecting arm portion 52A has a convex semicircular arc shape, and the other connecting arm portion 52B is a ball positioned at the end portion. It is substantially concentric with the receiving hole 55 and is formed by an arc having a radius R1 substantially in contact with the surface 51p facing outward in the arrangement direction of the balls 46 at the spacer 51 located at the end.

さらに、この転動体収容ベルト50は、同図に示すように、無限循環路28に組み込まれたときに、当該無限循環路28内で対向する両端部のうち一端(この例では同図での左側の端部)での前記他方の連結腕部52Bより突出した連結腕部52Aは、他端での前記一方の連結腕部52Aより突出していない連結腕部52Bに対向するように形成されている。   Further, as shown in the figure, when the rolling element housing belt 50 is incorporated in the endless circulation path 28, one end (in this example, in the figure, of both ends facing each other in the endless circulation path 28). The connecting arm portion 52A protruding from the other connecting arm portion 52B at the left end) is formed to face the connecting arm portion 52B not protruding from the one connecting arm portion 52A at the other end. Yes.

次に、この転動体収容ベルトおよびリニアガイドの作用・効果について説明する。
上述の構成からなるリニアガイド10は、スライダ16を案内レール12の軸方向に相対移動させると、無限循環路28内をボール46が回転しつつ移動し、ボール46とともに転動体収容ベルト50も無限循環路28内を移動する。このとき、無限循環路28内で転動体収容ベルト50の間座部51は、自分の移動方向の前方にあるボール46を押し、さらに、ボール46は自分の移動方向の前方にある間座部51を押す。これにより、転動体列62全体が無限循環路28内を循環移動する。そして、転動体列62は、転動体軌道路26においてスライダ16とは反対方向に移動し、転動体軌道路26の一方の端部から連続する一方の方向転換路24に入って移動方向を変え、方向転換路24から転動体戻し通路20に入ってスライダ16と同じ方向に移動し、他方の方向転換路24に入って再び移動方向を変えて転動体軌道路26へ戻るという循環を繰り返すことができる。
Next, functions and effects of the rolling element housing belt and the linear guide will be described.
In the linear guide 10 having the above-described configuration, when the slider 16 is relatively moved in the axial direction of the guide rail 12, the ball 46 moves while rotating in the infinite circulation path 28, and the rolling element housing belt 50 is also infinite along with the ball 46. It moves in the circulation path 28. At this time, the spacer 51 of the rolling element containing belt 50 in the endless circulation path 28 pushes the ball 46 in front of its own moving direction, and the ball 46 is in front of its own moving direction. Press 51. As a result, the entire rolling element row 62 circulates in the endless circulation path 28. Then, the rolling element row 62 moves in the direction opposite to the slider 16 in the rolling element raceway 26 and enters one direction changing path 24 that is continuous from one end of the rolling element raceway 26 to change the moving direction. , Repeating the circulation of entering the rolling element return passage 20 from the direction changing path 24 and moving in the same direction as the slider 16, entering the other direction changing path 24, changing the moving direction again, and returning to the rolling element raceway 26. Can do.

そして、このリニアガイド10によれば、無限循環路28内には、ボール46同士の間に間座部51が介在しているので、ボール46同士が互いに直接接触することはなく、ボール46同士の擦れ合いにより騒音や摩耗が発生することは防止されている。また、間座部51同士を連結腕部52によって連結して転動体収容ベルト50としているので、各ボール46は、所定の間隔を維持しながら無限循環路28内を転動体列62として円滑に循環することができる。   According to this linear guide 10, since the spacer 51 is interposed between the balls 46 in the endless circulation path 28, the balls 46 are not in direct contact with each other. Generation of noise and wear due to rubbing is prevented. In addition, since the spacer portions 51 are connected to each other by the connecting arm portion 52 to form the rolling element accommodation belt 50, each ball 46 smoothly moves as a rolling element row 62 in the endless circulation path 28 while maintaining a predetermined interval. Can circulate.

また、このリニアガイド10によれば、各転動体収容ベルト50の連結腕部52は、案内溝60に係合している。そのため、転動体軌道路26内で各間座部51が倒れたりすることは防止されており、転動体列62の配列が乱れてその円滑な移動が妨げられることも防止される。さらに、転動体収容ベルト50の連結腕部52が案内溝60に沿って無限循環路28を案内されるので、転動体収容ベルト50が移動する際の振れは規制され、転動体収容ベルト50が連結腕部52の間に保持するボール46の振れも規制され、転動体列62全体が無限循環路28内を正確かつ円滑に移動可能となる。また、転動体収容ベルト50は、連結腕部52が案内溝60に係合するとともに、間座部51同士の間に保持されたボール46も凹曲面51a,51bによって支承し保持されているため、スライダ16を案内レール12から抜き出したときでも、スライダ16から転動体列62が脱落することが防止される。   Further, according to this linear guide 10, the connecting arm portion 52 of each rolling element housing belt 50 is engaged with the guide groove 60. Therefore, each spacer 51 is prevented from falling in the rolling element raceway 26, and the arrangement of the rolling element rows 62 is disturbed to prevent the smooth movement thereof. Further, since the connecting arm portion 52 of the rolling element accommodation belt 50 is guided along the guide groove 60 along the endless circulation path 28, the deflection when the rolling element accommodation belt 50 moves is restricted, and the rolling element accommodation belt 50 is The swing of the balls 46 held between the connecting arm portions 52 is also restricted, and the entire rolling element row 62 can be moved accurately and smoothly in the endless circulation path 28. Further, in the rolling element housing belt 50, the connecting arm portion 52 engages with the guide groove 60, and the ball 46 held between the spacer portions 51 is also supported and held by the concave curved surfaces 51a and 51b. Even when the slider 16 is extracted from the guide rail 12, the rolling element row 62 is prevented from falling off the slider 16.

ここで、このリニアガイド10は、一対の方向転換路24、転動体戻し通路20、および、転動体軌道路26が無限循環路構成路になっており、これら無限循環路構成路によって環状に連続する無限循環路28が計4本構成されている。そのため、無限循環路構成路が相互に繋がる部分には、無限循環路内の案内溝に段差が存在し得る。しかし、このリニアガイド10によれば、一対の連結腕部52は、ボール46の並び方向に端部を有しており、それら一対の連結腕部の両端は、各端部位置がボール46の並び方向に前後している。そのため、無限循環路28内の案内溝60の段差に当該端部が進入するに際し、一対の連結腕部52は、まず、半円弧状の連結腕部52Aが段差に先に進入し、次いで、連結腕部52Aに比べて突出していない連結腕部52Bが段差に進入する。つまり、この転動体収容ベルト50によれば、一対の連結腕部52を片側ずつタイミングをずらして案内溝60の段差に進入させることができる。したがって、案内溝60の段差への連結腕部52の引っ掛かりを緩和することができる。   Here, in this linear guide 10, a pair of direction change paths 24, rolling element return paths 20, and rolling element raceways 26 are infinite circulation path constituting paths, and are continuously annularly formed by these infinite circulation path constituting paths. A total of four infinite circulation paths 28 are configured. Therefore, a step may exist in the guide groove in the infinite circulation path at the portion where the infinite circulation path constituting paths are connected to each other. However, according to this linear guide 10, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 have end portions in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged, and both ends of the pair of connecting arm portions are positioned at the end portions of the balls 46. It is moving back and forth in the line direction Therefore, when the end portion enters the step of the guide groove 60 in the endless circulation path 28, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 first enters the semicircular arc-shaped connecting arm portion 52A first, The connecting arm portion 52B that does not protrude compared to the connecting arm portion 52A enters the step. That is, according to this rolling element accommodation belt 50, a pair of connection arm part 52 can be made to approach the level | step difference of the guide groove 60 by shifting timing one side at a time. Accordingly, the hooking of the connecting arm portion 52 to the step of the guide groove 60 can be reduced.

また、このリニアガイド10によれば、各転動体収容ベルト50の連結腕部52は、無限循環路28に組み込まれたときに、当該無限循環路28内で対向する両端部のうち一端での連結腕部52Bより突出した連結腕部52Aは、他端での連結腕部52Aより突出していない連結腕部52Bに対向するように形成されている。つまり、突出部と非突出部とを対向させている。そのため、ボール46の並び方向での両端部間の距離を小さくすることができる。したがって、ボール46に負荷が作用する無限循環路28の領域で、荷重を負荷させることができるボール46の減少を抑えることができる。   Further, according to the linear guide 10, the connecting arm portion 52 of each rolling element housing belt 50 is installed at one end of both end portions facing each other in the endless circulation path 28 when incorporated in the endless circulation path 28. The connecting arm portion 52A protruding from the connecting arm portion 52B is formed to face the connecting arm portion 52B that does not protrude from the connecting arm portion 52A at the other end. That is, the projecting portion and the non-projecting portion are opposed to each other. Therefore, the distance between both ends in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of balls 46 that can apply a load in the region of the infinite circulation path 28 where the load is applied to the balls 46.

以上説明したように、この転動体収容ベルト50およびこれを備えたリニアガイド10によれば、案内溝60の段差への連結腕部52の引っ掛かりを緩和することができる。
また、上記実施形態の例では、案内溝が無限循環路の全周に連続して設けられた場合について述べたが、案内溝が部分的に設けられていない場合にも、転動体収容ベルトの循環をスムーズに保つ効果が得られる。例えば、図2(b)に示すものは、転動体軌道路のみにおいて、案内溝をもたないリニアガイドの例である。この例では、部分的に案内溝をなくすことで、形状の単純化を図り、低コスト化を狙っている。このようなリニアガイドでは、連結腕部の先端が、案内溝のない領域から、案内溝のある領域に移る際に、引っ掛かりが生じやすいが、本発明に係る転動体収容ベルトを用いれば、その連結腕部が、片側ずつタイミングをずらして案内溝のある領域に移るので、引っ掛かりを緩和できる。
As described above, according to the rolling element accommodation belt 50 and the linear guide 10 including the rolling element accommodation belt 50, the hooking of the connecting arm portion 52 to the step of the guide groove 60 can be reduced.
Moreover, in the example of the above embodiment, the case where the guide groove is continuously provided on the entire circumference of the endless circulation path has been described. However, even when the guide groove is not partially provided, The effect of keeping the circulation smooth is obtained. For example, what is shown in FIG.2 (b) is an example of the linear guide which does not have a guide groove only in a rolling element track. In this example, the shape is simplified by partially eliminating the guide groove, and the cost is reduced. In such a linear guide, when the tip of the connecting arm portion moves from the region without the guide groove to the region with the guide groove, it tends to be caught, but if the rolling element housing belt according to the present invention is used, Since the connecting arm portion moves to a region having a guide groove with the timing shifted by one side, the catch can be alleviated.

なお、本発明に係る直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルトおよび直動案内装置は、上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しなければ種々の変形が可能である。
例えば、上記実施形態では、本発明に係る転動体収容ベルトを備えた直動案内装置の一実施形態として、ボールを備えたリニアガイドを例に説明したが、これに限定されず、例えば本発明を、ローラを備えたローラガイドに適用することができる。
The rolling element accommodating belt for linear motion guide device and the linear motion guide device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the linear guide provided with the ball has been described as an example of the linear motion guide device including the rolling element housing belt according to the present invention. Can be applied to a roller guide provided with a roller.

また、例えば、上記実施形態では、有端状の転動体収容ベルト50の両端部で、一対の連結腕部は、一方が他方よりボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出して形成されている例で説明したが、これに限定されず、一対の連結腕部52は、ボール46の並び方向に端部を有しており、いずれか一方の端部で、端部位置がボール46の並び方向に前後している構成であればよい。しかし、転動体列62の循環方向のいずれの方向でも案内溝60の段差への連結腕部52の引っ掛かりを緩和する上では、上記実施形態のように、両端部で、一対の連結腕部を、一方が他方よりボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出して形成することが好ましい。   Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, at both ends of the endless rolling element housing belt 50, one pair of the connecting arm portions is directed toward the side where the ends are opposed to each other in the arrangement direction of the balls 46 from the other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pair of connecting arm portions 52 have end portions in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged. Any configuration may be used as long as the position of the portion moves back and forth in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged. However, in order to alleviate the hooking of the connecting arm portion 52 to the step of the guide groove 60 in any direction of the circulation direction of the rolling element row 62, a pair of connecting arm portions are formed at both ends as in the above embodiment. It is preferable that one end protrudes toward the side where the ends are opposed to each other in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged.

また、例えば上記実施形態では、転動体収容ベルト50の有端状をなす両端部での一対の連結腕部52は、一方が他方よりボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出してそれぞれ形成されるとともに、無限循環路28に組み込まれたときに、当該無限循環路28内で対向する前記両端部のうち一端での突出した連結腕部52Aは、他端での突出していない連結腕部52Bに対向するように形成されている例で説明したが、これに限定されず、例えば両端部の突出した連結腕部52A同士を相対向するように構成してもよい。しかし、ボール46の並び方向での両端部間の距離をより小さくし、ボール46に負荷が作用する無限循環路28の領域で、荷重を負荷させることができるボール46の減少を抑える上では、上記実施形態のように、無限循環路28内で対向する前記両端部のうち一端での突出した連結腕部52Aを、他端での突出していない連結腕部52Bに対向するように形成することが好ましい。   Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, one end of the pair of connecting arm portions 52 at both ends forming the end of the rolling element housing belt 50 is on the side where the ends are opposed to each other in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged. The projecting arm 52A projecting at one end of the both ends facing each other in the endless circulation path 28 is formed at the other end. Although the example is described so as to face the connecting arm portion 52B that does not protrude, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding connecting arm portions 52A at both ends may be configured to face each other. . However, in order to reduce the decrease in the number of balls 46 that can load a load in the region of the infinite circulation path 28 where the load acts on the balls 46 by reducing the distance between both ends in the arrangement direction of the balls 46, As in the above-described embodiment, the connecting arm portion 52A that protrudes at one end of the both ends facing each other in the endless circulation path 28 is formed to face the connecting arm portion 52B that does not protrude at the other end. Is preferred.

また、例えば上記実施形態では、転動体収容ベルト50の端部での一対の連結腕部52を、半円弧状をなす連結腕部52Aと、端部に位置するボール収容穴55と略同心で、当該端部に位置する間座部51でのボール46の並び方向で外側を向く面51pにほぼ接する半径R1の円弧で形成した連結腕部52Bとによって構成した例で説明したが、端部での一対の連結腕部52の形状は、一対の連結腕部52を片側ずつタイミングをずらして案内溝60の段差に進入させ得る構成であれば、これに限定されるものではない。   Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 at the end of the rolling element containing belt 50 is substantially concentric with the connecting arm portion 52A having a semicircular arc shape and the ball containing hole 55 located at the end. In the spacer portion 51 located at the end portion, the description has been made with the example constituted by the connecting arm portion 52B formed by the arc having the radius R1 substantially in contact with the surface 51p facing outward in the arrangement direction of the balls 46. The shape of the pair of connecting arm portions 52 is not limited to this as long as the pair of connecting arm portions 52 can enter the step of the guide groove 60 with the timing shifted by one side.

例えば、図6に端部の他の構成を変形例1として示す。
この例では、同図に示すように、各端部のうち、ボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出して形成されている連結腕部52Cと、連結腕部52Cに比べて突出していない連結腕部52Dとによって端部で互いに前後する一対の連結腕部52が形成されている。そして、これらの連結腕部52Cと連結腕部52Dとは、ボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側での稜線が直線的に繋がっており、幅方向の両角部それぞれが丸く面取りされている。なお、対向する端部同士は、上記実施形態同様に、一端での突出部である連結腕部52Cと、他端での非突出部である連結腕部52Dとが対向している。
For example, FIG. 6 shows another configuration of the end portion as the first modification.
In this example, as shown in the figure, a connecting arm portion 52C formed by protruding toward the side where the end portions face each other in the arrangement direction of the balls 46 among the end portions, and a connecting arm portion 52C. A pair of connecting arm portions 52 that extend back and forth at the ends are formed by the connecting arm portions 52D that do not protrude as compared with the above. The connecting arm portion 52C and the connecting arm portion 52D have ridge lines on the side where the end portions face each other in the alignment direction of the balls 46, and both corners in the width direction are rounded and chamfered. Has been. In addition, as for the edge parts which oppose, the connection arm part 52C which is a protrusion part in one end, and the connection arm part 52D which is a non-protrusion part in the other end are opposing similarly to the said embodiment.

このような構成であっても、各端部での一対の連結腕部52を片側ずつタイミングをずらして案内溝60の段差に進入させることができる。したがって、単純な面取りによるもの、つまり、案内溝60の段差に一対の連結腕部52が両側で同時に進入し、段差を乗り越えるような構成に比べ、転動体列62を円滑に循環させることができる。また、上記実施形態同様に、対向する端部同士の突出部と非突出部とを対向させているから、ボール46の並び方向での両端部間の距離をより小さくし、ボール46に負荷が作用する無限循環路28の領域で、荷重を負荷させることができるボール46の減少を抑えることができる。   Even with such a configuration, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 at each end portion can enter the step of the guide groove 60 with the timing shifted by one side. Therefore, the rolling element row 62 can be smoothly circulated as compared with a configuration in which a pair of connecting arm portions 52 enter the step of the guide groove 60 simultaneously on both sides and overcome the step by simple chamfering. . Further, as in the above-described embodiment, since the protruding portion and the non-projecting portion of the opposing ends are opposed to each other, the distance between both ends in the arrangement direction of the balls 46 is further reduced, and the load is applied to the balls 46. In the region of the infinite circulation path 28 that acts, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the balls 46 that can be loaded with a load.

さらに、各端部は、ボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側での稜線が直線的に繋がっているから、端部に顕著な凸形状をもたないので、転動体列62を円滑に循環させる上で好適であるとともに、例えば、転動体収容ベルト50を取り扱い中に、突出した端部が折損してしまうようなことも生じにくい。
さらに、図7に端部の他の構成を変形例2として示す。
この例は、同図(a)および(b)に示すように、対向する端部同士の間にボール46を介装するものである。なお、同図(a)は相対向する端部間にボール46を介装する前の状態で示す説明図、同図(b)はボール46を介装した状態で示す説明図である。
Furthermore, each end portion is linearly connected to the ridge line on the side where the end portions face each other in the arrangement direction of the balls 46, and therefore has no remarkable convex shape at the end portion. For example, when the rolling element housing belt 50 is handled, the protruding end portion is not easily broken.
Further, FIG. 7 shows another configuration of the end portion as a second modification.
In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a ball 46 is interposed between opposing ends. 2A is an explanatory diagram showing the state before the ball 46 is interposed between the opposite ends, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the ball 46 is interposed.

この例での非突出部である連結腕部52Bは、上述した実施形態と同様である。そして、突出部である連結腕部52Eは、ボール46の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する側に向けて突出して形成されるとともに、端部同士の間に介装されるボール46に倣う凹曲面55aを有している。連結腕部52Eの突出した先端部は、円弧状に面取りされている。なお、対向する端部同士は、上記実施形態同様に、一端での突出部である連結腕部52Eと、他端での非突出部である連結腕部52Bとが対向している。ここで、上記凹曲面55aは、上記ボール収容穴55とほぼ同じ曲率の円弧になっており、連結腕部52E同士が組み合わされることによって、他のボール収容穴55と同様にボール46を拘束可能になっている。   The connecting arm portion 52B which is a non-projecting portion in this example is the same as that in the above-described embodiment. The connecting arm portion 52E, which is a protruding portion, is formed so as to protrude toward the side where the end portions face each other in the arrangement direction of the balls 46, and follows the ball 46 interposed between the end portions. It has a concave curved surface 55a. The protruding tip end of the connecting arm 52E is chamfered in an arc shape. In addition, as for the edge parts which oppose, the connection arm part 52E which is a protrusion part in one end, and the connection arm part 52B which is a non-protrusion part in the other end are facing similarly to the said embodiment. Here, the concave curved surface 55a is an arc having substantially the same curvature as the ball receiving hole 55, and the ball 46 can be restrained in the same manner as the other ball receiving holes 55 by combining the connecting arm portions 52E. It has become.

このような構成であっても、各端部での一対の連結腕部52を片側ずつタイミングをずらして案内溝60の段差に進入させて、上記実施形態と同様の作用・効果を奏することができる。さらに、この例では、対向する端部同士の間にボール46を介装しており、各端部での一対の連結腕部52Eの凹曲面55aによってボール46が拘束されるので、無限循環路28でのボール46に負荷が作用する領域で、荷重を負荷させることができるボール46の減少をより好適に抑えることができる。したがって、リニアガイド10の耐荷重性能の低下を防ぐことができる。   Even in such a configuration, the pair of connecting arm portions 52 at each end can enter the step of the guide groove 60 while shifting the timing one side at a time, and the same operations and effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved. it can. Further, in this example, the ball 46 is interposed between the opposing end portions, and the ball 46 is restrained by the concave curved surfaces 55a of the pair of connecting arm portions 52E at each end portion. In the region where a load acts on the ball 46 at 28, a decrease in the number of balls 46 that can be loaded can be more suitably suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the load resistance performance of the linear guide 10 from being lowered.

さらに、図8に端部の他の構成を変形例3として示す。
この例は、対向する端部同士の間に二つのボール46を介装する点、および連結腕部52Fの突出した先端部の形状を除き、ほぼ上記変形例2と同様である。
すなわち、この例では、同図に示すように、対向する端部同士の間に二つのボール46を介装し、各ボール46をそれぞれの側の端部で拘束するものである。なお、連結腕部52Fの突出した先端部の形状は、端部同士が対向する側の稜線が直線状になっており、角部が約45度に面取りされている点が上記変形例2に対し異なる。
Further, FIG. 8 shows another configuration of the end portion as a third modification.
This example is substantially the same as the second modification except that the two balls 46 are interposed between the opposing ends and the shape of the protruding tip of the connecting arm 52F.
That is, in this example, as shown in the figure, two balls 46 are interposed between the opposing ends, and each ball 46 is restrained at the end on each side. In addition, the shape of the protruding end portion of the connecting arm portion 52F is such that the ridge line on the side where the end portions face each other is a straight line, and the corner portion is chamfered at about 45 degrees in the second modification. It is different.

このような構成であっても、上記実施形態と同様の作用・効果を奏することができる。さらに、この例では、実質的に転動体収容ベルト端部の間座部51を不要としているので、上記変形例2と同様に、無限循環路28でのボール46に負荷が作用する領域で、荷重を負荷させることができるボール46の減少をより好適に抑えることができる。したがって、リニアガイド10の耐荷重性能の低下を防ぐことができる。   Even with such a configuration, the same operations and effects as the above-described embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, in this example, since the spacer 51 of the end of the rolling element housing belt is substantially unnecessary, in the region where the load acts on the ball 46 in the endless circulation path 28 as in the above-described modification 2, A decrease in the number of balls 46 that can be loaded can be more suitably suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the load resistance performance of the linear guide 10 from being lowered.

さらに、図9に端部の他の構成を変形例4として示す。
この例は、相対向する端部同士を、相互に移動可能なように繋ぐ連結構造をさらに備えている点が上記実施形態並びに各変形例に対し異なっている。
すなわち、この例では、同図に示すように、一方の端部(同図での左側の端部)には、ボール46の並び方向に延びる有底穴56aをその中央部に有する連結用間座部56を備えている。そして、他方の端部には、連結用間座部56の有底穴56aに対し、ボール46の並び方向に相互に移動可能なように適度な隙間をもって内嵌する外形形状をもつ連結軸部57aを有する連結用間座部57を備えている。なお、各連結用間座部56、57は、各端部に位置するボール収容穴55側に向けた面に、上記間座部51と同様のボール46の曲面に倣う球面状の凹曲面をそれぞれ有している。
Further, FIG. 9 shows another configuration of the end portion as a fourth modification.
This example is different from the above-described embodiment and each modified example in that it further includes a connection structure that connects opposite ends so as to be movable with respect to each other.
That is, in this example, as shown in the figure, at one end (the left end in the figure), a connecting space having a bottomed hole 56a extending in the direction in which the balls 46 are arranged in the center thereof. A seat 56 is provided. The other end portion is connected to the bottomed hole 56a of the connecting spacer portion 56. The connecting shaft portion has an outer shape that fits inside with an appropriate gap so as to be movable in the alignment direction of the balls 46. A connecting spacer 57 having 57a is provided. The connecting spacers 56 and 57 have spherical concave surfaces that follow the curved surfaces of the balls 46 similar to the spacers 51 on the surfaces facing the ball receiving holes 55 located at the ends. Each has.

このような構成によれば、上記実施形態と同様の作用・効果を奏するとともに、さらに、連結用間座部56、57とによって相対向する端部が相互に連結されるので、方向転換路24での転動体列62の循環をより安定させることができる。また、この例では、連結用間座部56、57は、ボール46の並び方向に相互に移動可能なように連結されているので、転動体収容ベルト50全長の寸法精度の許容差を大きくすることができる。そのため、製造を容易にすることができるという効果がある。   According to such a configuration, the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained, and the opposing ends are connected to each other by the connecting spacers 56 and 57, so that the direction change path 24 can be connected. Thus, the circulation of the rolling element row 62 can be further stabilized. Further, in this example, since the connecting spacers 56 and 57 are connected so as to be movable in the arrangement direction of the balls 46, the tolerance of the dimensional accuracy of the entire length of the rolling element containing belt 50 is increased. be able to. Therefore, there exists an effect that manufacture can be made easy.

さらに、図10に端部の他の構成を変形例5として示す。
この例は、上記変形例4に対し、相対向する端部同士を、相互に移動しないように掛け止める連結構造を備えている点が異なっている。
すなわち、この例では、同図に示すように、一方の端部(同図での左側の端部)には、ボール46の並び方向に延びる有底穴56aをその中央部に有し、さらに、その有底穴56aの底部に転動体収容ベルト50幅方向に広がる拡幅部56bを有する連結用間座部56を備えている。そして、他方の端部には、連結用間座部56の有底穴56aに隙間をもって内嵌する外形形状をもつ連結軸部57aを有し、さらに、その連結軸部57aの先端に形成されて拡幅部56bに掛け止め可能なように有底穴56aの幅より広い幅をもつ掛止部57bを有する連結用間座部57を備えている。
Further, FIG. 10 shows another configuration of the end portion as a fifth modification.
This example is different from the above-described modification 4 in that it includes a connecting structure that holds opposite ends so as not to move with respect to each other.
That is, in this example, as shown in the figure, one end (the left end in the figure) has a bottomed hole 56a extending in the alignment direction of the balls 46 at the center thereof, In addition, a connecting spacer portion 56 having a widened portion 56b extending in the width direction of the rolling element housing belt 50 is provided at the bottom of the bottomed hole 56a. The other end portion has a connecting shaft portion 57a having an outer shape that fits into the bottomed hole 56a of the connecting spacer portion 56 with a gap, and is formed at the tip of the connecting shaft portion 57a. In addition, a connecting spacer 57 having a latching portion 57b having a width wider than the width of the bottomed hole 56a is provided so as to be latched on the widened portion 56b.

このような構成によれば、上記実施形態と同様の作用・効果を奏するとともに、さらに、連結用間座部56、57とによって端部が相互に連結されるので、方向転換路24での転動体列62の循環をより安定させることができる。また、この例では、連結用間座部56、57は、ボール46の並び方向に相互に移動しないように拡幅部56bに掛止部57bを掛け止めて連結されるので、連結部分がボール46の並び方向に移動しない。そのため、より確実な連結が可能であり、使用中に連結部分が外れ難いという効果がある。
なおまた、上記実施形態並びに各変形例は、上記説明した個別の例に限定されず、相互の構成要素の変更や組合わせを適宜実施可能であることは勿論である。
According to such a configuration, the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment are achieved, and the end portions are connected to each other by the connecting spacer portions 56 and 57. The circulation of the moving body row 62 can be further stabilized. Further, in this example, the connecting spacers 56 and 57 are connected to the widened portion 56b so as not to move in the arrangement direction of the balls 46, so that the connecting portions are connected to the balls 46. Does not move in the direction of the line. Therefore, more reliable connection is possible, and there is an effect that the connection portion is difficult to come off during use.
In addition, the said embodiment and each modification are not limited to the individual example demonstrated above, Of course, the change and combination of a mutual component can be implemented suitably.

本発明に係る転動体収容ベルトを備えた直動案内装置の一実施形態のリニアガイドを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the linear guide of one Embodiment of the linear motion guide apparatus provided with the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. 同図(a)は、図1に示すリニアガイドのエンドキャップを取り外した正面図である。また、同図(b)は、その変形例を説明する図である。FIG. 4A is a front view with the end cap of the linear guide shown in FIG. 1 removed. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a modification thereof. 図2のリニアガイドでのX−X線部分における断面図である。It is sectional drawing in the XX line part in the linear guide of FIG. 本発明に係る転動体収容ベルトを説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the rolling element accommodation belt which concerns on this invention. 無限循環路内で転動体収容ベルトの両端部が相対向している状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the both ends of a rolling element accommodation belt are mutually opposing in an infinite circulation path. 転動体収容ベルトの端部の変形例(変形例1)を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the modification (modification 1) of the edge part of a rolling element accommodation belt. 転動体収容ベルトの端部の変形例(変形例2)を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the modification (modification 2) of the edge part of a rolling element accommodation belt. 転動体収容ベルトの端部の変形例(変形例3)を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the modification (modification 3) of the edge part of a rolling element accommodation belt. 転動体収容ベルトの端部の変形例(変形例4)を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the modification (modification 4) of the edge part of a rolling element accommodation belt. 転動体収容ベルトの端部の変形例(変形例5)を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the modification (modification 5) of the edge part of a rolling element accommodation belt.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 リニアガイド(直動案内装置)
12 案内レール
14 転動体案内面
16 スライダ
17 スライダ本体
18 負荷転動体案内面
20 転動体戻し通路
22 エンドキャップ
24 方向転換路
26 転動体軌道路
28 無限循環路
46 ボール(転動体)
50 転動体収容ベルト
51 間座部
52 連結腕部
55 ボール収容穴
60 案内溝
62 転動体列
10 Linear guide (linear motion guide device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Guide rail 14 Rolling element guide surface 16 Slider 17 Slider main body 18 Load rolling element guide surface 20 Rolling element return path 22 End cap 24 Direction change path 26 Rolling element track 28 Endless circulation path 46 Ball (Rolling element)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Rolling element accommodation belt 51 Spacer part 52 Connection arm part 55 Ball accommodation hole 60 Guide groove 62 Rolling element row

Claims (2)

複数の転動体が転動しつつ循環する無限循環路を備え、該無限循環路内に前記転動体の並び方向に延びる案内溝を有する直動案内装置に用いられ、隣合う転動体同士の間に介在する間座部と、前記無限循環路の幅方向の両側で前記間座部を相互に連結するとともに、前記間座部の端面よりも外側に張り出して前記案内溝に案内される一対の連結腕部とを備え、前記転動体を前記無限循環路内の並び方向で整列させる転動体収容ベルトであって、
前記一対の連結腕部は、前記並び方向に端部を有しており、それら一対の連結腕部の端部同士は、該端部同士が相対向する側に向けて前記並び方向に前後して形成されるとともに、該端部同士の間に転動体が介装されるようになっており、さらに、該端部同士の間に介装される転動体に倣う凹曲面をそれぞれ有し、該凹曲面は、転動体の並び方向で端部同士が相対向する連結腕部同士が組み合わされることによって、該端部同士の間に介装される転動体を拘束可能になっていることを特徴とする直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルト。
A plurality of rolling elements are provided in an infinite circulation path that circulates while rolling, and are used in a linear guide device that has a guide groove extending in the direction in which the rolling elements are arranged in the infinite circulation path. And a pair of spacers that are connected to each other on both sides in the width direction of the infinite circulation path and that project outward from the end surface of the spacer and are guided by the guide grooves. A rolling element containing belt comprising a connecting arm part, and aligning the rolling elements in an alignment direction in the endless circulation path,
The pair of connecting arm portions have end portions in the arrangement direction, and the end portions of the pair of connecting arm portions move back and forth in the arrangement direction toward the side where the end portions face each other. The rolling elements are interposed between the ends, and each has a concave curved surface following the rolling elements interposed between the ends, The concave curved surface is configured such that the rolling elements interposed between the end portions can be restrained by combining the connecting arm portions whose end portions face each other in the arrangement direction of the rolling elements. A rolling element housing belt for a linear motion guide device.
請求項1に記載の直動案内装置用転動体収容ベルトを備えていることを特徴とする直動案内装置。A linear motion guide device comprising the rolling element housing belt for the linear motion guide device according to claim 1.
JP2005289228A 2005-09-30 2005-09-30 Rolling body accommodation belt for linear motion guide device and linear motion guide device Expired - Fee Related JP4556830B2 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS54101241U (en) * 1977-12-28 1979-07-17
JPH1089359A (en) * 1996-09-12 1998-04-07 Thk Kk Linear motion guiding device
JP2000065067A (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-03-03 Nippon Seiko Kk Split type cage of rolling bearing

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS54101241U (en) * 1977-12-28 1979-07-17
JPH1089359A (en) * 1996-09-12 1998-04-07 Thk Kk Linear motion guiding device
JP2000065067A (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-03-03 Nippon Seiko Kk Split type cage of rolling bearing

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