JP5872398B2 - Rolling guide device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rolling guide apparatus having a structure in which rolling elements circulate infinitely, and more particularly to a rolling guide apparatus having a configuration in which rolling elements are connected by a rolling element connecting member.

  As a configuration of the rolling guide device, a moving block as a moving member and a guide rail as a track member are assembled so as to be relatively movable via a plurality of rolling elements, and each rolling element circulates in an infinite circulation path, For example, a configuration is known in which the moving block is movable and moves on a guide rail (see Patent Document 1).

  The infinite circulation path through which the rolling elements circulate is a rolling element rolling path formed on the rolling element rolling surface provided on the guide rail and a loaded rolling element rolling surface provided on the moving block so as to face the rolling element rolling surface. The rolling element return path provided in the moving block and the pair of direction changing paths provided in the moving block and communicating with the load rolling element rolling path and the rolling element return path.

  For example, a ball is used as the rolling element. The balls are connected and aligned by a retainer as a rolling element connecting member. The retainer includes, for example, a plurality of spacers respectively disposed between adjacent balls, and a flexible belt that connects the spacers. Each ball is surrounded by a spacer and a belt so as to be freely rotatable. The balls connected by the retainer circulate in the endless circulation path as the moving block moves.

  The side edge of the belt of the retainer protrudes outside the cross-sectional contour of the ball in a cross section perpendicular to the moving direction of the ball, and the infinite circulation path serves as a connecting body guide for guiding the side edge of the belt. The guide groove is provided over the entire circulation path.

  Grease is filled as a lubricant in the gap between the balls and the retainer and the endless circuit. Of the endless circulation path, the cross-sectional contours of the rolling element return passage and the direction change path have substantially the same shape that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional contours of the ball and the retainer. Accordingly, each gap formed between the balls by being separated by the spacer of the retainer becomes a grease pocket. The grease filled in this way flows in the endless circuit along with the circulation of the balls and the retainer, and smoothes the circulation of the balls and the retainer.

JP 2003-202019 A

  The present invention has been made to improve the above-described prior art, and an object of the present invention is to further improve the fluidity of the lubricant in the rolling element return passage to further reduce the sliding resistance. An object of the present invention is to provide a rolling guide device that can perform this.

In order to achieve the above object, the rolling guide device according to the present invention includes:
A track member provided with a rolling element rolling surface, and a moving member provided movably through a number of rolling elements along the track member,
In the moving member, a loaded rolling element rolling surface corresponding to the rolling element rolling surface of the raceway member, and a rolling element return passage provided in parallel with the loaded rolling element rolling surface at a predetermined interval, A pair of direction change paths for circulating the rolling elements by connecting between the rolling elements rolling surfaces and the rolling element return passages are provided,
The moving member has a moving member main body in which the rolling rolling element rolling surface and the rolling element return passage are formed, a direction changing path structure in which the direction changing path is formed and attached to both ends of the moving member main body in the moving direction. And a configuration comprising a member,
The plurality of rolling elements are configured to be connected by a rolling element connecting member, and the rolling element connecting member protrudes outward from a cross-sectional contour portion of the rolling element in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the rolling element. In the rolling guide device having a protruding portion, and provided with a pair of connecting member guide portions for guiding the protruding portion of the rolling element connecting member on the inner periphery of the rolling element return passage,
The rolling element return passage is formed by an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical member inserted into a through hole of the moving member body,
Provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical member are a plurality of rolling element support portions that can partially contact at a plurality of locations with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the cross sectional contour portion with respect to the cross sectional contour portion of the rolling element. In addition, a lubricant circulation gap is formed between the plurality of rolling element support portions so as to allow the lubricant to flow over the entire length of the rolling element return passage between the cross-sectional contour portion of the rolling elements,
Furthermore, for at least one of the connecting member guide portions, only one of the side surface on the inner circumferential side and the side surface on the outer circumferential side in the circulation path of the rolling element when changing the direction is used. Is a guide surface that guides the protruding portion of the rolling element coupling member, and the other side surface of the rolling guide device faces the lubricant flow gap.

  According to the present invention, the fluidity of the lubricant in the rolling element return passage can be further increased to further reduce the sliding resistance.

The front view including the cross section of the track rail and moving block which the rolling guide apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention has. The perspective view of the movement block shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the moving block shown in FIG. 1. The figure which shows the structure of the resin frame which comprises the resin circulation path molded object with which the movement block shown to FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 3 is provided. The figure which shows the resin pipe which comprises the resin circulation path molded object with which the movement block shown to FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 3 is provided. Sectional drawing which mainly shows a circulation path along the moving direction of a moving block. The figure which shows the structure of a ball | bowl connection belt | band | zone. The figure which shows the structure of a direction change path. Sectional drawing which mainly shows the structure of a direction change path. Sectional drawing of a ball return path and a direction change path. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of the Example of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. .

(Example)
With reference to FIGS. 1-11, the rolling guide apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front view including a cross section of a track rail and a moving block included in the rolling guide device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the moving block shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the moving block shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of a resin frame constituting the resin circulation path molded body provided in the moving block shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 4 (a) is a resin constituting the resin circulation path molded body. FIG. 4B is a left side view of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is a right side view of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 shows a resin pipe constituting the above-mentioned resin circulation path molded body. FIG. 5 (a) is a front view of an outer peripheral side pipe half body, and FIG. 5 (b) is a side view of FIG. 5 (a). FIG. 5 (c) is a front view of the inner pipe half, and FIG. 5 (d) is a side view of FIG. 5 (c). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view mainly showing a circulation path along the moving direction of the moving block. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ball coupling band, FIG. 7 (a) is a partial side view of the ball coupling band, FIG. 7 (b) is a plan view relating to FIG. 7 (a), and FIG. It is an a direction arrow directional view of Drawing 7 (b). 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the direction change path, FIG. 8 (a) is a partial side view of FIG. 6 with the side cover removed, and FIG. 8 (b) is the direction change path of the side cover in FIG. It is a partial side view which shows the recessed part. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view mainly showing the configuration of the direction change path. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ball return path and the direction change path. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of AA in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of BB in FIG. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the direction change path, and FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the direction change path. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 11A shows a modification 1 and FIG. 11B shows a modification 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rolling guide device 1 is provided so as to be relatively movable via a track rail 2 as a track member extending linearly and balls 3 as a number of rolling elements along the track rail 2. And a moving block 4 as a moving member.

  The track rail 2 is a long body having a substantially rectangular cross section, and two ball rolling grooves (rolling member rolling surfaces) 5 are provided along the longitudinal direction on the left and right side surfaces and both shoulders of the track rail 2, respectively. ing. A jetty 2a is provided on the left and right side surfaces of the track rail 2, and the ball rolling grooves 5 are provided on both upper and lower sides of the left and right jetty 2a.

  The moving block 4 includes a horizontal portion 6 that faces the upper surface of the track rail 2, and a pair of sleeve portions 7 that extend downward from the left and right sides of the horizontal portion 6 and face the left and right side surfaces of the track rail 2. It is comprised by the block body of the cross-sectional U-shape opened in the. Then, four load ball rolling grooves (loaded rolling element rolling surfaces) 8 corresponding to the respective ball rolling grooves 5 provided on the track rail 2 are provided on the inner side surfaces of both sleeve portions 7. Yes. A total of four loaded rolling element rolling paths are formed by the ball rolling grooves 5 and the load ball rolling grooves 8 corresponding to each other.

  The left and right sleeve portions 7 of the moving block 4 are penetrated by ball return passages 9 as rolling element return passages that are provided in parallel with the load ball rolling groove 8 with a predetermined distance therebetween. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, both ends of the load ball rolling groove 8 and the ball return passage 9 are connected to both ends of the left and right sleeve portions 7 in the length direction to circulate the balls 3. A pair of U-shaped pipe-shaped direction change paths 10 are provided. That is, the sleeves 7 of the moving block 4 are formed with a total of four infinite circulation paths, two on the left and right on which the ball 3 circulates.

  In this embodiment, the four rows of balls 3 are connected in series through a ball connection band 12 as a rolling element connection member, and are arranged so as to be able to roll and circulate together with the ball connection band 12. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the ball connecting band 12 includes a flexible belt portion 12b as a connecting portion provided with a ball hole 12a into which each ball 3 is inserted, and each ball 3 And a spacer portion 12 c as a spacer interposed between the balls 3, and the side edges of the belt portion 12 b project outward from the outer diameter of the balls 3. That is, the side edge portions of the belt portion 12 b are a pair of protruding portions that protrude outward from the cross-sectional contour portion of the ball 3 in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the ball 3.

  The spacer portion 12c is provided with a crown-shaped holding recess 12d corresponding to the spherical surface of each ball 3, and the ball 3 is supported from both sides by the holding recess 12d to prevent the ball 3 from falling off the belt portion 12b. . In this embodiment, the both ends of the belt portion 12b have an endless belt-like configuration in which both ends are not connected (see FIG. 6), but an endless configuration in which both ends of the belt portion 12b are connected may be used. Further, the ball connection band 12 is not limited to a form in which the balls 3 are held so as not to drop out as in the present embodiment, but may be configured to be dropped simply by connecting the balls 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the moving block 4 includes a block main body 13 as a moving member main body in which the loaded ball rolling groove 8 and the ball return passage 9 are formed, and a pair of left and right resins incorporated in the block main body 13. A pair of side lids 40 (one side lid is omitted) as a direction change path constituting member attached to both ends in the moving direction of the circulation path molded body 20 and the block main body 13 incorporating the pair of left and right resin circulation path molded bodies 20. ).

  Each of the left and right resin circulation path molded bodies 20 constitutes two infinite circulation paths, and has a symmetrical shape. Therefore, in the following description, only the resin circulation path molded body 20 on one side will be described, and the other resin circulation path molded body will be described. The description of 20 is omitted.

  That is, the resin circulation path molded body 20 includes a load ball path constituting portion 21 extending along both side edges of the load ball rolling groove 8 and a pair of direction change path inner periphery guiding constituting portions provided on both end faces of the block body 13. 22 and a resin frame 24 (see FIG. 4), and a pair of resin pipes 23 as rolling member return passage constituting members inserted into through holes 14 formed through the block main body 13 (see FIG. 4). (See FIG. 5). That is, the connecting portion between the load ball passage constituting portion 21 and the pair of direction change path inner periphery guiding constituting portions 22 is integrally formed to constitute an integral resin frame 24, and the block main body 13 is separated from the pair of resin pipes 23. Can be built in

  As shown in FIG. 4, the load ball passage constituting portion 21 has a guide groove 21 a as a connecting member guide portion that guides the side edge portion of the belt portion 12 b of the ball connecting band 12, that is, the protruding portion in the load region. Provided to prevent the ball connecting band 12 from swinging when the ball 3 rolls, and when the moving block 4 is removed from the track rail 2, it constitutes a guide portion at the side edge of the belt portion 12b. The ball coupling band 12 is prevented from hanging down by being hooked on the guide groove 21a.

  Further, the opening width of the pair of load ball passage constituting portions 21 located on both side edges of each load ball rolling groove 8 is smaller than the ball diameter, and even when the ball connecting band 12 is not used, the load ball passage constituting portion 21 is provided. 21 prevents the ball 3 from falling off.

  On the other hand, in the inner periphery of the direction change path 10 and the ball return path 9 in the no-load region, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9, a rolling element support portion that guides the ball 3 and the belt portion 12b. Are provided so as to extend along the rolling path.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the load ball passage constituting portion 21 includes a first connecting plate portion 25 extending in the longitudinal direction of the block body 13 along the horizontal portion 6 of the block body 13 and the corners of the sleeve portion 7. The second connecting plate portion 26 extending in the longitudinal direction between the respective load ball rolling grooves 8 on the inner periphery of each sleeve portion 7 of the block body 13, and the block body 13 along the lower end surface of the sleeve portion 7 of the block body 13. And a pair of third connecting plate portions 27 extending in the longitudinal direction.

That is, the load ball is positioned such that the lower edge of the first connecting plate portion 25 and the upper edge of the second connecting plate portion 26 facing each other are located on the groove side edge of the upper load ball rolling groove 8 provided in each sleeve portion 7. A passage configuration portion 21 is configured. Further, the lower edge of the second connecting plate portion 26 and the inner upper edge of the third connecting plate portion 27 facing each other are positioned on the groove side edge of the lower load ball rolling groove 8 provided on the inner surface of the sleeve portion 7. Thus, the load ball passage constituting portion 21 is constituted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the direction change path inner periphery guiding component 22 and the load ball passage component 21 are integrally formed through the thin plate 29, and the resin pipe 23 is provided on the thin plate 29. The fitting hole 34 is in-row fitted and positioned and fixed.

  The thin-walled plate portion 29 is formed with projecting direction change path inner periphery guiding components 22 corresponding to the two rows of balls 3 on the side surface of the track rail 2.

  And the both ends of the said 1st, 2nd and 3rd connection board parts 25-27 are couple | bonded with the thin board part 29 of the block main body 13 both ends, and the one resin frame 24 is comprised.

  Each direction change path inner periphery guide component 22 has a half-cylindrical cylindrical shape, and an inner periphery guide groove 10a having a circular arc shape that forms the inner periphery guide part of the direction change path 10 is formed on the outer periphery thereof. One end of the inner peripheral guide groove 10 a is connected to the end of the load ball rolling groove 8, and is formed to have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the load ball rolling groove 8. Positioned to match the position. The other end of the inner circumferential guide groove 10a of the direction changing path 10 is connected to the end of the ball return passage 9 and is formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the ball return passage 9, and the end of the ball return passage 9 is Positioned to match the part position.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 9, 10B, and 10C, on both side edges of the inner peripheral guide groove 10a, the load ball rolling groove 8 side to the ball return passage 9 side are provided. Convex portions 15b and 15c configured to gradually increase in height as they go to are provided. Specifically, the surface contour of the inner peripheral guide groove 10a viewed in the moving direction of the ball 3 from the loaded ball rolling groove 8 side toward the ball return passage 9 side leaves only the tip surfaces of the convex portions 15b and 15c. It is comprised so that it may leave | separate gradually from the passage area | region of the ball | bowl 3. As shown in FIG. That is, only the tip surfaces of the convex portions 15 b and 15 c among the surface of the inner circumferential guide groove 10 a are configured to maintain a state in which the ball 3 can be contacted in the entire direction change path 10. A cylindrical edge portion 33 having a width larger than the width of the belt portion 12b is provided on one side surface of each of the convex portions 15b and 15c. The cylindrical edge portion 33 constitutes a guide surface that guides the side edge portion of the belt portion 12 b along the moving direction of the ball 3.

  Both ends of the inner circumferential guide groove 10 a of the direction change path 10 extend to the contact surface side with the end surface of the block main body 13 of the thin plate portion 29 in order to connect to both ends of the load ball rolling groove 8 and the ball return passage 9. ing. On the other hand, the thin plate portion 29 is provided with a semicircular pipe fitting hole 34 into which the end portion of the resin pipe 23 is fitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the resin pipe 23, which is a rolling element return passage constituent member, includes an outer peripheral pipe half body 23 b located on the outer peripheral side of the circulation path that is continuous with the outer peripheral guide groove 10 b of the direction changing path 10 of the side lid 40. The inner circumferential side guide groove 10a is connected to the inner circumferential side pipe half body 23a located on the inner circumferential side of the circulation path.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the inner pipe half 23a is formed in a longitudinal direction along the groove 9a having a circular arc section and both side edges of the groove (concave arc surface) 9a. And extending protrusions 16b and 16c. As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the outer peripheral pipe half 23b is a linear member having a substantially the same cross-sectional arc shape as the outer peripheral guide groove 10b of the side cover 40. A continuous groove portion 9b and a convex portion 16a extending in the longitudinal direction along substantially the center (groove bottom portion) of the groove portion (concave arc surface) 9b are provided. The inner circumferential pipe half 23a and the outer circumferential pipe half 23b are configured as a cylindrical (pipe-shaped) member by combining the side end surfaces in contact with each other. The inner peripheral surface of this cylindrical member becomes the ball return passage 9. The side end surfaces 23c and 23d (one side surface of the convex portions 16b and 16c) of the inner peripheral pipe half 23a are located on the inner surface of the region contacting the side end surface 23e of the outer peripheral pipe half 23b. A guide surface for guiding the side edge portion of the belt portion 12b along the moving direction of the ball 3 is formed.

  The length of the inner pipe half 23a of the resin pipe 23 is equal to the length of the block main body 13, and the resin pipe 23 is positioned in the longitudinal direction by coming into contact with the back surface of the direction changing path inner guide part 22.

  On the other hand, the length of the outer circumferential pipe half 23 b of the resin pipe 23 is fitted in the fitting hole 34 longer than the length of the block main body 13 by the thickness of the thin plate portion 29. Both end surfaces of the outer pipe half 23b fitted in the fitting hole 34 abut against the peripheral edge of the outer guide groove 10b of the side lid 40 and are positioned in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a cylinder in which both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the side end surface 23e of the outer peripheral pipe half body 23b (a region not in contact with the side end surface 23c of the inner peripheral side pipe half body 23a) are formed in the direction change path inner peripheral guide component 22. By contacting the outer edge of the edge portion 33, the outer peripheral pipe half 23b and the inner peripheral pipe half 23a inserted into the through hole 14 are prevented from rotating.

  As described above, the resin pipe 23 and the direction change path inner periphery guiding component 22 are accurately positioned and assembled through the fitting hole 34 formed in the thin plate portion 29.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the side cover 40 has a step recess 40 a in which the thin plate portion 29 is fitted, and a direction change path outer periphery guide configuration in which the direction change path inner periphery guide configuration portion 22 is fitted. A concave portion 41 having an outer peripheral guide groove 10b as a portion and a tightening fixing portion for tightening and fixing the side lid 40 to the block main body 13 are provided. The fastening portion is fastened and fixed by inserting a bolt (not shown) into a bolt insertion hole 43 formed in the side lid 40 and screwing it into a bolt hole 45 formed in the end face of the block body 13. The positions of the bolt insertion holes 43 are at four locations, that is, the thin plate portion 29 between the direction change path inner periphery guide constituting portions 22 of each resin circulation path molded body 20 and the positions near the left and right thin plate portions 29 of the horizontal portion 6. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the side edge of the outer peripheral guide groove 10b of the recess 41 is between the cylindrical edge portion 33 of the direction change path inner peripheral guide component 22 shown in FIG. 8A. A semicircular large-diameter step portion 46 that cooperates to form a guide groove (connection member guide portion) of the belt portion 12b of the ball connection band 12, and a small-diameter step portion 47 into which the cylindrical edge portion 33 is fitted. Is provided. And the direction change path inner periphery guidance structure part 22 in which the inner periphery guide groove 10a was formed is fitted by the recessed part 41 of the side cover 40, and the thin board part 29 is accommodated in the step recessed part 40a of the side cover part 40, The thin plate portion 29 is sandwiched and fixed between the side cover 40 and the end surface of the block body 13 by the tightening force. As shown in FIG. 9, the edge 46 a of the large diameter step 46 facing the ball return passage 9 has a chamfered shape of 30 degrees or an R shape to prevent the ball connecting band 12 from being caught.

  By connecting the direction change path inner periphery guide component 22 and the load ball path component 21 via the thin plate portion 29, one end of the inner periphery guide groove 10a provided in the direction change path inner periphery guide component 22; The relative positional relationship of the load ball passage constituting portion 21 or the positional relationship between the inner circumferential guide groove 10a and the ball return passage 9 is accurately positioned.

  On the other hand, the thin plate portion 29 around the direction change path inner periphery guiding component 22 is pressed against the end face of the block main body 13 uniformly by the side cover 40 by the tightening force of the side cover 40, so the direction changing path inner periphery guide component Even when the posture (orientation) of 22 is distorted, the thin plate portion 29 bends along the end surface of the block main body 13 and the distortion of the direction change path inner periphery guide portion 22 is corrected.

  Further, the thin plate portion 29 is firmly tightened and fixed by the tightening force of the side lid 40, and the inner peripheral guide groove 10a is not displaced by the friction force.

  Since the side cover 40 is fixed by fitting the concave portion 41 of the side cover 40 into the direction change path inner periphery guide constituting part 22 assembled to the block main body 13, the side cover 40 is fixed to the direction change path inner periphery guide constituting part. It is accurately positioned and fixed with respect to the block main body 13 by the concave-convex fitting with the portion 22.

  Thus, the inner peripheral guide groove 10a, the outer peripheral guide groove 10b, and the resin pipe 23 are accurately positioned and fixed to each other, whereby the convex portion 16a of the resin pipe 23 and the convex portion 15a provided in the outer peripheral guide groove 10b, The convex portions 16b and 16c of the resin pipe 23 and the convex portions 15b and 15c of the inner peripheral guide groove 10a constitute convex portions that continuously extend along the moving direction of the ball 3 in the no-load region.

  Next, a procedure for assembling the resin circulation path molded body 20 will be described.

  First, the inner peripheral pipe half 23 a of the resin pipe 23 is inserted into the through hole 14 of the sleeve portion 7 of the block body 13.

  Next, the thin plate portions 29 at both ends of the integrally formed resin frame 24 are inserted from the inner surface side while sliding along the end surfaces of the sleeve portions 7 of the block body 13. The first connecting plate portion 25 of the resin frame 24 is brought into contact with the corner portions of the horizontal portion 6 and the sleeve portion 7 to be positioned in the vertical direction, and the second connecting plate portion 26 and the third connecting plate portion 27 of the resin frame 24 are positioned. Is brought into contact with the inner surface of the sleeve portion 7 of the block body 13 to position each load ball passage constituting portion 21 and the direction change path inner periphery guiding constituting portion 22. At this time, the pipe fitting hole 34 of the thin plate portion 29 matches the through hole 14 of the block body 13.

  Next, the outer pipe half 23b is inserted into the through hole 14 through the pipe fitting hole 34, and the assembly of the one resin circulation path molded body 20 is completed.

  Similarly, the other resin circulation path molded body 20 is incorporated.

  Thereafter, one side lid 40 is fastened and fixed to one end surface of the block main body 13 and the ball connecting band 12 is inserted, and then the other side lid 40 is fastened and fixed to the other end surface of the block main body 13 to assemble the movable block 4. Is completed.

<Characteristic configuration of this embodiment>
The rolling guide device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with convex portions 16 a to 16 c as a plurality of rolling element support portions on the inner periphery of the ball return passage 9. These convex portions 16a to 16c are partially in contact with the cross-sectional contour portion of the ball 3 perpendicular to the moving direction of the ball 3 at a plurality of locations with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the cross-sectional contour portion. obtain. The ball 3 is supported and guided in the ball return passage 9 while repeating a contact state and a non-contact state with respect to the three protrusions 16a to 16c. Each convex part 16a-16c protrudes so that it may extend along the moving direction of the ball | bowl 3 from the internal peripheral surface of the ball | bowl return channel | path 9, and a cross section is R so that each front end surface may correspond to the spherical surface of the ball | bowl 3. The shape is formed, and the ball 3 can be smoothly contacted. Further, one side surface (side end surface 23c, 23d) of at least two convex portions 16b, 16c among the three convex portions is a guide surface that contacts and guides the side edge portion of the belt portion 12b of the ball coupling band 12. It has become.

As described above, in the ball return passage 9, three protrusions 16 are provided at intervals / arrangements so that the ball 3 can be supported while being separated from the inner peripheral surface of the ball return passage 9. Each convex part 16a
, 16b, and 16c, lubricant circulation gaps 17a, 17b, and 17c that allow the lubricant to flow through the entire length of the ball return passage 9 are formed between the ball 3 and the cross-sectional contour portion. The intervals between the convex portions 16a to 16c are intervals that can support the ball 3 in a well-balanced manner, and can be set at intervals that can secure a space between the convex portions 16a to 16c that does not hinder the flow of grease. . In this embodiment, the three convex portions 16 a to 16 c are arranged at three locations on the inner peripheral surface of the ball return passage 9 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the interval between the three convex portions 16a to 16c is approximately 120 °.

  The three convex portions 16a to 16c are arranged such that at least one convex portion is located on the inner peripheral side of the infinite circulation path and at least one convex portion is located on the outer peripheral side of the infinite circulation path. In the present embodiment, the two protruding portions 16b; 16c are arranged on the side of the load rolling path from the rolling center of the ball 3 in the ball return path 9. Further, a single convex portion 16 a is disposed on the opposite side of the rolling center of the ball 3 in the ball return passage 9 from the unloaded rolling path side. That is, the ball 3 is supported by the convex portion 16a on the outer peripheral side of the endless circuit, and is supported by the two convex portions 16b and 16c on the inner peripheral side of the endless circuit.

  The side edge portion of the belt portion 12b is guided by the side surfaces of the convex portions 16b; 16c located on the inner peripheral side of the infinite circulation path with respect to the belt portion 12b. That is, of the side surfaces of the convex portions 16b; 16c, the side surface on the outer peripheral side of the infinite circulation path (the side opposite to the load rolling path from the rolling center of the ball 3 in the ball return path 9) guides the belt part 12b. Functions as a surface. Each guide surface that guides the side edge portion of the belt portion 12b moves the displacement of the belt portion 12b in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the ball 3 so that the belt portion 12b does not twist in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the ball 3. It is provided in an arrangement that regulates in opposite directions. Moreover, the convex part 16a contacts the ball 3 in a direction facing each guide surface and restricts the displacement of the ball 3, so that the belt portion 12b is prevented from being lifted from each guide surface.

  The infinite circulation path is provided with a connecting member guide portion configured in a groove shape for guiding the side edge of the belt portion 12b over the entire circulation path. As shown in FIG. 1, the load rolling path is different from the ball return path 9, and has a configuration in which a connecting body guide groove (connecting member guide portion) for guiding the side edge of the belt portion 12 b is provided as in the conventional case. ing. That is, the connecting member guide portion has a groove shape slightly larger than the belt portion 12b and substantially corresponding to the outer shape of the belt portion 12b in the load rolling path. The ball coupling band 12 is guided in the load rolling path by sliding the belt portion 12b with respect to the coupling body guide groove. On the other hand, in the ball return passage 9, one side surface of the concave portion (both side surfaces of the convex portion 16a) is configured to be separated from the belt portion 12b, and the lubricant circulation gaps 17b and 17c are formed between the belt return passage 9 and the belt portion 12b. Is formed. That is, in the present embodiment, both side surfaces of the convex portion 16a correspond to the other side surface facing the lubricant circulation gap in the connecting member guide portion in the rolling guide device of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cross-sectional shape of the direction changing path 10 changes from the ball return path 9 side to the load rolling path side (FIG. 10 (b) → FIG. 10 (c)). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B and 10C, the sectional shape of the direction changing path 10 is such that the heights of the convex portions 15a to 15c gradually decrease from the ball return path 9 side to the load rolling path side. (The height of the groove bottom surface of the direction change path inner periphery guide groove 10a and the direction change path outer periphery guide groove 10b approaches the height of the tip surfaces of the convex portions 15a to 15c) The cross-sectional areas of the gaps 17a to 17c gradually decrease. In particular, in the direction change path outer periphery guide groove 10b, the cross-sectional shape is such that the guide surface that contacts the ball 3 gradually expands from the side edge of the direction change path outer periphery guide groove 10b toward the center (convex portion 15a). In the direction change path inner circumferential guide groove 10a, the cross-sectional shape changes so that the entire groove bottom gradually approaches the passing region of the ball 3 with the same degree of change.

<Excellent points of this embodiment>
In this embodiment, since the ball 3 is supported and guided by the convex portions 15a, 16a to 15c, 16c having a R-shaped cross section in the ball return path 9 and the direction change path 10, the ball return path 9 and the direction change path 10 The contact area with the ball 3 is reduced. Thereby, the frictional resistance when the ball 3 moves in the ball return path 9 and the direction change path 10 is reduced. In this way, by reducing the contact area in the no-load region of the infinite circulation path, the ball 3, the ball return path 9 and the direction change path 10 are not affected without affecting the rolling of the ball 3 in the entire infinite circulation path. It is possible to reduce the frictional resistance. Therefore, smoother rolling and circulation of the ball 3 in the infinite circulation path can be achieved. Further, by supporting the ball 3 while being separated from the inner peripheral surface of the rolling path, a gap (lubricant flow gap) can be formed between the rolling path inner peripheral surface and the ball 3 in the no-load region. As a result, the grease filling area can be expanded, and the lubricity can be improved.

  Further, according to the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, a sufficient space for filling and holding the grease over the entire path can be secured between the ball 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the ball return path 9. Therefore, the lubricity can be improved and the change in sliding resistance due to excessive supply of grease can be suppressed.

  Further, both side edge portions (a pair of projecting portions) of the belt portion 12b are configured to be supported on one side only by one guide surface with respect to the convex portions 16b and 16c, so that the sliding resistance is further increased. Can be reduced.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the fluidity of the grease in the ball return passage 9 and further reduce the sliding resistance. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the rolling resistance of the ball 3 and further improve the durability (reliability) of the ball coupling band 12 that couples the ball 3, and the sliding resistance between the track rail 2 and the moving block 4 can be improved. Stabilization and the like can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the tip surfaces of the convex portions 16b and 16c serve as guide surfaces for guiding the ball 3, and the side surfaces of the convex portions 16b and 16c serve as guide surfaces for guiding the belt portion 12b. In other words, the convex portions 16b and 16c as the rolling element guide portions also serve as the connecting member guide portions, compared with the case where the guide surfaces for guiding the balls 3 and the guide surfaces for guiding the belt portions 12b are provided separately. Thus, it is possible to ensure a large lubricant gap.

  In this embodiment, the structure of the convex portion (rolling body support portion) and the lubricant circulation gap is also provided in the direction change path 10 so as to be continuous from the ball return path 9. Thereby, also in the direction change path 10, the fluidity | liquidity of grease can be improved and the further reduction of sliding resistance can be aimed at.

<Others>
The configuration of the rolling guide device is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the rail and the moving block, the number of strips and the form of the infinite circulation path can be appropriately changed. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a ball is used as the rolling element, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a roller is also applicable.

  Further, the configuration of the coupling body that couples the plurality of rolling elements is not limited to the configuration shown in the present embodiment.

The number of protrusions 15 and 16 is not limited to three as in the above embodiment. That is, as long as the ball is spaced apart from the road surface to support it in a well-balanced manner and a sufficiently wide space can be formed between the ball and the road surface without impeding the flow of the lubricant, four or more strips may be provided. . Further, the arrangement interval of the convex portions 15 and 16 is not limited to the 120 ° equidistant arrangement as in the above embodiment. When three protrusions 15 and 16 are arranged, as long as the ball 3 can be separated from the road surface of the rolling path and can be supported in a balanced manner, the protrusions 15 and 16 on the left and right sides of the single protrusions Protrusions can be provided in the range of 90 ° to 180 °.

  11 (a) and 11 (b) show modifications of the inner peripheral surface configuration of the ball return passage 9, respectively. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which is common in an Example.

  In Modification 1 shown in FIG. 11A, unlike the embodiment, the same inner half pipe is used as in the prior art. That is, it is set as the conventional inner peripheral side pipe half body 23a1 which does not provide the convex parts 16b and 16c. The outer peripheral pipe half 23b is the same as in the embodiment. The effects of the one-side support of the belt member 12b and the lubricant flow gaps 17b and 17c are the same as in the embodiment. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, it is good also considering the structure of an inner peripheral side pipe half body as an Example, and the structure of the outer peripheral side pipe half body 23b being a conventional structure which does not provide the convex part 16a.

  In Modification 2 shown in FIG. 11 (b), the outer peripheral pipe half body 23b1 has a configuration combining the conventional configuration and the configuration of the example. That is, in the embodiment, both side surfaces of the convex portion 16a are configured to be separated from the belt portion 12b, whereas in Modification 2, only one side surface of the convex portion 16a1 is separated from the belt portion 12b. It is configured as follows. Therefore, in the second modification, only one side (only one of the pair of projecting portions) of the both side edge portions of the belt portion 12b is supported on one side, and only one lubricant circulation gap 17c is formed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Rolling guide apparatus, 2 ... Track rail, 3 ... Ball, 4 ... Moving block, 5 ... Ball rolling groove, 8 ... Loaded ball rolling groove, 9 ... Ball return path, 10 ... Direction change path, 12 ... Ball Connecting band, 12a ... ball hole, 12b ... belt part, 12c ... spacer part, 15a, 16a-15c, 16c ... convex part, 17a-17c ... lubricant flow gap

Claims (6)

A track member provided with a rolling element rolling surface, and a moving member provided movably through a number of rolling elements along the track member,
In the moving member, a loaded rolling element rolling surface corresponding to the rolling element rolling surface of the raceway member, and a rolling element return passage provided in parallel with the loaded rolling element rolling surface at a predetermined interval, A pair of direction change paths for circulating the rolling elements by connecting between the rolling elements rolling surfaces and the rolling element return passages are provided,
The moving member has a moving member main body in which the rolling rolling element rolling surface and the rolling element return passage are formed, a direction changing path structure in which the direction changing path is formed and attached to both ends of the moving member main body in the moving direction. And a configuration comprising a member,
The plurality of rolling elements are configured to be connected by a rolling element connecting member, and the rolling element connecting member protrudes outward from a cross-sectional contour portion of the rolling element in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the rolling element. In the rolling guide device having a protruding portion, and provided with a pair of connecting member guide portions for guiding the protruding portion of the rolling element connecting member on the inner periphery of the rolling element return passage,
The rolling element return passage is formed by an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical member inserted into a through hole of the moving member body,
Provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical member are a plurality of rolling element support portions that can partially contact at a plurality of locations with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the cross sectional contour portion with respect to the cross sectional contour portion of the rolling element. In addition, a lubricant circulation gap is formed between the plurality of rolling element support portions so as to allow the lubricant to flow over the entire length of the rolling element return passage between the cross-sectional contour portion of the rolling elements,
Furthermore, for at least one of the connecting member guide portions, only one of the side surface on the inner circumferential side and the side surface on the outer circumferential side in the circulation path of the rolling element when changing the direction is used. Is a guide surface that guides the protruding portion of the rolling element coupling member, and the other side surface of the rolling guide device faces the lubricant flow gap.   The rolling guide device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member guide portion is also the rolling element support portion.   The rolling guide device according to claim 1, wherein the structure of the rolling element support portion and the lubricant circulation gap is also provided on the inner periphery of the direction change path so as to be continuous from the rolling element return path. 4. The rolling guide device according to claim 1, wherein the rolling element support portion gradually decreases in height in the direction changing path as the distance from the rolling element return path increases. 5. . The rolling guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cylindrical member is positioned in a longitudinal direction when an end surface of the cylindrical member abuts against the direction change path constituting member. A raceway member provided with rolling element rolling surfaces;
A plurality of rolling elements connected by rolling element connecting members having a pair of projecting portions projecting outward from a cross-sectional contour portion of the rolling element in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the rolling elements. When,
A moving member provided movably along the track member via the rolling element,
A loaded rolling element rolling surface corresponding to the rolling element rolling surface;
A rolling element return passage provided in parallel with the load rolling element rolling surface at a predetermined interval;
A pair of direction change paths for circulating the rolling elements by connecting between the rolling elements rolling surface and the rolling element return passage;
A moving member body in which the rolling rolling element rolling surface and the rolling element return passage are formed;
The direction changing path is formed, and direction changing path constituting members attached to both ends of the moving member main body in the moving direction;
A moving member having
In a rolling guide device comprising:
The rolling element return passage is formed by an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical member inserted into a through hole provided in the moving member main body,
The rolling element return passage and the direction changing path are configured to support a plurality of rolling elements configured to be able to partially contact the rolling element at a plurality of locations at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross-sectional contour portion. Part
At least a part of the plurality of rolling element support portions is configured to guide the protruding portion of the rolling element coupling member, and at least the rolling element is provided between the plurality of rolling element support portions. A rolling guide device that forms a lubricant circulation gap that allows a lubricant to lubricate between the rolling elements, the rolling element coupling member, and the rolling element return path to be formed over the entire length of the return path. .

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