JP6115027B2 - Linear guide assembly apparatus and assembly method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a linear guide assembling apparatus and assembling method, for example, to a linear guide assembling apparatus and an assembling method capable of efficiently incorporating a rolling element in a slider body of a linear guide.

  Conventionally, the assembly of the linear guide has been manually filling the circulation path with rolling elements and spacers (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). As shown in FIG. 15, the linear guide device and the assembly method described in Patent Document 1 are provided with a through hole 131 in the end cap 118 for communicating the rolling element direction changing path 121 and the outside, and a predetermined number of rolling elements in advance. The rolling elements 113 and the spacers 114 supplied from the alignment supply device 140 in which the 113 and the spacers 114 are alternately set are pushed by the pusher 143 through the through holes 131 to fill the circulation path 123.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the assembly method of the linear guide with a separator described in Patent Document 2 is inserted into the temporary guide rail 203 into the slider body 205 having the end cap 207 attached only to the cage 213 and one end surface, The rolling elements 209 and the spacers 211 are alternately filled into the circulation path 215 from the other end face side of the slider main body 205 in which the circulation path 215 is open without the end cap. When the rolling elements 209 and the spacers 211 are filled, the rolling elements 209 and the spacers 211 are stably inserted into the circulation path 215 by using the dead weight of the dummy rolling elements 209 a to prevent the rolling elements 209 from running ahead.

Japanese Patent No. 4561087 Japanese Patent No. 3858855

  However, according to Patent Document 1, when the rolling elements 113 and the spacers 114 are inserted into the circulation path 123 from the alignment supply device 140, the rolling elements 113 may advance and the rolling elements 113 and the spacers 114 may be separated. There is a possibility that the posture collapse such as tilt or upright occurs and the circuit is clogged in the circulation path 123, and stable continuous insertion cannot be performed.

  Further, the technique of Patent Document 2 uses the dead weight of the dummy rolling element 209a to prevent the rolling element 209 from running ahead and stably inserts the rolling element 209 and the spacer 211, but the dummy rolling element 209a is eliminated. It was not efficient because additional work was required. Also, on the open side (rolling element insertion side) where no circulating parts such as end caps are attached, the row order and position of the rolling elements 209 and spacers 211 are shifted, so the end cap is corrected while correcting the position and order with tweezers etc. Work that requires skill to assemble with circulating parts such as these is necessary, and there is room for improvement from the standpoint of work efficiency. In addition, when the rolling elements 209 and the spacers 211 are inserted, it is difficult to automate because the circulating parts are not attached.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to automate the assembly work by allowing the rolling elements to be incorporated into the circulation path without requiring much time and skill in assembly. An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly apparatus and assembly method for a linear guide.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.
(1) a guide rail having rail-side tracks formed on the left and right side surfaces along the longitudinal direction;
The guide rail is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section having an inner surface facing the left and right side surfaces, and is provided on the inner surface so as to form a rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the rail side track. A slider body comprising a slider-side track and a rolling element return path;
End caps attached to both ends of the slider body, and formed with rolling element direction changing paths that connect the rolling element rolling path and the rolling element return path in a substantially U shape;
A plurality of rolling elements that circulate and roll in a circulating rolling path constituted by the rolling element rolling path, the rolling element return path, and the rolling element direction changing path;
A guide component that is disposed in the rolling element rolling path of the slider body and guides the rolling element;
A linear guide assembly apparatus comprising:
The rail-side temporary track that forms the rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the slider-side track, the rolling element rolling path and the outside are connected, and the plurality of rolling elements are used as the rolling element rolling path. A temporary guide rail provided with a supply hole capable of being supplied;
A rolling path opening mechanism for elastically deforming the guide component in the vicinity of the connection portion between the supply hole and the rolling element rolling path, and separating the guide part from the rolling element rolling path;
A pressing member that presses the plurality of rolling elements supplied to the supply hole and inserts into the rolling element rolling path;
With
The supply hole is formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary track, and slanted toward the rolling element rolling path in the direction toward the outer side of the temporary guide rail and toward the bottom of the slider body. Formed by bending
The linear guide assembling apparatus, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic material whose tip can be bent.
(2) The linear guide assembly apparatus according to (1), wherein the linear guide further includes a plurality of spacers interposed between the adjacent rolling elements.
(3) The temporary guide rail is
A first temporary rail formed with the rail-side temporary track and a through hole into which the rolling element can be inserted;
A second temporary rail formed with the rail side temporary track, and a connection hole connecting the through hole and the rolling element rolling path;
A third temporary rail on which the rail-side temporary track is formed;
Are joined in this order, and the linear guide assembling apparatus according to (1) or (2).
(4) The temporary guide rail is provided such that its posture can be adjusted,
When the plurality of rolling elements are inserted into the rolling element rolling path, the posture of the temporary guide rail is adjusted so that the connection hole becomes higher toward the rolling element rolling path. The linear guide assembly apparatus according to (3).
(5) guide rails having rail-side tracks formed along the longitudinal direction on both left and right side surfaces;
The guide rail is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section having an inner surface facing the left and right side surfaces, and is provided on the inner surface so as to form a rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the rail side track. A slider body comprising a slider-side track and a rolling element return path;
End caps attached to both ends of the slider body, and formed with rolling element direction changing paths that connect the rolling element rolling path and the rolling element return path in a substantially U shape;
A plurality of rolling elements that circulate and roll in a circulating rolling path constituted by the rolling element rolling path, the rolling element return path, and the rolling element direction changing path;
A guide component that is disposed in the rolling element rolling path of the slider body and guides the rolling element;
An assembly method of a linear guide provided with
Preparing a cartridge loaded with the plurality of rolling elements in advance;
Attaching the end caps to the both ends of the slider body, and assembling the guide parts to the slider-side track;
The rail-side temporary track that forms the rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the slider-side track, the rolling element rolling path and the outside are connected, and the plurality of rolling elements are used as the rolling element rolling path. A step of assembling a temporary guide rail provided with a supply hole capable of being supplied to the slider body;
A step of elastically deforming the guide component in the vicinity of the connection portion between the supply hole and the rolling element rolling path by a rolling path opening mechanism and separating the guide part from the rolling element rolling path;
Connecting the cartridge to the supply hole and supplying the plurality of rolling elements to the supply hole;
A step of pressing the plurality of rolling elements with a pressing member and inserting the plurality of rolling elements into the rolling element rolling path;
With
The supply hole is formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary track, and slanted in the direction toward the rolling element rolling path toward the outer side of the temporary guide rail and toward the bottom of the slider body. Formed by bending
The method of assembling a linear guide, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic material whose tip can be bent.
(6) The linear guide further includes a plurality of spacers interposed between the adjacent rolling elements,
The preparation step prepares a cartridge loaded with the plurality of rolling elements and a plurality of spacers in advance,
The supply step connects the cartridge to the supply hole and supplies the plurality of rolling elements and a plurality of spacers to the supply hole,
The inserting step includes pressing the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of spacers with the pressing member to insert the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of spacers into the rolling element rolling path (5). The assembly method of the linear guide as described in 2.
(7) The temporary guide rail is
A first temporary rail formed with the rail-side temporary track and a through hole into which the rolling element can be inserted;
A second temporary rail formed with the rail side temporary track, and a connection hole connecting the through hole and the rolling element rolling path;
A third temporary rail on which the rail-side temporary track is formed;
Are assembled in this order, and the linear guide assembling method according to (5) or (6).
(8) The temporary guide rail is provided so that its posture can be adjusted,
In the inserting step, the posture of the temporary guide rail is adjusted so that the connection hole becomes higher toward the rolling element rolling path.

According to the assembling apparatus and the assembling method of the linear guide of the present invention, after assembling the end cap and the guide parts to the slider body, the temporary guide rail is inserted into the slider body, and the rolling element is elastically deformed by the rolling path opening mechanism. Since the plurality of rolling elements supplied from the cartridge are inserted into the rolling element rolling path while being pressed by the pressing member through the vicinity of the guide parts separated from the rolling path, much time is required for assembly. The rolling elements can be incorporated into the circulation rolling path without requiring skill, and the assembly work can be automated.
The supply hole is formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary track, and is bent obliquely toward the rolling element rolling path in the direction toward the outer side of the temporary guide rail and toward the bottom of the slider body. The pressing member is made of an elastic material whose tip can be bent, so it bends following the shape of the supply hole, and presses the rolling element securely and inserts it into the rolling element rolling path. can do.
In particular, in a linear guide having a plurality of rolling elements and a plurality of spacers, when the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of spacers are inserted into the rolling element rolling path, the rolling elements and the spacers are not separated from each other. Therefore, the clogging in the circulating rolling path due to the collapse of the posture such as the inclination or upright of the spacer is prevented, and stable and continuous insertion is possible.

It is a whole perspective view of a linear guide. It is a perspective view of the slider of the linear guide shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the linear guide shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the slider assembled | attached to the temporary guide rail which is embodiment of the assembly apparatus of the linear guide which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the linear guide shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which elastically deformed the 1st holder | retainer and was spaced apart from the 1st circulation rolling path. It is a perspective view which shows the state which presses with a pressing member and inserts a some rolling element into the 1st circulation rolling path from the connection part of a 1st retainer and a 1st circulation rolling path from the supply hole of a temporary guide rail. . It is a side view of a temporary guide rail when supplying a some rolling element and a spacer to a rolling element rolling path. It is a front view of the temporary guide rail which supplies a some rolling element and a spacer to a rolling element rolling path. It is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship of a 2nd holder | retainer and a temporary guide rail. It is a perspective view which shows the state which elastically deformed the 2nd retainer and was spaced apart from the 2nd circulation rolling path. It is a front view which shows the state which made the 2nd retainer elastically deform and was spaced apart from the 2nd circulation rolling path. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which elastically deformed the 2nd retainer and was spaced apart from the 2nd circulation rolling path. It is a perspective view which shows the state which presses with a pressing member and inserts a some rolling element and a spacer in a 2nd circulation rolling path from the connection part of the supply hole of a temporary guide rail, and a 2nd circulating rolling path. It is a figure for demonstrating the assembly method of the conventional linear guide. It is a figure for demonstrating the assembly method of the other conventional linear guide.

  Embodiments of a linear guide assembling apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a four-row linear guide will be described as an example of a linear guide to which the linear guide assembling apparatus according to the present invention is applied. Since the 4-row linear guide is configured to be bilaterally symmetric, description will be made mainly on either the left or right side.

  1 is an overall perspective view of the linear guide, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slider, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the linear guide. The linear guide 1 includes a guide rail 2 extending in the axial direction and a slider 3 straddling the guide rail 2 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction. The slider 3 includes a slider body 4 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, end caps 5 attached to both ends of the slider body 4 in the axial direction, and a plurality of rolling elements that circulate and roll in the circulating rolling path 11. (In this embodiment, a ball) 6, a plurality of spacers 7 interposed between adjacent rolling elements 6, a first retainer 8 and a second retainer 9 which are guide parts for guiding the rolling elements 6, .

  On both side surfaces of the guide rail 2, rail-side tracks 2a and 2b each having a substantially quadrant and a semicircular cross section extending in the axial direction are formed in parallel to each other. The slider body 4 is formed with slider-side tracks 3a, 3b having substantially semicircular cross sections extending in the axial direction facing the rail-side tracks 2a, 2b, respectively, on both inner surfaces, and the rolling element return penetrating in the axial direction. Paths 3c and 3d are formed. The slider side track 3a cooperates with the rail side track 2a to form a rolling element rolling path 4a, and the slider side track 3b cooperates with the rail side track 2b to form a rolling element rolling path 4b.

  Inside the end cap 5, the rolling element rolling path 4a and the rolling element return path 3c, and the rolling element rolling path 4b and the rolling element return path 3d are connected in a substantially U shape, respectively. 10a and 10b are formed. Thereby, the rolling element rolling path 4a, the rolling element return path 3c, and the rolling element direction changing path 10a constitute the first circulation rolling path 11A, and similarly, the rolling element rolling path 4b and the rolling element return path 3d. And the rolling element direction changing path 10b constitute a second circulating rolling path 11B.

  The first cage 8 is a frame-like member made of, for example, a synthetic resin and disposed at the bottom of the slider body 4 so as to face the rolling element rolling path 4a, and a part of the rolling element rolling path 4a is disposed on the first cage 8. A plurality of rolling elements 6 that have a holding track 8b having a substantially quadrant cross section and that roll on the rolling element rolling path 4a are guided. At the center in the longitudinal direction of the first cage 8, a pair of operation holes 8 a are formed in which a rolling path opening mechanism 22 (pins 41 a of the pair of cage release arms 41) described later is engaged.

  The second retainer 9 is a bar-like member that is disposed facing the rolling element rolling path 4 b and is formed, for example, in a substantially U shape with synthetic resin, and both ends 9 a are fixed to the end cap 5. At the same time, a plurality of rolling elements 6 rolling on the rolling element rolling path 4b are guided by the bar-shaped central portion 9b. A central portion 9 b of the second cage 9 protruding in the direction of the guide rail 2 is accommodated in a cage groove 2 c formed in the guide rail 2. The first and second cages 8 and 9 hold the plurality of rolling elements 6 and the plurality of spacers 7 when the guide rail 2 is removed from the linear guide 1 to become a single slider 3, and the circulation rolling path 11 (rolling element rolling paths 4a, 4b) has a function of preventing the falling off.

  A linear guide assembling apparatus 20 for incorporating a plurality of rolling elements 6 and a plurality of spacers 7 into the linear guide 1 having such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 9, the linear guide assembling apparatus 20 includes a temporary guide rail 21, a rolling path opening mechanism 22, and a pressing member 23. The temporary guide rail 21 is configured by joining a first temporary rail 25, a second temporary rail 26, and a third temporary rail 27 in this order, and is assembled to the slider 3 in the same manner as the guide rail 2. The temporary guide rail 21 may be formed as an integral rail, but by dividing the provisional guide rail 21 into a plurality of pieces, it becomes easy to produce bent holes (through holes 28a, 28b and connection holes 29a, 29b) described later.

  The first temporary rail 25 is formed with rail-side temporary tracks 25a and 25b on both sides so as to face the slider-side tracks 3a and 3b of the slider 3, and a through hole into which the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 can be inserted. 28a and 28b are formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary tracks 25a and 25b. The rail-side temporary tracks 25a and 25b cooperate with the slider-side tracks 3a and 3b of the slider 3 to form part of the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, respectively.

  Referring also to FIG. 10, rail-side temporary tracks 26 a and 26 b and connection holes 29 a and 29 b are formed in the second temporary rail 26. The rail-side temporary tracks 26a and 26b cooperate with the slider-side tracks 3a and 3b of the slider 3 to form part of the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, respectively. The connection holes 29a and 29b are formed obliquely so as to connect the through holes 28a and 28b of the first temporary rail 25 and the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, respectively. That is, the through hole 28a of the first temporary rail 25 and the connection hole 29a of the second temporary rail 26, and the through hole 28b and the connection hole 29b communicate with each other, and the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b are connected to the outside. And connect. Thereby, the through holes 28a and 28b and the connection holes 29a and 29b function as supply holes that can supply the plurality of rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 to the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b from the outside.

  Referring also to FIG. 11, the third temporary rail 27 forms a part of the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b in cooperation with the slider-side tracks 3a and 3b of the slider 3, respectively. Side temporary tracks 27a and 27b are formed. In addition, a U-shaped opening 27d is formed at the center in the left-right direction of the joint with the second temporary rail 26. A pair of cage opening arms 41 of a rolling path opening mechanism 22 described later is inserted into the opening 27d.

  The first, second, and third temporary rails 25, 26, and 27 are formed with slit-like cage grooves 25c, 26c, and 27c that are continuous with the rail-side temporary tracks 25b, 26b, and 27b, respectively. The central portion 9b of the cage 9 is accommodated.

  The first temporary rail 25, the second temporary rail 26, and the third temporary rail 27 are combined in this order with a gap C provided between the second temporary rail 26 and the third temporary rail 27. A pair of cage opening plates 42 of a rolling path opening mechanism 22 to be described later is inserted into the gap C.

  The rolling path opening mechanism 22 has a first and a second in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the connection holes 29a and 29b (supply holes) of the second temporary rail 26 and the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b. The cages 8 and 9 are elastically deformed in a direction away from the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, and openings for inserting the plurality of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 are formed in the first and second rolling elements. It forms in the moving body rolling path 31a, 31b.

  The rolling path opening mechanism 22 includes a pair of cage release arms 41 that elastically deforms a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the first cage 8 disposed to face the pair of first rolling element rolling paths 31a, and a pair A pair of retainer opening plates 42 that elastically deform the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the pair of second retainers 9 disposed to face the second rolling element rolling path 31b.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pair of cage release arms 41 are moved toward or away from each other (left and right in the figure) by a drive mechanism (not shown) disposed on the back side of the temporary guide rail 21. The pin 41a provided at the tip is fitted in the operation hole 8a of the first retainer 8 and moved in the left-right direction so that the intermediate portion of the first retainer 8 (the connection hole 29a and The first rolling element rolling path 31a and the vicinity thereof are elastically deformed in a direction away from the first rolling element rolling path 31a.

  The first cage 8 guides and holds the plurality of rolling elements 6 in the first rolling element rolling path 31a, and prevents the rolling elements 6 from dropping off from the first rolling element rolling path 31a. Yes. In other words, when the rolling element 6 is inserted into the first rolling element rolling path 31a, the first cage 8 becomes an obstacle. However, as described above, an opening is formed in the first rolling element rolling path 31a by elastically deforming the intermediate portion of the first cage 8 in a direction away from the first rolling element rolling path 31a. It becomes possible to insert the rolling element 6 (including the spacer 7) from the opening into the first rolling element rolling path 31a.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the pair of cage release plates 42 are moved in a direction (left and right direction in the drawing) toward or away from each other by a driving mechanism (not shown) arranged on the back side of the temporary guide rail 21. A pair of plate-like members that are made possible, and a tip end portion 42a that protrudes from a gap C between the second temporary rail 26 and the third temporary rail 27 is a substantially central portion 9b (connection hole) of the second cage 9. 29b and the second rolling element rolling path 31b) is elastically deformed in a direction away from the second rolling element rolling path 31b. Thereby, an opening is formed in the second rolling element rolling path 31b in which the second cage 9 becomes an obstacle and the rolling element 6 cannot be inserted, and the rolling element 6 is moved from the opening to the second rolling element. It becomes possible to insert into the moving body rolling path 31b. The reason why the cage opening plate 42 is made of a plate-like member is to prevent interference with the already-inserted rolling element 6 and to prevent the rolling element rolling path from becoming discontinuous as much as possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 14, the pressing member 23 is a pair of round bar-shaped members having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the rolling element 6, and includes through holes 28 a and 28 b, connection holes 29 a and 29 b, and It can be inserted into the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, respectively. The pair of pressing members 23 are driven in the axial direction by a cylinder (not shown), and simultaneously push out a plurality of rolling elements 6 and a plurality of spacers 7 filled in a cartridge (not shown) to form a pair of first rolling elements. It automatically inserts into the rolling path 31a or the pair of second rolling element rolling paths 31b.

  The distal end portion 23a of the pressing member 23 is formed of an elastic material so as to be able to follow the bent holes (through holes 28a and 28b and connection holes 29a and 29b). Moreover, since the front-end | tip part 23a contacts with the rolling element 6, when the reduction of frictional force and durability are considered, a Teflon (trademark) hollow pipe etc. are suitable, for example. It can also be formed of a coil spring.

  A procedure for assembling the linear guide 1 by the assembling apparatus 20 of this embodiment will be described. First, a plurality of rolling elements 6 and a plurality of spacers 7 are alternately loaded in advance to prepare a cartridge (not shown).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, end caps 5 are attached to both ends of the slider body 4, and the first cage 8 is assembled to the slider-side track 3a, and the second cage 9 is assembled to the slider-side track 3b. Thereafter, the temporary guide rails 21 (first, second, and third temporary rails 25, 26, 27) are assembled to the slider body 4. A mechanism (not shown) capable of adjusting the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 is provided. When the temporary guide rail 21 is assembled to the slider body 4, the temporary guide rail 21 is held in a vertical state, It is good to assemble in the state which secured workability and visibility.

  Thus, a pair of first rolling element rolling paths 31a is formed by the rail side temporary tracks 25a, 26a, 27a and the slider side track 3a, and a pair of the rail side temporary tracks 25b, 26b, 27b and the slider side track 3b. The second rolling element rolling path 31b is formed. Further, by assembling the temporary guide rail 21, the through hole 28a and the connection hole 29a that communicate with each other connect the outside and the first rolling element rolling path 31a, and the through hole 28b and the connection hole 29b that communicate with each other include The outside and the second rolling element rolling path 31b are connected.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pin 41a provided at the tip of a pair of cage release arms 41 is fitted into the operation hole 8a of the first cage 8, and a pair of drive mechanisms (not shown) The cage release arm 41 is moved in a direction approaching each other. Thereby, the center part of the 1st holder | retainer 8 in the connection part vicinity of the connection hole 29a and the 1st rolling element rolling path 31a elastically deforms in the direction away from the 1st rolling element rolling path 31a, An opening for inserting the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 into the first rolling element rolling path 31a is opened.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 is adjusted from the vertical state to the state where the inclination angle α is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane as shown in FIG. Is connected to the through hole 28a. If the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 is made completely horizontal, the rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 will be spilled from the cartridge before insertion, so the angle of the connection hole 29a (the rolling elements 6 from the temporary guide rail 21 to the first rolling The angle when moving to the rolling element rolling path 31a) is adjusted so as to gradually increase toward the first rolling element rolling path 31a, so that the rolling element 6 does not advance and the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 are not separated. The angle β is slightly close to the horizontal. Next, a predetermined number of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 are supplied from the cartridge to the through hole 28a, and are continuously inserted into the first rolling element rolling path 31a through the through hole 28a and the connection hole 29a. At that time, the pressing member 23 driven by a cylinder (not shown) simultaneously presses the plurality of rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 for two rows at the same time and reliably to the pair of first rolling element rolling paths 31a. The rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 are inserted into the.

  In order to allow the rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 to be smoothly inserted in a state where the gaps between the temporary guide rail 21 and the slider body 4 are uniform, an alignment adjustment mechanism between the temporary guide rail 21 and the slider body 4 is provided. It is desirable to provide it.

  The plurality of rolling elements 6 and the plurality of spacers 7 inserted into the first rolling element rolling path 31a from the opening are the first rolling elements via the rolling element direction changing path 10a and the rolling element return path 3c of the end cap 5. Returning to the rolling path 31a, the first circulating rolling path 11A is filled. The plurality of rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 can be efficiently inserted into the pair of first rolling element rolling paths 31a in a short time by being simultaneously inserted into the pair of through holes 28a and connection holes 29a from the cartridge.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the pair of cage release plates 42 are moved in a direction approaching each other by a drive mechanism (not shown) to connect the connection hole 29 b and the second rolling element rolling path 31 b. In order to insert the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 into the second rolling element rolling path 31b by elastically deforming the central part 9b of the second cage 9 in the vicinity of the part in a direction away from the second rolling element rolling path 31b. Open the opening.

  Then, the cartridge is connected to the through hole 28b, and the angle of the connection hole 29b (the angle when the rolling element 6 moves from the temporary guide rail 21 to the second rolling element rolling path 31b) is set so that the rolling element 6 runs ahead. A predetermined number of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 are supplied from the cartridge to the through hole 28b in a state where the moving body 6 and the spacer 7 are held at a substantially horizontal angle so that the moving body 6 and the spacer 7 are not separated from each other. And continuously inserted into the second rolling element rolling path 31b. At that time, a plurality of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 for two rows are pressed by a pressing member 23 driven by a cylinder (not shown), and simultaneously and reliably applied to the pair of second rolling element rolling paths 31b. The rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 are inserted into the second rolling element rolling path 31b.

  The rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 inserted into the second rolling element rolling path 31b from the opening are provided through the rolling element direction changing path 10b and the rolling element return path 3d of the end cap 5, and the second rolling element rolling path 31b. Then, the pair of second circulation rolling paths 11B are filled. The plurality of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 can be efficiently inserted into the pair of second rolling element rolling paths 31b in a short time by being simultaneously inserted into the pair of through holes 28b and connection holes 29b from the cartridge. it can.

  As described above, the insertion order of the rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 is not limited to the order of the first rolling element rolling path 31a and the second rolling element rolling path 31b (two rows at a time). You may insert in order of the 2 rolling element rolling path 31b and the 1st rolling element rolling path 31a. Moreover, it can also be inserted into the first rolling element rolling path 31a and the second rolling element rolling path 31b simultaneously (simultaneously in four rows). However, there is a risk that it is difficult to take measures when an abnormality such as clogging of the rolling elements 6 or the spacer 7 occurs. Furthermore, the insertion of the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 into the first rolling element rolling path 31a and the second rolling element rolling path 31b may be manual insertion or automatic insertion, and any method may be used. It can be adopted.

Then, the temporary guide rails 21 (first, second, and third temporary rails 25, 26, and 27) are removed from the slider 3 in which the predetermined number of rolling elements 6 and spacers 7 are inserted, and the formal guide rail 2 is replaced again. The linear guide 1 is assembled to the slider 3 (see FIG. 1). When removing the temporary guide rail 21 from the slider 3, the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 is returned from the inclined state shown in FIG. 8 to the vertical state to ensure workability.
Even if the temporary guide rail 21 is removed from the slider 3, since the first and second cages 8 and 9 hold the rolling elements 6, as shown in FIG. There is no dropout of the rolling elements 6 from the side tracks 3a, 3b.

  As described above, according to the linear guide assembling apparatus 20 and the assembling method of the present embodiment, the slider that forms the rolling element rolling paths 4 a and 4 b in cooperation with the rail-side tracks 2 a and 2 b of the guide rail 2. Slider body 4 having side tracks 3a and 3b and rolling element return paths 3c and 3d, end cap 5 formed with rolling element direction changing paths 10a and 10b, rolling element rolling paths 4a and 4b, rolling elements A plurality of rolling elements 6 and a plurality of spacers 7 that circulate and roll in the circulation rolling paths 11A and 11B composed of the return paths 3c and 3d and the rolling element direction changing paths 10a and 10b, and the rolling element rolling paths. 4a and 4b, first and second retainers (guide parts) 8 and 9, respectively, and end caps 5 are assembled to both ends of the slider body 4, and the first and second retainers 8 and After assembling 9 After the rod 21 is inserted into the slider body 4, it is elastically deformed by the rolling path opening mechanism 22 (the cage opening arm 41 and the cage opening plate 42) and separated from the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b. The plurality of rolling elements 6 and the plurality of spacers 7 supplied from the cartridge are pressed by a pressing member 23 driven by a cylinder through the vicinity (opening) of the first and second cages 8 and 9 Since it is inserted into the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, the insertion work in an unstable state without a guide member such as the end cap 5 is eliminated, and much time and skill are required for assembly. The rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 can be assembled without requiring a degree, and the assembly work can be automated.

  Further, since the pressing member 23 is formed of an elastic material whose tip portion 23a can be bent, the pressing member 23 is provided on the temporary guide rail 21 and penetrates the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b and the outside. Even if the holes 28a, 28b and the connection holes 29a, 29b (supply holes) are bent, the holes 28a, 28b are bent following the shape of the supply holes, and the rolling elements 6 and the spacers 7 are reliably pressed to circulate the rolling path. 11A and 11B can be incorporated.

  Further, the temporary guide rail 21 includes a first temporary rail 25 in which rail-side temporary tracks 25a and 25b and through holes 28a and 28b are formed, a rail-side temporary track 26a and 26b, and through-holes 28a and 28b. The second temporary rail 26 in which the connection holes 29a and 29b for connecting the second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b are formed, and the third temporary rail 27 in which the rail-side temporary tracks 27a and 27b are formed Temporary guide rails provided with bent supply holes (through holes 28a, 28b and connection holes 29a, 29b) connecting the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a, 31b and the outside because they are joined in order. 21 can be easily manufactured.

  Further, the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 can be adjusted. When the plurality of rolling elements 6 are inserted into the first and second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, the connection holes 29a and 29b are provided in the first and second rolling elements 31a and 31b. Since the posture of the temporary guide rail 21 is adjusted so as to become higher toward the second rolling element rolling paths 31a and 31b, the rolling element 6 and the spacer 7 are not separated, and the rolling element 6 is in good workability. Can be inserted efficiently.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A deformation | transformation, improvement, etc. are possible suitably.
In the said embodiment, the 1st and 2nd rolling element rolling is carried out by elastically deforming the center part of the 1st and 2nd holder | retainer 8 and 9 to the left-right direction (left-right direction of FIG. 6, FIG. 13) of the temporary guide rail 21. Although the openings of the rolling elements 6 are formed in the paths 31a and 31b, the present invention is not limited to this, and the central portions of the first and second cages 8 and 9 are arranged in the height direction of the temporary guide rail 21 (FIGS. 6 and 6). 13 in the vertical direction). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described 4-row linear guide, and can be similarly applied to a 6-row linear guide and a ball screw.
Further, the linear guide assembling apparatus and the assembling method of the present invention are not limited to the linear guide of the above-described embodiment having a plurality of rolling elements 6 and a plurality of spacers 7, and can also be applied to a linear guide having no spacer. It is. In this case, by using the assembly device, in addition to the above effects, the rolling elements can be inserted into the rolling element rolling path without causing the rolling elements to come into strong contact with each other and damage the rolling elements.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Linear guide 2 Guide rail 2a, 2b Rail side track 3 Slider 3a, 3b Slider side track 3c, 3d Rolling element return path 4 Slider body 4a, 4b Rolling element rolling path 5 End cap 6 Rolling element 7 Spacer 8 First holding (Guide parts)
9 Second cage (guide parts)
10a, 10b Rolling member direction changing paths 11A, 11B Circulating rolling path 20 Linear guide assembling device 21 Temporary guide rail 22 Rolling path opening mechanism 23 Press member 23a Tip 25 First temporary rail 25a, 25b Rail side temporary track 26 Second temporary rail 26a, 26b Rail side temporary track 27 Third temporary rail 27a, 27b Rail side temporary track 28a, 28b Through hole (supply hole)
29a, 29b Connection hole (supply hole)
41 Cage release arm (Rolling path release mechanism)
42 Cage opening plate (Rolling path opening mechanism)

Claims (8)

A guide rail in which rail-side tracks are formed along the longitudinal direction on both left and right side surfaces;
The guide rail is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section having an inner surface facing the left and right side surfaces, and is provided on the inner surface so as to form a rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the rail side track. A slider body comprising a slider-side track and a rolling element return path;
End caps attached to both ends of the slider body, and formed with rolling element direction changing paths that connect the rolling element rolling path and the rolling element return path in a substantially U shape;
A plurality of rolling elements that circulate and roll in a circulating rolling path constituted by the rolling element rolling path, the rolling element return path, and the rolling element direction changing path;
A guide component that is disposed in the rolling element rolling path of the slider body and guides the rolling element;
A linear guide assembly apparatus comprising:
The rail-side temporary track that forms the rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the slider-side track, the rolling element rolling path and the outside are connected, and the plurality of rolling elements are used as the rolling element rolling path. A temporary guide rail provided with a supply hole capable of being supplied;
A rolling path opening mechanism for elastically deforming the guide component in the vicinity of the connection portion between the supply hole and the rolling element rolling path, and separating the guide part from the rolling element rolling path;
A pressing member that presses the plurality of rolling elements supplied to the supply hole and inserts into the rolling element rolling path;
With
The supply hole is formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary track, and slanted toward the rolling element rolling path in the direction toward the outer side of the temporary guide rail and toward the bottom of the slider body. Formed by bending
The linear guide assembling apparatus, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic material whose tip can be bent.   The linear guide assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear guide further includes a plurality of spacers interposed between the adjacent rolling elements. The temporary guide rail is
And the rail-side tentative track, a first temporary rail the and the rolling body can be inserted through hole, is formed,
A second temporary rail formed with the rail side temporary track, and a connection hole connecting the through hole and the rolling element rolling path;
A third temporary rail on which the rail-side temporary track is formed;
The linear guide assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear guides are joined in this order. The temporary guide rail is provided so that its posture can be adjusted,
When the plurality of rolling elements are inserted into the rolling element rolling path, the posture of the temporary guide rail is adjusted so that the connection hole becomes higher toward the rolling element rolling path. The linear guide assembling apparatus according to claim 3. A guide rail in which rail-side tracks are formed along the longitudinal direction on both left and right side surfaces;
The guide rail is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section having an inner surface facing the left and right side surfaces, and is provided on the inner surface so as to form a rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the rail side track. A slider body comprising a slider-side track and a rolling element return path;
End caps attached to both ends of the slider body, and formed with rolling element direction changing paths that connect the rolling element rolling path and the rolling element return path in a substantially U shape;
A plurality of rolling elements that circulate and roll in a circulating rolling path constituted by the rolling element rolling path, the rolling element return path, and the rolling element direction changing path;
A guide component that is disposed in the rolling element rolling path of the slider body and guides the rolling element;
An assembly method of a linear guide provided with
Preparing a cartridge loaded with the plurality of rolling elements in advance;
Attaching the end caps to the both ends of the slider body, and assembling the guide parts to the slider-side track;
The rail-side temporary track that forms the rolling element rolling path in cooperation with the slider-side track, the rolling element rolling path and the outside are connected, and the plurality of rolling elements are used as the rolling element rolling path. A step of assembling a temporary guide rail provided with a supply hole capable of being supplied to the slider body;
A step of elastically deforming the guide component in the vicinity of the connection portion between the supply hole and the rolling element rolling path by a rolling path opening mechanism and separating the guide part from the rolling element rolling path;
Connecting the cartridge to the supply hole and supplying the plurality of rolling elements to the supply hole;
A step of pressing the plurality of rolling elements with a pressing member and inserting the plurality of rolling elements into the rolling element rolling path;
With
The supply hole is formed substantially parallel to the rail-side temporary track, and slanted toward the rolling element rolling path in the direction toward the outer side of the temporary guide rail and toward the bottom of the slider body. Formed by bending
The method of assembling a linear guide, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic material whose tip can be bent. The linear guide further includes a plurality of spacers interposed between the adjacent rolling elements,
The preparation step prepares a cartridge loaded with the plurality of rolling elements and a plurality of spacers in advance,
The supply step connects the cartridge to the supply hole and supplies the plurality of rolling elements and a plurality of spacers to the supply hole,
The insertion step includes pressing the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of spacers with the pressing member to insert the plurality of rolling elements and the plurality of spacers into the rolling element rolling path. The assembly method of the linear guide as described in 2. The temporary guide rail is
A first temporary rail formed with the rail-side temporary track and a through hole into which the rolling element can be inserted;
A second temporary rail formed with the rail side temporary track, and a connection hole connecting the through hole and the rolling element rolling path;
A third temporary rail on which the rail-side temporary track is formed;
The linear guide assembly method according to claim 5, wherein the linear guides are joined in this order. The temporary guide rail is provided so that its posture can be adjusted,
8. The linear guide assembling method according to claim 7, wherein in the inserting step, the posture of the temporary guide rail is adjusted so that the connection hole becomes higher toward the rolling element rolling path.

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