JPH0552217A - Ball chain - Google Patents
Ball chainInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0552217A JPH0552217A JP3235563A JP23556391A JPH0552217A JP H0552217 A JPH0552217 A JP H0552217A JP 3235563 A JP3235563 A JP 3235563A JP 23556391 A JP23556391 A JP 23556391A JP H0552217 A JPH0552217 A JP H0552217A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- balls
- chain
- holding
- members
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/38—Ball cages
- F16C33/3825—Ball cages formed as a flexible belt, e.g. spacers connected by a thin film
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C29/00—Bearings for parts moving only linearly
- F16C29/04—Ball or roller bearings
- F16C29/06—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load
- F16C29/0633—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides
- F16C29/0635—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end
- F16C29/0638—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with a bearing body defining a U-shaped carriage, i.e. surrounding a guide rail or track on three sides whereby the return paths are provided as bores in a main body of the U-shaped carriage, e.g. the main body of the U-shaped carriage is a single part with end caps provided at each end with balls
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
- Bearings For Parts Moving Linearly (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明はボールのころがりを利用
した直線運動案内装置に用いられるボールチェインに関
する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball chain used in a linear motion guide device utilizing rolling of a ball.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来のこの種のボールチェインとして
は、たとえば図１５（ａ）および（ｂ）に示すようなも
のがある。すなわち、個々のボール１００を保持する単
位チェイン要素１０１を連結ピン１０２を介して互いに
回動自在に多数無端状に連結して構成されている。2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional ball chain of this type, there is one shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), for example. That is, a plurality of unit chain elements 101 holding individual balls 100 are rotatably connected to each other through connecting pins 102 in an endless manner.
【０００３】単位チェイン要素１０１は、ボール１００
を転動自在に保持する保持穴１０３を設けたリンク板１
０４により構成され、このリンク板１０４の両端を連結
ピン１０２を介して連結して無端状のボールチェインを
構成していた。The unit chain element 101 is a ball 100.
Link plate 1 provided with a holding hole 103 for holding the rotatably
No. 04, and both ends of the link plate 104 are connected via the connecting pin 102 to form an endless ball chain.
【０００４】このボールチェインは、図１６に示すよう
な直線運動案内装置１０５に用いるもので、軌道レール
１０６と摺動台１０７間の互いに対向するボール案内溝
１０８，１０９間にボール１００，…を転動自在に介在
するようになっている。この軌道レール１０６と摺動台
１０７のボール案内溝１０８，１０９は断面Ｖ字形状で
ボール１００が四点接触するゴシックアーチ構成となっ
ている。そして、ボール案内溝１０８，１０９底部には
上記リンク板１０４との干渉を避けるための逃がし溝１
１０が設けられている。This ball chain is used in a linear motion guide device 105 as shown in FIG. 16, and the balls 100, ... Are provided between the ball guide grooves 108, 109 facing each other between the track rail 106 and the slide base 107. It is designed to be rollable. The track rail 106 and the ball guide grooves 108 and 109 of the slide base 107 are V-shaped in cross section and have a Gothic arch structure in which the balls 100 are in contact with each other at four points. The ball guide grooves 108 and 109 are provided at their bottoms with escape grooves 1 for avoiding interference with the link plate 104.
10 are provided.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら上記した
従来技術の場合には、各チェイン単位要素を連結ピンを
介して回転自在に連結するものなので、構造が複雑でチ
ェインの製作が極めて面倒であった。However, in the case of the above-mentioned prior art, since each chain unit element is rotatably connected through the connecting pin, the structure is complicated and the manufacture of the chain is extremely troublesome. ..
【０００６】本発明は上記した従来技術の課題を解決す
るためになされたもので、その目的とするところは、構
造が単純で、製作が容易なボールチェインを提供するこ
とにある。The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a ball chain having a simple structure and easy to manufacture.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、本発明にあっては、所定間隔を隔てて一列に配列さ
れる複数のボールの各ボールの間に介在されるボール保
持部材と、各ボール保持部材間を連結する可撓性の連結
部材と、を具備し、前記各ボール保持部材間の連結部材
を曲げることにより一列のボールを無端状に連鎖可能と
したことを特徴とする。In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a ball holding member interposed between each ball of a plurality of balls arranged in a line at a predetermined interval. A flexible connecting member for connecting between the ball holding members and bending the connecting member between the ball holding members so that one row of balls can be chained endlessly. ..
【０００８】各ボール保持部材にはボールを摺動自在に
保持するための保持凹部を設けることが好適である。It is preferable that each ball holding member is provided with a holding recess for slidably holding the ball.
【０００９】また、ボール保持部材と連結部材は射出成
形によって一体成形するものとし、ボールについても成
形型内にインサートして一体成形することが効果的であ
る。Further, the ball holding member and the connecting member are integrally molded by injection molding, and it is effective to insert the ball into the molding die and integrally mold the ball.
【００１０】[0010]
【作用】上記構成のボールチェインにあっては、各ボー
ル保持部材間の連結部材を曲げることにより一列のボー
ルが無端状に連なる状態に保持し、直線運動案内装置の
無限軌道に装着する。In the ball chain having the above-mentioned structure, the connecting members between the ball holding members are bent to hold the balls in a row in an endless continuous manner, and the balls are mounted on the endless track of the linear motion guide device.
【００１１】また、このボールチェインの組み立ては、
ボール保持部材間にボールを保持するだけでよく、構成
が簡単で、組み立てが極めて容易にできる。The assembly of this ball chain is
Since it is only necessary to hold the balls between the ball holding members, the structure is simple and the assembly can be extremely easy.
【００１２】特に、インサート成形によって、ボール
を、ボール保持部材と連結部材と共に一体成形すれば、
組み立て工程が一切不要となる。Particularly, if the ball is integrally molded with the ball holding member and the connecting member by insert molding,
No assembly process is required.
【００１３】[0013]
【実施例】以下に本発明を図示の実施例に基づいて説明
する。本発明の第１実施例に係るボールチェインを示す
図１乃至図３(a) おいて、１はボールチェイン全体を示
すもので、このボールチェイン１は、所定間隔を隔てて
一列に配列される複数のボール８の各ボール８の間に介
在されるボール保持部材２と、各ボール保持部材２間を
連結する可撓性の連結部材としての連結板３と、から構
成されるている。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to illustrated embodiments. 1 to 3 (a) showing a ball chain according to a first embodiment of the present invention, reference numeral 1 denotes the entire ball chain, and the ball chains 1 are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval. A ball holding member 2 interposed between the balls 8 of the plurality of balls 8 and a connecting plate 3 as a flexible connecting member for connecting the ball holding members 2 are configured.
【００１４】ボール保持部材２は、ボール径よりも小径
の扁平な円筒状部材で、その両端面にボール８を摺動自
在に保持するための保持凹部２ａが設けられている。こ
の保持凹部２ａはボール８の球冠部が入り込む球面形状
に成形されている。The ball holding member 2 is a flat cylindrical member having a diameter smaller than the ball diameter, and holding recesses 2a for holding the ball 8 slidably are provided on both end faces thereof. The holding recess 2a is formed into a spherical shape into which the ball crown portion of the ball 8 is inserted.
【００１５】一方、連結板３はボール８の中心軸線Ｏに
沿って延びる薄板状の部材で、各ボール保持部材２を連
結している。この連結板３は可撓性部材で構成される
が、この実施例では、形状的にその板面に直交する方向
にのみ変形可能となっている。また、連結板３のボール
保持部材２の間のスペースには、ボール８に倣ったボー
ル穴４が開口形成されている。ボール穴４の口縁はボー
ル８となるべく干渉しないように形成することが好まし
い。On the other hand, the connecting plate 3 is a thin plate member extending along the central axis O of the ball 8 and connects the ball holding members 2 to each other. The connecting plate 3 is formed of a flexible member, but in this embodiment, it can be deformed only in the direction orthogonal to the plate surface. In addition, a ball hole 4 is formed in the space between the ball holding members 2 of the connecting plate 3 so as to follow the ball 8. The edge of the ball hole 4 is preferably formed so as not to interfere with the ball 8 as much as possible.
【００１６】連結部材としては、このような薄板状の構
成に限定されるものではなく、たとえば図３(b) に示す
ように、ボール列の中心軸線Ｏに対して対称的に設けら
れる左右一対の線状部材５，５により構成してもよい。
この線状部材５，５はボール８の曲率に倣って円弧状に
成形されている。このように線状部材５，５によって連
結部材を構成した場合には、線状部材５，５を通る平面
に対して直交する方向に変形するようになっている。The connecting member is not limited to such a thin plate-like structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), a pair of left and right members provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis O of the ball row. You may comprise by the linear members 5 and 5.
The linear members 5 and 5 are formed in an arc shape following the curvature of the ball 8. When the connecting member is constituted by the linear members 5 and 5 as described above, the connecting member is deformed in a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the linear members 5 and 5.
【００１７】しかして、このボールチェイン１は、図２
に示すように、各ボール保持部材の間の連結板３の部分
が曲がって無端状のボールチェインを構成することがで
きる。However, this ball chain 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting plate 3 between the ball holding members can be bent to form an endless ball chain.
【００１８】ボール保持部材２と連結板３とは射出成形
によって一体成形されるもので、本発明にあっては、図
４に示すように、ボール８を成形型にインサートして、
ボール共々に一体成形している。The ball holding member 2 and the connecting plate 3 are integrally molded by injection molding. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the ball 8 is inserted into a molding die,
The balls are integrally molded.
【００１９】射出成形用の成形型は、たとえば、図４に
示すように、連結板３の位置で、上型６と下型７とに型
割される。上型６と下型７には、ボール保持部材２と連
結板３を成形するための第１，第２凹部９，１０の他
に、ボール８をインサートするための第３凹部１１を設
けておく。The molding die for injection molding is divided into an upper die 6 and a lower die 7 at the position of the connecting plate 3, for example, as shown in FIG. The upper mold 6 and the lower mold 7 are provided with a third recess 11 for inserting the ball 8 in addition to the first and second recesses 9, 10 for molding the ball holding member 2 and the connecting plate 3. deep.
【００２０】そして、図４(a) に示すように型開きした
下型７の第３凹部１１にボール８をセットし、図４(b)
に示すように型閉めしてキャビティ内に樹脂材料を射出
する。その後、樹脂材料が効果した後に、型開きして成
形品を離型する。Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the ball 8 is set in the third recess 11 of the lower mold 7 opened as shown in FIG. 4 (b).
The mold is closed and the resin material is injected into the cavity as shown in FIG. Then, after the resin material is effective, the mold is opened and the molded product is released.
【００２１】このようにすれば、ボールを後から組み込
む工程が不要となり、生産性を飛躍的に高めることがで
きる。この離型時に、端末部のボー保持部材２の保持凹
部２ａを形成するためのボール８´は自動的に外れる。In this way, the step of assembling the ball later is not required, and the productivity can be dramatically improved. At the time of this mold release, the ball 8'for forming the holding concave portion 2a of the bow holding member 2 at the end portion is automatically released.
【００２２】また、ボール保持部材２間に保持されるボ
ール８は、樹脂硬化時の材料の引けによってボール８と
保持凹部２ａ間に微小な隙間が生じるため、摺動抵抗を
小さくできる。Further, the balls 8 held between the ball holding members 2 have a small gap between the balls 8 and the holding recess 2a due to the shrinkage of the material when the resin is cured, so that the sliding resistance can be reduced.
【００２３】図５乃至図７は、上記ボールチェイン１を
用いた直線運動案内装置の一例を示している。5 to 7 show an example of a linear motion guide device using the ball chain 1.
【００２４】この直線運動案内装置は、軌道台２０と、
この軌道台２０に多数のボール８を介して摺動自在に組
付けられる摺動台２１とから構成されている。This linear motion guide device includes a rail 20 and
The track stand 20 is composed of a slide stand 21 slidably mounted on the track stand 20 via a large number of balls 8.
【００２５】各ボール８は、摺動台２１に形成された無
限循環路２２に組込まれるもので、この無限循環路２２
は、図８に示すように、互いに平行に延びる直線状の負
荷ボール通路２３と無負荷ボール通路２４と、この負荷
ボール通路２３と無負荷ボール通路２４の両端を結ぶ円
弧状の方向転換路２５，２６とから構成され、この無限
循環路２２にボール８を保持したボールチェイン１が組
込まれる。Each ball 8 is incorporated in an infinite circulation path 22 formed on the slide base 21, and this infinite circulation path 22 is formed.
As shown in FIG. 8, a linear load ball passage 23 and an unloaded ball passage 24 extending in parallel with each other, and an arc-shaped direction change passage 25 connecting both ends of the load ball passage 23 and the unloaded ball passage 24. , 26, and the ball chain 1 holding the ball 8 is incorporated in the infinite circulation path 22.
【００２６】図示例の直線運動案内装置は、軌道台２０
の左右に２列づつ計４列のボール列を上下左右対称的に
配して上下左右の定格荷重を等しくした四方向等荷重型
のもので、４つの無限循環路２２，…が設けられ、それ
ぞれの無限循環路２２，…に１つづつボールチェイン
１，…が組込まれている。The linear motion guide device of the illustrated example has a way 20
Is a four-direction equal load type in which four rows of balls are arranged symmetrically in the vertical and horizontal directions, two rows each on the left and right, and four infinite circulation paths 22, ... Are provided. One ball chain 1, ... Is incorporated into each infinite circulation path 22 ,.
【００２７】すなわち、軌道台２０の左右側面には、長
手方向に延びる突堤２７，２７を設けると共に、この突
堤の上下両角部にボール転走面２５を設け、一方、摺動
台２１の内側面にこのボール転走面２８に対応するボー
ル転走面２９を設け、これらボール転走面２８，２９間
にボールチェイン１に保持されたボール８が転動自在に
介装されて荷重を支承する。このボール転走面２８，２
９はサーキュラアーク溝であり、ボール８は２点接触し
て転動する。That is, jetty walls 27, 27 extending in the longitudinal direction are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the track 20, and ball rolling surfaces 25 are provided at both upper and lower corners of the jetty, while the inner surface of the slide base 21 is provided. Is provided with a ball rolling surface 29 corresponding to the ball rolling surface 28, and the ball 8 held by the ball chain 1 is rotatably interposed between these ball rolling surfaces 28, 29 to support the load. .. This ball rolling surface 28,2
9 is a circular arc groove, and the ball 8 rolls by contacting at two points.
【００２８】このボール８と各ボール転走面２８，２９
との接触角、すなわち転走面を水平にした状態で左右突
堤２７，２７の中心を通る水平線Ｈ，Ｈに対するボール
８の各ボール転走面２８，２９との接触部の法線方向に
描いた線、すなわち接触角線Ｘとのなす角は、ほぼ４５
度付近にとられている。また、この図示例のものは、左
右の接触角線Ｘ，Ｘ，…は、左右に向って徐々に開く外
開き状になるような接触構造となっている。This ball 8 and each ball rolling surface 28, 29
The contact angle with the ball, that is, the horizontal line H that passes through the center of the left and right jetty 27, 27 in the state where the rolling surface is horizontal The angle formed by the broken line, that is, the contact angle line X is approximately 45.
It is taken near the degree. Further, the illustrated example has a contact structure in which the left and right contact angle lines X, X, ...
【００２９】そして、各無限循環路２２，…の方向は、
ボール８の接触角線Ｘ方向に延びていて、無負荷ボール
通路２４，…はこの接触角線Ｘ上に位置している。The direction of each infinite circulation path 22, ...
The ball 8 extends in the contact angle line X direction, and the unloaded ball passages 24, ... Are located on the contact angle line X.
【００３０】また、ボール方向転換路２５，２６は、摺
動台本体２１ａの両端面に取付けられた側蓋２１ｂ，２
１ｂにて形成されている。The ball direction changing paths 25 and 26 are provided with side lids 21b and 2 attached to both end surfaces of the slide base body 21a.
It is formed by 1b.
【００３１】次に摺動台２１が移動した際のボール８の
動きについて説明する。Next, the movement of the ball 8 when the slide base 21 moves will be described.
【００３２】摺動台２１が軌道台２０に対して移動する
と、無限循環路２２の負荷ボール通路２３の摺動台２１
と軌道台２０のボール転走面２８，２９間を、ボール
８，…が荷重を支承しながら転動し、摺動台２１の移動
方向に移動する。When the slide base 21 moves with respect to the track base 20, the slide base 21 of the load ball passage 23 of the endless circulation passage 22 is moved.
The balls 8 roll between the ball rolling surfaces 28 and 29 of the raceway 20 while bearing the load, and move in the moving direction of the slide table 21.
【００３３】この負荷域のボール８の移動によって、各
ボール保持部材２がボール８と共に摺動台２１の移動方
向に移動し、ボールチェイン１が無限循環路２２内を無
限循環する。このボールチェイン１の移動によって、負
荷ボール通路２３内には摺動台２１の移動方向後側端か
らボール方向転換路２５を通じて順次無負荷ボール通路
２４からボール８が供給される。By the movement of the balls 8 in this load area, each ball holding member 2 moves in the moving direction of the slide base 21 together with the balls 8, and the ball chain 1 circulates in the infinite circulation path 22 infinitely. By the movement of the ball chain 1, the balls 8 are sequentially supplied from the unloaded ball passage 24 into the loaded ball passage 23 from the rear end in the moving direction of the slide base 21 through the ball direction changing passage 25.
【００３４】そして、無限循環路２２の、負荷ボール通
路２３、方向転換路２５，２６および無負荷ボール通路
２４の全行程において、各ボール８はボール保持部材２
にて保持されて、ボール８同士が互いに干渉することな
く整列移動する。Then, during the entire course of the loaded ball passage 23, the direction changing passages 25, 26 and the unloaded ball passage 24 of the endless circulation passage 22, each ball 8 is held by the ball holding member 2.
The balls 8 are held by and are aligned and moved without interfering with each other.
【００３５】方向転換路２５，２６および無負荷ボール
通路２４の孔径は、各チェイン単位要素２の連結部材
３，３がスムーズに移動し得るように、ボール８の径よ
りも大きくなっており、ボール８は方向転換路２５，２
６および無負荷ボール通路２４内を移動する。The hole diameters of the direction changing paths 25, 26 and the unloaded ball path 24 are larger than the diameter of the ball 8 so that the connecting members 3, 3 of each chain unit element 2 can move smoothly. The ball 8 has a turning path 25, 2
6 and in the unloaded ball passage 24.
【００３６】また、このボールチェイン１は、各ボール
保持部材２間に保持されるボール８の位置において連結
板３が屈曲するので、図９に示す従来のボールチェイン
のように各ボール１００を保持するリンク１０４間の連
結ピン１０２の分のスペースが不要となって、ボール
８，…間のスパンＰを可及的に小さくできるので、負荷
ボール通路２３に数多くのボール８，…を介在させるこ
とができる。したがって、各ボール８，…１つ１つに分
担される荷重を軽減でき、耐負荷荷重を大きくすること
ができる。Further, in this ball chain 1, since the connecting plate 3 is bent at the position of the ball 8 held between the ball holding members 2, each ball 100 is held like the conventional ball chain shown in FIG. Since a space corresponding to the connecting pin 102 between the links 104 is unnecessary and the span P between the balls 8, ... Can be minimized, a large number of balls 8 ,. You can Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load shared by each ball 8, ...
【００３７】また、ボール８，…間のスパンＰを小さく
したので、ボールチェイン１の屈折循環路の曲率半径を
可及的に小さくでき、ボール方向転換路２５，２６の曲
率半径Ｒを可及的に小さくできる。その結果、負荷ボー
ル通路２３と無負荷ボール通路２４の間隔Ｌを短くでき
るので、摺動台２１の大きさをより小型化することがで
きる。Since the span P between the balls 8, ... Is made small, the radius of curvature of the refraction circulation path of the ball chain 1 can be made as small as possible, and the radius of curvature R of the ball direction changing paths 25, 26 can be made as small as possible. Can be made smaller. As a result, the distance L between the loaded ball passage 23 and the unloaded ball passage 24 can be shortened, so that the size of the sliding base 21 can be further reduced.
【００３８】このように、耐負荷能力が大きく、かつコ
ンパクトで、しかも低重心の直線運動案内装置を実現す
ることができた。Thus, it was possible to realize a linear motion guide device having a large load bearing capacity, a compact size, and a low center of gravity.
【００３９】なお、この実施例では、ボール転走溝の形
状がサーキュラーアーク溝の場合を例にとって説明した
が、サキュラーアーク溝に限定されるものではなく、た
とえば、図８に示すようなゴシックアーチ溝の場合にも
使用することができることはもちろんである。In this embodiment, the case where the shape of the ball rolling groove is a circular arc groove has been described as an example. However, the shape is not limited to the circular arc groove, and, for example, a Gothic as shown in FIG. Of course, it can also be used in the case of an arch groove.
【００４０】また、ボールチェインが適用される直線運
動案内装置としては、図示例のようにボールチェインを
無端状にして用いる無限循環タイプだけでなく、直線の
まま使用する有限摺動タイプのものにも使用することが
できる。The linear motion guide device to which the ball chain is applied is not limited to the infinite circulation type in which the ball chain is made endless as shown in the figure, but is also a finite sliding type in which the ball chain is used as it is. Can also be used.
【００４１】[0041]
【発明の効果】本発明は以上の構成および作用を有する
もので、ボールチェインの組み立ては、ボール保持部材
間にボールを保持するだけでよく、構成が簡単で、組み
立てが極めて容易にできる。特に、インサート成形によ
って、ボールを、ボール保持部材と連結部材と共に一体
成形すれば、組み立て工程が一切不要となり、成形が極
めて容易になるという効果が得られる。As described above, the present invention has the above-described structure and operation. The ball chain can be assembled by simply holding the balls between the ball holding members, and the structure is simple and the assembly can be performed very easily. In particular, if the ball is integrally formed with the ball holding member and the connecting member by insert molding, the assembly process is not required at all, and the molding is extremely easy.
【図１】図１は本発明の一実施例に係るボールチェイン
を示すもので、同図(a) は一部を省略した平面図、同図
(b) は一部を省略した正面図、同図(c) は側面図であ
る。FIG. 1 shows a ball chain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view with a part omitted,
(b) is a front view with a part omitted, and (c) is a side view.
【図２】図２は図１のボールチェインを曲げた状態の部
分正面図である。FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the ball chain of FIG. 1 in a bent state.
【図３】図３は図１のボールチェインの一部を省略した
斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which a part of the ball chain of FIG. 1 is omitted.
【図４】図４は図１のボールチェインの射出成形工程を
示すもので、同図(a) は型開き状態の要部断面図、同図
(b) は射出時の要部断面図、同図(c) は離型時の要部断
面図である。4 shows an injection molding process of the ball chain shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 (a) is a sectional view of a main part in a mold open state, FIG.
(b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part at the time of injection, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the main part at the time of release.
【図５】図５は図１のボールチェインを組込んだ直線運
動案内装置の一例を示す縦断面図である。5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a linear motion guide device incorporating the ball chain of FIG.
【図６】図６は図５の一つの無限循環路の断面図であ
る。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one infinite circuit of FIG.
【図７】図７は図５の装置の斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG.
【図８】図８はゴシックアーチ型のボール転走溝を示す
要部断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a Gothic arch type ball rolling groove.
【図９】図９は従来のボールチェインを示し、同図
（ａ）は部分正面図、同図（ｂ）は平面断面図である。9A and 9B show a conventional ball chain, FIG. 9A is a partial front view, and FIG. 9B is a plan sectional view.
【図１０】図１０は図９のボールチェインを使用した直
線運動案内装置の縦断面図である。10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a linear motion guide device using the ball chain of FIG.
１ ボールチェイン ２ ボール保持部材 ３ 連結板（連結部材） ４ ボール穴 ５ 線状部材（連結部材） ６ 上型 ７ 下型 ８ ボール ２０ 軌道台 ２１ 摺動台 ２２ 無限循環路 ２３ 負荷ボール通路 ２４ 無負荷ボール通路 ２５，２６ ボール方向転換路 ０ ボール列の中心軸線 1 ball chain 2 ball holding member 3 connecting plate (connecting member) 4 ball hole 5 linear member (connecting member) 6 upper mold 7 lower mold 8 ball 20 raceway base 21 sliding base 22 endless circulation path 23 load ball passageway 24 none Loaded ball passage 25,26 Ball direction change path 0 Central axis of ball row
Claims (3)
ボールの各ボールの間に介在されるボール保持部材と、
各ボール保持部材間を連結する可撓性の連結部材と、を
具備し、前記各ボール保持部材間の連結部材を曲げるこ
とにより一列のボールを無端状に連鎖可能としたことを
特徴とするボールチェイン。1. A ball holding member interposed between balls of a plurality of balls arranged in a line at a predetermined interval,
And a flexible connecting member for connecting between the ball holding members, wherein a ball in a row can be chained endlessly by bending the connecting member between the ball holding members. chain.
に保持するための保持凹部を設けた請求項１記載のボー
ルチェイン。2. The ball chain according to claim 1, wherein each ball holding member is provided with a holding recess for slidably holding the ball.
よって一体成形されるもので、ボールを成形型内にイン
サートしてボールと共に一体成形してなる請求項２記載
のボールチェイン。3. The ball chain according to claim 2, wherein the ball holding member and the connecting member are integrally molded by injection molding, and the ball is integrally molded with the ball by inserting the ball into a molding die.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP3235563A JP2607993B2 (en) | 1991-08-22 | 1991-08-22 | Ball chain and linear motion guide device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP3235563A JP2607993B2 (en) | 1991-08-22 | 1991-08-22 | Ball chain and linear motion guide device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0552217A true JPH0552217A (en) | 1993-03-02 |
| JP2607993B2 JP2607993B2 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
Family
ID=16987847
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP3235563A Expired - Lifetime JP2607993B2 (en) | 1991-08-22 | 1991-08-22 | Ball chain and linear motion guide device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2607993B2 (en) |
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| US5553946A (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1996-09-10 | Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. | Cage and rolling guide unit on which it is equipped |
| WO1998028549A1 (en) | 1996-12-24 | 1998-07-02 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Endless retainer for a guiding device and method for manufacturing the same |
| WO1998031945A1 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 1998-07-23 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball chain |
| EP0890755A2 (en) * | 1997-07-01 | 1999-01-13 | Thk Co. Ltd. | Rolling element string and linear guide device and rolling element screw device using the same |
| US5951168A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1999-09-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Rolling guide apparatus |
| WO1999053208A1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-10-21 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Roller connected body and linear guide device using it |
| US5993064A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1999-11-30 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball connecting body, and linear guide device and ball screw device utilizing the ball connecting body |
| EP0961045A2 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 1999-12-01 | Deutsche Star GmbH | Chain cage for rolling members |
| US6102572A (en) * | 1998-03-04 | 2000-08-15 | Nippoon Thompson Co., Ltd. | Linear motion guide units |
| US6155718A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 2000-12-05 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Slide guide and its roller chain with ends |
| US6364086B1 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 2002-04-02 | Rexroth Star Gmbh | Chain of rolling elements chain arrangement |
| US6575630B2 (en) | 2001-02-01 | 2003-06-10 | Rexroth Star Gmbh | Rolling element chain |
| WO2003080306A1 (en) | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-02 | Kureha Gosen Co., Ltd. | Tape-shaped molding and belt for ball chain |
| US6830378B2 (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2004-12-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Method of manufacturing rolling element string |
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| DE102004051425A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-04-27 | Ina-Schaeffler Kg | Ball Screw |
| JP2007024179A (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-02-01 | Nippo Ltd | Method of manufacturing cage |
| DE102007013046A1 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2008-09-25 | Chieftech Precision Co., Ltd. | Bead chain comprises a row of beads and a spacer chain with a pair of parallel thin flexible strips extending along the spacer chain and a number of transverse connecting supports |
| CN100427783C (en) * | 2005-01-24 | 2008-10-22 | 上银科技股份有限公司 | Linear rail ball connecting belt |
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| US7736060B2 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2010-06-15 | Nsk Ltd. | Accommodation belt for rolling element, and linear guide apparatus |
| US7798718B2 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2010-09-21 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling element accommodating belt for linear guide apparatus and linear guide apparatus |
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| US7985024B2 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2011-07-26 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling element accommodating belt for linear guide apparatus, linear guide apparatus and metallic mold for manufacturing rolling element accommodating belt |
| JP2011169405A (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2011-09-01 | Thk Co Ltd | Motion guide device |
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| WO2017104428A1 (en) * | 2015-12-15 | 2017-06-22 | Thk株式会社 | Motion guide device |
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Cited By (44)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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| US5951168A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1999-09-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Rolling guide apparatus |
| EP1203892B2 (en) † | 1994-05-20 | 2014-03-05 | Thk Co. Ltd. | Rolling guide apparatus |
| US6155718A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 2000-12-05 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Slide guide and its roller chain with ends |
| US5993064A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1999-11-30 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball connecting body, and linear guide device and ball screw device utilizing the ball connecting body |
| WO1998028549A1 (en) | 1996-12-24 | 1998-07-02 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Endless retainer for a guiding device and method for manufacturing the same |
| US5988883A (en) * | 1996-12-24 | 1999-11-23 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Endless retainer of guide device and fabrication method thereof |
| US6116783A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 2000-09-12 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball chain |
| WO1998031945A1 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 1998-07-23 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball chain |
| EP1524441A2 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 2005-04-20 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Ball chain |
| EP0890755A2 (en) * | 1997-07-01 | 1999-01-13 | Thk Co. Ltd. | Rolling element string and linear guide device and rolling element screw device using the same |
| US6070479A (en) * | 1997-07-01 | 2000-06-06 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Rolling element string and linear guide device and rolling element screw device using the same |
| EP0890755B1 (en) * | 1997-07-01 | 2002-09-11 | Thk Co. Ltd. | Rolling element string and linear guide device and rolling element screw device using the same |
| US6102572A (en) * | 1998-03-04 | 2000-08-15 | Nippoon Thompson Co., Ltd. | Linear motion guide units |
| WO1999053208A1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1999-10-21 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Roller connected body and linear guide device using it |
| DE19824250B4 (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2012-05-03 | Bosch Rexroth Mechatronics Gmbh | A roller chain |
| US6364086B1 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 2002-04-02 | Rexroth Star Gmbh | Chain of rolling elements chain arrangement |
| EP0961045A2 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 1999-12-01 | Deutsche Star GmbH | Chain cage for rolling members |
| US6830378B2 (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2004-12-14 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Method of manufacturing rolling element string |
| US6575630B2 (en) | 2001-02-01 | 2003-06-10 | Rexroth Star Gmbh | Rolling element chain |
| US10800080B2 (en) | 2002-03-26 | 2020-10-13 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Tape-shaped molding and belt for ball chain |
| US8764302B2 (en) | 2002-03-26 | 2014-07-01 | Kureha Gosen Co., Ltd | Tape-shaped molding and belt for ball chain |
| WO2003080306A1 (en) | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-02 | Kureha Gosen Co., Ltd. | Tape-shaped molding and belt for ball chain |
| DE102004047046A1 (en) * | 2004-09-28 | 2006-04-27 | Hiwin Technologies Corp. | Cage for ball bearings in linear drives comprises two longitudinal strips divided into pockets by curved upper and lower transverse spacers with rectangular cross-section which contact bearings at point |
| DE102004051425A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2006-04-27 | Ina-Schaeffler Kg | Ball Screw |
| CN100427783C (en) * | 2005-01-24 | 2008-10-22 | 上银科技股份有限公司 | Linear rail ball connecting belt |
| JP2007024179A (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-02-01 | Nippo Ltd | Method of manufacturing cage |
| US7798718B2 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2010-09-21 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling element accommodating belt for linear guide apparatus and linear guide apparatus |
| US7736060B2 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2010-06-15 | Nsk Ltd. | Accommodation belt for rolling element, and linear guide apparatus |
| DE102006059161B4 (en) | 2005-12-15 | 2023-01-12 | Nsk Ltd. | Linear guide device |
| US7985024B2 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2011-07-26 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling element accommodating belt for linear guide apparatus, linear guide apparatus and metallic mold for manufacturing rolling element accommodating belt |
| US8267586B2 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2012-09-18 | Nsk Ltd. | Rolling element accommodating belt for linear guide apparatus, linear guide apparatus and metallic mold for manufacturing rolling element accommodating belt |
| DE102007013046B4 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2011-08-25 | Chieftech Precision Co., Ltd. | Bola |
| DE102007013046A1 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2008-09-25 | Chieftech Precision Co., Ltd. | Bead chain comprises a row of beads and a spacer chain with a pair of parallel thin flexible strips extending along the spacer chain and a number of transverse connecting supports |
| DE102009022267A1 (en) | 2008-06-16 | 2009-12-24 | Chieftek Precision Co., Ltd. | Wälzkörperaufnahmekette |
| DE102010061536B4 (en) * | 2009-12-25 | 2015-11-26 | Chieftech Precision Co.,Ltd. | Ball retaining chain, method of making this ball retaining chain and linear motion device |
| JP2011137544A (en) * | 2009-12-25 | 2011-07-14 | Chokutoku Kagi Kofun Yugenkoshi | Rolling element storage belt, method of manufacturing the rolling element storage belt and linear guide mechanism |
| DE102010061536A1 (en) | 2009-12-25 | 2011-06-30 | Chieftech Precision Co., Ltd. | Ball retaining chain, method of making this ball retaining chain and linear motion device |
| JP2011169405A (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2011-09-01 | Thk Co Ltd | Motion guide device |
| DE102010036381A1 (en) | 2010-07-13 | 2012-01-19 | Hiwin Technologies Corp. | Linear drive has guide rail that is longitudinally formed, where rolling groove is arranged at outer surface of guide rail, and guide carriage is mounted on guide rail and has rolling channel |
| DE102010036381B4 (en) * | 2010-07-13 | 2014-02-13 | Hiwin Technologies Corp. | Linear drive with a chain |
| WO2017104428A1 (en) * | 2015-12-15 | 2017-06-22 | Thk株式会社 | Motion guide device |
| US10436248B2 (en) | 2015-12-15 | 2019-10-08 | Thk Co., Ltd. | Motion guide device |
| CN108779797A (en) * | 2016-04-11 | 2018-11-09 | Thk株式会社 | Rolling guide apparatus |
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| JP2607993B2 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
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