JPH11201163A - Dust proof device for linear guide bearing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of defect rolling of a rolling body through prevention of entrance of a foreign matter to a slider. SOLUTION: Adjoining sliders 2 and 2 are coupled to a linear guide device to effect relative movement of the slider 2 charged with rolling bodies along a guide rail 1. A space part is formed between the adjoining sliders 2 and 2 and a dust proofing cover 15 is provided to cover the periphery of the end cap 2B of each slider 2. The two ends in an axial direction of the dust proof cover 15 are fixed to the respective ends of each slider 2 with an elastic force. This constitution prevents penetration of a refuse (a foreign matter) through a sealant to a rolling groove.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dust-proof structure for a linear motion guide bearing device in which a dust cover is applied to the linear motion guide bearing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a linear guide device, for example, a linear guide device is known. In this type of linear guide device, a slider is loosely fitted on a guide rail extending in the axial direction with a rolling element rolling groove on an outer surface, and the slider is provided with a load rolling element opposed to the rolling element rolling groove of the guide rail. A rolling element circulation path comprising a rolling groove and a rolling element return path connected to both ends of the load rolling element rolling groove via a curved portion;
A number of rolling elements for relatively moving the slider along the guide rails are loaded in the rolling element circulation path.

[0003] When the linear guide device is used in a dusty atmosphere or the like, it is necessary to protect the linear guide device from dust and the like.

[0004]

However, in the prior art, when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere with a lot of dust or the like, particularly, the mounting span of the slider loosely fitted on the rail is small, and the slider and the slider are not connected to each other. When there is a small gap between them, dust such as dust easily accumulates in the small gap. Moreover, since the gap is narrow, it is difficult to remove foreign matter, and the function of the linear guide device may be impaired by dust.

Further, when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere in which high-temperature foreign matter such as welding spatter is generated, since the linear guide device generally uses a resin as a circulating component, it is circulated by high-temperature dust. Parts may be deformed.

On the other hand, in a linear guide device using a lubricant supply member, the lubricant is supplied to a ball groove of the linear guide device. However, when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere that easily absorbs oil, such as wood chips and ceramic powder, if the wood chips, ceramic powder, etc. directly touch the lubricant supply member, the lubricant is converted to wood chips, ceramic powder, etc. It is sucked out and cannot supply enough lubricant to the ball groove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a dust-proof structure for a linear guide bearing device which prevents foreign matter from entering a slider and avoids poor rolling of a rolling element. Yet another object is to protect the slider end cap from hot foreign matter. Still another object is to provide a dustproof structure that can be easily attached to a slider with a simple structure. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dustproof structure that is covered with a dustproof cover so that foreign substances that fall on the lubricant-containing member and suck up oil do not fall on the lubricant supply member.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a dust-proof structure in which a dust-proof cover is attached to a linear motion guide bearing device.
It comprises a guide rail extending in the axial direction, having a rolling element rolling groove on the outer surface, and one or a plurality of sliders loosely fitted on the guide rail. The slider includes a slider body and a slider body. An end cap attached to both ends, wherein the slider body and the end cap are used to oppose the rolling element rolling grooves of the guide rail, and both ends of the load rolling element rolling grooves. A rolling element circulation path including a rolling element return path connected to the portion via a curved portion is formed, and a rolling element for relatively moving the slider body along the guide rail is loaded in the rolling element circulation path. At the same time, the dustproof cover is fitted into the end of one or a plurality of sliders from the outside of the slider, and after being fitted, the dustproof cover does not fall off to the end of the slider due to elastic force. It is configured to be fixed and is characterized in.

Another aspect of the present invention is a dustproof cover (dustproof component) having the dustproof structure, and another aspect is a linear motion guide bearing device with a dustproof cover.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to cover the space formed between the adjacent sliders which are loosely fitted on the guide rails and / or the periphery of the end cap of each slider with the dustproof cover. Even when the linear motion guide bearing device is used in an atmosphere where there is a lot of foreign matter such as dust, foreign matter can be prevented from entering a narrow area between a plurality of sliders, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the slider. Poor rolling of the rolling elements can be avoided.

Further, since the dust cover is fixed to each end cap by its elastic force, the dust cover can be detachably fixed to each end cap without using a fastening member such as a bolt.

Further, according to the present invention, the periphery of the end cap itself of the slider loosely fitted to the guide rail can be covered with the dustproof cover, so that the end cap of the linear guide device can be protected from high-temperature foreign matter. it can.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding portions in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration of a linear guide device, which is a linear guide bearing device of the present embodiment, will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a guide rail 1 having rolling element rolling grooves 3A and 3B on its outer surface and extending in the axial direction is provided, and a slider 2 attached across the guide rail 1 is provided.

More specifically, one of the rolling element rolling grooves 3A formed of axially concave grooves having a substantially arc-shaped cross section is formed at a ridge line where the upper surface 1a and both side surfaces 1b of the guide rail 1 intersect. At the same time, the other rolling element rolling groove 3B having a substantially semicircular cross section is formed at an intermediate position between both side surfaces 1b of the guide rail. At the bottom of the rolling element rolling groove 3B, an escape groove 3a of a retainer for preventing the rolling element from falling off when the slider 2 is not assembled to the guide rail 1 is formed.

On the other hand, the slider 2 comprises a slider main body 2A and end caps 2B attached to both ends thereof. The slider main body 2A is provided on the inner surface of both sleeves 4 with rolling element rolling grooves 3A of the guide rail 1, 3B, and has a rolling element return path 6 that axially penetrates through the thick part of the sleeve. On the other hand, the end cap 2B has a curved path 7 that connects the rolling element rolling groove 5 of the slider body 2A and a rolling element return path 6 parallel to the rolling element rolling groove 5. A rolling element circulation circuit is formed by the moving element return path 6 and the curved paths 7 at both ends. A large number of rolling elements 8 made of, for example, steel balls are loaded in the rolling element circulation circuit. In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a grease nipple. Reference numeral 10 denotes a bolt hole for mounting the guide rail 1, and 11 denotes a bolt hole for mounting the slider 2.

The end cap 2B as a circulating component of the rolling element is an injection molded product of a synthetic resin material, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section in the width direction perpendicular to the guide rail. As will be described later, the lubricant-containing member 17 and the side seal 1 are provided on the outer surface sides of both end caps 2B.
2 is fixed by mounting screws 13. The end cap 2 </ b> B is formed in a shape slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve 4. Therefore, a stepped portion indicated by a width H in FIG. 1 is formed between the outermost contour end of the sleeve portion 4 and the outermost contour end of the end cap 2B.

The side seal 12 includes a substantially U-shaped steel plate conforming to the outer shape of the end cap 2B, and a rubber sealing member 14 having a shape similar to the steel plate and integrally formed on the outer surface thereof. It is composed of The sealing lip portion of the sealing material 14 which comes into contact with the guide rail 1 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 1 so that the inner surface thereof can seal the gap between the slider 2 and the guide rail 1. 1 is formed into a shape that can slide on the upper surface 1a and the outer surface 1b, more specifically, a shape that can slide on the rolling element rolling grooves 3A and 3B and the relief groove 3a.

The linear guide device constructed as described above is often used by attaching two guide rails 1 as a pair to a machine tool or the like as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. In that case, the two guide rails 1 and 1 are accurately mounted in parallel and fixed on the bed B with bolts.

Depending on the type of the counterpart machine on which the linear guide device is mounted, each of the guide rails 1 may be used with one slider 2 attached or two or more sliders 2 attached. 2, FIG. 3 shows a case where two sliders 2, 2 are attached to each guide rail. The table T is fixed to each slider 2 with bolts using the mounting bolt holes 11.

The general use of the linear guide device has been described above. In the linear guide device according to the present embodiment, when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere having a lot of dust and the like, FIG. As described above, the dustproof cover 15 is provided between the sliders 2 adjacent to each other along the length direction of the guide rail. In particular, when the mounting span of the two sliders 2 loosely fitted on the guide rail 1 is small and there is a small gap between the sliders 2, when dust such as dirt accumulates in the small gap. It is effective for

The dustproof cover 15 has a substantially U-shaped cross section using, for example, metal or resin, and is formed between adjacent sliders 2 along the length of the guide rail. The space L and the end cap 2B, which is one end in the axial direction of each slider 2, are covered.

That is, when the dust cover 15 is assembled to the slider 2 and the guide rail along the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, both ends of the dust cover 15 are fixed to the end caps 2B at the ends of the slider, respectively. Cover the guide rail between the end caps.

The dustproof cover 15 has an upper surface 15A, a side surface 15B, and a bottom surface 15C having an opening 15D, and the surfaces are integrally connected. While pushing the dust-proof cover 15 in the direction indicated by 102, both ends of the dust-proof cover are fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the end cap, and then the dust-proof cover is released from being spread. It is fixed to the outer peripheral portion around the cap 2B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where both end portions of the dustproof cover are fixed to the respective end caps 2B of the two sliders.

The dustproof cover 15 is provided with the sliders 2, 2
By covering the gap, the opening of the guide rail between the two sliders is also protected from foreign matter. The elastic force of the dustproof cover can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the material of the dustproof cover and the size of each surface. When removing the dust-proof cover from the slider, the dust-proof cover may be pushed again to the side indicated by reference numeral 102 in FIG. 3 and the dust-proof cover may be moved away from the guide rail in the direction opposite to the arrow.

As shown in FIG. 4, which is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the end portion of the slider 2, the reinforcing plate 16 is attached to the end cap 2B from the side near both end caps 2B.
The lubricant-containing polymer 17 and the side seal 12, which are the lubricant-containing members, are fixed in an overlapped state.

Of these, the reinforcing plate 16 is a substantially U-shaped steel plate conforming to the outer shape of the end face of the end cap 2B, and its both sleeves 16A, 16B have through holes 16a, 16b through which mounting screws pass. Are formed, and a through-hole 16c for a green nipple is formed in a connecting portion 16C connecting the sleeve portions 16A and 16B. In addition,
This reinforcing plate 16 does not contact the guide rail 1.

The side seal 12 is composed of a substantially U-shaped steel plate conforming to the outer shape of the end cap 2B, and a nitrile rubber having a shape similar to the steel plate and integrally formed on the outer surface thereof. Have been.

The inner surface of the sealing material (lip portion) 14 of the side seal 12 which comes into contact with the guide rail 1 has a cross section of the guide rail 1 so that a gap between the slider 2 and the guide rail 1 can be sealed. According to the shape, the guide rail 1 is formed into a shape that can slide on the upper surface 1a and the outer surface 1b, that is, a shape that can slide on the rolling element rolling grooves 3A and 3B and the relief groove 3a.

The sleeves 12 of the side seal 12
A and 12B also have through holes 12a and 12
b is formed, and both sleeve portions 12A, 12B
Is formed with a through-hole 12c for a grease nipple.

A lubricant-containing polymer 17 corresponding to a lubricant-containing member is interposed between the side seal 12 and the reinforcing plate 16. The lubricant-containing polymer 17 is formed in a substantially U-shape according to the outer shape of the end cap 2B, and the inner surface of the U-shape is not a tapered shape but a flat shape.
Similarly to the inner surface of the sealing material (lip portion) 14, the outer surface 1 including the upper surface 1a of the guide rail 1, the rolling element rolling grooves 3A and 3B, and the relief groove according to the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 1.
b.

As shown in FIG. 4, ring-shaped members 18A, 17B are formed in the through holes 17a, 17b formed in both sleeves 17A, 17B of the lubricant-containing polymer 17, respectively.
18B is fitted. The ring-shaped members 18A and 18B are short cylindrical members, and their outer diameters are such that they can be easily fitted into the through holes 17a and 17b.

The connecting portion 1 of the lubricant-containing polymer 17
A ring-shaped (or solid cylindrical) member 19 is fitted into the through hole 17c formed in 7C.
This ring-shaped member 19 is also a short cylindrical member. However, the outer diameter of the ring-shaped member 19 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 11C. That is, by fitting the ring-shaped member 19 into the through hole 11c, the through hole 17c
Can be spread out.

Further, the thickness in the length direction of the ring-shaped members 18A, 18B and 19 is slightly (for example, about 0.2 mm) thicker than that of the lubricant-containing polymer 17 (W). That is, when the ring-shaped members 18A, 18B and 19 are fitted into the through holes 17a and 17c, the ends of the ring-shaped members 18A, 18B and 19 project from the front surface or the back surface of the lubricant-containing polymer 17. ing.

The reinforcing plate 16, the lubricating polymer 17 and the side seal 12 are connected to the end cap 2 B
The mounting screws 13A and 13B, which pass through the through holes 2a and 2b and are screwed to the slider body 2A, are provided with through holes 12a and 12b of the side seal 12,
a, 17b, the inner ring-shaped members 18A, 18B and the through holes 16a, 16b of the reinforcing plate 16 are fixed to the slider body 2A integrally with the end cap 2B.

When the slide 2 moves on the guide rail 1 fixed to the machine base, the rolling elements in the slide 2 move at a lower speed than the slider 2 in the moving direction of the slide 2 while rolling in the rolling element rolling path. Then, the U-turn is performed on the curved path on one end side and the rolling element return path is moved while rolling in the opposite direction, and the circulation is returned on the curved path on the other end side to return to the rolling element rolling path and repeated. . When the linear guide bearing device is driven in this manner, the lubricant-containing polymer 17 also moves while being in contact with the guide rail 1, and
The lubricant gradually oozes out of the lubricant-containing polymer 17 over time due to the influence of frictional heat at the time of the movement, and the oozing out lubricant is formed on the guide rail 1, especially the rolling element rolling grooves 3A, The rolling elements are automatically supplied to the rolling elements rolling in the rolling element rolling grooves 3A and 3B via the rolling elements 3B.

Due to this self-lubricating property, stable and smooth operation is performed over a long period of time. Therefore, good operation can be continued for a long time at a low torque without supplying a lubricant to the slider 2 from outside.

As described above, a member which is easily deformed by heat, such as a lubricant-containing polymer, may be attached to the end cap 2B. However, the dust cover 15 protects the end cap 2 and the like from the influence of high-temperature foreign matter.

In the linear guide device of this embodiment, the dust cover covers the space formed between the adjacent sliders 2 and the periphery of the end cap 2B of each slider 2. Therefore, when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere with much dust or the like, when the slider 2 loosely fitted to the guide rail 1 has a small attachment span and a small gap exists between the sliders 2. However, dust (foreign matter) and the like can be prevented from passing through the sealing material 14 and entering the rolling grooves 5 and the like, and the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere where high temperature dust such as welding spatter is present. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the end cap 2B and the lubricant-containing member from being deformed by high-temperature dust.

Further, like wood chips, ceramic powder and the like,
Even when the linear guide device is used in an atmosphere where oil can be easily absorbed, the dust-proof cover prevents the wood chips and ceramic powder from directly touching the lubricant-containing member, and the oil content of the lubricant-containing member is reduced to wood chips and ceramic powder. It can be prevented from being sucked.

Since the dust cover 15 is fixed to each end cap 2B by its elastic force, the dust cover 15 can be detachably fixed to each end cap 2B without using a fastening member such as a bolt. it can.

In the above-described embodiment, the dustproof cover 15 is described as connecting two adjacent sliders 2. However, the width of the dustproof cover 15 is increased so that the four adjacent sliders 2 are connected. 2 can be connected.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, only a pair of end caps 2B, a lubricant-containing member 17 and a side seal 12 disposed at both ends in the axial direction of each slider 2 are covered, and a dustproof cover 20 for protecting them is fixed. The other configuration is the same as that of the above embodiment.

The dustproof cover 20 is made of, for example, metal or resin so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the end cap 2 B, the lubricant containing member 17 and the side seal 12 fixed to one end in the axial direction of the slider 2. Have been. Each dustproof cover 20 is detachably fixed to each end cap 2B, 2B by its elastic force. That is, the dustproof cover 20 protects the end cap 2B and the like from dust and the like.

In the present embodiment, the end cap 2B, the lubricant containing member 17 and the side seal 12 of each slider 2 are covered with the dustproof cover 20, respectively. Even when used in an atmosphere where dust is present, it is possible to prevent the end cap and the like from being deformed by high-temperature dust.

Further, like wood chips, ceramic powder and the like,
Even when the linear guide device is used in an environment where oil can be easily absorbed, wood chips, ceramic powder, etc. do not directly contact the lubricant application oil member, and the oil content of the lubricant-containing member is absorbed by the wood chips, ceramic powder, etc. Can be prevented.

Since the dust cover 20 is fixed to each end cap 2B by its elastic force, the dust cover 20 can be detachably fixed to each end cap 2B without using a fastening member such as a bolt. it can.
FIG. 5 shows two examples of the dustproof cover 20.

In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the dustproof cover 20 covers the end cap 20B, the lubricant containing member 17 and the side seal 12, but depending on the case, one or two of these members may be used. It may cover one.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the space between the sliders which are loosely fitted on the guide rails and formed between the adjacent sliders and / or the periphery of the end caps of the respective sliders are covered with the dustproof cover, the near guide device is protected from foreign matter such as dust. Even when used in a large atmosphere, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the slider, rolling defects of the rolling elements can be eliminated, and the end cap and the like can be protected from high-temperature foreign matter. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a linear guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 Usage of the linear guide device (attached state)
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an arrangement state of the linear guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the slider according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a use mode (attached state) of a linear guide device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the dust cover is fixed to the slider in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Guide rail 1a Top surface 1b Side surface 2 Slider 2A Slider body 2B End cap 3A, 3B Rolling member rolling groove 5 Load rolling member rolling groove 6 Rolling member return path 7 Curved path 8 Rolling member 12 Side seal 15, 20 Dustproof cover

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A dustproof structure comprising a linear motion guide bearing device and a dustproof cover attached to the linear motion guide bearing device, the linear motion guide bearing device having a rolling element rolling groove on an outer surface and a guide rail extending in an axial direction. The slider includes one or more sliders that are loosely fitted to the guide rails. The slider includes a slider body and end caps attached to both ends of the slider body. The slider body and the end A rolling element circulation comprising a load rolling element rolling groove opposed to the rolling element rolling groove of the guide rail by a cap, and a rolling element return path connected to both ends of the load rolling element rolling groove via curved portions. A road is formed,
A rolling element for relatively moving the slider body along the guide rail is loaded in the rolling element circulation path, and the dustproof cover is provided at one or a plurality of slider ends.
A dustproof structure for a linear motion guide bearing device, wherein the dustproof structure is configured to be fitted from the outside of the slider and fixed to the end of the slider so as not to fall off by an elastic force after being fitted.