MXPA98000128A - Motion bearing assembly lin - Google Patents
Motion bearing assembly linInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA98000128A MXPA98000128A MXPA/A/1998/000128A MX9800128A MXPA98000128A MX PA98000128 A MXPA98000128 A MX PA98000128A MX 9800128 A MX9800128 A MX 9800128A MX PA98000128 A MXPA98000128 A MX PA98000128A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- spherical
- load
- linear motion
- bearing assembly
- assembly according
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 98
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Abstract
The present invention relates to a linear motion bearing assembly for moving along an axis, characterized in that it comprises: a spherical seal formed of a plurality of self-engaging spherical seal segments, inter-engaging, each of the segments including a inner portion defining at least one spherical track or rail having a load bearing portion and a return portion, an outer cover portion defining a plate opening supporting load thereon and the engagable structure for inter-coupling the segments Spherical retainer plate: a load bearing plate placed in the plate opening supporting the outer cap portion, so that the load bearing plate is positioned adjacent to the load bearing portion of the spherical track, and a plurality of bearing balls placed on the spherical tracks to transmit load of the shaft to the load bearing plate and facilitate the movement of the linear motion bearing assembly to the length of the
Description
ASSEMBLY OF LINEAR MOVEMENT BEARING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to antifriction linear motion bearing assemblies and, more particularly, to linear bearing assemblies of tracks or multiple rails for moving longitudinally along an axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE
The present invention is directed to improvements in linear motion bearing assembly. In particular / the improvements relate to linear motion bearing mountings of the type supporting a carriage or support for linear movement along a support member such as an elongated shaft or slot. These bearing assemblies may be of either the open type or the closed type. Prior art bearing assemblies typically include an outer housing and a spherical seal sized to be inserted into the outer housing. The spherical retainer has a plurality of spherical tracks or rails in a circuit configuration for containing and recirculating the bearing balls. The tracks or
REF: 26571 spherical rails include open portions which facilitate the transfer of load from the support shaft to the load bearing structure such as the load bearing plates operatively associated with either the spherical retainer or the outer housing. The return portions of the spherical tracks or rails allow the continuous recirculation of the bearing balls through the spherical tracks or rails during the linear movement. In some embodiments, the spherical retainer is formed as a monolithic element with tracks or spherical rails incorporated integrally therein. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,767,276 to Henn. This structure, however, is difficult to manufacture efficiently because complex molds are required. Also, these spherical seals, before insertion into a mounting carriage or the outer housing, are necessarily open and thus exposed to environmental and contaminant conditions such as dust and dirt. Such exposure could adversely affect the operation and life of the bearing assembly as well as the support structure in which it moves. Standalone linear bearing units are also known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,815,862 to Mugglestone et al. This unit, while representing a remarkable improvement in the art, still requires the use of end caps to couple the bearing plates of the bearing segments. In addition, the load-bearing plates must be machined accurately to properly fit with the end caps. This configuration adds to the cost and complexity of the bearing. The load bearing structure may be in the form of integral elements formed on an internal radial surface of the outer housing. Typical bearing assemblies employing load bearing structures formed in the outer housing are shown, for example, in commonly owned US Pat. No. 5,046,862 to Ng, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Instead of the integral load bearing structure, plates supporting separate loads can be used to transfer loads from the support shaft. These load-bearing plates are oriented longitudinally in association with the spherical seals for coupling at least those bearing balls in direct contact with the support shaft. These load-bearing plates can also be configured to axially self-align by providing structures that allow the plates to oscillate in and out of parallelism with the longitudinal axis of the spherical seal.
See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,545,826 to Magee et al commonly owned. The individual load bearing plates can be transversely expanded to engage the spherical balls in correspondence with adjacent tracks or tracks bearing load. Thus, parallel grooves are formed in the bottom side of the plates to guide the bearing balls while they are in the load bearing portion of the spherical tracks or rails. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,951,472 to Schurger et al. The external housing of the existing bearing assemblies is typically in the form of a one-piece hollow steel cylinder which serves to, inter alia, retain and project the spherical seal and balls. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,046,862 of Ng and 3,767,276 of Henn, discussed above. Although useful, this type of external housing increases the weight and cost of the bearing assembly. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a linear motion bearing assembly which can be manufactured easily and efficiently. Another object of the present invention is to provide a linear motion bearing assembly having a spherical seal formed of self-contained segments that are easily fabricated using engineered polymers.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, lightweight linear motion bearing assembly that is capable of supporting loads without the need for an external housing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and efficient manufacturing and assembly process for a linear motion bearing assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a linear motion bearing assembly for moving along an axis. The spherical retainer of the bearing assembly is assembled from a plurality of self-contained spherical retainer segments. Preferably, the plurality of segments are all identical and can be mounted to a variety of configurations either for open type bearing assembly or closed type bearing assembly. Each of the spherical retainer segments includes at least one spherical rail track having a load bearing portion, a return portion and a spherical return portion. These segments can be easily formed from a designed polymer and are substantially self-contained to protect the bearing balls contained therein from environmental contamination.
At least one load bearing plate is positioned axially in each segment and serves to receive and transmit loads of the bearing balls in the load bearing portion of the spherical tracks or rails. Load bearing plates are preferably retained in the segments to facilitate assembly and help eliminate the need for an external housing. In an alternative embodiment, each spherical retainer segment includes a plurality of spherical tracks or rails therein and a corresponding number of load bearing plates. The tracks or spherical lanes can be in an arrangement either parallel or longitudinal. The segments are joined together to form the total bearing assembly either through interlaced structures formed on each segment or by retaining clips or bands. Optionally, seals or eccentrics may be placed on the ends on the longitudinal ends to protect the bearing assembly from environmental contamination. The present invention also provides a novel and efficient assembly process for linear motion bearing assemblies. This process includes the steps of providing a plurality of arched autonomous spherical detent segments, each segment includes at least one spherical rail having a load bearing portion and a retainer portion; loading a plurality of bearing balls in the spherical tracks or lanes; placing a load-bearing plate in the segment adjacent to the load bearing portion of the spherical track or rail; and mounting the arcuate self-contained spherical retainer segments to form a linear motion bearing assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting part thereof, illustrate the preferred embodiments of the linear motion bearing assembly of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a linear motion bearing assembly mounted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an arcuate, interconnectable, self-contained spherical detent segment according to the linear motion bearing assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment. alternative of a segment of autonomous spherical catch, interacoplable, arched, that has a pair of tracks or spherical lanes in it.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an arcuate, interconnectable, self-contained spherical detent having a pair of parallel spherical tracks or rails therein. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the linear motion bearing assembly taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a side view of a C-shaped retaining ring for use with the assembled linear motion bearing assembly of Figure 1. Figure 6A is a side view of an alternative retaining ring for use with the assembled linear motion bearing assembly of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a sectional view cross section of the retaining ring of Figure 6, taken along line 7-7. Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the retaining ring of Figure 6A, taken along line 7A-7A. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the arcuate, self-locking, spherical detent according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES
Referring now to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals identify similar structural elements of the subject invention, a closed-type linear motion bearing assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and designated from generally by the numerical reference 20. The linear motion bearing assembly 20 is fabricated from self-contained, interlocking, arcuate, individual spherical seal segments 22, which are supported in interlocking association by retaining rings 24. The assembly of Linear Motion Bearing 20 of Figure 1 was fabricated from three, self-engaging, arcuate, spherical detent segments 120 ° 22. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the linear motion bearing assembly could be manufactured using two or more autonomous segments simply configuring and sizing the degree of bow and the size of the segments. In addition, although it is shown as a closed type bearing, an open type bearing can be easily manufactured using such autonomous segments. Referring now to Figure 2, in conjunction with Figure 1, the arcuate, interacoplable, autonomous spherical seal segment 22 includes the inner portion 26 defining the spherical track or track 30 therein. The spherical track 30 is made of a load bearing portion 32 and a return portion 34 interconnected by returns 36. An outer cover portion 28 is configured to press fit in engagement with the inner portion 26 and includes a mounting aperture of load bearing plate 38. In the embodiment described in Figure 2, the press fit coupling is achieved by means of cut slots 40 in the outer cover portion 28 and small cut projections 42 formed in the inner portion 26. Other mechanisms of coupling, such as bolts, grooves, adhesives, etc. they were also contemplated and are within the scope of knowledge of one skilled in the art. The load bearing plate 44 is sized and configured to fit in the opening 38 of the outer cover portion 28. A pair of longitudinal grooves 46 are formed in the side walls of the load bearing plate 44, which grooves receive the projections 48 formed on the periphery of the opening 38. The load bearing plate 44 preferably includes at least one track or longitudinal rail 50 formed on an inner surface thereof. This track or track 50 serves as the upper surface of the load-bearing portion 32 of the spherical track 30. A plurality of bearing balls 52 are disposed in the spherical track 30 and, when in the load-bearing portion, serve for transmitting loads of load-bearing plates 44 to an axis (not shown) as well as for facilitating reciprocal longitudinal movement longitudinally. The inner portion 26 further includes an internal annular groove 54 which, when the linear motion bearing assembly is manufactured, serves to receive a detent cam 56. See, Figure 1. This configuration is a remarkable improvement in the art and eliminates the need for a separate eccentric structure attached to the ends of the bearing. To facilitate assembly and alignment, the arcuate, self-locking, spherical detent segments 22 are preferably provided with an alignment structure such as, for example, the rectangular projection 58 which interengages with a corresponding rectangular slot 60 formed in and in contact with the side of another segment. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that another assembly and contact structure could be replaced including bolts and holes, keyways, etc. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, other preferred embodiments of a self-contained spherical seal segment are shown., interacoplable, arcuate, 62, 64. Those embodiments are substantially similar to segment 22 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the exception that in segment 62, a pair of spherical tracks 30 are formed in axial alignment in the inner portion of the segment 62, and in segment 64, a pair of spherical tracks 30 are formed in side-by-side relationship in the inner portion of segment 64. Also, in segment 64, the load bearing plate 44 is configured and positioned to accommodate the load bearing portions 32 of both spherical tracks 30. This configuration includes the condition of a second longitudinal track 50 formed on the inner surface of the load bearing plate 44. Referring now to Figure 5, a bearing assembly of linear motion 20, positioned within a hole 70 of the carriage 66. The plurality of arcuate, interlocking, self-contained spherical retainer segments 22 are held in place by of retaining rings 24, rings which are interengaged in slot 68. In a preferred embodiment, retaining ring 24 is formed of a designed, elastic plastic, and slot 68 is dimensioned so that at least a portion of the ring 24 extends beyond the outer surface of the linear motion bearing assembly 20. In this embodiment, the frictional contact between the ring 24 and the inner surface of the carriage hole serves to stabilize the bearing assembly 20 within the orifice 70. The retaining ring 24 can advantageously be formed in a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes. Figures 6 and 7 form a C-shaped retaining ring 24 having a substantially square cross section. Figures 6A and 7A show a retaining ring 24 with a substantially circular cross section. It was also contemplated that the retaining ring 24 can be manufactured from a wide variety of designed plastics, polymers, rubbers and metals depending on the applications and demands on the bearing. Also, where permanent positioning of the bearing assembly is desired, the retaining ring 24 may be in the form of a resilient C-ring, which may be snapped into a corresponding slot on an inner surface of a carriage bore for Lock the bearing assembly in place. Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of the arcuate, interconnectable, autonomous spherical seal segment 22 is shown. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 discussed in detail above except that the inner cap portion 28 and load bearing plate 44. In this embodiment, a pair of longitudinally extending flanges 72 is provided on the load bearing plate 44. Those flanges 72 are adjusted or placed in the corresponding slots 74 formed in the outer cap portions 28 (see Figure 9). In this way, the load-bearing plate 44 is held within the opening of the load-bearing plate assembly 38, without the need for the projections 48 (see Figure 2). Linear motion bearing assemblies 20 according to the embodiments shown and described herein are assembled efficiently and easily using a novel process. The steps of this process include providing a plurality of self-contained, interlocking, arcuate spherical catch segments with each segment having at least one spherical track therein. These segments can be conveniently manufactured from a designed polymer and the latter mounted with bearing balls and bearing plates. After the spherical seal segments are completed, the segments are mounted adjacent to each other to form a complete linear motion bearing assembly. The retaining rings can be placed around the segments to help keep the segments in a desired orientation. This self-contained segment arrangement is extremely inexpensive and completely eliminates the need for a separate external housing structure to encircle the bearing elements.
To a degree not yet indicated, it should also be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the different specific embodiments described and illustrated herein may be further modified to incorporate the features shown in the other specific embodiments. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein but deviations thereof may be made within the scope of the appended claims to the present without departing from the principles of the invention and without Sacrifice your main advantages.
It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:
Claims (38)
1, A linear motion bearing assembly for moving along an axis, characterized in that it comprises: a spherical retainer formed of a plurality of self-locking, interconnectable spherical catch segments, each of the segments includes an internal portion defining the less a spherical track or rail having a load bearing portion and a return portion, an outer cover portion defining a plate opening supporting load thereon, and the interengageable structure for the interengagement of the spherical retainer segments; a plate supporting load placed in the opening of the load-bearing plate of the outer lid portion, so that the load-bearing plate is positioned adjacent the load-bearing portion of the spherical track; and a plurality of bearing balls placed on the spherical tracks to transmit load of the shaft to the load bearing plate and facilitate movement of the linear motion bearing assembly along the axis.
2. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the spherical retainer is formed of three arcuate, interlocking, self-locking spherical segments.
3. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the spherical retainer segments includes a pair of spherical tracks and at least one plate bearing load thereon.
4. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the pair of spherical tracks are arranged in longitudinal alignment within the spherical seal segment.
5. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the pair of spherical tracks are arranged in a side-to-side configuration within the spherical seal segment.
6. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the arcuate, interconnectable, self-contained spherical retainer segment includes at least one groove formed in an external arcuate surface thereof for receiving a retaining ring therein, the retaining ring functions to help maintain the arcuate, self-engaging spherical seal segments in a substantially cylindrical configuration.
7. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an integral shaft eccentric.
8. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the integral shaft eccentric is retained in a slot formed in the internal arcuate surface of the self-locking, interconnectable spherical retainer segment.
9. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that a portion of the retainer ring extends beyond the external arcuate surface of the interconnectable self-contained spherical seal segment.
10. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer cover portion includes a plate coupling structure that supports load on a portion of the perimeter of the opening of the load bearing plate for coupling the plate that It supports load placed on it.
11. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the inner portion and the outer cap portion are press fit together to form the self-contained, interlocking, arcuate spherical seal segment.
12. A linear motion bearing assembly for moving along an axis, characterized in that it comprises: a spherical retainer formed of three self-contained spherical catch segments, arcuate, arcuate each of the segments defines an arc of 120 ° and includes a portion internal defining a spherical track with a load bearing portion and a return portion and an outer cover portion defining a plate opening supporting load therein; a load-bearing plate mounted on each of the openings of the load-bearing plate of the spherical detent segments adjacent to the load bearing portion of the spherical track; and a plurality of bearing balls positioned on the spherical track to transmit load of the shaft to the load bearing plate and facilitate movement of the linear motion bearing assembly along the axis.
13. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the arcuate, interconnectable, autonomous spherical catch segment includes at least one groove formed in an outer arcuate surface thereof for receiving a retaining ring therein, the retaining ring functions to assist in retaining the self-locking, interlocking, arcuate spherical catch segments in a cylindrical configuration.
14. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises an integral shaft eccentric.
15. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the arcuate, interconnectable, self-contained spherical retainer segment includes a load-bearing plate coupling structure positioned on a portion of the perimeter of the plate opening that It supports load to couple the plate that supports load placed on it.
16. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the inner portion of the outer cap portion is snapped to form the arcuate, interconnectable, self-contained spherical seal segment.
17. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the spherical retainer forms a closed bearing.
18. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the outer cover portion defines a small cutout opening and the load bearing plate includes a flange sized and configured to be received within the small cutout portion of the portion. of external cover.
19. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the outer lid portion defines an opening having a pair of projections extending to the opening and the load bearing plate includes a pair of longitudinally sized slots and configured to press fit the load bearing plate in the operative position in the opening.
20. A process for assembling a linear motion bearing assembly, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of arcuate, interconnectable, self-locking spherical catch segments, each segment includes an internal portion defining at least one spherical track that it has a load supporting portion and a return portion, an outer cover portion defining a plate opening supporting load therein and an inter-engagable structure; loading a plurality of bearing balls in the spherical track; placing a load bearing plate in the opening of the load bearing plate adjacent to the load bearing portion of the spherical track; and mounting the self-contained spherical seal segments to form a linear motion bearing assembly.
21. The process for mounting a linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the internal portion defining the inner race and the outer cap portion that engages the load bearing plate are assembled by snapping the inner portion and the external lid portion together to substantially enclose the bearing balls and the spherical tracks.
22. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening is fully defined within the outer lid portion.
23. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the opening is fully defined within the outer lid portion.
24. The process for mounting a linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the opening is fully defined within the outer lid portion.
25. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the outer lid portion defines a small cut opening and the load bearing plate includes a rim sized and configured to be received within the small cut openings and the portion of external cover.
26. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the outer cover portion defines a small cutout opening and the load bearing plate includes a flange sized and configured to be received within the small cutout portion of the portion. of external cover.
27. The process for mounting a linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the outer cover portion defines a small, cutout opening, and the load bearing plate includes a flange sized and configured to be received within the cut, small opening of the outer lid portion.
28. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the outer cover portion defines an opening having a pair of projections extending toward the opening and the load bearing plate includes a pair of longitudinal grooves sized and configured to press fit the load-bearing plate in operative position in the opening.
29. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the outer cover portion defines an opening having a pair of projections extending towards the opening and the load carrying plate includes a pair of longitudinal grooves dimensioned and configured to press fit the load-bearing plate in operative position in the opening.
30. The process for mounting a linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the outer lid portion defines an opening having a pair of projections extending toward the opening and the load bearing plate includes a pair of longitudinal grooves dimensioned and configured to press fit the load bearing plate in the operative position in the opening.
31. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the load bearing plate includes at least one longitudinal track formed on an inner surface thereof and forming an upper surface of the load bearing portion of the track. spherical
32. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the load bearing plate includes at least one longitudinal track formed on an inner surface thereof and forming an upper surface of the load bearing portion of the track spherical
33. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the load bearing plate includes at least one longitudinal track formed on an inner surface thereof and forming an upper surface of the load bearing portion of the track spherical
34. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the load bearing plate includes a pair of longitudinal tracks.
35. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer cover portion comprises large cut slots and the inner portion comprises small cut projections to fit under pressure.
36. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the outer cover portion comprises large cut slots and the inner portion comprises small cut projections to fit under pressure.
37. The linear motion bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the interengaging structure includes a rectangular portion of one segment and a corresponding rectangular slot of another segment that is aligned with and aligns with another.
38. The process for mounting a linear motion bearing structure according to claim 20, characterized in that the interengageable structure includes a rectangular projection of one segment and a corresponding rectangular slot of another segment that is interengaged with and aligns with another. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A linear motion bearing assembly is provided to move along an axis. The spherical seal of the bearing assembly is assembled from a plurality of arcuate interconnectable self-locking spherical catch segments (22) '. Preferably, the plurality of segments are all identical and can be assembled to a variety of configurations, either for open type bearing assemblies or closed type bearing assemblies. Each of the spherical retainer segments (22) includes at least one spherical track (30) having a load bearing portion (32) and a return portion (34). These segments are preferably formed of a designed polymer and are substantially self-contained to protect the bearing balls (52) contained therein from environmental contamination. At least one load bearing plate (44) is axially positioned in each segment (22) and serves to receive and transmit loads of the bearing balls (52) in the load bearing portion (32) of the spherical tracks or rails (30) The load bearing plates (44) are preferably retained in the segments (22) to facilitate easy assembly and eliminate the need for external housing. The segments (22) are joined to form the total bearing assembly either through interlaced structures formed in each segment or by retaining tracks or bands (24). Optionally, ends may be placed on the longitudinal ends to protect the bearing assembly from environmental contamination. A novel and efficient assembly process for linear motion bearing assemblies is also provided. This process includes the steps of providing a plurality of arcuate autonomous spherical catch segments (22), each of the segments includes at least one spherical track (30) having a load bearing portion (32) and a portion of return (34), which loads a plurality of bearing balls (52) into the spherical track (30), which places a load-bearing plate (44) on the segment (22) adjacent to the load-bearing portion the spherical track (30), and mounting the self-arched spherical seal segments (22) to form a linear motion bearing assembly.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/496,759 US5613780A (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1995-06-29 | Linear motion bearing assembly |
| US08496759 | 1995-06-29 | ||
| PCT/US1996/011050 WO1997001713A1 (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1996-06-27 | Linear motion bearing assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA98000128A true MXPA98000128A (en) | 1998-04-01 |
| MX9800128A MX9800128A (en) | 1998-04-30 |
Family
ID=23974013
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX9800128A MX9800128A (en) | 1995-06-29 | 1996-06-27 | Linear motion bearing assembly. |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5613780A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0832367B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE189733T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6400696A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9609347A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2224810A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69606642T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2142074T3 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9800128A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997001713A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3545826A (en) * | 1969-05-07 | 1970-12-08 | John B Thomson | Compliant and self-alining ball bearing for linear motion |
| BE790112A (en) * | 1971-10-18 | 1973-02-01 | Heim Universal Corp | BALL BEARING ASSEMBLY |
| US4025995A (en) * | 1973-01-19 | 1977-05-31 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Linear motion ball bearing assembly and ball conforming shaft |
| DE2363033B2 (en) * | 1973-12-19 | 1977-10-27 | Skf Kugellagerfabriken Gmbh, 8720 Schweinfurt | BALL BUSHING WITH DOUBLE-ROW CARRIER |
| FR2406119A1 (en) * | 1977-10-13 | 1979-05-11 | Skf Kugellagerfabriken Gmbh | BEARING FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENTS |
| IT1123952B (en) * | 1978-01-27 | 1986-05-07 | Star Kugelhalter Gmbh Dt | BALL SLEEVE FOR BALL LONGITUDIAN GUIDES AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE |
| US4334716A (en) * | 1980-06-25 | 1982-06-15 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Linear bearings |
| DE3131321A1 (en) * | 1981-08-07 | 1983-02-24 | Skf Kugellagerfabriken Gmbh | ROLLER BEARING ARRANGEMENT FOR LONGER MOTIONS OF A HOUSING ON ONE OR TWO PARALLEL RAILS |
| US4456312A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1984-06-26 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Combination of rotary and rectilinear bearing |
| DE3512013A1 (en) * | 1985-04-02 | 1986-10-02 | Skf Linearsysteme Gmbh | BALL BEARING FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENTS |
| US4789249A (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1988-12-06 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Linear motion bearing and shafts |
| US4815862A (en) * | 1987-12-10 | 1989-03-28 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Self-contained linear bearing unit and linear bearings embodying such units |
| US5046862A (en) * | 1989-11-22 | 1991-09-10 | Thomson Industries, Inc. | Linear motion ball bearing |
| US5221145A (en) * | 1992-01-17 | 1993-06-22 | Rmb Roulements Miniatures | Linear bearing |
-
1995
- 1995-06-29 US US08/496,759 patent/US5613780A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-06-27 DE DE69606642T patent/DE69606642T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-06-27 BR BR9609347-1A patent/BR9609347A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-06-27 ES ES96923518T patent/ES2142074T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-06-27 MX MX9800128A patent/MX9800128A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-06-27 WO PCT/US1996/011050 patent/WO1997001713A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-06-27 EP EP96923518A patent/EP0832367B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-06-27 CA CA002224810A patent/CA2224810A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-06-27 AU AU64006/96A patent/AU6400696A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-06-27 AT AT96923518T patent/ATE189733T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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