WO2000060247A1 - Ensemble palier a mouvement lineaire - Google Patents

Ensemble palier a mouvement lineaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000060247A1
WO2000060247A1 PCT/US2000/009035 US0009035W WO0060247A1 WO 2000060247 A1 WO2000060247 A1 WO 2000060247A1 US 0009035 W US0009035 W US 0009035W WO 0060247 A1 WO0060247 A1 WO 0060247A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
linear motion
ball retainer
load bearing
motion bearing
subassembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/009035
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alison Ng
Original Assignee
Thompson Industries, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thompson Industries, Inc. filed Critical Thompson Industries, Inc.
Priority to AU41996/00A priority Critical patent/AU4199600A/en
Publication of WO2000060247A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000060247A1/fr

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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
    • 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
    • F16C29/068—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track
    • F16C29/0683—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a rail or rod of circular cross-section, i.e. the linear bearing is not suited to transmit torque
    • F16C29/0685—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a rail or rod of circular cross-section, i.e. the linear bearing is not suited to transmit torque with balls
    • F16C29/069—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a rail or rod of circular cross-section, i.e. the linear bearing is not suited to transmit torque with balls whereby discrete load bearing elements, e.g. discrete load bearing plates or discrete rods, are provided in a retainer and form the load bearing tracks
    • 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
    • F16C29/068—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track
    • F16C29/0692—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a guide rail or track of non-circular cross-section, e.g. with grooves or protrusions, i.e. the linear bearing is suited to transmit torque
    • F16C29/0695—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a guide rail or track of non-circular cross-section, e.g. with grooves or protrusions, i.e. the linear bearing is suited to transmit torque with balls
    • F16C29/0697—Ball or roller bearings in which the rolling bodies circulate partly without carrying load with the bearing body fully encircling the guide rail or track the bearing body encircles a guide rail or track of non-circular cross-section, e.g. with grooves or protrusions, i.e. the linear bearing is suited to transmit torque with balls with polygonal guide rail or track

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to anti-friction linear motion bearing assemblies and, more particularly, to multiple track linear bearing assemblies for longitudinal movement along a shaft.
  • the present invention is directed to improvements in linear motion bearing assemblies.
  • the improvements relate to linear motion bearing assemblies of the type which support a carriage or pillow block for linear movement along a support member, for example, an elongated shaft or spline, profiled rails or radial bearings.
  • These bearing assemblies can either be of the open type or the closed type.
  • Some of the known bearing assemblies typically include an outer housing and a ball retainer dimensioned for insertion into the outer housing.
  • the ball retainer has a plurality of ball tracks in a loop configuration for containing and recirculating bearing balls.
  • the ball tracks include open portions which facilitate load transfer from the supporting shaft to load bearing structure such as load bearing plates operatively associated with either the ball retainer or the outer housing. Return portions of the ball tracks permit continuous recirculation of the bearing balls through the ball tracks during linear motion.
  • the ball retainer is formed as a monolithic element with the ball tracks integrally incorporated therein. See, U.S. Patent No. 3,767,276 to Henn. This structure, however, is difficult to efficiently manufacture because of the complex molds required. Also, these ball retainers, prior to insertion into a mounting carriage or outer housing are necessarily open and thus exposed to ambient conditions and contaminants such as dust and dirt. Such exposure could
  • Self-contained linear bearing units are also known in the art. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,862 to Mugglestone et al.
  • This unit while representing a marked improvement in the art, still requires the use of end caps to engage the load bearing plates of the bearing segments. Further, the load bearing plates must be precisely machined to properly interfit with the end caps. This configuration adds to the expense and complexity of the bearing.
  • the load bearing structure may be in the form of integral elements formed on an inner radial surface of the outer housing. Typical bearing assemblies utilizing load bearing structure formed in the outer housing are shown, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,862 to Ng, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the outer housing of existing bearing assemblies is typically in the form of a one piece hollow steel cylinder which serves to, inter alia, retain and protect
  • Ball retainers assembled from interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments are also known.
  • the present invention provides a linear motion bearing subassembly monolithicaliy fabricated from an engineering plastic or metal and configured so that forming, manufacture, handling and assembly complexity are reduced.
  • the bearing subassembly structure includes a monolithicaliy formed outer member and inner member similar to a two part bearing, thereby decreasing the number of separate components.
  • the bearing subassembly structure provides for use of a two part die to
  • a linear motion bearing subassembly including a ball retainer with a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip of inner portions and a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip of outer portions. Each of the inner portions may define at least one ball track having a load bearing portion and a return portion.
  • Each of the outer portions may define a load bearing plate aperture.
  • each of the outer portions define an aperture having a pair of projections extending into the aperture and the load bearing plate includes a pair of longitudinal grooves dimensioned and configured to snap fit the load bearing plate into an operative position in the aperture.
  • a load bearing plate may be positioned in the load bearing plate aperture of each of the outer portions adjacent the load bearing portion of the ball track and a plurality of rolling elements may be disposed in the ball track for transmitting load from a load source and facilitating movement of the linear motion bearing subassembly.
  • the continuous strip of inner portions are monolithicaliy formed with the continuous strip of outer portions. An end of the continuous strip of inner portions may be attachable to an end of the continuous strip of outer portions. Desirably, the ends may be removably attached.
  • the present disclosure also provides a novel and efficient assembly process for assembling linear motion bearing assemblies.
  • This process includes the step of providing a ball retainer with a continuous strip of inner portions and a continuous strip of outer portions; rolling the inner portions; loading a plurality of bearing balls into a ball track of each of the inner portions; and rolling the outer portions about the inner portions in cooperative engagement therewith to form the linear motion bearing assembly.
  • the above disclosed process includes the steps of mounting a retainer onto the ball retainer to maintain the linear motion bearing assembly in a desired orientation.
  • the step of rolling the inner portions includes rolling the inner portions in a first direction and the step of rolling the outer portions includes rolling the outer portions in a second direction.
  • the linear motion bearing subassembly includes a ball retainer formed of at least one self-contained ball retainer segment.
  • the ball retainer may include multiple self-contained ball retainer segments.
  • the ball retainer may be, for example, substantially cylindrical or substantially rectangular.
  • the ball retainer segment includes at least one inner portion whereby each of the at least one inner portions may define at least one ball track having a load bearing portion and a return portion.
  • At least one outer portion is included whereby each of the at least one outer portions may define a load bearing plate aperture.
  • a load bearing plate may be positioned in the load bearing plate aperture of each of the at least one outer portions such that the load bearing plate is positioned adjacent to the load bearing portion of th ⁇ ball track.
  • a plurality of bearing balls may be disposed in the ball track for transmitting load from a load source to the load bearing plate facilitating movement of a linear motion bearing assembly along the load source.
  • At least one of the at least one inner portions is monolithicaliy formed with at least one of the at least one outer portions to form at least one self-contained ball retainer segment.
  • Each of the self-contained ball retainer segments may include a load bearing plate engagement structure positioned in a perimeter portion of the load bearing plate aperture for engaging the load bearing plate positioned therein.
  • Each of the inner portions and each of the outer portions may snap fit together to form each of the at least one self-contained ball retainer segments.
  • at least one inner portion is monolithicaliy formed with at least one of the at least one outer portions by a flexible hinge.
  • the flexible hinge may be, for example, continuous or intermittent.
  • the ball retainer is formed of arcuate interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments.
  • each of the arcuate interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments includes at least one groove formed in an outer arcuate surface thereof and a retainer is positionable in the groove therein.
  • the retainer assists in holding the arcuate interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments in a substantially cylindrical configuration.
  • a portion of the retainer extend the outer arcuate surface of the interengageable self- contained ball retainer segment.
  • the arcuate interengageable segments each
  • At least one inner portion is monolithicaliy formed with at least one outer portion.
  • the inner portion is hingedly connected to the outer portion such that folding manipulation forms a linear motion bearing subassembly.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ball retainer including a continuous strip of inner portions and a continuous strip of outer portions and having a retaining
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a linear motion bearing
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of a ball retainer having a continuous strip of inner portions being separately attachable to
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a ball retainer including a continuous strip of inner portions and a continuous strip of outer portions for a reverse roll assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing assembly of the ball retainer of FIG. 3 having a load bearing plate and a plurality of ball bearings disposed in a ball track to form a linear motion bearing subassembly;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of a ball
  • retainer segment having an inner portion formed with an outer portion and a plurality of bearing balls
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing assembly of the ball retainer segment of FIG. 5 and a bearing plate;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a linear motion bearing subassembly having a substantially cylindrical configuration
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a linear motion bearing subassembly having a substantially rectangular configuration
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a ball retainer segment having an inner portion and an outer portion formed by a continuous living hinge
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a ball retainer segment having an inner portion and an outer portion formed by an intermittent living hinge;
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ball retainer segment shown in FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a closed-type linear motion bearing subassembly in accordance with the present invention supporting a linear
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an open-type linear motion bearing subassembly supporting a linear shaft.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 a linear motion bearing subassembly having a monolithic ball retainer for use in a closed-type linear motion bearing assembly 20 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Linear motion bearing assembly 20 (FIG. 2) has a linear motion bearing subassembly 22 including a monolithic ball retainer 30 with a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 40 of inner portions 42 and a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 44 of outer portions 46.
  • each inner portion 42 engages and overlays onto a co ⁇ esponding outer portion 46 to form a self-contained ball retainer segment 32 of ball retainer 30.
  • Ball retainer 30 may include a multiplicity of ball retainer segments 32 according to the number of co ⁇ esponding inner and outer portions.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show inner portions 42 monolithicaliy formed, forming the continuous strip 40, by living hinges 48 located between the individual inner portions 42.
  • Outer portions 46 Eire monolithicaliy formed, forming the continuous strip 44, by living hinges 50 located between the individual outer portions 46.
  • Living hinges 48 and 50 define openings 49 therein, for increased flexibility continuous strip 40 of inner portions 42 and continuous strip 44 of outer portions 46, providing for facile assembly of ball retainer 30 about a linear shaft 99 (FIG. 2).
  • Living hinges 48 and 50 may also provide a continuous monolithic formation of the continuous strip of inner portions 42 and outer portions 46, similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is also contemplated that living hinges 48 and 50 may have an intermittent monolithic formation, similar to that shown in FIG. 10.
  • an inner portion end 51 of continuous strip 40 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 52 of continuous strip 44 by a living hinge 53 forming monolithic ball retainer 30.
  • the monolithic formation of continuous strip 40 and continuous strip 44 facilitate assembly of monolithic ball
  • Living hinge 53 is a flexible member monolithicaliy formed as part of monolithic ball retainer 30.
  • continuous strip 40 of inner portions 42 and continuous strip 44 of outer portions 46 may be separately attachable components of ball retainer 30, as shown in FIG. 2 A.
  • an inner portion end 51 of continuous strip 40 is connected to an outer portion end 52 of continuous strip 44 to form ball retainer 30 which may be used in linear motion bearing assembly applications, similar to the subassembly in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • At least two adjacent inner or outer portions are monolithicaliy formed.
  • the connection of inner portion end 51 and outer portion end 52, shown in FIG. 2A, may be facilitated by a snap fit, pins, grooves, adhesives, etc.
  • continuous strip 40 and continuous strip 44 may be removably attachable components of ball retainer 30. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of inner portions 42 defines at least a
  • Ball track 54 includes a load bearing portion 56 and a
  • Each of outer portions 46 are configured to engage and overlay onto co ⁇ esponding inner portions 42 to form ball
  • retainer segment 32 (FIG. 2) and include a load bearing plate mounting aperture 62.
  • Inner portions 42 and outer portions 46 engage through flush contact between an outer surface 43 of each of inner portions 42 and an inner surface 47 of each of
  • portions 46 such as, snap fit, pins, grooves, adhesives, etc. and are within the scope of knowledge of one skilled in this art.
  • a load bearing plate 64 is dimensioned and configured to fit into load bearing plate mounting aperture 62 for each of outer portions 46.
  • Load bearing plate 64 preferably, includes at least one longitudinal track 70 formed in an inner surface thereof. Track 70 serves as an upper surface of load bearing portion 56 of ball track 54.
  • a plurality of bearing balls 72 are
  • An inner surface 74 of inner portions 42 define a longitudinal
  • outer portions 46 include retainer receiving grooves 78 defined within an outer surface 80 of each of outer portions 46.
  • Retainer receiving grooves 78 are configured to receive a retainer 82 to maintain linear motion bearing assembly 20 in an assembled configuration about linear shaft 99.
  • Each of outer portions 46 include a pair of retainer receiving grooves 78 oriented in a substantially parallel alignment with co ⁇ esponding retainer receiving grooves 78 of adjoining outer portions 46. It is contemplated that each of outer portions 46 may
  • grooves may be oriented in other configurations such as transverse or
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 is efficiently and easily assembled using a novel
  • Continuous strip 40 is rolled in a continuous polar direction, shown by a ⁇ ow
  • Bearing balls 72 are positioned within ball track 54 of a first inner portion 41 of continuous strip 40.
  • Load bearing plate 64 is positioned within load bearing plate mounting aperture 62 of a first outer portion 45 so that groove 66, engages projections 68 to maintain load bearing plate 64 within load bearing plate mounting aperture 62.
  • Continuous strip 44 is rolled thereabout continuous strip 40 and linear shaft 99 in the same continuous polar direction (a ⁇ ow A) to complete a monolithic structure so that first outer portion 45 engages and overlays onto first inner portion 41 to form a ball retainer segment 32 of monolithic ball retainer 30 of linear motion bearing assembly 20.
  • the next inner portion 42 and outer portion 46 located adjacent to first inner portion 41 and first outer portion 45, respectively, are assembled similar to first inner portion 41 and first outer portion 45, discussed above, forming a next adjacent ball retainer segment 32 of ball retainer 30.
  • Ball retainer 30 is supported and continuous strip 40 and continuous
  • trip 44 are maintained in cooperative engagement by retainers 82.
  • Retainer 82 may be positioned in contacting engagement about continuous
  • ball retainer 30 is assembled from a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 40 of inner portions 42 having an end monolithicaliy formed with an end of a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 44 of outer portions 46 and is extremely cost efficient in that a typical two part bearing is monolithicaliy formed, thereby decreasing the number of separate components.
  • This configuration allows for the use of a two-part die to form the monolithic part.
  • the two part dies offer a lower capital cost for bearing production and the present bearing
  • subassembly configuration offers simple assembly and flexibility. These configurations can be for application with round shafts, profile rails, and radial
  • Linear motion bearing assembly 20 in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, may alternatively be assembled using a novel process.
  • inner portion end 51 of continuous strip 40 is connected to outer portion end 52 of continuous strip 44, as discussed above, to form ball retainer 30.
  • motion bearing assembly 20 is then assembled similar to the process described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of a linear motion bearing subassembly having a monolithic ball retainer for use in a closed-type linear motion bearing assembly.
  • Linear motion bearing assembly 120 has a linear motion bearing subassembly 122 including a monolithic ball retainer 130 having a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 140 of inner portions 142 and a monolithicaliy formed continuous strip 144 of outer portions 146.
  • each inner portion 142 engages and overlays onto a co ⁇ esponding outer portion 146 to form a self- contained ball retainer segment 132 of ball retainer 130.
  • Ball retainer 130 may include a multiplicity of ball retainer segments 132 according to the number of co ⁇ esponding inner and outer portions.
  • inner portions 142 are monolithicaliy formed, forming the continuous strip 140, by living hinges 148 located between the individual inner portions 142.
  • Outer portions 146 are monolithicaliy formed, forming the continuous strip 144, by living hinges 150 located between the individual outer portions 146.
  • Living hinges 148 and 150 define openings 149 therein, for increased flexibility of continuous strip 140 and continuous strip 144, providing for facile assembly of ball retainer 130.
  • Ball retainer 130 may be used in applications such as, for example, round shafts, profiled rails and radial bearing, etc.
  • An inner portion end 151 of continuous strip 140 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 152 of continuous strip 144 by a living hinge 153 forming monolithic ball retainer 130.
  • the monolithic formation of continuous strip 140 and continuous strip 144 facilitate assembly of monolithic ball retainer 130.
  • Living hinge 153 is a flexible member monolithicaliy formed as part of monolithic ball retainer 130. It is contemplated that continuous strip 140 and continuous strip 144 may be separately attachable, similar to FIG. 2 A.
  • each of inner portions 142 define a ball track 154 therein.
  • Ball track 154 includes a load bearing portion 156 and a return portion 158 interconnected by turnarounds 160.
  • Each of outer portions 146 are configured to engage and overlay onto co ⁇ esponding inner portions 142 to form ball retainer segment 132 (FIG. 4) and include a load bearing plate mounting aperture 162.
  • Inner portions 142 and outer portions 146 engage through flush contact between an outer surface 143 of each of inner portions 142 and an inner surface 147 of each of co ⁇ esponding outer portions 146.
  • a load bearing plate 164 is dimensioned and configured to fit into load bearing plate mounting aperture 162 for each of outer portions 146.
  • Load bearing plate 164 preferably, includes at least one longitudinal track 170 formed in an inner surface thereof. Track 170 serves as an upper surface of load bearing portion 156 of ball track 154. A plurality of bearing balls 172 are positioned in ball track 154 and, when in load bearing portion 156, transmit loads from load bearing plates 164 to, for example, a linear shaft as well as facilitating reciprocal longitudinal motion therealong. Inner surface 174 of inner portions 142 defines an opening or the like to allow bearing balls 172 to contact the shaft.
  • Outer portions 146 include retainer receiving grooves 178 defined within an outer surface 180 of each of outer portions 146.
  • Retainer receiving grooves 178 are configured to receive a retainer or the like, similar to the retaining elements illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, to maintain linear motion bearing assembly 120 in an assembled configuration.
  • Each of outer portions 146 include a pair of retainer receiving grooves 178 oriented in a substantially parallel alignment with co ⁇ esponding retainer receiving grooves 178 of adjoining outer portions 146.
  • Linear motion bearing assembly 120 in accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is efficiently and easily assembled using a novel process. Continuous strip 140 is rolled in a continuous polar direction, shown
  • bearing balls 172 are positioned within ball track 154 of
  • Load bearing plate 164 is positioned
  • Continuous strip 144 is rolled thereabout continuous strip 140 and a linear shaft in a reverse continuous polar direction (a ⁇ ow C) to complete a monolithic structure so that first outer portion 145 engages and overlays onto first inner portion 141 to form a ball retainer segment 132 of monolithic ball retainer 130 of linear motion bearing assembly 120.
  • the next inner portion 142 and outer portion 146 located adjacent to first inner portion 141 and first inner portion 145, respectively, are assembled similar to first inner portion 141 and first outer portion 145, discussed above, forming a ball retainer segment of ball retainer 130.
  • the next adjacent inner portion 142 and outer portion 146 are subsequently assembled until continuous strip 140 and continuous strip 144 are properly aligned to form ball retainer segments 132 of ball retainer 130.
  • Ball retainer 130 is supported and continuous strip 140 and continuous strip 144 may be maintained in cooperative engagement by a retainer or the like, similar to those components discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another alternate embodiment of a linear motion bearing subassembly having a ball retainer for use in open or closed-type linear motion bearing assemblies.
  • Ball retainer 230 is formed of a plurality of self- contained interengageable ball retainer segments 232. It is contemplated that ball retainer segments 232 may have various configurations such as, for example, arcuate, planar, angular, parabolic, etc.
  • Ball retainer segment 232 includes an inner portion 242 and an outer portion 246. Although a single inner portion and a single outer portion are shown, it is envisioned that each ball retainer segment may include multiple inner portions and outer portions.
  • An inner portion end 251 of inner portion 242 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 252 of outer portion 246 by a continuous living hinge 253 forming monolithic ball retainer segment 232. It is contemplated that living hinge 253 may include openings therein or an intermittent formation for increased flexibility of inner portion 240 and outer portion 244, providing facile assembly of ball retainer segment 232. The monolithic formation of inner portion 242 and outer portion 246 facilitate assembly of ball retainer segment 232. Living hinge 253 is a flexible connecting member monolithicaliy formed as part of ball retainer segment 232. It is
  • inner portion 242 and outer portion 246 may be separately attached
  • inner portion 242 and outer portion 246 may be removably attachable components
  • inner portion 242 defines a ball track 254 therein.
  • Ball track 254 includes a load bearing portion 256 and a return portion 258 interconnected by turnarounds 260.
  • Outer portion 246 is configured to engage and overlay onto co ⁇ esponding inner portion 242 and includes a load bearing plate mounting aperture 262.
  • Inner portion 242 and outer portion 246 engage through flush contact between an outer Surface 243 of inner portion 242 and an inner surface 247 of outer portion 246.
  • Inner portion 242 is maintained in flush contact with outer portion 246 in an interlocked relationship.
  • Outer portion 246 includes interlocking mechanism keys 290 and inner portion 242 includes interlocking key ways 291. Interlocking mechanism keys 290 interengage interlocking key ways 291 to form self contained ball retainer segments 232.
  • a load bearing plate 264 is dimensioned and configured to fit into load bearing plate mounting aperture 262 of outer portion 246.
  • load bearing plate 264 may be self aligning or not self aligning.
  • Load bearing plate 264 preferably, includes at least one longitudinal
  • Track 270 formed in an inner surface thereof.
  • Track 270 serves as an upper surface of load bearing portion 256 of ball track 254.
  • a plurality of bearing balls 272, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, are positioned in ball track 254 and, when in load bearing portion 256, transmit loads from load bearing plates 264 to, for example, a linear shaft, as well as facilitating reciprocal longitudinal motion therealong.
  • An inner surface 274 of inner portion 242 defines an opening or the like to allow bearing balls 272 to contact the shaft.
  • a linear motion bearing subassembly 222 for use with a linear motion bearing assembly, in accof dance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is efficiently and easily assembled using a novel process.
  • Bearing balls 272 are positioned within ball track 254 of inner portion 242.
  • Load bearing plate 264 is positioned within load bearing plate mounting aperture 262 of outer portion 246 so that groove 266, engages projections 268 to maintain load bearing plate 264 within load bearing plate mounting aperture 262.
  • Outer portion 246 is manipulated in a continuous polar direction, shown by a ⁇ ow D in FIG. 6, to complete a monolithic structure so that outer portion 246 engages and overlays onto inner portion 242 to form ball retainer segment 232.
  • Interlocking mechanism keys 290 interengage interlocking key ways 291 to form ball
  • a plurality of ball retainer segments 232 may be positioned
  • Linear motion bearing subassembly 222 is fabricated from multiple interengagable self-contained ball retainer segments 232 depending on the bearing application, i.e., linear shafts, profile rails, radial bearings, etc. and open or closed bearings.
  • linear motion bearing subassembly could be fabricated from two or more self- contained segments simply by configuring and dimensioning the orientation and size of the segments.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate linear motion bearing assemblies using self- contained interengagable ball retainer segments, similar to those described in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • a linear motion bearing assembly 320 having a linear motion bearing subassembly 322 including ball retainer 330 for use in a closed type linear motion bearing assembly.
  • Ball retainer 330 is formed of self-contained interengagable ball retainer segments 332, similar to ball retainer segments 232
  • linear motion bearing subassembly 322 is fabricated from interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments 332 which are supported in interengagable association by retainer elements 382.
  • each ball retainer segment 332 in FIG. 7 includes an inner portion 342 and an outer portion 346.
  • An inner portion end 351 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 352 by a living hinge 353 forming ball retainer segment 332.
  • Inner portion 342 defines a ball track (not shown), similar to ball track 254.
  • Outer portion 346 is configured to engage and overlay onto co ⁇ esponding inner portion 342 and include a load bearing plate mounting aperture
  • a load bearing plate 364 is dimensioned and configured to fit into load bearing plate mounting aperture 362 of outer portion 346.
  • a plurality of bearing balls 372 are positioned in ball track 354 and, when in load bearing track 354, transmits loads from load bearing plates 364, as well as facilitating reciprocal longitudinal motion therealong.
  • An inher surface 374 of inner portion 342 defines a longitudinal opening 376 that allows bearing balls 372 to contact a linear shaft.
  • each of ball retainer segments 332 in FIG. 7 are efficiently and easily assembled using the novel process described with regard to FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • interengagable self-contained ball retainer segments 332 are assembled adjacent one another about a linear shaft 699 (shown in FIG. 12).
  • Retainer receiving grooves 378 are configured to receive retainer 382 to maintain linear motion bearing assembly 320 in an assembled configuration about a linear shaft or the like.
  • Each of outer portions 346 include a pair of retainer receiving grooves 378 oriented in a substantially parallel alignment with co ⁇ esponding retainer receiving grooves 378 of adjacent outer portions 346. It is contemplated that each of outer portion 346 may have a single retainer receiving groove or multiple grooves.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a linear motion bearing subassembly having a ball retainer for use with a closed-type linear motion bearing assembly, similar to that described in FIG. 7.
  • Ball retainer 430 is substantially rectangular and is formed of self- contained interengagable ball retainer segments 432 that are substantially planar.
  • Ball retainer segment 432 includes an inner portion 442 and an outer portion 446.
  • An inner portion end 451 of inner portion 442 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 452 of outer portion 446 by a continuous living hinge 453 forming monolithic ball retainer segment 432. It is contemplated that living hinge 453 may include openings therein or an intermittent formation for increased flexibility of inner portion 442 and outer portion 446, providing facile assembly of ball retainer
  • inner portion 442 and outer portion 446 facilitate assembly of ball retainer 430.
  • Living hinge 453 is a flexible member monolithicaliy formed as part of ball retainer segment 432. It is contemplated that inner portion 442 and outer portion 446 may be separately attached components of ball retainer segment
  • inner portion 442 and outer portion 44 may be removably attachable components of ball retainer segments 432.
  • Each of inner portions 442 defines a ball track 454 therein.
  • Ball track 454 includes a load bearing portion 456 and a return portion 458 interconnected by turnarounds 460.
  • Each of outer portions 446 are configured to engage and overlay onto a co ⁇ esponding inner portion 442 and includes a load bearing plate mounting aperture 462.
  • Inner portion 442 and outer portion 446 engage through flush contact between an outer surface 443 of inner portion 442 and an inner surface 447 of outer portion 446. Inner portion 442 is maintained in flush contact with outer portion 446 in an interlocked relationship.
  • Outer portion 446 includes interlocking mechanism keys 490 and inner portion 442 includes interlocking key ways 491. Interlocking mechanism keys 490 interengage interlock key ways 491 to form self contained ball retainer segments 432. Alternate engagement mechanisms are contemplated to enhance the cooperative engagement and overlay of inner portion 442 and outer portion 446 such as, for example, snap fit, pins, grooves, adhesives, etc. and are within the scope of knowledge of one skilled in this art. Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a load bearing plate 464 dimensioned and configured to fit into load bearing plate mounting aperture 462 of outer portion 446. It is contemplated that load bearing plate 464 may be self aligning or not self aligning.
  • a pair of longitudinal grooves may be formed in the side walls of load bearing plate 464, receiving projections 468 formed in the periphery of load bearing plate mounting aperture 462 to secure load bearing plate 464 within load bearing plate mounting aperture 462.
  • Load bearing plate 464 preferably, includes at least one longitudinal track formed in an inner surface thereof. The track serves as an upper surface of load bearing portion 456,ofball track 454.
  • a plurality of bearing balls 472 are positioned in ball track 454 and,
  • load bearing portion 456 when in load bearing portion 456, transmit loads from load bearing plates 464 to, for
  • a linear shaft as well as facilitating reciprocal longitudinal motion
  • An inner surface 474 of inner portion 442 defines a longitudinal opening
  • bearing balls 472 are positioned within ball track 454 of inner portion 442.
  • Load bearing plate 464 is positioned within load bearing plate mounting aperture 462 of outer portion 446 so that a groove may engage projection 468 to maintain load bearing plate 464 within load bearing plate mounting aperture 462.
  • Outer portion 446 is manipulated in a continuous polar direction, shown by a ⁇ ow E in FIG.' 8 to complete a monolithic structure so that outer portion
  • Linear motion bearing subassembly 422 may be fabricated from multiple planar interengagable self-contained ball retainer segments 432 depending on the bearing application, i.e., linear shafts, profiled rails, etc. and open or closed bearings.
  • the linear motion bearing assembly could be fabricated from two or more self-contained segments simply by configuring and dimensioning the length and size of the segments.
  • Ball retainer 430 is assembled in a
  • FIGS. 9-11 illustrate alternate embodiments of a monolithic ball retainer segment 532 for use in open or closed type linear motion bearing assemblies.
  • FIG. 9 shows a self-contained interengageable ball retainer segment 532 including inner portion 542 and an outer portion 546.
  • An inner portion end 551 of inner portion 542 is monolithicaliy formed with an outer portion end 552 of outer portion 54 by a living hinge membrane 553 forming ball retainer segment 532.
  • the formation of inner portion 542 and outer portion 546 facilitate assembly of ball retainer segment 532.
  • Living hinge membrane 553 is a flexible member monolithicaliy formed as a part of ball retainer segment 532. Living hinge membrane 553 provides increased clearance for molding purposes providing a facile drawing process in manufacture of the monolithic part which includes inner portion 542 and outer portion 546. This increased clearance is provided by a side surface' 590 of outer portion 546 which contacts a hinge surface 591 of living hinge membrane 553 in an abutting relationship providing an alternate hinging configuration.
  • living hinge membrane 553 may have openings or the like for increased flexibility of ball retainer segment 532 during assembly.
  • Inner portion 542 includes a ball track 554, similar to those discussed above.
  • Outer portion 546 is configured to engage and overlay onto co ⁇ esponding inner portion 542 and includes a load bearing plate mounting aperture 562 having projections 568 formed in a periphery thereof to secure a load bearing plate (not shown), discussed above.
  • an alternate embodiment of ball retainer segment 532 includes a living hinge membrane 653 having an intermittent configuration providing increased flexibility for ball retainer segment 532.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 illustrating the abutting relationship provided by living hinge membrane 553, discussed above.
  • Living hinge membrane 553 also provides flush contact with inner portion end 551 and outer portion end 552, so that upon assembly of ball retainer segment 532, living hinge membrane 553 does not project outward. This provides a uniform fit with adjacent ball retainer segments 532.
  • Ball retainer segment 532 is fabricated from a polymer. It is contemplated that ball retainer segment 532 may also be fabricated from metals, " rubber, etc.
  • a closed-type linear motion bearing assembly 320 is illustrated including a linear motion bearing subassembly 322 having ball retainer 330 shown in FIG. 8, for use with a linear shaft 699.
  • Linear motion bearing subassembly 322 is installed about linear shaft 699.
  • Assembly 320 includes end caps 700 positioned on each longitudinal end of assembled ball retainer 330, to maintain ball retainer 330 in an assembled condition and support the structure as it moves.
  • subassembly 322 includes a retainer sleeve 702 to enclose and maintain assembled ball retainer 330. Retaining sleeve 702 also prevents exposure of the components of linear motion bearing subassembly 322 to ambient conditions and contaminants such as dirt and dust that could deleteriously affect the operation and life of subassembly 322, as well as support the structure as it moves. It is contemplated that end caps 700 and retaining sleeve 702 may be fabricated from a wide variety of engineering plastics, polymers, rubbers, and metal depending upon the applications of and demands on the bearing assembly. Referring now to FIG.
  • an open-type a linear motion bearing assembly 820 is illustrated including a linear motion bearing subassembly 822 having interengageable self-contained ball retainer segments 232, shown and described, including their assembly, in FIGS. 5 and 6, for use with a linear shaft 799.
  • ball retainer segments 232 are shown with outer portion 246 having retainer receiving grooves 878 defined within an outer surface 880 thereof. Retainer receiving grooves
  • Assembly 822 includes open-type end caps 884 positioned on each longitudinal end of assembled ball retainer 830 to further maintain ball retainer 830 in an assembled condition and support the structure as it moves.
  • subassembly 822 includes open-type retaining sleeve 886 to enclose and
  • Retainer rings may
  • This self-contained segment is extremely cost efficient and totally eliminates the need for separate outer housing structure to enclose the bearing elements.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bearings For Parts Moving Linearly (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un sous-ensemble palier à mouvement linéaire comprenant une cage de retenue des billes pourvue d'une partie intérieure présentant une bande continue monobloc de parties extérieures et une partie extérieure ayant une bande continue monobloc de parties intérieures. La bande continue monobloc de parties intérieures et la bande continue monobloc de parties extérieures sont de préférence monolithiques. Une extrémité de la bande continue monobloc de parties intérieures peut être fixée à une extrémité de la bande continue monobloc de parties extérieures. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le sous-ensemble palier à mouvement linéaire comprend une cage de retenue des billes formée par au moins un segment de cage de retenue indépendant. Au moins une des parties extérieures est formée de manière monobloc avec au moins une des parties extérieures afin de former au moins un des segments indépendants de retenue des billes. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, au moins une des parties extérieures est monobloc avec au moins une partie intérieure. La partie extérieure est accouplée de manière articulée à la partie intérieure de manière qu'une manipulation de repliage crée un sous-ensemble palier à mouvement linéaire. L'invention concerne également des procédés d'assemblage des composants décrits ci-dessus.
PCT/US2000/009035 1999-04-05 2000-04-05 Ensemble palier a mouvement lineaire WO2000060247A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU41996/00A AU4199600A (en) 1999-04-05 2000-04-05 Linear motion bearing assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28655899A 1999-04-05 1999-04-05
US09/286,558 1999-04-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000060247A1 true WO2000060247A1 (fr) 2000-10-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/009035 WO2000060247A1 (fr) 1999-04-05 2000-04-05 Ensemble palier a mouvement lineaire

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Country Link
AU (1) AU4199600A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000060247A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008089918A1 (fr) * 2007-01-23 2008-07-31 Ab Skf Roulement et son utilisation
EP2416024A3 (fr) * 2010-08-03 2012-08-15 EXXELLIN Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co.KG Palier à roulement linéaire
WO2015064320A1 (fr) * 2013-10-29 2015-05-07 Thk株式会社 Dispositif de guidage de roulement et unité de guidage de roulement pourvue de celui-ci
DE202018102784U1 (de) * 2018-05-18 2019-08-21 Gebr. Bode Gmbh & Co. Kg Sicherungsring mit Verdrehschutz

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2509749A (en) * 1946-06-07 1950-05-30 John B Thomson Ball bearing for linear motion
US2628135A (en) * 1949-03-15 1953-02-10 Thomson John B Antifriction bearing for linear motion
CH391396A (de) * 1961-02-16 1965-04-30 Star Kugelhalter Gmbh Dt Kugelbüchse
US4227751A (en) * 1978-01-27 1980-10-14 Deutsche Star Kugelhalter Gmbh Ball bushing with axial extending ball guides
US5613780A (en) * 1995-06-29 1997-03-25 Thomson Industries, Inc. Linear motion bearing assembly
DE19704633C1 (de) * 1997-02-07 1998-07-09 Skf Linearsysteme Gmbh Kugellager für Längsbewegungen
US5829882A (en) * 1996-11-14 1998-11-03 Thomson Ind Inc Linear motion bearing assembly

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2509749A (en) * 1946-06-07 1950-05-30 John B Thomson Ball bearing for linear motion
US2628135A (en) * 1949-03-15 1953-02-10 Thomson John B Antifriction bearing for linear motion
CH391396A (de) * 1961-02-16 1965-04-30 Star Kugelhalter Gmbh Dt Kugelbüchse
US4227751A (en) * 1978-01-27 1980-10-14 Deutsche Star Kugelhalter Gmbh Ball bushing with axial extending ball guides
US5613780A (en) * 1995-06-29 1997-03-25 Thomson Industries, Inc. Linear motion bearing assembly
US5829882A (en) * 1996-11-14 1998-11-03 Thomson Ind Inc Linear motion bearing assembly
DE19704633C1 (de) * 1997-02-07 1998-07-09 Skf Linearsysteme Gmbh Kugellager für Längsbewegungen

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008089918A1 (fr) * 2007-01-23 2008-07-31 Ab Skf Roulement et son utilisation
EP2416024A3 (fr) * 2010-08-03 2012-08-15 EXXELLIN Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co.KG Palier à roulement linéaire
WO2015064320A1 (fr) * 2013-10-29 2015-05-07 Thk株式会社 Dispositif de guidage de roulement et unité de guidage de roulement pourvue de celui-ci
DE202018102784U1 (de) * 2018-05-18 2019-08-21 Gebr. Bode Gmbh & Co. Kg Sicherungsring mit Verdrehschutz

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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