JP2005042766A

JP2005042766A - Linear guide device

Info

Publication number: JP2005042766A
Application number: JP2003201012A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Atsushi Matsumoto; 淳松本
Original assignee: NSK Ltd
Current assignee: NSK Ltd
Priority date: 2003-07-24
Filing date: 2003-07-24
Publication date: 2005-02-17

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a linear guide device, preventing rolling resistance of a rolling element from being increased due to a lubricant flowing into a direction changing passage even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, and preventing the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end part of the cylindrical roller. <P>SOLUTION: In this linear guide device, a lubricant reservoir groove 27 formed V-shaped extending over the full width of a direction changing surface 25a is provided in the end cap side direction changing surface 25a of the direction changing passage for changing the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、直線運動する物体をその移動方向に案内する機械部品として、例えば半導体製造装置、精密加工機械、精密測定機械などの各種産業機械で用いられるリニアガイド装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
直線運動する物体をその移動方向に案内する機械部品として、リニアガイド装置を例えば半導体製造装置、精密加工機械、精密測定機械などで使用する場合、円滑な作動性を確保して摩耗による寿命の低下を防ぐために、通常、グリースや潤滑油などの潤滑剤を案内レールとスライダとの間に封入して用いられる。しかし、潤滑剤の封入量が多過ぎると、封入された潤滑剤が転動体の転がり運動に伴ってエンドキャップの方向転換路に流れ込み、方向転換路を転動する転動体の転がり抵抗を増大させる要因となることから、従来では、たとえば、図１４に示すように、方向転換路のエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの中央部に直線状の潤滑剤逃がし溝２８を設け、方向転換路に流入する余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤逃がし溝２８に逃がすことによって転動体の転がり抵抗が方向転換路内で増大するのを防止すると共に、潤滑剤逃がし溝２８に溜まった潤滑剤を方向転換路内の転動体に供給して円滑な作動性を確保するようにしている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述した従来技術では、転動体がボールである場合には有効であるが、転動体が円筒ころである場合には、潤滑剤逃がし溝に溜まった潤滑剤によって円筒ころの中央部付近は良好に潤滑される反面、円筒ころの端部付近には潤滑剤が直接供給されないため、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生し易いという問題があった。特に、転動体として円筒ころを用いた場合には、円筒ころ端面と軌道面の傾きに起因するエッジロード発生などの理由から、円筒ころ端部付近の潤滑が重要である。
本発明は、このような問題点に着目してなされたものであり、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止でき、かつ円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することのできるリニアガイド装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明は、案内レールの側面に形成された転動体軌道面とスライダの内側面に形成された転動体軌道面との間を転動する転動体として円筒ころを用いたリニアガイド装置において、前記円筒ころの転がり方向を転換させる方向転換路のエンドキャップ側方向転換面またはスライダ側方向転換面に、前記円筒ころのほぼ全長と対応する長さを前記方向転換面の幅方向に有する複数の潤滑剤溜り溝を設けたことを特徴とする。
【０００５】
このような構成によると、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り溝に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り溝に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【０００６】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１記載のリニアガイド装置において、前記潤滑剤溜り溝を前記方向転換面の全幅にわたって略Ｖ字状に形成したことを特徴とする。
請求項３の発明は、請求項１記載のリニアガイド装置において、前記潤滑剤溜り溝を前記方向転換面の全幅にわたって略Ｓ字状に形成したことを特徴とする。
請求項４の発明は、請求項１記載のリニアガイド装置において、前記潤滑剤溜り溝を前記方向転換面の全幅にわたって円弧状に形成したことを特徴とする。
【０００７】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１記載のリニアガイド装置において、前記潤滑剤溜り溝を前記方向転換面の全幅にわたって菱形に形成したことを特徴とする。
請求項２乃至５の発明では、円筒ころが潤滑剤溜り溝に入り込むことがないので、上述した効果に加え、振動等の発生を防止できる。
請求項６の発明は、案内レールの側面に形成された転動体軌道面とスライダの内側面に形成された転動体軌道面との間を転動する転動体として円筒ころを用い、かつ前記円筒ころの転がり方向を転換させる方向転換路のエンドキャップ側方向転換面またはスライダ側方向転換面の中央部に直線状の潤滑剤逃がし溝を設けたリニアガイド装置において、前記方向転換面の幅方向に延出する複数の分岐溝を前記潤滑剤逃がし溝に設けたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
このような構成によると、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤逃がし溝に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤逃がし溝に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【０００９】
請求項７の発明は、案内レールの側面に形成された転動体軌道面とスライダの内側面に形成された転動体軌道面との間を転動する転動体として円筒ころを用いたリニアガイド装置において、前記円筒ころの転がり方向を転換させる方向転換路のエンドキャップ側方向転換面またはスライダ側方向転換面に、多数の潤滑剤溜り凹部を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
このような構成によると、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り凹部に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り凹部に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
本発明の第１の実施形態を図１乃至６に示す。図１及び図２において、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るリニアガイド装置は、案内レール１１と、この案内レール１１の長手方向に相対移動するスライダ１２と、このスライダ１２の両端面に装着されたエンドキャップ１３ａ，１３ｂとを備えており、案内レール１１の左右両側面には、それぞれレール側転動体軌道面１４，１５が案内レール１１の長手方向に沿って形成されている。これらのレール側転動体軌道面１４，１５は案内レール１１の側面に対して斜めに形成されており、その傾斜角度は互いに直交する角度となっている。
【００１２】
また、レール側転動体軌道面１４，１５はスライダ１２の内側面に形成されたスライダ側転動体軌道面１６，１７（図２参照）とそれぞれ対向しており、これらの軌道面１４，１５及び１６，１７間には、多数の転動体２０が転動自在に設けられている。なお、案内レール１１の図中上面には複数のボルト挿通孔１８（図１参照）が案内レール１１の長手方向に一定間隔で形成され、スライダ１２の図中上面にはスライダ取付け用のネジ穴１９が複数箇所に形成されている。
【００１３】
転動体２０は、円筒ころ状に形成されている。また、これらの転動体（以下「円筒ころ」と記す）２０は、スライダ１２が案内レール１１の長手方向に相対移動すると、これに伴ってレール側転動体軌道面１４，１５とスライダ側転動体軌道面１６，１７との間を転動するようになっている。
エンドキャップ１３ａ，１３ｂは、図３に示すように、スライダ１２の端面と同形状に形成されたエンドキャップ本体２１と、このエンドキャップ本体２１の背面側に組み込まれた一対のリターンガイド２２とで構成されている。また、エンドキャップ１３ａ，１３ｂは、図４及び図５に示すように、円筒ころ２０の転がり方向を転換させる４つの方向転換路２３をそれぞれ有しており、レール側転動体軌道面１４，１５とスライダ側転動体軌道面１６，１７との間を転動した円筒ころ２０は、エンドキャップ１３ａ又は１３ｂの方向転換路２３を転動した後、スライダ１２に形成された転動体循環路２４（図４及び図５参照）を転動するようになっている。
【００１４】
方向転換路２３は円筒ころ２０を間に挟んで相対向する２つの方向転換面２５ａ，２５ｂ（図５参照）をそれぞれ有しており、これらの方向転換面２５ａ，２５ｂのうちエンドキャップ側に位置する方向転換面２５ａには、円筒ころ２０のほぼ全長に対応する長さを方向転換面２５ａの幅方向に有する複数の潤滑剤溜り溝２７（図６参照）が方向転換路２３の長手方向にほぼ一定間隔で設けられている。これらの潤滑剤溜り溝２７は方向転換路２３に流入した余分な潤滑剤を貯留するためのものであって、方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって略Ｖ字状に形成されている。
【００１５】
このように構成される第１の実施形態では、円筒ころ２０の転がり運動に伴って方向転換路２３に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り溝２７に逃がすことができるので、従来と同様に、方向転換路２３に流入した潤滑剤によって円筒ころ２０の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り溝２７が方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって略Ｖ字状に形成されているため、潤滑剤溜り溝２７に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころ２０の端部付近にも供給でき、これにより、円筒ころ２０の端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止できる。
【００１６】
さらに、潤滑剤溜り溝２７が直線溝の場合は円筒ころ２０が潤滑剤溜り溝２７に入り込んで振動等が発生する虞があるが、本実施形態では、潤滑剤溜り溝２７が方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって略Ｖ字状に形成されているため、円筒ころ２０が潤滑剤溜り溝２７に入り込んで振動等が発生することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り溝２７がエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａに設けたことで、潤滑剤溜り溝２７をスライダ側方向転換面２５ｂに設けた場合に比較して、方向転換路２３に流入した余分な潤滑剤をより効果的に逃がすことができる。
【００１７】
なお、上述した第１の実施形態では潤滑剤溜り溝２７を方向転換路２３のエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａに設けたが、方向転換路２３のスライダ側方向転換面２５ｂに潤滑剤溜り溝２７を設けても良い。また、上述した第１の実施形態では潤滑剤溜り溝２７を方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって略Ｖ字状に形成したが、必ずしもＶ字状に形成する必要はない。たとえば、図７に示す第２の実施形態のように、潤滑剤溜り溝２７をエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって略Ｓ字状に形成しても良いし、あるいは図８に示す第３の実施形態のように、潤滑剤溜り溝２７をエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって円弧状に形成しても良い。また、図９に示す第４の実施形態のように、潤滑剤溜り溝２７をエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの全幅にわたって菱形に形成しても良い。
【００１８】
次に、本発明の第５の実施形態について図１０及び図１１を参照して説明する。
図１０及び図１１において、符号２７はエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの中央部に形成された直線状の潤滑剤逃がし溝であり、この潤滑剤逃がし溝２８には、エンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの幅方向に延出する複数の分岐溝２９が設けられている。
このように構成される第５の実施形態では、円筒ころ２０の転がり運動に伴って方向転換路２３に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤逃がし溝２８に逃がすことができるので、従来と同様に、方向転換路２３に流入した潤滑剤によって円筒ころ２０の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、エンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの幅方向に延出する複数の分岐溝２９を潤滑剤逃がし溝２８に設けたことで、潤滑剤逃がし溝２８に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころ２０の端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころ２０の端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止できる。
【００１９】
なお、上述した第５の実施形態では潤滑剤逃がし溝２８を方向転換路２３のエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａに設けたが、方向転換路２３のスライダ側方向転換面２５ｂに潤滑剤逃がし溝２８を設けても良い。また、第５の実施形態では潤滑剤逃がし溝２８をエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａの中央部に設けたが、エンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａまたはスライダ側方向転換面２５ｂの両側部に潤滑剤逃がし溝２８を設けても良い。
次に、本発明の第６の実施形態について図１２及び図１３を参照して説明する。
【００２０】
図１２及び図１３において、符号２５ａは方向転換路２３のエンドキャップ側方向転換面であり、このエンドキャップ側方向転換面２５ａには、多数の潤滑剤溜り凹部３０が設けられている。
このように構成される第６の実施形態では、円筒ころ２０の転がり運動に伴って方向転換路２３に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り凹部３０に逃がすことができるので、従来と同様に、方向転換路２３に流入した潤滑剤によって円筒ころ２０の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り凹部３０に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころ２０の端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころ２０の端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止できる。
【００２１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１の発明に係るリニアガイド装置によれば、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り溝に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り溝に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【００２２】
請求項２乃至５の発明に係るリニアガイド装置によれば、上述した効果に加え、円筒ころが潤滑剤溜り溝に入り込んで振動等が発生することを防止できる。
請求項６の発明に係るリニアガイド装置によれば、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤逃がし溝に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤逃がし溝に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【００２３】
請求項７の発明に係るリニアガイド装置によれば、円筒ころの転がり運動に伴って方向転換路に流入した余分な潤滑剤を潤滑剤溜り凹部に逃がすことができるので、転動体が円筒ころであっても方向転換路に流入した潤滑剤によって転動体の転がり抵抗が増大することを防止できる。また、潤滑剤溜り凹部に溜まった潤滑剤を円筒ころの端部付近にも供給できるので、円筒ころの端部付近に潤滑不良が発生することを防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態に係るリニアガイド装置の斜視図である。
【図２】図１に示すリニアガイド装置の正面図である。
【図３】図１に示すエンドキャップの背面図である。
【図４】図２のＩＶ−ＩＶ線に沿う断面図である。
【図５】図２のＶ−Ｖ線に沿う断面図である。
【図６】図４のＶＩ−ＶＩ線に沿う断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第２の実施形態を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の第３の実施形態を示す図である。
【図９】本発明の第４の実施形態を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の第５の実施形態に係るリニアガイド装置の方向転換路を示す図である。
【図１１】図１０のＸＩ−ＸＩ線に沿う断面図である。
【図１２】本発明の第６の実施形態に係るリニアガイド装置の方向転換路を示す図である。
【図１３】図１２のＸＩＩＩ−ＸＩＩＩ線に沿う断面図である。
【図１４】従来のリニアガイド装置における方向転換路のエンドキャップ側方向転換面を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１１案内レール
１２スライダ
１３ａ，１３ｂエンドキャップ
１４，１５レール側転動体軌道面
１６，１７スライダ側転動体軌道面
１８ボルト挿通孔
１９ネジ穴
２０転動体（円筒ころ）
２１エンドキャップ本体
２２リターンガイド
２３方向転換路
２４転動体循環路
２５ａエンドキャップ側方向転換面
２５ｂスライダ側方向転換面
２７潤滑剤溜り溝
２８潤滑剤逃がし溝
２９分岐溝
３０潤滑剤溜り凹部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a linear guide device used in various industrial machines such as a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, a precision processing machine, and a precision measuring machine as a machine part for guiding a linearly moving object in its moving direction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a linear guide device is used in a semiconductor manufacturing device, precision processing machine, precision measuring machine, etc. as a machine part that guides a linearly moving object in its moving direction, it ensures smooth operability and shortens the life due to wear. In order to prevent this, normally, a lubricant such as grease or lubricating oil is enclosed between the guide rail and the slider. However, if the amount of the lubricant enclosed is too large, the enclosed lubricant flows into the direction change path of the end cap as the rolling element rolls, increasing the rolling resistance of the rolling element rolling on the direction change path. Therefore, conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a linear lubricant relief groove 28 is provided in the center of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a of the direction changing path, and flows into the direction changing path. The excess lubricant is released to the lubricant escape groove 28 to prevent the rolling resistance of the rolling element from increasing in the direction change path, and the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant release groove 28 is allowed to flow in the direction change path. It is supplied to the moving body to ensure smooth operability.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described prior art, it is effective when the rolling element is a ball, but when the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, the vicinity of the central portion of the cylindrical roller is caused by the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant relief groove. On the other hand, the lubricant is not supplied directly to the vicinity of the end portion of the cylindrical roller, but there is a problem that lubrication failure tends to occur near the end portion of the cylindrical roller. In particular, when a cylindrical roller is used as the rolling element, lubrication in the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller is important because of the occurrence of an edge load caused by the inclination between the end surface of the cylindrical roller and the raceway surface.
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, it can be prevented that the rolling resistance of the rolling element increases due to the lubricant flowing into the direction change path, An object of the present invention is to provide a linear guide device capable of preventing poor lubrication from occurring near the end of a cylindrical roller.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a rolling element that rolls between a rolling element raceway surface formed on a side surface of a guide rail and a rolling element raceway surface formed on an inner side surface of a slider. In the linear guide device using cylindrical rollers, the end cap side direction changing surface or the slider side direction changing surface of the direction changing path for changing the rolling direction of the cylindrical rollers is provided with a length corresponding to almost the entire length of the cylindrical rollers. A plurality of lubricant reservoir grooves are provided in the width direction of the direction change surface.
[0005]
According to such a configuration, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant retaining groove, so that even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, the direction change path It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the rolling element from increasing due to the inflowing lubricant. Further, since the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant reservoir groove can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end portion of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end portion of the cylindrical roller.
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the linear guide device according to the first aspect, the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in a substantially V shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the linear guide device according to the first aspect, the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in a substantially S shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the linear guide device according to the first aspect, the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in an arc shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.
[0007]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the linear guide device according to the first aspect, the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in a diamond shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.
In the inventions according to claims 2 to 5, since the cylindrical roller does not enter the lubricant retaining groove, in addition to the above-described effects, generation of vibrations and the like can be prevented.
The invention of claim 6 uses a cylindrical roller as a rolling element that rolls between a rolling element raceway surface formed on the side surface of the guide rail and a rolling element raceway surface formed on the inner side surface of the slider, and the cylinder In a linear guide device in which a linear lubricant relief groove is provided at the center of the end cap side direction changing surface or the slider side direction changing surface of the direction changing path for changing the rolling direction of the roller, in the width direction of the direction changing surface. A plurality of extending branch grooves are provided in the lubricant escape groove.
[0008]
According to such a configuration, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant escape groove, so that even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, the direction change path It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the rolling element from increasing due to the inflowing lubricant. Further, since the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant escape groove can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 7 is a linear guide device using a cylindrical roller as a rolling element that rolls between a rolling element raceway surface formed on the side surface of the guide rail and a rolling element raceway surface formed on the inner side surface of the slider. In the present invention, a large number of lubricant reservoir recesses are provided on the end cap side direction changing surface or the slider side direction changing surface of the direction changing path for changing the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller.
[0010]
According to such a configuration, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant reservoir recess, so even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, the direction change path It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the rolling element from increasing due to the inflowing lubricant. Moreover, since the lubricant collected in the lubricant reservoir recess can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the linear guide device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a guide rail 11, a slider 12 that moves relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 11, and both ends of the slider 12. End-side caps 13a and 13b are provided, and rail-side rolling element raceway surfaces 14 and 15 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the guide rail 11 along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 11, respectively. These rail-side rolling element raceway surfaces 14 and 15 are formed obliquely with respect to the side surface of the guide rail 11, and the inclination angles thereof are orthogonal to each other.
[0012]
The rail-side rolling element raceway surfaces 14 and 15 are opposed to slider-side rolling element raceway surfaces 16 and 17 (see FIG. 2) formed on the inner surface of the slider 12, respectively. A large number of rolling elements 20 are provided between 16 and 17 so as to freely roll. A plurality of bolt insertion holes 18 (see FIG. 1) are formed in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 11 on the upper surface of the guide rail 11 in the drawing, and a screw hole for attaching the slider is formed on the upper surface of the slider 12 in the drawing. 19 is formed at a plurality of locations.
[0013]
The rolling element 20 is formed in a cylindrical roller shape. Further, these rolling elements (hereinafter referred to as “cylindrical rollers”) 20 move along the rail-side rolling element raceway surfaces 14 and 15 and the slider-side rolling element when the slider 12 relatively moves in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 11. It rolls between the raceway surfaces 16 and 17.
As shown in FIG. 3, the end caps 13 a and 13 b include an end cap body 21 formed in the same shape as the end face of the slider 12 and a pair of return guides 22 incorporated on the back side of the end cap body 21. It is configured. Moreover, as shown in FIG.4 and FIG.5, the end caps 13a and 13b each have the four direction change paths 23 which change the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller 20, and the rail side rolling-element track surfaces 14 and 15 are each. The cylindrical roller 20 that has rolled between the slider-side rolling element raceway surfaces 16 and 17 rolls on the direction change path 23 of the end cap 13a or 13b, and then the rolling element circulation path 24 ( 4 and 5).
[0014]
The direction change path 23 has two direction change surfaces 25a and 25b (see FIG. 5) that face each other with the cylindrical roller 20 in between, and of these direction change surfaces 25a and 25b, on the end cap side. A plurality of lubricant reservoir grooves 27 (see FIG. 6) having a length corresponding to substantially the entire length of the cylindrical roller 20 in the width direction of the direction changing surface 25 a are provided on the direction changing surface 25 a positioned in the longitudinal direction of the direction changing path 23. Are provided at substantially constant intervals. These lubricant reservoir grooves 27 are for storing excess lubricant flowing into the direction change path 23, and are formed in a substantially V shape over the entire width of the direction change surface 25a.
[0015]
In the first embodiment configured as described above, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path 23 along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller 20 can be released to the lubricant reservoir groove 27, so that it is the same as in the prior art. It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the cylindrical roller 20 from increasing due to the lubricant flowing into the direction change path 23. Further, since the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is formed in a substantially V shape over the entire width of the direction change surface 25a, the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant reservoir groove 27 can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller 20, Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller 20.
[0016]
Furthermore, when the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is a straight groove, the cylindrical roller 20 may enter the lubricant reservoir groove 27 and vibration may occur. However, in the present embodiment, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is the direction change surface 25a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical roller 20 from entering the lubricant reservoir groove 27 and causing vibration or the like. Further, since the lubricant retaining groove 27 is provided on the end cap side direction changing surface 25a, the excess of the lubricant flowing into the direction changing path 23 as compared with the case where the lubricant retaining groove 27 is provided on the slider side direction changing surface 25b. New lubricant can be released more effectively.
[0017]
In the first embodiment described above, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is provided on the end cap side direction change surface 25a of the direction change path 23. However, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is provided on the slider side direction change surface 25b of the direction change path 23. May be provided. Further, in the first embodiment described above, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 is formed in a substantially V shape over the entire width of the direction change surface 25a, but it is not necessarily required to be formed in a V shape. For example, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 may be formed in a substantially S shape over the entire width of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a, or the third embodiment shown in FIG. As in the embodiment, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 may be formed in an arc shape over the entire width of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a. Further, as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the lubricant reservoir groove 27 may be formed in a diamond shape over the entire width of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a.
[0018]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
10 and 11, reference numeral 27 denotes a linear lubricant relief groove formed at the center of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a. The lubricant escape groove 28 includes an end cap side direction changing surface 25a. A plurality of branch grooves 29 extending in the width direction are provided.
In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path 23 along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller 20 can be released to the lubricant escape groove 28. It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the cylindrical roller 20 from increasing due to the lubricant flowing into the direction change path 23. Further, the plurality of branch grooves 29 extending in the width direction of the end cap side direction changing surface 25 a are provided in the lubricant escape groove 28, so that the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant escape groove 28 is removed from the end of the cylindrical roller 20. Since it can be supplied to the vicinity, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller 20.
[0019]
In the fifth embodiment described above, the lubricant relief groove 28 is provided on the end cap side direction change surface 25a of the direction change path 23. However, the lubricant release groove 28 is provided on the slider side direction change surface 25b of the direction change path 23. May be provided. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the lubricant relief groove 28 is provided in the center of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a, but the lubricant escape is provided on both sides of the end cap side direction changing surface 25a or the slider side direction changing surface 25b. A groove 28 may be provided.
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0020]
12 and 13, reference numeral 25 a denotes an end cap side direction changing surface of the direction changing path 23, and a large number of lubricant reservoir recesses 30 are provided on the end cap side direction changing surface 25 a.
In the sixth embodiment configured as described above, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path 23 along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller 20 can be released to the lubricant reservoir recess 30, so that it is the same as in the prior art. It is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the cylindrical roller 20 from increasing due to the lubricant flowing into the direction change path 23. Further, since the lubricant collected in the lubricant reservoir recess 30 can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller 20, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller 20.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the linear guide device of the first aspect of the present invention, excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant reservoir groove. Even if the rolling element is a cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the rolling resistance of the rolling element from increasing due to the lubricant flowing into the direction change path. Further, since the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant reservoir groove can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end portion of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end portion of the cylindrical roller.
[0022]
According to the linear guide device according to the second to fifth aspects of the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical roller from entering the lubricant reservoir groove and generating vibration or the like.
According to the linear guide device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant escape groove, so that the rolling element is a cylindrical roller. Even if it exists, it can prevent that the rolling resistance of a rolling element increases with the lubricant which flowed into the direction change path. Further, since the lubricant accumulated in the lubricant escape groove can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller.
[0023]
According to the linear guide device of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the excess lubricant that has flowed into the direction change path along with the rolling motion of the cylindrical roller can be released to the lubricant reservoir recess, so that the rolling element is a cylindrical roller. Even if it exists, it can prevent that the rolling resistance of a rolling element increases with the lubricant which flowed into the direction change path. Moreover, since the lubricant collected in the lubricant reservoir recess can be supplied also to the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical roller, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor lubrication near the end of the cylindrical roller.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear guide device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the linear guide device shown in FIG.
3 is a rear view of the end cap shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a direction changing path of a linear guide device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a direction changing path of a linear guide device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a view showing an end cap side direction changing surface of a direction changing path in a conventional linear guide device.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Guide rail 12 Slider 13a, 13b End cap 14, 15 Rail side rolling element raceway surface 16, 17 Slider side rolling element raceway surface 18 Bolt insertion hole 19 Screw hole 20 Rolling element (cylindrical roller)
21 End cap body 22 Return guide 23 Direction change path 24 Rolling body circulation path 25a End cap side direction change surface 25b Slider side direction change surface 27 Lubricant reservoir groove 28 Lubricant relief groove 29 Branch groove 30 Lubricant reservoir recess

Claims

In the linear guide device using cylindrical rollers as rolling elements that roll between the rolling element raceway surface formed on the side surface of the guide rail and the rolling element raceway surface formed on the inner side surface of the slider,
A plurality of end cap side direction changing surfaces or slider side direction changing surfaces of the direction changing path for changing the rolling direction of the cylindrical rollers have a length corresponding to substantially the entire length of the cylindrical rollers in the width direction of the direction changing surface. A linear guide device provided with a lubricant reservoir groove.

2. The linear guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in a substantially V shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.

2. The linear guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in an approximately S shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.

The linear guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in an arc shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.

2. The linear guide device according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant reservoir groove is formed in a diamond shape over the entire width of the direction change surface.

A cylindrical roller is used as a rolling element that rolls between the rolling element raceway surface formed on the side surface of the guide rail and the rolling element raceway surface formed on the inner side surface of the slider, and the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller is changed. In the linear guide device provided with a linear lubricant relief groove at the center of the end cap side direction changing surface or the slider side direction changing surface of the direction changing path,
A linear guide device characterized in that a plurality of branch grooves extending in the width direction of the direction change surface are provided in the lubricant escape groove.

In the linear guide device using cylindrical rollers as rolling elements that roll between the rolling element raceway surface formed on the side surface of the guide rail and the rolling element raceway surface formed on the inner side surface of the slider,
A linear guide device characterized in that a large number of lubricant reservoir recesses are provided on an end cap side direction changing surface or a slider side direction changing surface of a direction changing path for changing the rolling direction of the cylindrical roller.