JP7600816B2 - Linear guide device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a linear guide device.

In the technical field related to linear guide devices, linear guide devices are known that include a slider body, an end cap disposed at an end of the slider body, and a return guide disposed between the slider body and the end cap, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The rolling elements roll in a circulation passage that includes a rolling passage defined between the guide rail and the slider, a return passage provided inside the slider body, and a direction change passage defined between the end cap and the return guide.

An oil supply hole is provided in the end cap, and the lubricating oil supplied from the oil supply hole passes through an oil supply groove formed inside the end cap, and is discharged from the direction change passage through an oil vent that penetrates the circulation passage into the circulation passage. Patent document 1 describes an invention in which an oil passage is formed in the direction change passage, divided into two by a wall, and the width of each oil passage is changed depending on the position of the circulation passage. Patent document 2 discloses an invention in which an oil passage is formed in a direction change passage part, a lubricating oil outlet is provided in the middle of two rows of circulation passages on one side, and lubricating oil is supplied to both circulation passages.

JP 2008-133917 A JP 2008-138840 A

An oil passage is formed in the return guide through which the lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage flows. In order to improve the rigidity of the linear guide device, the number of rows of the circulation passages may be, for example, three or more rows on one side. When three or more rows of circulation passages are provided, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires two or more walls to divide the oil passages, making it difficult to design a system for supplying an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to each circulation passage. In the invention described in Patent Document 2, since only one oil passage is formed in the direction change passage, even if multiple oil supply holes are formed, it is difficult to discharge an appropriate amount of lubricating oil from each oil supply hole to each circulation passage. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that can supply an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to each of three or more rows of circulation passages.

The present disclosure aims to provide a linear guide device that can supply an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to each of multiple circulation passages.

A linear guide device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a guide rail, a slider guided by the guide rail in a first axial direction, a slider body, an end cap connected to an end of the slider body in the first axial direction, and a return guide arranged between the slider body and the end cap so as to face the end cap, and a rolling element capable of rolling in a circulation passage including a rolling passage defined between the guide rail and the slider body, a return passage provided inside the slider body and adjacent to the rolling passage in a second axial direction on a predetermined surface perpendicular to the first axial direction, and a direction-changing passage connecting the rolling passage and the return passage defined between the end cap and the return guide, the circulation passage including a first circulation passage, a second circulation passage, and a third circulation passage arranged in a third axial direction perpendicular to the second axial direction on the predetermined surface, and the return guide has a plurality of oil supply ports that supply lubricating oil to each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage from the third axial direction.

Accordingly, when at least three circulation passages are arranged in the third axial direction, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil can be supplied to each of the three circulation passages by supplying lubricating oil to each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage from an oil supply port capable of supplying lubricating oil in the third axial direction.

As a preferred embodiment of the conveying device according to the present disclosure, the return guide has a first oil passage disposed between the first circulation passage and the second circulation passage, and a second oil passage disposed between the second circulation passage and the third circulation passage, one end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the first circulation passage, the other end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage, one end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage, and the other end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the third circulation passage.

With this, the first oil passage is disposed between the first circulation passage and the second circulation passage, and the second oil passage is disposed between the second circulation passage and the third circulation passage, so that the amount of lubricating oil supplied from the oil supply port disposed at one end of the first oil passage, the oil supply port disposed at the other end of the first oil passage, the oil supply port disposed at one end of the second oil passage, and the oil supply port disposed at the other end of the second oil passage can be made uniform. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage.

As a preferred embodiment of the conveying device according to the present disclosure, the flow area and length of the first oil passage may be equal to the flow area and length of the second oil passage.

This makes it possible to equalize the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage via the first oil passage and the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage via the second oil passage. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the multiple circulation passages.

As a preferred embodiment of the conveying device according to the present disclosure, the return guide has a third oil passage connected to a center of the first oil passage, a fourth oil passage connected to a center of the second oil passage, and a fifth oil passage connected to the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage at a connection portion, and the flow area and length of the third oil passage may be equal to the flow area and length of the fourth oil passage.

This makes it possible to equalize the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage via the third oil passage and the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage via the fourth oil passage. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the multiple circulation passages.

As a preferred embodiment of the conveying device according to the present disclosure, the flow area of the first oil passage and the second oil passage may be smaller than the flow area of the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage, and the flow area of the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage may be smaller than the flow area of the fifth oil passage.

According to this, when the lubricating oil flowing through the fifth oil passage is distributed to the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage, shortages of lubricating oil flowing through the third oil passage and shortages of lubricating oil flowing through the fourth oil passage are suppressed. Also, when the lubricating oil flowing through the third oil passage is distributed to multiple oil fill ports via the first oil passage, or when the lubricating oil flowing through the fourth oil passage is distributed to multiple oil fill ports via the second oil passage, shortages of lubricating oil supplied from the oil fill ports to the circulation passage are suppressed.

According to the present disclosure, a linear guide device is provided that can supply an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to each of multiple circulation passages.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view of the linear guide device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the linear guide device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an end cap and a return guide according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a return guide according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the return guide according to the embodiment.

Below, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, some components may not be used.

In the embodiment, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each part is described with reference to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X-axis (first axis) in the horizontal plane is the X-axis direction (first axis direction), the direction parallel to the Y-axis (second axis) in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X-axis is the Y-axis direction (second axis direction), and the direction parallel to the Z-axis (third axis) perpendicular to the horizontal plane is the Z-axis direction (third axis direction). The YZ plane is a specified plane that includes the Y-axis and Z-axis, and is perpendicular to the X-axis.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view in which a part of the linear guide device 1 according to an embodiment is broken away. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the linear guide device 1 according to an embodiment.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the linear guide device 1 includes a guide rail 2, a slider 3 guided in the X-axis direction by the guide rail 2, and a rolling body 4 capable of rolling in a circulation passage 100 including a rolling passage 5 defined between the guide rail 2 and the slider 3, a return passage 6 provided inside the slider 3, and a direction change passage 7 connecting the rolling passage 5 and the return passage 6.

The guide rail 2 guides the slider 3 in the X-axis direction. The guide rail 2 extends in the X-axis direction. The guide rail 2 has a rolling groove 8 extending in the X-axis direction. At least a portion of the rolling element 4 is disposed inside the rolling groove 8. The inner surface of the rolling groove 8 includes a rolling surface 9 that supports the rolling element 4. The rolling element 4 rolls while in contact with the rolling surface 9.

Three rolling grooves 8 are provided on each of the +Y side and -Y side of the guide rail 2. On the +Y side of the guide rail 2, three rolling grooves 8 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. On the -Y side of the guide rail 2, three rolling grooves 8 are arranged in the Z-axis direction.

The slider 3 moves relative to the guide rail 2 in the X-axis direction while being guided by the guide rail 2. At least a portion of the slider 3 faces the guide rail 2 via the rolling element 4.

The slider 3 includes a slider body 31 extending in the X-axis direction, an end cap 33 connected to an end of the slider body 31 in the X-axis direction, and a return guide 32 disposed between the slider body 31 and the end cap 33 so as to face the end cap 33. The slider body 31 is made of metal. The return guide 32 and the end cap 33 are each made of synthetic resin. Note that one or both of the return guide 32 and the end cap 33 may be made of metal. For example, one or both of the return guide 32 and the end cap 33 may be made of iron, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

The slider body 31 is positioned so as to straddle the guide rail 2. The slider body 31 includes legs 31F that are positioned on the +Y and -Y sides of the guide rail 2, and a trunk 31B that is positioned on the +Z side of the guide rail 2 and connects the pair of legs 31F.

The slider body 31 has a rolling groove 10 extending in the X-axis direction. The rolling groove 10 of the slider body 31 faces the rolling groove 8 of the guide rail 2. The rolling groove 10 is formed on the inner surface of the leg portion 31F facing the guide rail 2. At least a part of the rolling element 4 is disposed inside the rolling groove 10. The inner surface of the rolling groove 10 includes a rolling surface 11 that supports the rolling element 4. The rolling element 4 rolls while in contact with the rolling surface 11.

Three rolling grooves 10 are provided on each of the inner surfaces of the legs 31F arranged on the +Y side of the guide rail 2 and the inner surface of the legs 31F arranged on the -Y side of the guide rail 2. On the inner surface of the legs 31F arranged on the +Y side of the guide rail 2, three rolling grooves 10 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. On the inner surface of the legs 31F arranged on the -Y side of the guide rail 2, three rolling grooves 10 are arranged in the Z-axis direction.

The rolling elements 4 are metal balls. Multiple rolling elements 4 are provided. The rolling elements 4 can pass through the circulation passage 100, which includes the rolling passage 5, the return passage 6, and the direction change passage 7, while rolling.

The rolling passage 5 is defined between the rolling surface 9 and the rolling surface 11. The rolling passage 5 extends in the X-axis direction between the guide rail 2 and the slider 3. The rolling body 4 can move in the X-axis direction while rolling on the rolling passage 5. The rolling body 4 rolls on the rolling passage 5 under a load. Three rolling passages 5 are provided between the guide rail 2 and the leg 31F arranged on the +Y side of the guide rail 2. Three rolling passages 5 are provided between the guide rail 2 and the leg 31F arranged on the -Y side of the guide rail 2. The rolling body 4 rolls on the rolling passage 5 while contacting each of the rolling surfaces 9 and 11.

The return passage 6 is provided inside the slider body 31. The return passage 6 extends in the X-axis direction inside the slider body 31. The rolling body 4 can move in the X-axis direction while rolling in the return passage 6. The rolling body 4 rolls in the return passage 6 without receiving a load. The return passage 6 is adjacent to the rolling passage 5 in the Y-axis direction. The return passage 6 is provided outside the rolling passage 5 with respect to the center of the slider 3 in the Y-axis direction. In the embodiment, the return passage 6 is provided inside the leg 31F. One return passage 6 is provided for one rolling passage 5. In the embodiment, six rolling passages 5 are provided. Six return passages 6 are also provided. The rolling passages 5 and the return passages 6 are substantially parallel.

The direction of travel of the rolling body 4 moving through the rolling passage 5 is opposite to the direction of travel of the rolling body 4 moving through the return passage 6. When the rolling body 4 present in the rolling passage 5 moves through the rolling passage 5 in the +X direction, the rolling body 4 present in the return passage 6 moves through the return passage 6 in the -X direction. When the rolling body 4 present in the rolling passage 5 moves through the rolling passage 5 in the -X direction, the rolling body 4 present in the return passage 6 moves through the return passage 6 in the +X direction.

The direction change passage 7 allows the rolling body 4 to pass through as it rolls from one of the rolling passage 5 and the return passage 6 to the other. The direction change passage 7 is defined between the end cap 33 and the return guide 32.

The end caps 33 are connected to the +X side end and the -X side end of the slider body 31. The end caps 33 are fixed to the slider body 31 by, for example, bolts 33B. The return guides 32 are connected to the +X side end and the -X side end of the slider body 31 so as to face the end caps 33.

The direction change passage 7 is provided so as to connect the +X side end of the rolling passage 5 and the +X side end of the return passage 6. The direction change passage 7 is provided so as to connect the -X side end of the rolling passage 5 and the -X side end of the return passage 6. The direction change passage 7 is in the shape of an arc connecting the end of the rolling passage 5 and the end of the return passage 6.

For example, a rolling body 4 that moves in the +X direction through the rolling path 5 and enters the direction change path 7 from the +X end of the rolling path 5 can move through the direction change path 7 and then enter the return path 6 from the +X end of the return path 6. A rolling body 4 that enters the return path 6 from the +X end of the return path 6 moves through the return path 6 in the -X direction. A rolling body 4 that moves in the +X direction through the return path 6 and enters the direction change path 7 from the +X end of the return path 6 can move through the direction change path 7 and then enter the rolling path 5 from the +X end of the rolling path 5. A rolling body 4 that enters the rolling path 5 from the +X end of the rolling path 5 moves through the rolling path 5 in the -X direction.

The rolling passage 5, the return passage 6, and the direction change passage 7 form a circulation passage 100 for the rolling body 4. As the rolling body 4 rolls in a circulating manner through the circulation passage 100, the slider 3 can move relative to the guide rail 2 in both the +X direction and the -X direction.

In this embodiment, three circulation passages 100 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. In the following description, the three circulation passages 100 arranged in the Z-axis direction are appropriately referred to as the first circulation passage 100A, the second circulation passage 100B, and the third circulation passage 100C.

Next, the end cap 33 and the return guide 32 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the end cap 33 and the return guide 32 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the return guide 32 according to the embodiment.

The end caps 33 are fixed to the +X end and -X end of the slider body 31. The return guide 32 is disposed between the slider body 31 and the end caps 33 in the X-axis direction. The direction change passage 7 is defined between the end caps 33 and the return guide 32. The end caps 33 have an outer guide surface 7A of the direction change passage 7. The return guide 32 has an inner guide surface 7B of the direction change passage 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer guide surface 7A and the inner guide surface 7B are each arc-shaped in the XY plane. The outer guide surface 7A and the inner guide surface 7B face each other with a gap therebetween. The outer guide surface 7A is formed so as to be recessed outward in the X-axis direction. The inner guide surface 7B is formed so as to protrude outward in the X-axis direction.

The end cap 33 is positioned so as to straddle the guide rail 2. The end cap 33 includes legs 331 that are positioned on the +Y side and -Y side of the guide rail 2, and a body 332 that is positioned on the +Z side of the guide rail 2 and connects the pair of legs 331.

The return guide 32 is attached to the end cap 33. The return guide 32 is detachable from the end cap 33. The return guide 32 is attached to each of a pair of legs 331. A recess 34 into which the return guide 32 fits is provided on the inner surface of the leg 331 facing the slider body 31. The return guide 32 is fitted into the recess 34, whereby the return guide 32 is attached to the end cap 33. The inner surface of the recess 34 that the return guide 32 faces includes the outer guide surface 7A of the direction change passage 7. The opposing surface of the return guide 32 that faces the outer guide surface 7A includes the inner guide surface 7B of the direction change passage 7.

The end cap 33 has an inlet 60 through which the lubricating oil is supplied, and an oil passage 61 through which the lubricating oil supplied to the inlet 60 flows. The return guide 32 has an oil passage 50 through which the lubricating oil supplied from the inlet 60 flows via the oil passage 61, and an oil supply port 40 that supplies the lubricating oil to the circulation passage 100.

The receiving port 60 is provided in the body 332. The receiving port 60 is provided in the center of the body 332 in the Y-axis direction. The receiving port 60 receives lubricating oil supplied from a lubricating oil supply device (not shown) that is external to the linear guide device 1. The lubricating oil includes grease. The lubricating oil supplied from the lubricating oil supply device is supplied to the oil passage 61 via the receiving port 60.

One end of the oil passage 61 is connected to the receiving port 60. The lubricating oil supplied to the receiving port 60 flows through the oil passage 61. The oil passage 61 includes an oil supply groove formed on the inner surface of the body 332 facing the slider body 31. The inner surface of the body 332 is connected to the end face of the slider body 31 in the X-axis direction, so that the oil passage 61 is covered by the end face of the slider body 31.

The oil passage 61 extends toward the return guide 32 attached to the leg 331 on the +Y side and toward the return guide 32 attached to the leg 331 on the -Y side.

The return guide 32 has an oil supply port 40 that supplies lubricating oil to the circulation passage 100, and an oil passage 50 that connects the oil supply port 40 to the oil passage 61 of the end cap 33. The lubricating oil is supplied from the receiving port 60 and flows through the oil passage 61 and the oil passage 50, and is supplied from the oil supply port 40 to the circulation passage 100. The oil supply port 40 supplies lubricating oil to the periphery of the rolling elements 4. The lubricating oil reduces wear on the outer surface of the rolling elements 4 and the inner surface of the circulation passage 100.

The oil passage 50 includes a first oil passage 51A, a second oil passage 51B, a third oil passage 52A, a fourth oil passage 52B, a fifth oil passage 54, and a sixth oil passage 55. The oil passage 50 includes an oil supply groove formed on the inner surface of the return guide 32 facing the slider body 31. The inner surface of the return guide 32 and the end face of the slider body 31 in the X-axis direction are connected, so that the oil passage 50 is covered by the end face of the slider body 31.

In this embodiment, the oil supply port 40 is provided at the boundary between the direction change passage 7 and the return passage 6. The oil supply port 40 supplies lubricating oil to the rolling elements 4 that move from one of the direction change passage 7 and the return passage 6 to the other.

In this embodiment, the circulation passage 100 includes a first circulation passage 100A, a second circulation passage 100B, and a third circulation passage 100C arranged in the Z-axis direction. The first circulation passage 100A is arranged on the +Z side of the second circulation passage 100B. The third circulation passage 100C is arranged on the -Z side of the second circulation passage 100B.

The return guide 32 has a plurality of oil supply ports 40 provided so as to supply lubricating oil to the first circulation passage 100A, the second circulation passage 100B, and the third circulation passage 110C, respectively, from the Z-axis direction. In the embodiment, the oil supply ports 40 include a first oil supply port 40A that supplies lubricating oil to the first circulation passage 100A, a second oil supply port 40B and a third oil supply port 40C that supply lubricating oil to the second circulation passage 100B, and a fourth oil supply port 40D that supplies lubricating oil to the third circulation passage 100C.

The first oil supply port 40A is located at the end of the inner surface of the first circulation passage 100A on the -Z side. The first oil supply port 40A supplies lubricating oil in the +Z direction toward the inside of the first circulation passage 100A.

The second oil supply port 40B is located at the end of the inner surface of the second circulation passage 100B on the +Z side. The second oil supply port 40B supplies lubricating oil in the -Z direction toward the inside of the second circulation passage 100B.

The third oil supply port 40C is located at the end of the -Z side of the inner surface of the second circulation passage 100B. The third oil supply port 40C supplies lubricating oil in the +Z direction toward the inside of the second circulation passage 100B.

The fourth oil supply port 40D is located at the end of the inner surface of the third circulation passage 100C on the +Z side. The fourth oil supply port 40D supplies lubricating oil in the -Z direction toward the inside of the third circulation passage 100C.

The size and shape of the first fuel filler port 40A, the size and shape of the second fuel filler port 40B, the size and shape of the third fuel filler port 40C, and the size and shape of the fourth fuel filler port 40D are substantially equal.

As shown in FIG. 5, the oil passage 50 and the oil supply port 40 of the return guide 32 are symmetrical in the Z-axis direction with respect to an axis of symmetry AS that passes through the center of the return guide 32 and is parallel to the Y-axis.

The oil passage 50 of the return guide 32 includes a first oil passage 51A arranged between the first circulation passage 100A and the second circulation passage 100B, and a second oil passage 51B arranged between the second circulation passage 100B and the third circulation passage 100C. The first oil passage 51A extends in the Z-axis direction between the first circulation passage 100A and the second circulation passage 100B. The second oil passage 51B extends in the Z-axis direction between the second circulation passage 100B and the third circulation passage 100C.

The +Z end of the first oil passage 51A includes a first oil supply port 40A that supplies lubricating oil to the first circulation passage 100A. The -Z end of the first oil passage 51A includes a second oil supply port 40B that supplies lubricating oil to the second circulation passage 100B.

The +Z end of the second oil passage 51B includes a third oil supply port 40C that supplies lubricating oil to the second circulation passage 100B. The -Z end of the second oil passage 51B includes a fourth oil supply port 40D that supplies lubricating oil to the third circulation passage 100C.

The flow area and length of the first oil passage 51A are equal to the flow area and length of the second oil passage 51B.

The oil passage 50 of the return guide 32 has a third oil passage 52A connected to the first oil passage 51A, a fourth oil passage 52B connected to the second oil passage 51B, and a fifth oil passage 54 connected to the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B at the connection portion 53.

One end of the third oil passage 52A and one end of the fourth oil passage 52B are connected at a connection portion 53. The other end of the third oil passage 52A is connected to the center of the first oil passage 51A in the Z-axis direction. The other end of the fourth oil passage 52B is connected to the center of the second oil passage 51B in the Z-axis direction.

The flow area and length of the third oil passage 52A are equal to the flow area and length of the fourth oil passage 52B. In this embodiment, the middle part of the third oil passage 52A is bent. The middle part of the fourth oil passage 52B is bent.

The fifth oil passage 54 extends in the Y-axis direction. One end of the fifth oil passage 54 is connected to the oil passage 61 of the end cap 33 via the sixth oil passage 55. The other end of the fifth oil passage 54 is connected to one end of the third oil passage 52A and one end of the fourth oil passage 52B at the connection portion 53. The fifth oil passage 54 branches into the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B at the connection portion 53.

The flow area of the first oil passage 51A and the second oil passage 51B is smaller than the flow area of the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B. The flow area of the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B is smaller than the flow area of the fifth oil passage 54. The flow area of the fifth oil passage 54 and the flow area of the sixth oil passage 55 are equal.

The sixth oil passage 55 extends in the Z-axis direction. The sixth oil passage 55 has an inlet 55A that is connected to the oil passage 61 of the end cap 33. The inlet 55A is disposed at the +Z end of the sixth oil passage 55. The middle part of the sixth oil passage 55 is connected to the fifth oil passage 54 at the connection part 56. A dummy inlet 55B is disposed at the -Z end of the sixth oil passage 55.

The lubricating oil supplied from the receiving port 60 to the oil filler port 40 flows through the first portion 551 of the sixth oil passage 55 between the inlet 55A and the connection portion 56. At least a portion of the lubricating oil flowing in from the inlet 55A may flow into the second portion 552 of the sixth oil passage 55 between the connection portion 56 and the dummy inlet 55B. The lubricating oil present in the second portion 552 is not supplied to the oil filler port 40.

By providing the return guide 32 with the second portion 552 and making the oil passage 50 linearly symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry AS, the return guide 32 can be attached to each of the +Y side leg 331 and the -Y side leg 331 simply by changing the orientation of the return guide 32. In other words, by providing the return guide 32 with the second portion 552 and making the oil passage 50 linearly symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry AS, the return guide 32 attached to the +Y side leg 331 and the return guide 32 attached to the -Y side leg 331 can be shared. Note that the second portion 552 does not have to be provided.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the return guide 32 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to the view of the arrow A-A in Figure 5. The third oil passage 52A includes an oil supply groove. As shown in Figure 6, in the embodiment, the third oil passage 52A includes a portion 521 of depth Da and a portion 522 of depth Db. The depths Da and Db are depths relative to the inner surface of the return guide 32 that contacts the end face in the X-axis direction of the slider body 31. The depth Da is deeper than the depth Db. The portion 522 is closer to the oil supply port 40 than the portion 521. In other words, the flow path area of the third oil passage 52A is narrowed as it approaches the oil supply port 40. Like the third oil passage 52A, the fourth oil passage 52B includes the portion 521 and the portion 522. A description of the fourth oil passage 52B is omitted.

Next, a method of supplying lubricating oil according to the embodiment will be described. Lubricating oil is supplied from the lubricating oil supply device to the receiving port 60. The lubricating oil supplied to the receiving port 60 flows through the oil passage 61 of the end cap 33, and then flows into the sixth oil passage 55 via the inlet 55A. The lubricating oil that flows through the first portion 551 of the sixth oil passage 55 flows into the fifth oil passage 54 via the connection portion 56. The lubricating oil that flows through the fifth oil passage 54 is distributed to each of the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B at the connection portion 53.

The lubricating oil that flows through the third oil passage 52A flows into the first oil passage 51A. The lubricating oil that flows into the first oil passage 51A is distributed to each of the first oil inlet 40A and the second oil inlet 40B. The first oil inlet 40A supplies the lubricating oil to the first circulation passage 100A. The second oil inlet 40B supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage 100B.

The lubricating oil that flows through the fourth oil passage 52B flows into the second oil passage 51B. The lubricating oil that flows into the second oil passage 51B is distributed to each of the third oil inlet 40C and the fourth oil inlet 40D. The third oil inlet 40C supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage 100B. The fourth oil inlet 40D supplies the lubricating oil to the third circulation passage 100C.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, when at least three circulation passages 100 are arranged in the Z-axis direction, lubricating oil is supplied to each of the first circulation passage 100A, the second circulation passage 100B, and the third circulation passage 100C from the oil supply port 40 capable of supplying lubricating oil in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the three circulation passages 100.

The first oil passage 51A is disposed between the first circulation passage 100A and the second circulation passage 100B, and the second oil passage 51B is disposed between the second circulation passage 100B and the third circulation passage 100C. This makes the amount of lubricating oil supplied from each of the first oil supply port 40A disposed at the +Z end of the first oil passage 51A, the second oil supply port 40B disposed at the -Z end of the first oil passage 51A, the third oil supply port 40C disposed at the +Z end of the second oil passage 51B, and the fourth oil supply port 40D disposed at the -Z end of the second oil passage 51B uniform. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the first circulation passage 100A, the second circulation passage 100B, and the third circulation passage 100C.

The flow passage area and length of the first oil passage 51A are equal to the flow passage area and length of the second oil passage 51B. Therefore, the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage 100 via the first oil passage 51A and the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage 100 via the second oil passage 51B are equalized. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the multiple circulation passages 100.

The flow passage area and length of the third oil passage 52A are equal to the flow passage area and length of the fourth oil passage 52B. Therefore, the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage 100 via the third oil passage 52A and the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage 100 via the fourth oil passage 52B are equalized. Therefore, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil is supplied to each of the multiple circulation passages 100.

The flow passage areas of the first oil passage 51A and the second oil passage 51B are smaller than the flow passage areas of the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B, and the flow passage areas of the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B are smaller than the flow passage area of the fifth oil passage 54. As a result, when the lubricating oil flowing through the fifth oil passage 54 is distributed to the third oil passage 52A and the fourth oil passage 52B, a shortage of lubricating oil flowing through the third oil passage 52A and a shortage of lubricating oil flowing through the fourth oil passage 52B are suppressed. In addition, when the lubricating oil flowing through the third oil passage 52A is distributed to the first oil inlet 40A and the second oil inlet 40B via the first oil passage 51A, or when the lubricating oil flowing through the fourth oil passage 52B is distributed to the third oil inlet 40C and the fourth oil inlet 40D via the second oil passage 51B, the shortage of lubricating oil supplied to the circulation passage 100 from each of the multiple oil inlets 40 is suppressed.

1...linear guide device, 2...guide rail, 3...slider, 4...rolling body, 5...rolling passage, 6...return passage, 7...direction change passage, 7A...outer guide surface, 7B...inner guide surface, 8...rolling groove, 9...rolling surface, 10...rolling groove, 11...rolling surface, 31...slider body, 31B...body, 31F...leg, 32...return guide, 33...end cap, 33B...bolt, 34...recess, 40...oil filler port, 40A...first oil filler port, 40B...second oil filler port, 40C...third oil filler port, 40D...fourth Oil supply port, 50...Oil passage, 51A...First oil passage, 51B...Second oil passage, 52A...Third oil passage, 52B...Fourth oil passage, 53...Connection part, 54...Fifth oil passage, 55...Sixth oil passage, 55A...Inflow port, 55B...Dummy inlet, 56...Connection part, 60...Receptacle Inlet, 61...oil passage, 100...circulation passage, 100A...first circulation passage, 100B...second circulation passage, 100C...third circulation passage, 331...leg, 332...body, 521...part, 522...part, 551...first part, 552...second part.

Claims (5)

Guide rails and
a slider guided by the guide rail in a first axial direction, the slider including a slider body, an end cap connected to an end of the slider body in the first axial direction, and a return guide disposed between the slider body and the end cap so as to face the end cap;
a rolling passage defined between the guide rail and the slider body, a return passage provided inside the slider body and adjacent to the rolling passage in a second axial direction of a predetermined plane perpendicular to the first axial direction, and a rolling element capable of rolling in a circulation passage defined between an end cap and the return guide and including a direction changing passage connecting the rolling passage and the return passage,
the circulation passage includes a first circulation passage, a second circulation passage, and a third circulation passage that are arranged in a third axial direction perpendicular to the second axial direction in the predetermined plane,
the return guide has a plurality of oil supply ports that supply lubricating oil to each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage from the third axial direction,
The fuel filler port is provided at a boundary between the direction change passage and the return passage ,
The oil supply port is disposed at an end of each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage in the third axial direction, and supplies lubricating oil in the third axial direction toward each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage.
Linear guide device. The return guide has a first oil passage disposed between the first circulation passage and the second circulation passage, and a second oil passage disposed between the second circulation passage and the third circulation passage,
One end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the first circulation passage, and the other end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage,
One end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage, and the other end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the third circulation passage.
The linear guide device according to claim 1 . The flow area and length of the first oil passage are equal to the flow area and length of the second oil passage,
The linear guide device according to claim 2 . Guide rails and
a slider guided by the guide rail in a first axial direction, the slider including a slider body, an end cap connected to an end of the slider body in the first axial direction, and a return guide disposed between the slider body and the end cap so as to face the end cap;
a rolling passage defined between the guide rail and the slider body, a return passage provided inside the slider body and adjacent to the rolling passage in a second axial direction of a predetermined plane perpendicular to the first axial direction, and a rolling element capable of rolling in a circulation passage defined between an end cap and the return guide and including a direction changing passage connecting the rolling passage and the return passage,
the circulation passage includes a first circulation passage, a second circulation passage, and a third circulation passage that are arranged in a third axial direction perpendicular to the second axial direction in the predetermined plane,
the return guide has a plurality of oil supply ports that supply lubricating oil to each of the first circulation passage, the second circulation passage, and the third circulation passage from the third axial direction,
the return guide has a first oil passage disposed between the first circulation passage and the second circulation passage, a second oil passage disposed between the second circulation passage and the third circulation passage, a third oil passage connected to a central portion of the first oil passage, a fourth oil passage connected to a central portion of the second oil passage, a fifth oil passage connected to the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage at a connection portion, and a sixth oil passage connecting the oil passage of the end cap and the fifth oil passage,
One end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the first circulation passage, and the other end of the first oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage,
One end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the second circulation passage, and the other end of the second oil passage includes the oil supply port that supplies the lubricating oil to the third circulation passage,
The flow passage area and length of the first oil passage are equal to the flow passage area and length of the second oil passage,
The flow area and length of the third oil passage are equal to the flow area and length of the fourth oil passage,
Linear guide device. The flow path area of the first oil passage and the second oil passage is smaller than the flow path area of the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage, and the flow path area of the third oil passage and the fourth oil passage is smaller than the flow path area of the fifth oil passage,
The linear guide device according to claim 4.

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