Motion guidance device

Abstract

Motion guidance device, which includes: a rail element (20) with a roller element roller groove (22) extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable element (30, 90, 100) with a loaded roller element rolling groove (33, 103) facing the roller element rolling groove (22) of the rail element (20), an unloaded roller element rolling groove (34, 104) extending parallel to a direction in which the roller element rolling groove (22) extends, and a direction-change guide groove (35) connecting the loaded roller element rolling groove (33, 103) and the unloaded roller element rolling groove (34, 104); and a plurality of rolling elements (40) arranged on an endless circulation path comprising a loaded rolling element rolling path (50) arranged between the rolling element rolling groove (22) of the rail element (20) and the loaded rolling element rolling groove (33, 103) of the movable element (30, 90, 100), an unloaded rolling element rolling path (60) arranged between the rail element (20) and the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (34, 104), and a direction change path (70) arranged between the rail element (20) and the direction change guide groove (35), and A DF structure with four continuous circulation paths is formed by forming a pair of left and right projections (21) which extend in a width direction from an upper section of the rail element (20) and a total of four roller element roller grooves (22), wherein each of the pair of left and right projections (21) is provided with a roller element roller groove (22) on its upper and lower sections. wherein only the direction change paths (70), which configure two endless loop paths formed on the respective upper section of the pair of left and right projections (21), are formed by a complex turn and have a plurality of change points, and wherein the direction-change paths (70), which configure two endless loop paths formed on the respective section of the pair of left and right projections (21), do not form a complex turn, wherein a region of the direction change guide groove (35), which is formed above an upper surface of the rail element (20) in order to connect an end of the loaded rolling element rolling groove (33, 103) with an end of the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (34, 104), is designed such that an outer circumference of the rail element (20) is bypassed.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a motion guidance device in which a roller element is arranged between a rail element and a movable element. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A linear guide of this type comprises a guide rail attached to a mounting section and a movable block attached to a moving section. The movable block is mounted on the guide rail in a linearly movable manner. A multitude of balls are arranged to roll between the guide rail and the movable block to reduce frictional resistance. An endlessly circulating path is provided on the movable block for the circulation of the balls.The endless recirculation path of the linear guide is formed with a loaded ball rolling path located between a ball rolling groove of the guide rail and a loaded ball rolling groove of the moving block, with an unloaded ball rolling path parallel to the loaded ball rolling path, and with a pair of U-shaped direction change paths, each connecting the loaded ball rolling path and the unloaded ball rolling path (see, for example, patent literature 1 below).

[0003] A longitudinally movable shaft coupling, in which a hub rotates around a shaft, is known, for example, from DE 14 50 060 A. The hub is mounted such that continuous recirculation paths for rollers are provided between it and the shaft. A linear guide with a DB profile is known, for example, from August Georg Ruß: Linear Bearings and Linear Guide Systems. Ehningen: Expert Verlag, 1992. p. 10, pp. 64-66, p. 189. - ISBN 3-8169-0681-8.

[0004] The pair of direction-change paths is arranged on end caps at both ends in one direction of movement of the moving block, and the direction-change paths are each formed by a combination of an end plate with a direction-change section on an outer circumferential side and an R-piece that fits into the end plate as a direction-change section on an inner circumferential side. In other words, the linear guide is formed using the end plate not only as end caps but also as part of the direction-change paths. QUOTE LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2008-248944 A REVELATION OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] However, since such an end plate forms part of a continuous recirculation path for the balls, there is a possibility that the end plate could prevent a moving block from moving relatively stably on a guide rail if a failure occurs in the end plate. In other words, the end plate, which is attached to form the continuous recirculation path for the balls, is one of the main components that determine the lifespan of the linear guide.

[0007] Furthermore, since the process of attaching an end plate to a moving block involves a large number of elements to be used, and thus the process is complicated, there is a need for linear guides that are easy to manufacture.

[0008] The present invention was developed in consideration of the problems mentioned above and aims to extend the service life of a linear guide. Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing time for the linear guide. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[0009] A motion guidance device according to the present invention comprises: a rail element with a roller element rolling groove extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable element with a loaded roller element rolling groove facing the roller element rolling groove of the rail element, an unloaded roller element rolling groove extending parallel to a direction in which the roller element rolling groove extends, and a direction change guide groove connecting the loaded roller element rolling groove and the unloaded roller element rolling groove;and a plurality of rolling elements arranged on an endless circular path comprising a loaded rolling element rolling path located between the rolling element rolling groove of the rail element and the loaded rolling element rolling groove of the moving element, an unloaded rolling element rolling path located between the rail element and the unloaded rolling element rolling groove, and a change-of-direction path located between the rail element and the change-of-direction guide groove, wherein the change-of-direction path has a plurality of change points where the rail bends. EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, the service life of a linear guide can be extended while the manufacturing time of the linear guide is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide, according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the linear guide, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a direction change guide groove according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of a guide rail, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken vertically to a width direction of a movable block, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a linear guide according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of a guide rail, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing one of a variety of modified examples of a movable block, in accordance with the first and second embodiments. Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of a movable block, according to a modified example. Fig. Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional front view of a movable block, according to the modified example. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view, perpendicular to a central section of the in Fig. The 10 movable blocks shown are included. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a section cut by Y in Fig. 10 is indicated. Fig. Figures 13(a) to 13(c) are views showing a method for manufacturing the movable block according to the modified example of the present invention. MODE FOR EXECUTING THE INVENTION

[0011] Some advantageous embodiments for implementing the present invention are described here with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the present invention as claimed in the claims, nor are all combinations of features described in the embodiments necessary to solve the problem of the present invention. [First embodiment]

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a linear guide, according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the linear guide, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a direction change guide groove according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of a guide rail, according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken orthogonally to a width direction of a guide rail, according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a linear guide 10 comprises a guide rail 20 as a rail element extending linearly and a movable block 30 which is attached to the guide rail 20 in a linearly movable manner via balls 40 as a plurality of rolling elements.

[0014] The guide rail 20 has an approximately rectangular shape when viewed in cross-section and is designed to extend in a long and thin manner. A DF structure is formed on an upper section of the guide rail 20, where a left and right pair of projections 21 extend in the width direction. A ball-bearing groove 22 is formed on an upper and a lower section of the projections 21, extending longitudinally along the guide rail 20. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a total of four ball-bearing grooves 22 are formed, two on each of the left and right pairs of projections 21. Additionally, through-holes 23 are formed on the guide rail 20 from an upper surface to a lower surface to allow a bolt to pass through each of them for fastening the guide rail 20 to a mounting section.

[0015] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the ball rolling groove 22 is formed as a circular arc groove consisting of a single arc. The radius of curvature of the ball rolling groove 22 is slightly larger than the radius of the ball 40, such that the ball 40 touches the ball rolling groove 22 at a single point.

[0016] When the guide rail 20 is arranged on a horizontal plane, the movable block 30 comprises a central section 31 facing the upper surface of the guide rail 20 and a pair of side wall units 32 extending downwards from both the right and left sides of the central section 31 towards the left and right sides of the guide rail 20. The movable block 30 is formed entirely in a saddle shape.

[0017] The movable block 30 is formed with a loaded ball roller groove 33, which faces the ball roller groove 22 of the guide rail 20; with an unloaded ball roller groove 34, which extends parallel to the direction in which the ball roller groove 22 extends; and with a direction-change guide groove 35, which is arranged to connect the loaded ball roller groove 33 and the unloaded ball roller groove 34. Additionally, the loaded ball roller groove 33, the unloaded ball roller groove 34, and the direction-change guide groove 35 are formed on an inner wall surface of the saddle-shaped movable block 30, the inner wall surface facing the guide rail 20.

[0018] In cross-section, the loaded ball groove 33 is formed as a circular arc groove consisting of a single arc, as in the ball groove 22. The radius of curvature of the loaded ball groove 33 is slightly larger than the radius of the ball 40, so that the ball 40 contacts the loaded ball groove 33 at a single point. A contact angle line L1 represents a line connecting a contact point where the ball 40 comes into contact with the ball groove 22 of the guide rail 20 and a contact point where the ball 40 comes into contact with the loaded ball groove 33 of the movable block 30. The contact angle line L1 indicates the direction in which the ball 40 bears a load.In the first embodiment, a contact angle θ1 is 45°, formed between the contact angle line L1 of the ball 40 on an upper side and a horizontal line L2, while a contact angle θ2 is also 45°, formed between the contact angle line L1 of the ball 40 on a lower side and the horizontal line L2. With such a configuration, the linear guide 10 can bear loads in upward, downward, left, and right directions in a balanced manner.

[0019] The direction-change guide groove 35 has a load-area entry and exit groove section 36 formed on one side of the loaded ball rolling groove 33, a non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 formed on one side of the unloaded ball rolling groove 34, and a groove-connecting section 38 connecting the load-area entry and exit groove section 36 and the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37. The load-area entry and exit groove section 36, which forms the direction-change guide groove 35, is designed such that the ball 40 exits from or enters a load area. The non-load area entry and exit groove section 37, which forms the direction change guide groove 35, is formed such that the ball 40 exits from or enters a non-load area.Here, in the groove-connection section 38, the ball 40 is rolled in a direction of movement of the movable block 30 and in an approximately vertical direction.

[0020] In other words, in the first embodiment, a rail for the ball 40 bends at a connection point where the load-area entry and exit groove section 36 and the groove connection section 38 are connected, and at a connection point where the groove connection section 38 and the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 are connected. That is, since the direction-change guide groove 35 according to the first embodiment has a configuration with a plurality of change points where the rail bends, the rail in the direction-change guide groove 35 (i.e., direction-change path 70, described later) is shortened to allow the ball 40 to roll normally without deviation, thereby achieving stable motion guidance.

[0021] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the direction-change guide groove 35 is formed in a C-shape when viewed in cross-section. The radius of curvature of the direction-change guide groove 35 is formed slightly larger than the radius of the sphere 40. Furthermore, the direction-change guide groove 35 is formed such that it has a slight undercut shape. The direction-change guide groove 35 with the undercut section supports the sphere 40 on an inner circumferential surface.

[0022] Between the ball rolling groove 22 and the loaded ball rolling groove 33, a loaded ball rolling path 50 is formed as a loaded rolling element rolling path extending in a straight line. Between the unloaded ball rolling groove 34 and a circumferential surface of the guide rail 20, an unloaded ball rolling path 60 is formed as an unloaded rolling element rolling path extending in a straight line. Furthermore, between the direction change guide groove 35 and the circumferential surface of the guide rail 20, a direction change path 70 is formed to connect the loaded ball rolling path 50 and the unloaded ball rolling path 60. The loaded ball rolling path 50, the unloaded ball rolling path 60, and the direction change path 70 form an endless circular path.

[0023] When the movable block 30 is moved relative to the guide rail 20, the multitude of balls 40 roll along the loaded ball rolling path 50 while receiving a load. The balls 40 that travel to one end of the loaded ball rolling path 50 pass through one side of a pair of direction-change paths 70 and then enter the unloaded ball rolling path 60. The balls 40 that travel through the unloaded ball rolling path 60 pass through the other side of a pair of direction-change paths 70 and then re-enter the loaded ball rolling path 50.

[0024] Here, the direction change path 70, which is formed between the direction change guide groove 35 and the circumferential surface of the guide rail 20, is described in detail, with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0025] Dotted lines that appear in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows virtual curves X that are drawn through a geometric locus of the center of the ball 40 as the ball 40 rolls on the endless orbital path.

[0026] The direction-change guide groove 35 in the continuous loop path, which is located and formed above the upper surface of the guide rail 20, is formed to connect an edge of the loaded ball rolling groove 33 and an edge of the unloaded ball rolling groove 34 to circumvent an outer circumference of the guide rail 20. Therefore, the direction-change guide groove 35 is not formed in a straight line when viewed from the front, but rather in a complex coil in which the angles change twice. The respective sections in which an angle is changed are a connection point between the load-area entry and exit groove section 36 and the groove-connection section 38, and a connection point between the unload-area entry and exit groove section 37 and the groove-connection section 38.Furthermore, for the direction-change guide groove 35, which is arranged and formed on the sides of the guide rail 20, the ball 40 will not come into contact with the guide rail 20 when the direction-change path 70 is formed along the guide rail 20 because a space is created on a direction-change side of the ball 40 due to a projecting section of the projection 21. Since, consequently, a U-shaped winding can be formed along the inner wall surface of the movable block 30 for changing ball directions, unlike the continuous rotation path on an upper section, the continuous rotation path on a lower section does not form a complex winding. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and the direction-change guide groove on a lower side can be designed to form a complex winding, as in the direction-change guide groove on the upper section.

[0027] The load-area entry and exit groove section 36 is formed by an edge of the loaded ball roller groove 33 along the inner wall surface of the movable block and a surface of the outer circumference of the guide rail 20. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 20, the load area entry and exit groove section 36 is formed such that an extended line L3 of the load area entry and exit groove section 36 and a line indicating a loaded direction of a load received by the ball 40 in the loaded ball groove 33 (i.e., a direction of the contact angle line L1, which is a line connecting a contact point between the ball groove 22 of the guide rail 20 and the ball 40 and a contact point between the loaded ball groove 33 of the movable block 30 and the ball 40) intersect at a right angle. Additionally, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when viewed in cross-section orthogonally to a width direction of the guide rail 20, the load area entry and exit groove section 36 is formed such that the intersection angle θ3, formed between an extended line L4 of the load area entry and exit groove section 36 and a line L5 indicating a direction of movement of the movable block 30, is 45°. The load area entry and exit groove section 36 is then connected to the groove connection section 38 at a linearly extended position, where a gap is formed between the support ball 40 and the upper surface of the guide rail 20.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the groove-connection section 38 is formed parallel to the upper surface of the guide rail 20. The groove-connection section 38 is connected to the non-load area entry and exit groove section 37 at an extended position.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 is formed when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the track rail 20, such that an angle θ4, at which an extended line L6 of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 intersects a line L7 indicating a width direction of the movable block 30, is 45°. Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when viewed in cross-section orthogonally to a width direction of the guide rail 20, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 is formed such that the intersection angle θ5, formed between an extended line L8 of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 and a line L5 indicating the direction of movement of the movable block 30, is 45°. When this non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 is in an extended position, the unloaded ball roller groove 34 is formed, and the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 37 and the unloaded ball roller groove 34 are connected.

[0030] In other words, the direction-change guide groove 35 is formed along the inner wall surface of the movable block 30 and at a distance from the surface of the outer circumference of the guide rail 20 greater than the diameter of the ball 40, so that the ball rolling on the direction-change guide groove 35 does not come into contact with the surface of the outer circumference of the guide rail 20. When the direction-change guide groove 35 is formed in this way, a virtual curve X, which passes through a geometric locus of the center of the ball 40 as the ball 40 rolls on the continuous orbital path, does not appear in a single plane. That is, since such a virtual curve X does not appear in a single plane, a high degree of freedom is given in the design of paths for the direction-change guide groove 35.It follows that although the formation positions for the direction-change guide groove 35, which is formed relative to the inner wall surface of the movable block, are limited in their design basis in accordance with the shapes of the movable block 30 and the guide rail 20, the direction-change guide groove can be formed in any path shape, without regard to these limitations, in accordance with the present embodiment. Consequently, since an endless recirculation path can be formed with the movable block 30 and the guide rail 20, a linear guide 10 can be provided that does not require separate end plates.

[0031] According to the embodiment described above, since an endless recirculation path can be formed without forming, on a single plane, by a virtual curve X drawn through a geometric locus from the center of the ball 40 as the ball 40 rolls on the endless recirculation path, the traces of the direction-change path 70 can be shortened, and it can be prevented that the ball 40 meanders, and stable motion guidance can be achieved. Furthermore, according to this first embodiment, a groove for forming an endless recirculation path can be formed on the inner wall surface of the movable block 30. Consequently, a linear guide 10 can be provided without an end plate, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts required for the manufacture of the linear guide 10, thus reducing assembly time, requiring fewer parts, and thus shortening the manufacturing time of the linear guide 10.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this first embodiment, it is possible to prevent all errors due to the end plate because no end plate is required. Consequently, it is possible to extend the service life of the linear guide 10.

[0033] Furthermore, since in this first embodiment an endless recirculation path is formed on an inner wall surface of a saddle shape, the linear guide 10 can be manufactured without forming a through-hole, which was previously necessary to create the endless recirculation path. Consequently, as the space available for the movable block 30 increases, the degree of design freedom is enhanced, enabling the manufacture of a large number of linear guides. [Second embodiment]

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the linear guide 10 is constructed according to the first embodiment described above such that the contact angle lines L1 of the balls 40, which circulate in the endless paths on the upper and lower sections in the guide rail 20, intersect. Such a configuration is referred to as a DF structure and achieves a particularly precise adjustment performance.

[0035] However, the present invention is not limited to the linear guide 10 with such a feature. Fig. The DF structure shown in 2 is limited. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the present invention is applicable, for example, to a linear guide 80 comprising a structure, a so-called DB structure, which is designed to allow contact angle lines L1' of the balls 40 to circulate in endless circular paths on the upper and lower sections to intersect outside a guide rail 82.

[0036] Next, the linear guide 80, which is formed with a DB structure according to a second embodiment, is described. Furthermore, the linear guide 80, according to this second embodiment, is described with reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 for their design and operations. For the same or similar components as described in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. The same reference symbols are used as described in section 5, but their descriptions can be omitted.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a linear guide according to a second embodiment. Furthermore, Fig. 7 a partial cross-sectional front view showing a configuration example of the linear guide comprising a DB structure, in accordance with the second embodiment.

[0038] The linear guide 80 according to the second embodiment comprises, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows a guide rail 81 as a rail element extending linearly and a movable block 82 which is attached to the guide rail 81 in a linearly movable manner via balls 40 as a plurality of rolling elements.

[0039] The guide rail 80 has an approximately rectangular shape when viewed in cross-section and is designed to run in a long and thin manner. At a position slightly below an upper section of the guide rail 81, a left and right pair of recessed sections 81a are formed, which are recessed in a lateral direction. Therefore, it is conceivable that the linear guide 80, according to the second embodiment, consists of a DB structure. A ball bearing groove 89 is formed on a corresponding upper section and the lower section of the recessed sections 81a, extending longitudinally along the guide rail 81. In the second embodiment, a total of four ball bearing grooves 89 are formed, two on each of the left and right pairs of the recessed sections 81a.

[0040] Then, as in Fig. 7 shown, since a direction change guide groove according to the second embodiment is formed such that the guide rail 81 projects from the upper and lower sections of the recessed section 81a in a width direction to a direction change path which is positioned to be facing each other, not only the direction change path formed on the upper section but also the direction change path formed on the lower section is formed with a complex turn.

[0041] The ball direction change guide grooves 85 on the upper and lower sections each have a load-area entry and exit groove section 86 formed on one side of the loaded ball rolling groove 83, a non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 formed on one side of the unloaded ball rolling groove 84, and a groove connection section 88 connecting the load-area entry and exit groove section 86 and the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87. The load-area entry and exit groove section 86 is formed such that the ball 40 exits from or enters a load area. The non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 is formed such that the ball 40 exits from or enters a non-load area.

[0042] The ball direction change guide groove 85 in a continuous loop on the respective upper and lower sections is formed to connect an edge of the loaded ball rolling groove 83 and an edge of the unloaded ball rolling groove 84 to circumvent an outer circumference of the guide rail 81. Therefore, the direction change guide groove 85 is not formed in a straight line when viewed from the front, but rather in a complex coil in which an angle is changed once. One section in which an angle is changed is a connection point between the load-area entry and exit groove section 86 and the groove-connection section 88, and another connection point between the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 and the groove-connection section 88.

[0043] The load-area entry and exit groove section 86 on the upper section is formed to extend along the guide rail 81 from an edge of the loaded ball roller groove 83. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, viewed in cross-section orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 81, the load area entry and exit groove section 86 is designed such that an extended line L3' of the load area entry and exit groove section 86 and a line indicating a loaded direction of a load received by the ball 40 in the loaded ball rolling groove 83 (i.e. in a direction of the contact angle line L1', which is a line connecting a contact point between the ball rolling groove 89 of the guide rail 81 and the ball 40 and a contact point between the loaded ball rolling groove 83 of the movable block 82 and the ball 40) intersect at right angles.Additionally, when viewed in cross-section orthogonally to a width direction of the guide rail 81, the load area entry and exit groove section 86 is formed such that the angle at which an extended line of the load area entry and exit groove section 86 and a line indicating a direction of movement of the movable block 82 intersect is 45°. The load area entry and exit groove section 86 is then connected to the groove connection section 88 at a linearly extended position along the guide rail 81.

[0044] The groove-connecting section 88 on the upper section is formed to connect the load area entry and exit groove section 86 on the upper section and the non-load area entry and exit groove section 87 on the upper section, bypassing the outer circumference of the guide rail 81.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 is formed on the upper section when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 81, such that an intersection angle θ6 formed between an extended line L6' of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 and a line L7' indicating a lateral direction of the movable block 82 is 45°. Furthermore, when viewed in cross-section orthogonal to a lateral direction of the guide rail 81, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 is formed such that the angle at which an extended line of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 and a line indicating a direction of movement of the movable block 82 intersect is 45°.With an extended position of the non-load area entry and exit groove section 87, the unloaded ball rolling groove 84 is formed, and the non-load area entry and exit groove section 87 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 84 are connected.

[0046] The load-area entry and exit groove section 86 on the lower section is formed to extend along the guide rail 81 from an edge of the loaded ball roller groove 83. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, viewed in cross-section orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 81, the load area entry and exit groove section 86 is formed such that an extended line L3' of the load area entry and exit groove section 86 and a line indicating a loaded direction of a load received by the ball 40 in the loaded ball rolling groove 83 (i.e. in a direction of the contact angle line L1', which is a line connecting a contact point between the ball rolling groove 89 of the guide rail 81 and the ball 40 and a contact point between the loaded ball rolling groove 83 of the movable block 82 and the ball 40) intersect at right angles.Additionally, when viewed in cross-section orthogonally to a width direction of the guide rail 81, the load area entry and exit groove section 86 is formed such that the angle at which an extended line of the load area entry and exit groove section 86 and a line indicating a direction of movement of the movable block 82 intersect is 45°. The load area entry and exit groove section 86 is then connected to the groove connection section 88 at a linearly extended position along the guide rail 81.

[0047] The groove-connecting section 88 on the lower section is formed along the outer circumference of the guide rail 81 such that it connects the load area entry and exit groove section 87 on the lower section and the non-load area entry and exit groove section 87 on the lower section.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 is formed on the lower section when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail 81, such that an intersection angle θ7 formed between an extended line L6' of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 and a line L7' indicating a lateral direction of the movable block 82 is 45°. Furthermore, when viewed in cross-section orthogonal to a lateral direction of the guide rail 81, the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 is formed such that the angle at which an extended line of the non-load-area entry and exit groove section 87 and a line indicating a direction of movement of the movable block 82 intersect is 45°.With an extended position of this non-load area entry and exit groove section 87, the unloaded ball rolling groove 84 is formed, and the non-load area entry and exit groove section 87 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 84 are connected.

[0049] With the linear guide 80 according to the second embodiment, which is formed in such a way that an endless recirculation path can be formed, while a virtual curve X, which is drawn through a geometric locus of the center of the ball 40 when the ball 40 rolls on the endless recirculation path, does not appear in a single plane, a groove for forming an endless recirculation path can be formed on an inner wall surface of the movable block 81. Consequently, a linear guide 80 can be provided without an end plate, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts required for the manufacture of the linear guide 80, thus reducing assembly time, requiring fewer parts, and thus shortening the manufacturing time of the linear guide 80.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the linear guide 80 can in particular have a high stiffness against moments, since the linear guide 80 is formed in a so-called DB structure, which is designed such that an extended line of the contact angle line of the ball 40, which circulates in the endless recirculation path, and an extended line of a contact angle line of the ball 40, which circulates in another endless recirculation path, extend outside the guide rail 81, and the extended lines intersect at one side of the guide rail 81.

[0051] Although some advantageous embodiments of the present invention have been described, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the area described in the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements can be applied to the embodiments described above.

[0052] For example, the guide rails (20, 81) and the movable blocks (30, 82) are formed in a straight line according to the first and second embodiments, but can be formed in a curved shape.

[0053] Furthermore, the guide rails (20, 81) and the movable blocks (30, 82) can, for example, be suitably modified in their cross-sectional shape according to the first and second embodiments. In addition, the number of continuous circulation paths for the balls 40 can be increased or decreased accordingly.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the formation angles at which each of the load-area entry and exit groove sections (36, 86) and the non-load-area entry and exit groove sections (37, 87) and the direction-change guide grooves (35, 85) intersect are defined. However, these formation angles are not limited to specific angles.In other words, the formation angles for the load area entry and exit groove sections and the load area entry and exit groove sections can assume a variety of angles, as long as a virtual curve X drawn from the center of the ball 40 is formed along the inner wall surface of a movable block without being formed in a single plane, just as the direction change guide groove is formed away from a surface of an outer circumference of a guide rail to have a greater distance than the diameter of the ball 40, so that the ball rolling on the direction change guide groove does not come into contact with the surface of the outer circumference of the guide rail.

[0055] In addition, although, for example, the movable blocks (30, 82) according to the first and second embodiments are constructed in such a way that they form grooves on a single element, such blocks can be formed by inseparably assembling a plurality of parts. Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing an example of the construction of a movable block assembled with a multitude of elements, in accordance with the first and second embodiments. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a movable block 90 is formed such that the block is split in half longitudinally at a central area 91. In this area, an insertion hole 93, such as a bolt hole, a key groove, or the like, is formed on each cut-end surface of the movable block 90 for inserting a mounting element 92, such as a bolt and a key. The mounting element 92, which is to be inserted into the insertion hole 93, is made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel) that expands upon heat treatment. By assembling and heat-treating a movable block with the configuration described above, the movable block 90 is formed inseparably.According to such a design, since the awkwardly turned sections of the direction-change guide grooves (35, 85) formed on the inner wall surface of the movable block 90 can be carved while the movable block 90 is separated into two halves, the degree of machining difficulties is reduced, so that linear guides without an end plate can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0056] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention and a multitude of modified exemplary embodiments that can be made in the present invention have been described previously. However, various improvements to the motion guidance devices according to the present invention can still be applied. In other words, the linear guides 10, 80, as described above, are a type of motion guidance device in which the balls 40 fall off when the movable blocks 30, 82, and 90 are removed from the guide rails 20 and 81. In this type of motion guidance device in which balls fall off, it is necessary to use a method to insert the balls sequentially into the grooves or to produce a special ball-loading machine, and such requirements necessitate improvements to reduce manufacturing costs.Additionally, some users employ a motion guidance device by removing a movable block 30, 82, or 90 from a guide rail 20 or 81 to measure the parallelism of the guide rail 20 or 81. For such users, it is advantageous to supply a type of motion guidance device in which no balls 40 fall off, in order to open up new markets.

[0057] Based on the above-mentioned requirements, the inventors devised a new design, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. Next, a motion guidance device, according to a modified example of the present invention, is described with reference to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. Here shows Fig. 9 a front view of a movable block, according to a modified example of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional front view of a movable block according to the modified example of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view, perpendicular to a central section of the in Fig. The 10 movable blocks shown are included. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a section cut by Y in Fig. 10 is indicated.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 is a movable block 100, according to a modified example of the present invention, with a movable block main body unit 101 formed as a movable element main body unit, consisting of a metallic material, and formed from a resin material section 102, which consists of a resin material that is integrally coupled to this movable block main body unit 101 using an injection molding technique or the like.

[0059] On the movable block 100, as described in the first and second embodiments above, a loaded ball rolling groove 103 and an unloaded ball rolling groove 104 are formed. In the modified example of the present invention, the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metallic material, and the resin material sections 102, consisting of a resin material, interact to form each rolling groove, namely the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104. In particular, as detailed in Fig. As shown in Figure 12 and other drawings, the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metallic material, forms the groove bottom sides of the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104, while the resin material sections 102, consisting of a resin material, form the aperture sides of the loaded ball running groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104.

[0060] For sections (groove bottom sides) that form part of the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104, which are formed in the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metallic material, the groove-aperture sections are larger in size than the diameter of the ball 40. On the other hand, adjacent to the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metallic material, the resin material section 102, consisting of a resin material, forms the remaining sections (aperture sides) of the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104, while the groove-aperture sections of the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104 formed by the resin material section 102 are smaller than the diameter of the ball 40.

[0061] Consequently, in the movable block 100, according to the modified example of the present invention, no balls 40 fall off the movable block 100, even when the movable block 100 is released from the guide rail, since the loaded ball rolling grooves 103 and the unloaded ball rolling grooves 104 are formed in such a way that they wrap around the balls 40 and hold them. Furthermore, since, in the movable block 100, according to the modified example of the present invention, opening areas of the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104 are formed by resin material sections 102, which consist of a soft material with a larger elastic deformation volume, the balls 40 can be easily inserted into the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104 by pressing the balls into the grooves, resulting in an advantageous and very simple manufacturing process.

[0062] Furthermore, any known techniques can be applied for a method for integrally coupling the resin material sections 102, which consist of a resin material, with the movable block main body unit 101, which consists of a metallic material. For example, the Fig. Figures 13(a) to 13(c) are views showing a method for manufacturing the movable block according to the modified example of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 13(a) to 13(c), in the manufacture of a movable block 100 using molds, by arranging movable molds 201 (see a detailed drawing in Fig. 13(a)), which moves in the left and right direction with respect to an inwardly moving side of the movable block main body unit 101 by means of a sliding pin 202, and pushing the sliding pin into the movable molds 201, the movable molds 201 move to the left and to the right to form cavities for the formation of the resin material sections 102 between the movable block main body unit 101 and the movable molds 201 (see a separate drawing in Fig. 13 (b)). From this state, by means of a resin material that is allowed to flow into the cavities, the movable block 100 is completed according to the modified example of the present invention (see a detailed drawing in Fig. 13 (c)). By using the movable forms 201 such as these, the resin material sections 102 can be easily shaped and formed.

[0063] Furthermore, to connect the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metallic material, and the resin material sections 102, consisting of a resin material, for example by providing a threaded opening, a T-slot, or the like in the movable block main body unit 101 to allow resin material to flow into the threaded opening, T-slot, or the like, it is possible to achieve a secure connection between the two elements. Moreover, the threaded opening can be a tap, and the T-slot can be a T-slot produced with a T-slot cutter.

[0064] Furthermore, any method can be used for joining the movable block main body unit 101 and the resin material sections 102, including a joining method by baking a rubber material onto a metallic material, a joining method using adhesive, for example in addition to the methods described above.

[0065] Furthermore, the present invention provides an embodiment for producing a resin material section by separating the resin material sections 102 as described above and subsequently assembling the resin material sections with a plurality of other elements. The resin material sections, constructed by joining a plurality of other materials, can be integrated with the movable block main body unit 101 using a known connection, including gluing and welding. Even in such a resin material section constructed by assembling such a plurality of other materials, a motion guidance device can be achieved that can demonstrate the same effects and operations as described above.

[0066] Furthermore, the movable block 100, according to the modified example of the present invention, as described with reference to the Fig. 9 to 13 (c) not the mode which refers to Fig. Figure 3 describes how the balls 40 are supported by the direction-change guide groove 35 with grooved areas. In other words, in the present invention, the balls 40 can be held in the unloaded ball rolling groove without loads and the direction-change guide groove by forming such grooved sections, while the balls 40 can be supported in the loaded ball rolling groove by arranging the resin material sections 102 as described above.That is, the groove sections, according to the first and second embodiments described above, and the resin material section 102, according to the modified example, can be combined in a suitable manner for use, so that it is possible to provide a motion guidance device that is superior to other products by combining each aspect in an optimal manner, in accordance with the conditions of use, cost and other factors for the motion guidance device.

[0067] Additionally, the loaded ball rolling groove 103 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 104 are shown in the above description to represent each rolling groove through the cooperation of the movable block main body unit 101, consisting of a metal material, and the resin material sections 102, consisting of a resin material. As specifically in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, it is possible to assume the same design for the direction change guide grooves according to the present invention.

[0068] It is evident from the claims below that the arranged or modified modes, as shown above, may be included in the technical scope of the present invention. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0069] 10, 80 Linear guide, 20, 81 Guide rail, 21 Projection, 22, 89 Ball groove, 23 Through hole, 30, 82, 90, 100, Movable block, 31, 91 Central section, 32 Side wall unit, 33, 83, 103 Loaded ball groove, 34, 84, 104 Unloaded ball groove, 35, 85 Change of direction guide groove, 36, 86 Load area entry and exit groove section, 37, 87 Unloaded area entry and exit groove section, 38, 88 Groove connection section, 40 Ball, 50 Loaded ball path, 60 Unloaded ball path, 70 Change of direction path, 81a Recessed section 92 Mounting element 93 Insert hole, 101 Movable block main body unit, 102 Resin material section, 201 Movable mold, 202 Slide pin, L1, L1' Contact angle line θ1, θ2 Contact angle, θ3, θ4, θ5, θ6, θ7 Formation angle, X Virtual curve.

Claims

[1] Motion guidance device comprising: a rail element (20) with a roller element roller groove (22) extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable element (30, 90, 100) with a loaded roller element rolling groove (33, 103) facing the roller element rolling groove (22) of the rail element (20), an unloaded roller element rolling groove (34, 104) extending parallel to a direction in which the roller element rolling groove (22) extends, and a direction-change guide groove (35) connecting the loaded roller element rolling groove (33, 103) and the unloaded roller element rolling groove (34, 104); and a plurality of rolling elements (40) arranged on an endless circulation path comprising a loaded rolling element rolling path (50) arranged between the rolling element rolling groove (22) of the rail element (20) and the loaded rolling element rolling groove (33, 103) of the movable element (30, 90, 100), an unloaded rolling element rolling path (60) arranged between the rail element (20) and the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (34, 104), and a direction change path (70) arranged between the rail element (20) and the direction change guide groove (35), and A DF structure with four continuous circulation paths is formed by forming a pair of left and right projections (21) which extend in a width direction from an upper section of the rail element (20) and a total of four roller element roller grooves (22), wherein each of the pair of left and right projections (21) is provided with a roller element roller groove (22) on its upper and lower sections. wherein only the direction change paths (70), which configure two endless loop paths formed on the respective upper section of the pair of left and right projections (21), are formed by a complex turn and have a plurality of change points, and wherein the direction-change paths (70), which configure two endless loop paths formed on the respective section of the pair of left and right projections (21), do not form a complex turn, wherein a region of the direction change guide groove (35), which is formed above an upper surface of the rail element (20) in order to connect an end of the loaded rolling element rolling groove (33, 103) with an end of the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (34, 104), is designed such that an outer circumference of the rail element (20) is bypassed. [2] Motion guidance device (80) comprising: a rail element (81) with a roller element roller groove (89) extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable element (82, 90, 100) with a loaded rolling element rolling groove (83, 103) facing the rolling element rolling groove (89) of the rail element (81), an unloaded rolling element rolling groove (84, 104) extending parallel to a direction in which the rolling element rolling groove (89) extends, and a direction-change guide groove (85) connecting the loaded rolling element rolling groove (83, 103) and the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (84, 104); and a plurality of rolling elements (40) arranged on an endless circulation path comprising a loaded rolling element rolling path (50) arranged between the rolling element rolling groove (89) of the rail element (81) and the loaded rolling element rolling groove (83, 103) of the movable element (82, 90, 100), an unloaded rolling element rolling path (60) arranged between the rail element (81) and the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (84, 104), and a direction change path (70) arranged between the rail element (81) and the direction change guide groove (85), and At a position below an upper area of ​​the rail element (81), a DB structure with four continuous circulation paths is formed by forming a pair of left and right recessed sections (81a) recessed in a width direction, each of the two left and right recessed sections having a roller element roller groove (89) on a respective upper and lower section thereof. wherein each direction change path (70) is formed by a complex winding and has a plurality of change points, wherein a region of the direction change guide groove (85) of each direction change path (70) is configured to connect an end of the loaded rolling element rolling groove (83, 103) with an end of the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (84, 104) that bypasses an outer circumference of the rail element (81). [3] Motion guidance device (10, 80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction change guide groove (35, 85) is formed on an inner wall surface of the movable element (30, 82, 90, 100) opposite the rail element (20, 81). [4] Motion guidance device (10, 80) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the direction change guide groove (35, 85) has a load area entry and exit groove section (36, 86) formed on one side of the loaded ball rolling groove (33, 83, 103), a non-load area entry and exit groove section (37, 87) formed on one side of the unloaded ball rolling groove (34, 84, 104), and a groove connection section (38, 88) connecting the load area entry and exit groove section (36, 86) and the non-load area entry and exit groove section (37, 87), and when viewed in cross-section, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the rail element (20, 81), a formation angle of the loaded load area entry and exit groove section (36, 86) is an angle perpendicular to a loaded direction of the corresponding load received by the rolling element (40) on the loaded rolling element rolling path (50). [5] Motion guidance device (10, 80) according to claim 4, wherein, when viewed in cross-section orthogonally to a width direction of the rail element (20, 81), the intersection angle between an extended line of the loaded load area entry and exit groove section (36, 86) and a line indicating a direction of movement of the movable element (30, 82, 90, 100) is equal to 45°. [6] Motion guidance device (10, 80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable element (30, 82, 90, 100) is constructed such that it has a movable element main body unit (101) consisting of a metallic material and a resin material section (102), and the loaded rolling element rolling groove (103), the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (104), and the direction change guide groove (35, 85) each rolling groove by cooperation of the element main body unit (101) and the resin material section (102). [7] Motion guidance device (10, 80) according to claim 6, wherein a groove opening area of ​​the loaded rolling element rolling groove (33, 83, 103), the unloaded rolling element rolling groove (34, 84, 104), and the direction change guide groove (35, 85) are smaller in size than a diameter of the rolling element (40).

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