Linear Actuators

Abstract

The present invention is a linear actuator (10), in which a slide table (14) is movably arranged relative to a cylinder body (12) in the longitudinal direction by means of a guide mechanism (18). The slide table (14) includes a table body (78) arranged on the upper part of the cylinder body (12) and extending in the longitudinal direction, and an end panel (80) connected to the other end of the table body (78) in the longitudinal direction and arranged at a substantially right angle. In addition, a storage chamber (94) is provided on one side (80a) of the end panel (80) in the longitudinal direction facing the guide mechanism (18), and is configured so that, when used in an environment where dust is scattered, solidified materials generated by the dust can be stored in the storage chamber (94).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear actuator which enables a slide table to reciprocate along the axial direction of a cylinder body. Background Art

[0002] In the past, as a conveying component for conveying workpieces, for example, linear actuators such as fluid pressure cylinders under the action of the supply of pressure fluid have been used. As disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 3795968, the applicant has proposed a linear actuator that can convey the workpiece placed on the slide by causing the slide to reciprocate linearly along the cylinder body. Summary of the invention

[0003] A general object of the present invention is to provide a linear actuator that can operate smoothly in an environment where dust such as dust is scattered by preventing the accumulation of the dust.

[0004] The mode of the present invention is a linear actuator, which comprises a cylinder body, the cylinder body having a cylinder chamber supplied with a pressure fluid inside; a slide, the slide is movably arranged along the length direction of the cylinder body; a cylinder mechanism, the cylinder mechanism having a piston movably arranged along the cylinder chamber; and a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism is installed on the cylinder body, and guides the slide along the length direction of the cylinder body under the rolling action of a plurality of rolling bodies circulating in a passage, the linear actuator causes the slide to reciprocate relative to the cylinder body under the movement action of the piston, wherein,

[0005] The slide table comprises: a main body portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body; and an end portion disposed substantially at a right angle to the main body portion and facing the longitudinal end of the cylinder body.

[0006] The end portion is provided with a storage portion which is open at an end surface of the end portion facing the cylinder body and extends in a longitudinal direction so as to store dust therein.

[0007] According to the present invention, the slide table constituting the linear actuator is composed of a main body extending along the length direction of the cylinder body, and an end head portion arranged at a substantially right angle relative to the main body and facing the end portion of the cylinder body in the length direction. A storage portion is provided at the end head portion. The storage portion is open on the end surface of the cylinder body facing the slide table so as to be movably arranged, and extends along the length direction so as to store dust inside.

[0008] Therefore, even if the linear actuator is used in an environment with flying dust, for example, when dust (solidified material) mixed with lubricant used to lubricate the rolling elements constituting the guide mechanism and dust is generated near the longitudinal end of the guide mechanism facing the end portion, when the end portion of the slide moves toward the cylinder body side, the dust can be well stored in the storage portion.

[0009] As a result, even if the linear actuator is used in an environment where dust is scattered and dust containing dust is generated, the dust can be stored in a storage portion opened at the end face of the end portion, thereby preventing the end portion from coming into contact with the accumulated dust under the movement of the slide, and the slide can move smoothly along the length direction even in the above-mentioned environment.

[0010] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of the linear actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the linear actuator shown.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the guide mechanism in the linear actuator is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An overall top view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the V-V line.

[0016] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0017] Figure 7 Viewed from the end panel side Figure 1 A front view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A top view of a partial cross section along line VIII-VIII.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a plan view of a linear actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.10 Viewed from the end panel side Fig. 9 A front view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0021] Fig.11 is along Fig.10 Local cross-sectional top view of line XI-XI.

[0022] Fig.12 It is an external perspective view of a linear actuator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.13 Viewed from the end panel side Fig.12 A front view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0024] Fig.14 is along Fig.13 A top view of a partial cross section along line XIV-XIV.

[0025] Fig.15 Yes Fig.12 A perspective view of the appearance of a linear actuator in which a cover member is installed on an end panel.

[0026] Fig.16 Viewed from the end panel side Fig.15 A front view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0027] Fig.17 is along Fig.16 A top view of a partial cross section along line XVII-XVII.

[0028] Fig.18 It is an external perspective view of a linear actuator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 An overall top view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0030] Fig. 20 Viewed from the end panel side Fig.18 A front view of the linear actuator is shown.

[0031] Fig.21 is along Fig. 20 A top view of a partial cross section of line XXI-XXI.

[0032] Fig. 22 Yes Fig.18 A perspective view of the appearance of a linear actuator in which a cover member is installed on an end panel.

[0033] Fig.23A Viewed from the end panel side Fig. 22 The front view of the linear actuator shown, Fig. 23B Observed from the side Fig.23A Magnified side view of the linear actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] like Figure 1 to Figure 6As shown, this linear actuator 10 includes: a cylinder body 12, a slide 14 that reciprocates linearly along the length direction of the cylinder body 12 (in the direction of arrows A1 and A2), and a guide mechanism 18 that is clamped between the cylinder body 12 and the slide 14 and is retained on the cylinder body 12 by a group of pin components 16.

[0035] A recess 20 extending in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of arrows A1 and A2) is formed on the upper surface of the cylinder body 12. A group of pin insertion holes 22 for inserting the pin member 16 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a group of mounting holes 24 are formed through the recess 20. The mounting holes 24 are used to mount the guide mechanism 18 on the cylinder body 12 at a position close to the pin insertion holes 22 (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0036] Two sensor mounting grooves 26 are formed along the length direction (arrow A1, A2 direction) on one side of the cylinder body 12, and sensors (not shown) are mounted thereon. On the other hand, a stroke adjustment member 28 is provided on the other side of the cylinder body 12, which is the opposite side of the one side, and which limits the movement of the slide 14 by contacting with a stopper 92 described later.

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the stroke adjustment component 28 is composed of a block 30, a columnar bolt 34 screwed into a hole of the block 30 and fixed to the block 30 by a nut 32, and a buffer component 36 mounted on one end of the columnar bolt 34 in the length direction. In addition, in the stroke adjustment component 28, the columnar bolt 34 can be screwed into the block 30 to make the columnar bolt 34 move forward and backward along the length direction (the direction of arrows A1 and A2), thereby adjusting the movement amount of the slide 14 in the length direction.

[0038] On the other hand, Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a group of through holes 38 extending along the length direction (arrow A1, A2 direction) are formed inside the cylinder body 12. The through holes 38 are formed in a circular cross-section with substantially the same diameter, and are formed in parallel and away from each other in the width direction (arrow B direction) orthogonal to the length direction.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, each through hole 38 contains a piston 44 having a piston liner 40 and a magnetic body 42 mounted on its outer circumferential surface, and a piston rod 46 connected to the piston 44. The floating bushing 50 is connected to the other end of the piston rod 46 in the longitudinal direction by a screw component 48.

[0040] Furthermore, an end cap 52 is inserted into one end portion of each through hole 38 in the longitudinal direction and locked by a retaining ring 54, thereby blocking one end portion of each through hole 38 in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, a ring body 56 and a collar member 58 are inserted into the other end portion of the through hole 38 in the longitudinal direction and locked by a retaining ring 54 along the longitudinal direction, thereby blocking the other end portion of the through hole 38 in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] An O-ring 60 is installed on the outer circumference of the collar member 58 via an annular groove so as to abut against the inner circumference of the through hole 38. In addition, a rod hole 62a for inserting the piston rod 46 is penetrated in the center of the collar member 58 along the length direction, and a rod gasket 64 is provided on the inner circumference via an annular groove. The rod gasket 64 is made of an elastic material and is sealed by sliding contact with the outer circumference of the piston rod 46.

[0042] On the other hand, the ring body 56 is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction (arrow A2 direction) relative to the collar member 58, and a rod hole 62b for the piston rod 46 to be inserted is penetrated in the interior thereof along the longitudinal direction, and a lubricating ring 66 and a dust ring 68 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rod hole 62b by means of an annular groove. The dust ring 68 is arranged so that the dust ring 68 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 38 (arrow A2 direction), and the lubricating ring 66 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction (arrow A1 direction) relative to the dust ring 68.

[0043] The lubricating ring 66 is formed into an annular shape by a material having flexibility and compressibility and impregnated with a lubricant such as grease, and is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 46. The dust seal 68 is formed into an annular shape by a material having flexibility and compressibility similarly to the lubricating ring 66. In addition, the dust seal 68 is used in a dry state without being impregnated with a lubricant.

[0044] In addition, by blocking one end and the other end of each through hole 38 by the end cover 52 and the ring part 58 respectively, a group of cylinder chambers 70 for accommodating the piston 44 and the piston rod 46 are formed inside, and the cylinder chamber 70 on one side is connected to the cylinder chamber 70 on the other side by a pair of connecting paths 72 extending along the width direction (direction of arrow B).

[0045] In addition, a set of first and second fluid ports 74, 76 are formed on the other side of the cylinder body 12, and the first and second fluid ports 74, 76 are respectively connected to and communicated with one cylinder chamber 70. In addition, the first fluid port 74 is arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body 12 (arrow A1 direction), and the second fluid port 76 is arranged on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body 12 (arrow A2 direction).

[0046] That is, the piston 44 and the piston rod 46 function as a cylinder mechanism that is movable in the longitudinal direction by the supply of the pressure fluid to the cylinder chamber 70 .

[0047] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the slide table 14 is composed of a table body (main body) 78 extending in the longitudinal direction (arrow A1, A2 direction), and an end plate (end head) 80 fixed orthogonally to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the table body 78. The table body 78 and the end plate 80 are screwed together by a set of bolts 82 in a state where the cross section is substantially L-shaped and orthogonal. That is, the end plate 80 is formed to extend in the vertical direction relative to the table body 78 extending in the horizontal direction.

[0048] The table body 78 is formed to have a pair of guide portions 86 protruding toward the cylinder body 12 side (downward) at both ends in the width direction thereof, and the cross section is generally U-shaped. The guide portions 86 extend in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of arrows A1 and A2), and ball rolling grooves 88 are formed in the inner wall surfaces of the mutually opposing guide portions 86 along the longitudinal direction (see FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). In addition, four workpiece holding holes 90 are formed on the upper surface of the table body 78. The number of the workpiece holding holes 90 is not limited to four, and can be appropriately set to a number corresponding to the stroke amount of the slide table 14, for example.

[0049] Furthermore, a stopper block 92 is fixed to one side surface of the table body 78 so as to protrude in the width direction. The stopper block 92 moves integrally with the slide table 14 and is disposed so as to face the stroke adjustment member 28 provided on the cylinder body 12. When the slide table 14 including the table body 78 moves in the longitudinal direction relative to the cylinder body 12, the stopper block 92 abuts against the buffer member 36 of the stroke adjustment member 28, thereby limiting the movement of the slide table 14 in the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The end plate 80 is composed of a plate body having a rectangular cross-section that is long in the width direction (arrow B direction) and a constant thickness in the longitudinal direction. The floating bushing 50 is held by a substantially semicircular hole 84 formed at the lower end thereof. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, a storage chamber (storage portion) 94 having a predetermined volume is formed on one surface (end surface) 80a in the longitudinal direction which becomes the side of the table body 78 (in the direction of arrow A1).

[0051] The storage chamber 94 is recessed by a predetermined depth in a direction away from the table body 78 (arrow A2 direction) relative to one side 80a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 80, and is provided at a position facing the guide mechanism 18. That is, the storage chamber 94 is formed so that its width direction (arrow B direction) is at least greater than the width dimension of the guide block 96, and its height direction is greater than the height dimension of the guide block 96.

[0052] In addition, the width and height dimensions of the storage chamber 94 are not limited to corresponding to the width and height dimensions of the guide block 96 constituting the guide mechanism 18 as described above, and can be formed in a shape larger than the cross-sectional shape of the guide block 96 viewed from the length direction.

[0053] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the guide mechanism 18 includes: a guide block 96 that is flat in the width direction (arrow B direction), a group of ball circulation components 98 respectively installed at both ends along the length direction of the guide block 96, a cover block 100 and a scraper 102, and a group of pin components 16 that position and hold the guide block 96 relative to the cylinder body 12. In addition, a semicircular ball circulation groove 106 is formed in the cover block 100 so that the ball bearing (rolling element) 104 circulates together with the ball circulation component 98.

[0054] In addition, a first dustproof plate 108 is sandwiched between the cover block 100 and the scraper 102. The first dustproof plate 108 is formed into a plate shape, for example, by a material having flexibility and compressibility, and is arranged so that its upper surface can slide in contact with the inner surface of the table body 78 in the slide table 14, and both ends in the width direction (arrow B direction) can slide in contact with the guide portion 86 of the slide table 14. In addition, the scraper 102 is arranged in a state with a slight gap relative to the ball rolling groove 88, or is in sliding contact with the ball rolling groove 88, thereby preventing dust and the like from intruding to the guide mechanism 18 side.

[0055] On the other hand, a pair of ball rolling grooves 110 are formed along the length direction (arrow A1, A2 direction) on both sides of the width direction of the guide block 96, and a group of ball circulation holes 112 are formed at a predetermined interval in the portion that is inside the width direction relative to the ball rolling grooves 110 and penetrates along the length direction. In addition, the ball rolling grooves 88 of the guide portion 86 in the slide 14, the ball rolling grooves 110 in the guide block 96, the ball circulation holes 112, and the ball circulation grooves 106 of the cover block 100 constitute a continuous ball circulation passage in which the ball bearing 104 can circulate.

[0056] In addition, a pair of second dustproof plates 114a and 114b are formed on both sides of the guide block 96 at positions in the up-down direction relative to the ball rolling groove 110. The second dustproof plates 114a and 114b are formed long in the longitudinal direction, for example, from a material having flexibility and compressibility. The second dustproof plates 114a and 114b are fixed to both sides of the guide block 96 and are arranged to be able to slide in contact with the guide portion 86 of the slide table 14.

[0057] Furthermore, the plurality of ball bearings 104 in the guide mechanism 18 roll along the ball circulation passage, so that the slide 14 provided in a manner covering the guide mechanism 18 is maintained to freely reciprocate in the longitudinal direction (directions of arrows A1 and A2) relative to the guide block 96. In addition, the second dustproof plates 114a and 114b are in sliding contact with the guide portion 86 of the slide 14, thereby preventing dust that has intruded between the guide portion 86 and the guide block 96 from intruding into the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110.

[0058] In addition, a pair of pin insertion holes (not shown) for inserting the pin members 16 are formed at predetermined intervals on the bottom surface of the guide block 96, and a pair of mounting bolt holes 118 (see FIG. 1 ) with screw grooves engraved therein are formed through the guide block 96 at positions close to the pin insertion holes. Figure 5 ). And, if Figure 5 As shown, the fixing bolts 120 inserted from below through the mounting holes 24 of the cylinder body 12 are screwed into the mounting bolt holes 118 of the guide block 96 , thereby mounting the guide mechanism 18 including the guide block 96 relative to the upper surface (recess 20 ) of the cylinder body 12 .

[0059] The linear actuator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above, and its operation and effects will be described below. Figure 6 The state where the piston 44 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of arrow A1) will be described as an initial position.

[0060] First, a pressure fluid is supplied to the first fluid port 74 from a fluid pressure supply source (not shown), and the second fluid port 76 is opened to the atmosphere by a switching operation of a switching device (not shown).

[0061] Furthermore, the pressure fluid from the first fluid port 74 is supplied from the cylinder chamber 70 on one side through the communication passage 72 to the cylinder chamber 70 on the other side, thereby the pair of pistons 44 are respectively pushed toward the other side in the length direction (arrow A2 direction) and move together with the piston rod 46. The end plate 80 is pushed toward the other side in the length direction (arrow A2 direction) by the floating bushing 50 connected to the piston rod 46. As a result, the slide table 14 including the end plate 80 moves toward the other side in the length direction (arrow A2 direction) relative to the guide mechanism 18 by the rolling action of the ball bearing 104 circulating in the ball circulation passage.

[0062] During the movement of the slide table 14 , the stopper 92 comes into contact with the buffer member 36 of the stroke adjustment member 28 , thereby restricting further movement in the longitudinal direction and bringing the slide table 14 to the movement terminal position.

[0063] On the other hand, when the slide 14 is moved to one side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow A1) which is the opposite direction to the above-mentioned direction, the pressure fluid is supplied to the second fluid port 76, and the first fluid port 74 is opened to the atmosphere, so that the piston 44 is pushed and moved to one side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow A1) by the pressure fluid supplied to the cylinder chamber 70. With the movement of the piston 44, the end plate 80 and the slide 14 move to one side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow A1), and the end plate 80 abuts against the other end in the longitudinal direction of the slide 14, thereby returning Figure 1 Initial position shown.

[0064] Next, a description will be given of a case where the linear actuator 10 is used in an environment where dust or the like is scattered in the atmosphere, for example.

[0065] In such an environment, dust and the like scattered in the atmosphere adhere to the surfaces of the cylinder body 12 and the slide table 14 constituting the linear actuator 10, and when the linear actuator 10 is driven, the dust and the like also adhere to the surface of the piston rod 46 exposed to the outside from the through hole 38 of the cylinder body 12.

[0066] Furthermore, dust and the like adhering to the piston rod 46 is effectively scraped off by the dust seal 68 disposed on the outermost side when the piston rod 46 is pulled into the cylinder body 12 , thereby reliably preventing the dust and the like from entering the cylinder chamber 70 .

[0067] In addition, by supplying lubricant to the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 46 through the lubricating ring 66 arranged on the inner side of the dust ring 68 (in the direction of arrow A1), the piston rod 46 can move smoothly along the length direction. Moreover, the dust ring 68 can effectively prevent the lubricant applied on the piston rod 46 from leaking to the outside (in the direction of arrow A2).

[0068] In addition, the first dustproof plate 108 provided in the guide mechanism 18 is in sliding contact with the inner surface of the guide portion 86 in the slide 14, thereby preventing dust and the like that have invaded between the other end of the guide block 96 in the length direction and the end plate 80 of the slide 14 from invading the ball circulation groove 106 and the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110. In addition, the upper surface of the first dustproof plate 108 is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the table body 78, thereby preventing dust and the like that are attached to the lower surface from invading the guide mechanism 18 side. In addition, the scraper 102 is set to have a slight gap relative to the ball rolling groove 88, or is set to be in sliding contact with the ball rolling groove 88, thereby preventing dust and the like from invading the guide mechanism 18 side.

[0069] In addition, the second dustproof plates 114a and 114b provided on both sides of the guide mechanism 18 prevent dust and the like from entering the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110 from one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 86, and also prevent dust and the like from entering the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110 from the slide table 14 and the lower side of the cylinder body 12. Therefore, the adhesion of dust and the like to the ball bearing 104 is reliably prevented.

[0070] Furthermore, in the ball circulation passage formed by the guide mechanism 18 and the slide 14, the plurality of ball bearings 104 circulates in a state lubricated by a lubricant such as grease, and the lubricant may be mixed with dust or the like and solidified into a solidified material (dust). Specifically, a solidified material may be generated near the width direction end of the guide block 96 that holds the ball bearings 104 in circulation and faces the guide portion 86.

[0071] In the case where solidified matter is generated in this way, when the slide 14 moves to one side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow A1) relative to the cylinder body 12, since a storage chamber 94 is provided which faces the other end in the longitudinal direction of the guide block 96 and is open on one side 80a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 80, the solidified matter generated near the other end in the longitudinal direction can be well squeezed into the interior of the storage chamber 94. Therefore, when the slide 14 moves to one side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow A1), the solidified matter attached and accumulated on the guide block 96 is prevented from contacting with the one side 80a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 80, and the movement of the slide 14 in the longitudinal direction is prevented from being hindered.

[0072] That is, even when the linear actuator 10 is used in an environment where dust is scattered, for example, solidified matter generated near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the guide mechanism 18 can be stored in the storage chamber 94 .

[0073] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the slide table 14 constituting the linear actuator 10, there is provided a table body 78 arranged parallel to the upper part of the cylinder body 12, and an end panel 80 connected orthogonally to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the table body 78, and the end panel 80 has a storage chamber 94 that is opened in a manner facing the guide mechanism 18 fixed to the cylinder body 12 and is recessed in a direction away from the guide mechanism 18 (in the direction of arrow A2).

[0074] Therefore, even if the linear actuator 10 is used in an environment with flying dust, for example, when the lubricant used to lubricate the ball bearing 104 in the guide mechanism 18 is mixed with the dust and produces solids, when the end panel 80 of the slide 14 moves toward the guide mechanism 18 side (in the direction of arrow A1), the solids attached and accumulated near the guide mechanism 18 can be well stored in the storage chamber 94.

[0075] As a result, even if the linear actuator 10 is used in an environment where dust is scattered and solidified products are generated, the solidified products attached to the vicinity of the other end of the guide mechanism 18 in the longitudinal direction can be stored in the storage chamber 94, thereby preventing the end panel 80 from coming into contact with the solidified products and hindering the movement under the movement of the slide table 14. Therefore, even in the above-mentioned environment, the slide table 14 constituting the linear actuator 10 can be smoothly moved in the longitudinal direction.

[0076] In addition, the storage chamber 94 is formed to have a shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the guide mechanism 18 when viewed in the length direction of the linear actuator 10, or is formed to have a cross-sectional shape larger than the cross-sectional shape, so that the solidified material produced near the other end of the guide mechanism 18 in the length direction can be reliably stored inside.

[0077] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the depth of the storage chamber 94 in the longitudinal direction, the volume capable of storing the cured product can be freely adjusted.

[0078] In addition, since a first dustproof plate 108 is provided at the other end in the length direction of the guide mechanism 18, dust and the like that have invaded between the guide block 96 and the end panel 80 of the slide table 14 can be prevented from invading the ball circulation groove 106 and the ball rolling grooves 88, 110. Moreover, by sliding contact with the lower surface of the table body 78, dust and the like that have adhered to the lower surface can also be prevented from invading the guide mechanism 18 side.

[0079] Furthermore, a pair of second dustproof plates 114a and 114b are provided on both sides in the width direction of the guide mechanism 18. For this reason, the second dustproof plates 114a and 114b can prevent dust and the like from entering the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110 from one end and the other end of the guide block 96 in the longitudinal direction, and can also prevent dust and the like from entering the ball rolling grooves 88 and 110 from the slide 14 side and the lower side of the cylinder body 12. As a result, dust and the like can be reliably prevented from entering between the slide 14 and the guide mechanism 18 and adhering to the ball bearing 104, and malfunction of the linear actuator 10 caused by the intrusion of dust and the like can be prevented.

[0080] In addition, in the cylinder body 12, by providing an annular dust ring 68 in the rod hole 62b of the ring body 56, dust and the like attached to the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 46 exposed to the outside of the cylinder body 12 can be reliably scraped off when the piston rod 46 is pulled in, thereby reliably preventing the dust and the like from invading the cylinder chamber 70.

[0081] then, Figures 9 to 11 A linear actuator 150 according to a second embodiment is shown. The same components as those of the linear actuator 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0082] The linear actuator 150 according to the second embodiment is different from the linear actuator 10 according to the first embodiment in that a slide table 152 is provided with a pair of operation holes 156 a and 156 b that open above an end plate 154 .

[0083] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the linear actuator 150 has a pair of operation holes 156 a and 156 b formed in an end plate 154 constituting a slide table 152 and extending in the height direction (the direction of arrow C).

[0084] The operation holes 156a and 156b are formed, for example, on one side 154a of the end panel 154 connected to the table body 78 in the longitudinal direction, and are formed at a predetermined interval in the width direction (arrow B direction), and are formed to be rectangular in cross section and to pass through the upper surface of the end panel 154 in a straight line to the storage chamber 94 formed inside. That is, in the slide table 152, the storage chamber 94 is connected to the outside through a pair of operation holes 156a and 156b. In addition, the number and position of the operation holes 156a and 156b are not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and can be appropriately set as needed.

[0085] Furthermore, when the linear actuator 150 is used in an environment where dust or the like is scattered, for example, when a solidified product formed by a mixture of the lubricant for lubricating the ball bearing 104 of the guide mechanism 18 and the dust or the like is stored in the storage chamber 94, an operator (not shown) sprays compressed air into the inside of the pair of working holes 156a, 156b, respectively. Thus, the storage chamber 94 is pressurized by the supply of compressed air, and the accumulated solidified product can be discharged to the outside from the opening of the storage chamber 94 on the side of the longitudinal surface 154a. In addition, instead of using compressed air, a rod-shaped member can be inserted into the working holes 156a, 156b to squeeze out the solidified product accumulated in the storage chamber 94.

[0086] Therefore, the solidified material stored in the storage chamber 94 can be easily and reliably discharged to the outside through the operation holes 156a and 156b without removing or moving the slide 152, thereby improving the maintainability.

[0087] Then, in Figure 12 to Figure 17 2 shows a linear actuator 160 according to a third embodiment. Components identical to those of the linear actuator 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] The linear actuator 160 according to the third embodiment is different from the linear actuator 10 according to the first embodiment in that a storage chamber (storage portion) 166 provided in an end plate 164 of a slide table 162 penetrates in the thickness direction (length direction, directions of arrows A1 and A2 ).

[0089] like Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown, the linear actuator 160 includes a storage chamber 166 in an end plate 164 constituting a slide 162, and the storage chamber 166 is formed, for example, with the same cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction of the end plate 164, that is, in the longitudinal direction (arrow A1, A2 direction) of the slide 162. That is, the storage chamber 166 opens on the other side 164a of the end plate 164 in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] Furthermore, when the linear actuator 160 is used in an environment with flying dust, etc., and a solidified product generated by the mixture of the dust, etc. and the lubricant is stored in the storage chamber 166, for example, an operator not shown in the figure can easily and reliably take out the solidified product to the outside from an opening portion 168 of the storage chamber 166 which is opened on the other side in the longitudinal direction (in the direction of arrow A2), thereby eliminating the need to remove or move the slide 162, thereby improving its maintainability.

[0091] Furthermore, since the storage chamber 166 is open at the other side 164a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 164, after the solidified material is gradually squeezed into the storage chamber 166 from the guide mechanism 18 side and accumulated, the solidified material is squeezed outward from the opening portion 168 and discharged from the end panel 164. That is, the operation for removing the solidified material in the storage chamber 166 is not required, and the maintainability can be further improved.

[0092] In addition, if Figure 15 to Figure 17 As shown, a cover member 170 for covering the opening portion 168 of the storage chamber 166 may be provided on the other side 164a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 164. The cover member 170 is formed, for example, in a plate shape larger than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 166, and the four corners thereof are fastened to the other side 164a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 164 by cover fixing bolts 172, thereby covering the opening portion 168 of the storage chamber 166. That is, the cover member 170 is provided to be freely attachable and detachable relative to the end panel 164.

[0093] Furthermore, in the linear actuator 160, the cover member 170 is attached to the end panel 164 in a normal use state, thereby preventing dust and the like from entering the interior through the opening portion 168 of the storage chamber 166. On the other hand, when removing the solidified matter accumulated in the storage chamber 166, the cover member 170 is removed from the end panel 164 by removing the cover fixing bolts 172, thereby removing the solidified matter from the opened storage chamber 166, and the cover member 170 is used again to cover the linear actuator 160 after the work is completed.

[0094] at last, Figure 18 to Figure 21 A linear actuator 180 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. The same components as those of the linear actuator 160 according to the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0095] The linear actuator 180 according to the fourth embodiment has a storage chamber (storage portion) 184 extending through the slide 182 in the thickness direction (in the direction of arrows A1 and A2), and an end panel 186 has a pair of working holes 188a and 188b, which is different from the linear actuator 160 according to the third embodiment.

[0096] like Figure 18 to Figure 21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage chamber 184 of the end plate 186 constituting the slide 182 of the linear actuator 180 is penetrated in the thickness direction, that is, the length direction (arrow A1, A2 direction) of the slide 182 with the same cross-sectional shape. In addition, the end plate 186 is formed with a pair of working holes 188a, 188b extending from its upper surface to the storage chamber 184 side in the height direction (arrow C direction) and communicated with the storage chamber 184.

[0097] Furthermore, when the linear actuator 180 is used in an environment where dust or the like is scattered, and the solidified product generated by mixing the dust or the like with the lubricant is stored in the storage chamber 184, for example, an operator (not shown) can easily and reliably take out the solidified product from the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 that opens to the other side in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow A2). In addition, by supplying compressed air to the storage chamber 184 through the operation holes 188a and 188b, the solidified product accumulated in the storage chamber 184 can be discharged to the outside more smoothly from the front.

[0098] As a result, while the solidified material in the storage chamber 184 is taken out from the opening portion 190 thereof, the compressed air supplied from the operation holes 188a and 188b is also utilized, thereby significantly improving the maintainability for removing the solidified material.

[0099] In addition, if Figure 22 to Figure 23BAs shown, a cover member 192 for simultaneously covering the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 and the working holes 188a and 188b may be provided on the end panel 186.

[0100] The cover member 192 is formed, for example, to have an L-shaped cross section, by a first cover portion 194 that covers the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184, and a second cover portion 196 that is formed orthogonally to the upper end of the first cover portion 194. The cover member 192 covers the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 by fastening the four corners of the first cover portion 194 to the other side 186a in the longitudinal direction of the end panel 186 by cover fixing bolts 198, and the second cover portion 196 abuts against the upper surface of the end panel 186 to cover the pair of operation holes 188a, 188b.

[0101] Furthermore, in the linear actuator 180, the cover member 192 is mounted on the end panel 186 in a normal use state, thereby preventing dust and the like from entering the interior through the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 and the working holes 188a and 188b.

[0102] On the other hand, when removing the solidified material accumulated in the storage chamber 184, the cover part 192 is detached by removing the cover fixing bolts 198, and the solidified material is taken out from the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 to the outside. After the operation is completed, it is covered again with the cover part 192, thereby effectively preventing the intrusion of dust and the like through the opening portion 190 of the storage chamber 184 and the working holes 188a, 188b.

[0103] In addition, the linear actuator according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is of course possible to adopt various structures without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A linear actuator (180), comprising: A cylinder body (12) having a cylinder chamber (70) inside which is supplied with a pressure fluid; A slide (182) is movably arranged along the length direction of the cylinder body; a cylinder mechanism having a piston (44) movably arranged along the cylinder chamber; and A guide mechanism (18) is installed on the cylinder body and guides the slide along the length direction of the cylinder body through the rolling action of a plurality of rolling bodies (104) circulating in the passage. The linear actuator causes the slide to reciprocate relative to the cylinder body under the movement of the piston. Features: The slide has: a main body portion (78) extending along the length direction of the cylinder body; and an end portion, which is arranged at a right angle to the main body and faces an end portion in the length direction of the cylinder body, The end portion is provided with a storage portion, which is opened at the end surface of the end portion facing the cylinder body and extends along the longitudinal direction so as to store dust inside. The receiving portion is formed through the length direction of the end portion. The tip portion has a working hole (188a, 188b) formed therein, the working hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the housing portion and connecting the housing portion with the outside.

2. The linear actuator according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The storage portion is formed at a position facing the guide mechanism when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

3. The linear actuator according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A cover member (170, 192) is detachably provided on the tip portion and covers the opening of the storage portion.

4. A linear actuator (150), comprising: A cylinder body (12) having a cylinder chamber (70) inside which is supplied with a pressure fluid; A slide (152) is movably arranged along the length direction of the cylinder body; a cylinder mechanism having a piston (44) movably arranged along the cylinder chamber; and A guide mechanism (18) is installed on the cylinder body and guides the slide along the length direction of the cylinder body through the rolling action of a plurality of rolling bodies (104) circulating in the passage. The linear actuator causes the slide to reciprocate relative to the cylinder body under the movement of the piston. Features: The slide has: a main body portion (78) extending along the length direction of the cylinder body; and an end portion, which is arranged at a right angle to the main body and faces an end portion in the length direction of the cylinder body, The end portion is provided with a storage portion, which is opened at the end surface of the end portion facing the cylinder body and extends along the longitudinal direction so as to store dust inside. The receiving portion is formed non-through along the length direction of the end portion, The end portion has a working hole (156a, 156b) formed therein, the working hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the storage portion and connecting the storage portion with the outside.

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