Motion guiding device

Abstract

The guiding device includes an orbital member and a moving member that engages with the orbital member by sandwiching a plurality of rolling elements. In the moving member, a lubrication path is formed for supplying lubricant to the circulation path of the rolling elements. The lubrication path has a common path including an inlet portion that serves as an inlet for the lubricant, a first path through which the grease flows, and a second path through which the lubricating oil flows. The cross-sectional area of the second path is smaller than that of the first path, and in the common path, the second communication portion of the second path is located closer to the inlet portion side than the first communication portion of the first path. Moreover, the guiding device includes a plug member that closes the inlet portion of the common path, and the plug member is detachable and movable within the common path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guiding device for relative movement of a moving member relative to a track member. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a guiding device has been known which includes a track member extending in a length direction and a moving member capable of relatively moving in the length direction of the track member. In such a guiding device, a plurality of rolling elements are interposed in a rollable state between rolling surfaces respectively formed on the track member and the moving member and opposed to each other, and the moving member is engaged with the track member. Thereby, a load rolling path for the plurality of rolling elements to roll is defined between the rolling surface of the track member and the rolling surface of the moving member. Further, a circulation path communicating with the load rolling path and for circulating the plurality of rolling elements is provided inside the moving member. When the moving member moves in the length direction of the track member, the plurality of rolling elements circulate through the load rolling path and the circulation path. Hereinafter, the path formed by the load rolling path and the circulation path and for circulating the plurality of rolling elements is referred to as a "rolling element path".

[0003] Here, in a guiding device having the above-described structure, in order to suppress wear of the wall surface of the rolling element path (i.e., the rolling surface or the wall surface of the circulation path) and the rolling elements when the rolling elements circulate in the rolling element path, it is necessary to supply a lubricant to the rolling element path. As lubricants used in guiding devices, grease (semi-solid lubricant) and lubricating oil (liquid lubricant) are generally known. Grease and lubricating oil are used separately according to the use environment of the guiding device.

[0004] In addition, a motion guiding device having a lubrication path is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The lubrication path is a path through which a lubricant supplied to the rolling element circulation path flows. In Patent Document 1, the motion guiding device includes a lubrication path member formed with a lubrication path groove constituting the lubrication path and a cover member main body formed with a fitting groove for fitting the lubrication path member. And, when using lubricating oil as the lubricant, the lubrication path member is fitted into the fitting groove of the cover member main body to narrow the lubrication path. On the other hand, when using grease as the lubricant, the fitting groove of the cover member main body is used as the lubrication path without fitting the lubrication path member into the fitting groove of the cover member main body.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5160239 Gazette Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] As described above, in the guiding device, as the lubricant, there are cases of using grease and cases of using lubricating oil. However, grease and lubricating oil are very different in terms of viscosity. Specifically, the viscosity of grease is higher than that of lubricating oil. Therefore, in a structure where the lubricant is supplied to the rolling element path through a lubrication path, which is a path through which the lubricant flows, the cross-sectional areas of the lubrication path suitable for supplying grease and the lubrication path suitable for supplying lubricating oil are very different. That is, when using high-viscosity grease as the lubricant, compared with the case of using low-viscosity lubricating oil as the lubricant, it is necessary to increase the cross-sectional area of the lubrication path.

[0010] Therefore, assuming that lubricating oil flows into the lubrication path suitable for supplying grease, since the volume of the lubrication path is too large, the lubricating oil will not fill the entire lubrication path. As a result, it is possible that the lubricating oil cannot cover the entire rolling element path. On the other hand, assuming that even if one wants to flow grease into the lubrication path suitable for supplying lubricating oil, since the cross-sectional area of the lubrication path is too small, the grease will not enter the lubrication path. As a result, it is possible that grease cannot be supplied to the rolling element path.

[0011] Thus, in the guiding device, as the lubricant, it is difficult to use a common circulation path in the cases of using grease and using lubricating oil. Therefore, in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, in the motion guiding device, when using lubricating oil as the lubricant, the lubrication path member is inserted into the fitting groove. On the other hand, when using grease as the lubricant, the lubrication path member is not inserted into the fitting groove, so that the structure of the lubrication path is different according to the lubricant used. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the structure of the motion guiding device is changed according to the lubricant. Therefore, after the motion guiding device is installed as an equipment, it is difficult to cope with the change of the lubricant used.

[0012] The present invention has been completed in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a technology that can cope with the change of the lubricant used in a guiding device where a moving member moves relative to a rail member.

[0013] Means for Solving the Problem

[0014] The guiding device of the present invention includes: a rail member extending in the longitudinal direction; and a moving member capable of relatively moving along the longitudinal direction of the rail member. The rolling surfaces formed on the rail member and the moving member face each other, and the moving member is engaged with the rail member in such a manner that a plurality of rolling elements are sandwiched between the rolling surfaces of the two members in a rollable state. When the moving member moves along the longitudinal direction of the rail member, the plurality of rolling elements circulate through a rolling element path formed by a load rolling path and a circulation path provided inside the moving member. The load rolling path is delimited by the rolling surface of the rail member and the rolling surface of the moving member. Among them, in the moving member, a lubricating path for supplying lubricant to the circulation path is formed. The lubricating path has: a common path including an inlet portion that opens on the outer wall surface of the moving member and serves as a supply port for the lubricant; a first path including a first communication portion communicating with the common path and a first opening portion opening on the wall surface of the circulation path, through which grease flows when grease is used as the lubricant; and a second path including a second communication portion communicating with the common path and a second opening portion opening on the wall surface of the circulation path, through which lubricating oil flows when lubricating oil is used as the lubricant. The cross-sectional area of the second path is smaller than that of the first path, and in the common path, the second communication portion of the second path is located on the side closer to the inlet portion than the first communication portion of the first path. The guiding device includes a plug member that plugs the inlet portion of the common path in the lubricating path, is detachable, and can move within the common path in a state of plugging the common path.

[0015] Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, in a guiding device in which a moving member moves relative to a rail member, it is possible to cope with a change in the lubricant used. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a view showing the appearance of the guiding device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a view for explaining the operation of the rolling elements of the guiding device.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a view showing a cross-section of the guiding device on a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the guide rail.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a first view schematically showing the internal structure of the end plate.

[0021] Figure 5It is the second figure schematically showing the internal structure of the end plate.

[0022] Figure 6 It is the third figure schematically showing the internal structure of the end plate.

[0023] Figure 7 It is the fourth figure schematically showing the internal structure of the end plate.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a figure for explaining the flow of grease in the lubrication path of the end plate.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a figure for explaining the flow of lubricating oil in the lubrication path of the end plate.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a figure for explaining the flow of grease in the lubrication path of the end plate in a modified example. Detailed Description

[0027] In the guiding device of the present invention, the rolling element path in which a plurality of rolling elements circulate is formed by a load rolling path and a circulation path provided inside the moving member. And, a lubrication path for supplying lubricant to the circulation path is formed in the moving member. Lubricant is supplied to this lubrication path from the outside.

[0028] The lubrication path has a common path, a first path, and a second path. The common path includes an inlet portion that opens on the outer wall surface of the moving member and serves as the supply port of the lubricant. In the case of using grease as the lubricant and in the case of using lubricating oil as the lubricant, the lubricant flows into the common path from the outside through the inlet portion of the common path.

[0029] The first path is the path through which grease flows when using grease as the lubricant. The second path is the path through which lubricating oil flows when using lubricating oil as the lubricant. The first communication portion of the first path and the second communication portion of the second path are respectively connected to the common path. In addition, the first opening portion of the first path and the second opening portion of the second path respectively open on the wall surface of the circulation path. Therefore, the grease flowing into the common path flows from the common path through the first communication portion into the first path, and then is supplied to the circulation path through the first opening portion. In addition, the lubricating oil flowing into the common path flows from the common path through the second communication portion into the second path, and then is supplied to the circulation path through the second opening portion.

[0030] Also, in the lubrication path, the cross-sectional area of the second path is formed to be smaller than that of the first path. That is, the cross-sectional area of the first path is formed to be a size suitable for the flow of grease. On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of the second path is formed to be a size suitable for the flow of lubricating oil. Additionally, in the common path, the second communication portion of the second path is located on the inlet side (i.e., the upstream side along the direction of lubricant flow) of the first communication portion of the first path.

[0031] Moreover, the guiding device includes a plug member that blocks the inlet portion of the common path in the lubrication path. This plug member is configured to be detachable and movable within the common path in a state where the common path is blocked. Therefore, when the plug member is detached from the inlet portion of the common path, lubricant can flow into the common path from this inlet portion. Additionally, when the plug member moves within the common path, lubricant can only flow into the portion of the common path on the inlet side of the position of the plug member. In other words, it is possible to suppress the flow of lubricant into the portion of the common path on the inner side of the position of the plug member.

[0032] In the guiding device having the above structure, by detaching the plug member from the inlet portion of the common path or moving the plug member within the common path, it is possible to cope with changes in the lubricant used. That is, when using grease as the lubricant, grease can be supplied to the circulation path via the first path, and when using lubricating oil as the lubricant, lubricating oil can be supplied to the circulation path via the second path.

[0033] For example, when using grease as the lubricant, the plug member is detached from the inlet portion of the common path. Thereby, grease can flow into the common path from the inlet portion. And the grease flowing into the common path is supplied to the circulation path via the first path. At this time, in the common path, the grease passes through the portion communicating with the second communication portion of the second path. However, the cross-sectional area of the second path is smaller than that of the first path and is formed to be a size suitable for the flow of lubricating oil. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of grease into the second path through the second communication portion. It should be noted that in the moving member, sometimes the common path is formed to extend to a position deeper than the first communication portion of the first path. In this case, when using grease as the lubricant, the plug member can also be disposed at a position deeper than the first communication portion of the first path in the common path.

[0034] On the other hand, when using lubricating oil as a lubricant, the plug member is disposed at a position in the common path that communicates with the first communication portion of the first path or at a position between the first communication portion of the first path and the second communication portion of the second path. Thereby, the lubricating oil can flow into the common path from the inlet portion. And the lubricating oil flowing into the common path is supplied to the circulation path via the second path. At this time, the common path is blocked by the plug member at a position downstream of the second communication portion of the second path, that is, at a position that communicates with the first communication portion of the first path, or at a position between the first communication portion of the first path and the second communication portion of the second path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the lubricating oil from flowing into the first path through the first communication portion.

[0035] In addition, as described above, in the guiding device, whether using grease as a lubricant or using lubricating oil as a lubricant, the lubricant can be supplied from the inlet portion of the common path which is a common supply port. Therefore, compared with the case where an inlet portion for supplying grease and an inlet portion for supplying lubricating oil are respectively provided on the outer wall surface of the moving member, the space for providing the supply port of the lubricant can be reduced.

[0036] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the structural components described in this embodiment do not mean that the technical scope of the invention is limited only to the above description unless otherwise specified.

[0037] <Structure of the guiding device>

[0038] Figure 1 shows the appearance of the guiding device 1. The guiding device 1 includes a guide rail 11 (corresponding to the "track member" mentioned in the present application), and a carriage 12 (corresponding to the "moving member" mentioned in the present application) assembled so as to be relatively movable along the length direction of the guide rail 11. The guide rail 11 is installed on the base of a user device such as a machine tool, and the worktable of the user device is installed on the carriage 12. In this case, the movement of the movable part including the worktable is guided by the guiding device 1. It should be noted that the guiding device 1 can also be turned upside down, with the carriage 12 installed on the base of the user device and the guide rail 11 installed on the worktable. In addition, the guiding device 1 can also be used in a state where the length direction of the guide rail 11 is not horizontal but inclined or orthogonal to the horizontal plane.

[0039] It should be noted that in the present application, for the convenience of description, the guide rail 11 is disposed on the horizontal plane, and the direction when viewed from the length direction of the guide rail 11, that is, Figure 1 the x-axis shown is taken as the front-rear direction, the y-axis is taken as the up-down direction, and the z-axis is taken as the left-right direction to describe the structure of the guiding device 1. Of course, the configuration of the guiding device 1 is not limited to this configuration. In addition, Figure 2Indicates the movement of a plurality of rollers 15 (equivalent to the "rolling elements" mentioned in the present application) in the guiding device 1. Figure 3 Indicates the cross-section of the guiding device 1 in a plane ([ Figure 1 the yz plane in this case) orthogonal to the extending direction of the guide rail 11.

[0040] As Figure 3 shown, two upper and lower rolling surfaces 16b are respectively formed on the left and right guide rail side surfaces 11b of the guide rail 11. That is, four rolling surfaces 16b are formed on the guide rail 11. In addition, as Figure 1 shown, through holes 11c are provided at appropriate intervals along the length direction on the upper guide rail surface 11a of the guide rail 11, and the through holes 11c are for fastening members for fastening the guide rail 11 to the base of the above-mentioned user equipment to pass through.

[0041] The carriage 12 has a central portion facing the upper guide rail surface 11a of the guide rail 11 and a pair of side portions facing the side surfaces of the guide rail 11, and its cross-section is in a U shape. Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the carriage 12 includes a carriage main body 13 (equivalent to the "main body of the moving member" mentioned in the present application) at the center in the moving direction and a pair of end plates 14 (equivalent to the "end members" mentioned in the present application) arranged at both ends in the moving direction of the carriage main body 13. And, as Figure 3 shown, the carriage main body 13 has a central portion 13a facing the upper guide rail surface 11a of the guide rail 11 and a pair of side portions 13b facing the guide rail side surfaces 11b of the guide rail 11, and its cross-section is in a U shape. Furthermore, the end plates 14 are the same as the carriage main body 13, having a central portion facing the upper guide rail surface 11a of the guide rail 11 and a pair of side portions facing the guide rail side surfaces 11b of the guide rail 11, and its cross-section is in a U shape. Each end plate 14 is fastened to the carriage main body 13 by fastening members such as bolts. It should be noted that the detailed structure of the end plates 14 will be described later.

[0042] And, as Figure 3 shown, four rolling surfaces 16a are formed on the carriage main body 13 respectively facing the four rolling surfaces 16b of the guide rail 11. And, a plurality of rollers 15 are sandwiched between the rolling surface 16b formed on the guide rail 11 and the rolling surface 16a formed on the carriage main body 13 in a state capable of rolling, and the carriage main body 13 is engaged with the guide rail 11. And, a load rolling path 16 is defined by the mutually opposed rolling surface 16a of the guide rail 11 and the rolling surface 16b of the carriage main body 13. In addition, as Figure 2As shown, a return path 17 parallel to the load rolling path 16 is formed inside the carriage body 13. In addition, a U-shaped direction conversion path 18 connecting the load rolling path 16 and the return path 17 is formed in each end plate 14. The inner peripheral side of the direction conversion path 18 is constituted by an inner peripheral portion 19 having a semicircular cross section integrally formed with the carriage body 13. It should be noted that the return path 17 and a pair of direction conversion paths 18 constitute the "circulation path" mentioned in this application. And a raceway-shaped rolling element path 20 is formed by the load rolling path 16 between the rolling surfaces 16b of the guide rail 11 and the rolling surface 16a of the carriage body 13, a pair of direction conversion paths 18, and the return path 17. A plurality of rollers 15 are accommodated in the rolling element path 20. And in the guiding device 1, as Figure 2 shown, when the carriage 12 moves relative to the guide rail 11 in the direction of the hollow arrow, the plurality of rollers 15 circulate in the direction of the arrow through the rolling element path 20. That is, the rollers 15 existing between the opposing rolling surfaces 16a and 16b roll on the load rolling path 16. In addition, the roller 15 that rolls to one end of the load rolling path 16 is introduced into one direction conversion path 18, passes through the return path 17 and the other direction conversion path 18, and returns to the other end of the load rolling path 16.

[0043] <Structure of lubrication path>

[0044] As described above, in the guiding device 1, when the carriage 12 moves relative to the guide rail 11, the plurality of rollers 15 circulate through the rolling element path 20. At this time, in order to suppress the wear of the wall surfaces of the rolling element path 20 (that is, the rolling surfaces 16a, 16b, the direction conversion path 18, and the return path 17) and the rollers 15, a lubricant is supplied to the rolling element path 20. The supply of this lubricant travels relative to the direction conversion path 18 via the lubrication path formed in the end plate 14.

[0045] Hereinafter, based on Figures 4 - 7 the structure of the lubrication path in the end plate 14 will be described. Figures 4 - 7 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the end plate 14. Here, in the guiding device 1, as the lubricant, grease (for example, lithium-based grease or urea-based grease) or lubricating oil (for example, sliding surface oil or turbine oil) is selectively used. Therefore, the lubrication path 30 in the end plate 14 has a first path 32 for the grease to flow when using grease as the lubricant, and a second path 33 for the lubricating oil to flow when using lubricating oil as the lubricant. Moreover, the lubrication path 30 has a common path 31 including an inlet portion 31a that serves as the supply port of the lubricant in the case of using either grease or lubricating oil as the lubricant.

[0046] It should be noted that Figure 4It mainly shows the schematic structure of the common path 31 and the first path 32. In addition, Figure 5 It mainly shows the schematic structure of the common path 31 and the second path 33. However, Figure 4 the shown common path 31 and Figure 5 the shown common path 31 are the same. In addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 are enlarged views showing the schematic structure of the connecting part of the first path 32 and the connecting part of the second path 33 in the common path 31.

[0047] As described above, the end plate 14 has a cross-sectional U shape with a central portion 14a facing the upper surface 11a of the guide rail of the guide rail 11 and a pair of side portions 14b facing the side surface 11b of the guide rail 11. And, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, in the end plate 14, the common path 31 of the lubrication path 30 is formed in the central portion 14a and both side portions 14b respectively (it should be noted that in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , for convenience, each common path 31 is represented by a dotted line). The common path 31 formed in the central portion 14a includes an inlet portion 31a that opens on the outer wall surface of the front surface of the end plate 14 (that is, the wall surface opposite to the wall surface in contact with the carriage body 13). In addition, the common path 31 formed in each side portion 14b includes an inlet portion 31a that opens on the outer wall surface of the side surface of the end plate 14. That is, in the end plate 14, the inlet portion 31a is provided at three positions. It should be noted that a pipe joint for connecting a grease gun for supplying grease and an oil supply pump for supplying lubricating oil is installed at each inlet portion 31a.

[0048] In addition, a set screw 40 (equivalent to the "bolt member" mentioned in the present application) for blocking each inlet portion 31a is provided in each common path 31 of the end plate 14. Each set screw 40 is configured to be detachable from the inlet portion 31a and can be screwed into the inner side direction of the common path 31 in a state of blocking the common path 31 and move.

[0049] In addition, on the end plate 14, the first path 32 and the second path 33 are formed at positions offset from each other in the front-rear direction (x-axis direction). And, the first path 32 and the second path 33 are respectively communicated with each common path 31.

[0050] As Figure 4 shown, the first path 32 is respectively communicated with the common path 31 formed in both side portions 14b of the end plate 14. It should be noted that in Figure 4 and Figure 5In the figure, the connection part of the first path 32 that is respectively connected to the common path 31 formed in the both side parts 14b is denoted as the first connection part 32a. And in the end plate 14, the first path 32 extends from the both side parts 14b where the first connection part 32a is formed toward the central part 14a, and at approximately the center of the central part 14a, it is connected to the common path 31 formed in this central part 14a. Moreover, the first path 32 extends from the first connection part (not shown in the figure) that is connected to the common path 31 formed in the central part 14a of the end plate 14 toward the direction conversion path 18 formed in the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14. Here, two direction conversion paths 18 are respectively formed in the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14. Therefore, the first path 32 extending toward the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14 is divided into two branches in each side part 14b. And each end of the first path 32 divided into two branches is respectively connected to the two direction conversion paths 18 in each side part 14b. That is, the first path 32 opens on the wall surfaces of the two direction conversion paths 18 in each side part 14b. It should be noted that in Figure 4 the opening part of the first path 32 that opens on the wall surface of each direction conversion path 18 is denoted as the first opening part 32b.

[0051] In addition, as Figure 5 shown, the second path 33, similarly to the first path 32, is respectively connected to the common path 31 formed in the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14. It should be noted that in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the connection part of the second path 33 that is respectively connected to the common path 31 formed in the both side parts 14b is denoted as the second connection part 33a. And in the end plate 14, the second path 33 extends from the both side parts 14b where the second connection part 33a is formed toward the central part 14a, and at approximately the center of the central part 14a, it is connected to the common path 31 formed in this central part 14a. Moreover, the second path 33, similarly to the first path 32, extends from the part that is connected to the common path 31 formed in the central part 14a of the end plate 14 toward the direction conversion path 18 formed in the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14. In addition, the second path 33 extending toward the both side parts 14b of the end plate 14 is divided into two branches in each side part 14b. And each end of the second path 33 divided into two branches is respectively connected to the two direction conversion paths 18 in each side part 14b. That is, the second path 33 opens on the wall surfaces of the two direction conversion paths 18 in each side part 14b. It should be noted that in Figure 5 the opening part of the second path 33 that opens on the wall surface of each direction conversion path 18 is denoted as the second opening part 33b.

[0052] In addition, the cross-sectional areas of the first path 32 and the second path 33 (the cross-sectional areas in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the paths) are different. That is, the cross-sectional area of the first path 32 is formed to be a size suitable for the flow of grease. On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of the second path 33 is formed to be a size suitable for the flow of lubricating oil. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the second path 33 is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first path 32.

[0053] Here, based on Figure 6 and Figure 7 the positional relationship between the connection portion 32a of the first path 32 and the connection portion 33a of the second path 33 in the common path 31 will be described. Figure 6 The common path 31, the connection portion 32a of the first path 32, and the connection portion 33a of the second path 33 formed in the central portion 14a of the end plate 14 are shown. Figure 7 The common path 31, the connection portion 32a of the first path 32, and the connection portion 33a of the second path 33 formed in the side portion 14b of the end plate 14 are shown. In Figure 6 the upward direction is the direction of the upper surface of the end plate 14. In Figure 7 the upward direction is the direction of the front surface of the end plate 14. In addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 the state where the entrance portion 31a of the common path 31 is blocked by the set screw 40 is shown. As Figure 6 and Figure 7 [[ID=element]] shown, in either the central portion 14a or the side portion 14b of the end plate 14, the second path 33 communicates with an intermediate portion of the common path 31. In addition, in the central portion 14a of the end plate 14, as Figure 6 shown, the first path 32 communicates with the innermost portion of the common path 31. On the other hand, in the side portion 14b of the end plate 14, as Figure 7 shown, the first path 32 communicates from the side (from the front surface side of the end plate 14) near the innermost portion of the common path 31. And, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, in either the central portion 14a or the side portion 14b of the end plate 14, in the common path 31, the second connection portion 33a of the second path 33 is located on the side closer to the entrance portion 31a (that is, the upstream side along the direction of lubricant flow) than the first connection portion 32a of the first path 32.

[0054] <Flow of Lubricant>

[0055] Next, in the guiding device 1, based on Figure 8 and Figure 9, the flow of lubricant in the lubrication path 30 of the end plate 14 when using grease and when using lubricating oil as lubricants will be described. It should be noted that here, the flow of lubricant in the lubrication path 30 in the side portion 14b of the end plate 14 will be taken as an example for description.

[0056] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the flow of grease in the lubrication path 30 of the end plate 14 when using grease as a lubricant in the guiding device 1. In Figure 8 it, the arrows indicate the flow of grease. As Figure 8 shown, when using grease as a lubricant in the guiding device 1, the stop screw 40 is removed from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31. And, the grease flows into the common path 31 from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31. The grease flowing into the common path 31 flows into the first path 32 through the first communication portion 32a. The grease flowing into the first path 32 is supplied to the direction conversion path 18 through the first opening 32b.

[0057] At this time, in the common path 31, the grease passes through a portion communicating with the second communication portion 33a of the second path 33. However, the cross-sectional area of the second path 33 is smaller than that of the first path 32 and is formed to be suitable for the flow of lubricating oil. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the grease from flowing into the second path 33 through the second communication portion 33a.

[0058] In addition, Figure 9 it is a diagram for explaining the flow of lubricating oil in the lubrication path 30 of the end plate 14 when using lubricating oil as a lubricant in the guiding device 1. In Figure 9 it, the arrows indicate the flow of lubricating oil. As Figure 9 shown, when using lubricating oil as a lubricant in the guiding device 1, the stop screw 40 is screwed into the inside of the common path 31. And, the stop screw 40 is arranged at a position in the common path 31 communicating with the first communication portion 32a of the first path 32. And, the lubricating oil flows into the common path 31 from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31. The lubricating oil flowing into the common path 31 flows into the second path 33 through the second communication portion 33a. The lubricating oil flowing in the second path 33 is supplied to the direction conversion path 18 through the second opening 33b.

[0059] At this time, the common path 31 is blocked by the set screw 40 at a position downstream of the second communication portion 33a of the second path 33 and communicating with the first communication portion 32a of the first path 32. That is, the first communication portion 32a of the first path 32 is blocked by the set screw 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the lubricating oil from flowing into the first path 32 through the first communication portion 32a. It should be noted that when lubricating oil is used as a lubricant in the guiding device 1, the position where the set screw 40 is disposed in the common path 31 is not limited to the position communicating with the first communication portion 32a of the first path 32, and may also be a position between the communication portion 32a of the first path 32 and the communication portion 33a of the second path 33. Even when the common path 31 is blocked by the set screw 40 at such a position, it is possible to suppress the lubricating oil from flowing into the first path 32 through the first communication portion 32a. It should be noted that at the central portion 14a of the end plate 14, by removing the set screw 40 from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31, it is possible to communicate with Figure 8 Similarly, it is possible to allow the grease to flow from the common path 31 into the first path 32. In addition, at the central portion 14a of the end plate 14, by screwing the set screw 40 into the common path 31 and moving it to a position closer to the inside than the second communication portion 33a of the second path 33, it is possible to communicate with Figure 9 Similarly, it is possible to allow the lubricating oil to flow from the common path 31 into the second path 33.

[0060] <Effects brought about by the present structure of the guiding device>

[0061] As described above, in the guiding device 1, by removing the set screw 40 from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31, or screwing the set screw 40 into the common path 31 and moving it, it is possible to cope with the change of the lubricant used. That is, when grease is used as a lubricant, it is possible to supply the grease to the direction conversion path 18 via the first path 32, and when lubricating oil is used as a lubricant, it is possible to supply the lubricating oil to the direction conversion path 18 via the second path 33. Therefore, even after the guiding device 1 is installed in the equipment, the user of the guiding device 1 can change the lubricant used.

[0062] In addition, as described above, in the guiding device 1, whether grease is used as a lubricant or lubricating oil is used as a lubricant, the lubricant can be supplied from the inlet portion 31a of the common path 31 which is a common supply port. Therefore, compared with the case where an inlet portion for supplying grease and an inlet portion for supplying lubricating oil are respectively provided on the outer wall surface of the end plate 14, the space for providing the supply port for the lubricant can be reduced.

[0063] In addition, as described above, in the end plate 14, the common path 31 is provided at three locations. Moreover, the inlet portions 31a of the common path 31 are formed in the central portion 14a and the two side portions 14b of the end plate 14. That is, the inlet portions 31a are formed at three different locations on the end plate 14. In addition, the guiding device 1 includes three setscrew 40 corresponding to each of the inlet portions 31a. Therefore, the user of the guiding device 1 can select the inlet portion 31a to be used as the supply port for the lubricant from the three inlet portions 31a according to the installation location of the guiding device 1. It should be noted that the inlet portions 31a among the three inlet portions 31a in the end plate 14 that are not selected as the supply port for the lubricant are blocked by the setscrews 40. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the lubricant from the inlet portions 31a that are not selected as the supply port for the lubricant to the outside.

[0064] In addition, of course, the positions where the inlet portions 31a are provided on the end plate 14 are not limited to three. For example, in the end plate 14, in addition to Figure 4 and Figure 5 the three locations shown, a common passage including an inlet portion opening on the upper surface of the central portion 14a may also be provided. In addition, on the end plate 14, the position where the common passage including the inlet portion is provided may also be only one.

[0065] (Modified Example)

[0066] Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing a schematic structure of the connection portion of the first path 32 and the connection portion of the second path 33 in the common path 31, which represents a modified example of the present embodiment. In addition, in Figure 10 , the arrows indicate the flow of the grease. As Figure 10 shown, in this modified example, on the end plate 14, the common path 31 is formed to extend to a position deeper than the first connection portion 32a of the first path 32.

[0067] Moreover, in the case of the structure as in this modified example, when grease is used as the lubricant in the guiding device 1, the setscrew 40 can also be screwed into a position deeper than the first connection portion 32a of the first path 32 in the common path 31 without being disassembled. That is, as Figure 10 shown, the setscrew 40 can also be arranged at a position deeper than the first connection portion 32a of the first path 32 in the common path 31. In this case, the grease flowing into the common path 31 can also flow into the first path 32 through the first connection portion 32a. And the grease flowing in the first path 32 is supplied to the direction conversion path 18 through the first opening portion 32b. It should be noted that in this case, it is also possible to suppress the grease from flowing into the second path 33 through the second connection portion 33a.

[0068] Explanation of Reference Numerals:

[0069] 1... Guide device; 11... Guide rail; 11a... Upper surface of the guide rail; 11b... Side surface of the guide rail; 12... Carriage; 13... Carriage body; 13a... Central part; 13b... Lateral part; 14... End plate; 14a... Central part; 14b... Lateral part; 15... Roller; 16... Load rolling path; 16a... Rolling surface; 16b... Rolling surface; 17... Return path; 18... Direction conversion path; 20... Rolling element path; 30... Lubrication path; 31... Common path; 31a... Inlet part; 32... First path; 32a... First communication part; 32b... First opening part; 33... Second path; 33a... Second communication part; 33b... Second opening part; 40... Set screw.

Claims

1. A guiding device, comprising: A rail member extending along a length direction; and A moving member capable of relatively moving along the length direction of the rail member, Rolling surfaces respectively formed on the rail member and the moving member face each other, and the moving member is engaged with the rail member in such a manner that a plurality of rolling elements are sandwiched between the rolling surfaces of the two members in a rollable state, When the moving member moves along the length direction of the rail member, the plurality of rolling elements circulate through a rolling element path formed by a load rolling path and a circulation path provided inside the moving member, and the load rolling path is delimited by the rolling surface of the rail member and the rolling surface of the moving member, Wherein, In the moving member, a lubrication path for supplying a lubricant to the circulation path is formed, The lubrication path has: A common path including an inlet portion that opens on an outer wall surface of the moving member and serves as a supply port for the lubricant; A first path including a first communication portion communicating with the common path and a first opening portion opening on a wall surface of the circulation path, through which the grease flows when grease is used as the lubricant; And A second path including a second communication portion communicating with the common path and a second opening portion opening on a wall surface of the circulation path, through which the lubricating oil flows when lubricating oil is used as the lubricant, The cross-sectional area of the second path is smaller than that of the first path, and in the common path, the second communication portion of the second path is located on the side closer to the inlet portion than the first communication portion of the first path, The guiding device includes a bolt member that plugs the inlet portion of the common path in the lubrication path, is detachable, and can move within the common path in a state of plugging the communication between the common path and the first path.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein, When grease is used as the lubricant, the bolt member is removed, When lubricating oil is used as the lubricant, the bolt member is disposed at a position in the common path that communicates with the first communication portion of the first path or at a position between the first communication portion of the first path and the second communication portion of the second path.

3. The guiding device according to claim 2, wherein, In the moving member, the common path is formed to extend to a position deeper than the first communication portion of the first path, When grease is used as the lubricant, the bolt member is removed or disposed at a position in the common path deeper than the first communication portion of the first path.

4. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein, The lubrication path has a plurality of the common paths, The inlet portions of the respective common paths are formed at different positions in the moving member, The first path and the second path communicate with the respective common paths, The guiding device includes a plurality of the bolt members corresponding to the respective common paths.

5. The guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The moving member includes a moving member main body formed with the rolling surface and a pair of end members disposed at both ends in the moving direction of the moving member. The circulation path is constituted by a return path and a direction conversion path. The return path is formed on the moving member main body in parallel with the load rolling path, and the direction conversion path is formed in a U shape on each end member so as to connect the load rolling path and the return path. The lubrication path is formed in each end member.

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