Motion guidance device and additional part for motion guidance device

Abstract

Motion guidance device, which includes: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) which are provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and which each have a direction change channel (6) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6); and a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5) to supply a lubricant to the rolling element circulation channel, wherein the lubricant line is narrowed for oil lubrication using a lubricating oil and widened for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant compared to oil lubrication, characterized by the fact that that at least one of the cover elements (5) has a lubricant line part (39, 59) in which a lubricant line groove (33, 59a) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and a main body (32) of the cover element (5) which has a fitting groove (35) for fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) therein, wherein for oil lubrication using lubricating oil as lubricant the lubricant line is narrowed by fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) and for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant the lubricant line part (39, 59) is not fitted into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) in order to use the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) as a lubricant line.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a motion guidance device such as a linear guide, a splined shaft and the like for guiding straight-line or curved movements of a movable element such as a table. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] A motion guidance device, which has rolling elements such as balls or rollers on a guide section, is known as a mechanical element for guiding rectilinear or curvilinear movements of a moving body such as a table and is used in various fields including robots, machine tools, devices for manufacturing semiconductors or liquid crystals, medical machines and the like.

[0003] A linear guide, as a type of motion guidance device, has a raceway rail mounted on a base plate and a movable block mounted on the raceway rail, allowing it to move relative to the rail. The movable body is mounted on the movable block. A rolling element section is formed in the raceway rail, extending along the longitudinal direction of the raceway rail. A loaded rolling element section is formed in the movable block opposite the rolling element section, and a rolling element circulation channel is provided for the circulating of the rolling elements. Rolling elements are arranged between the rolling element section of the raceway rail and the loaded rolling element section of the movable block. As the movable block moves relative to the raceway rail, the rolling elements roll between the raceway rail and the movable block, thus circulating within the rolling element circulation channel.

[0004] When using a rolling-type motion guide device, it is essential to ensure excellent lubrication or to form an oil film between the rolling elements and the rolling surface to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. If the motion guide device is used without lubrication, the rolling elements and the rolling surface will wear down, leading to the failure of the motion guide device.

[0005] There are two types of lubricants: grease (lithium grease, urea grease, and the like) and lubricating oil (sliding surface oil, turbine oil, ISOVG 32-68, and the like). Grease and lubricating oil are used in different operating environments. For example, sliding surface oil is used in environments where coolant from a machine tool or similar equipment is sprayed in all directions, while grease is used in other environments, such as with high-speed moving parts, in vacuum environments, and in cleanrooms.

[0006] There are two lubrication methods for the motion control device: a manual lubrication method using a hand pump or similar device, and a forced lubrication method using an automatic pump. In the manual lubrication method, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 41, for example, a grease gun 165 is used to regularly supply a motion guidance device with grease via a nipple 166. A lubricant supply line is formed on an end plate 164, which is attached to an end face of the movable block, and is connected to the rolling element circulation channel. When grease is supplied to the nipple 166, the grease is supplied to the rolling elements via the lubricant supply line (see, for example, Patent Specification 1). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 42, the forced supply method consists of a process in which a predetermined quantity of lubricating oil is regularly supplied using an automatic pump, and lubrication is predominantly achieved with lubricating oil. In this forced supply method, as in the manual supply method, the lubricating oil is supplied to the rolling elements via the nipple 166 and the lubricant supply line of the end plate 164. [Patent Specification 1] Published Japanese patent publication no. JP 2005-083500 A [Patent 2] Published Japanese patent publication No. JP 2004-353,698 A. Further prior art is known from documents JP H07-317,761 A, US 5,727,884 A and JP H07-151,145 A. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, lubricating oil and grease differ in how easily they flow through the lubrication supply line. Grease is gelatinous and has a high viscosity. Therefore, to supply grease at low pressure, it is necessary to reduce the resistance of the lubrication supply line. To reduce resistance, the lubrication supply line must have a larger cross-section and a shorter length.

[0008] Meanwhile, the lubricating oil is in a liquid state, has a low viscosity, and flows easily in the lubricant supply line. Therefore, after a certain amount of time has passed since the lubricating oil was periodically added to the supply line, it flows out due to gravity. The next time lubricating oil is added, it flows into the empty supply line. Because the motion guide is used in various positions and incorporates a multitude of, for example, four rolling element circulation channels, several lubricant supply lines must be supplied with a lubricant that resists gravity. Furthermore, given current environmental concerns, the amount of lubricating oil supplied is generally being reduced.

[0009] If a small amount of lubricating oil is supplied to a large-capacity lubricant supply line, the line will not be filled with oil and therefore no pressure will be exerted. This leads to difficulties in supplying all rolling element circulation channels with lubricating oil. Since the rolling element circulation channels are independent of each other, each must be individually supplied with lubricant. To supply all rolling element circulation channels with lubricant, the capacity of each lubricant supply line must be smaller. For this reason, the lubricant supply line must have a smaller cross-section and a shorter length.

[0010] In other words, if grease is to be used as the lubricant, the lubricant supply line must have a larger cross-section and a shorter length, while the lubricant supply line must have a smaller cross-section and a shorter length if lubricating oil is to be used as the lubricant. If the lubricant supply lines are the same length, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line must be larger for grease supply and smaller for lubricating oil supply. Thus, the required cross-section differs depending on whether the supply is lubricating oil or grease. In the conventional motion guidance device, the lubricant line was designed to have a section of a single size suitable for both grease and oil lubrication.However, given the environmental impact and the reduced amount of lubricants used, designing the lubricant line to be suitable for both grease and oil lubrication becomes more difficult.

[0011] Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide a motion guidance device and an additional part for the motion guidance device that can be used both in the case of grease supply and in the case of lubricating oil supply.

[0012] Meanwhile, an end plate is divided into several parts. For example, if two direction-change channels cross on an end plate, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 43, a direction-change channel component 170 of the direction-change channel is integrated into the end plate 164. If a lubricant supply line 164a is positioned above the direction-change channel component 170 and the end plate 164 to supply lubricant, the lubricant escapes from a gap 164b between the parts, which can prevent the lubricant from reaching the rolling element circulation channel. Since the end plate 164 and the direction-change channel component 170 are molded parts, the gap 164b is difficult to avoid.

[0013] Furthermore, as the size of the end plate increases with the size of the motion guide device, it becomes more difficult to mold the end plate with resin. This may require a larger mold, and such a mold is difficult to create. Even if the mold is created, this leads to an increase in costs. For this reason, the inventors devised a manufacturing process in which the end plate is divided into several parts, the parts are molded with resin, and then the parts are joined together. However, when the end plate is divided into several parts, a joining section of the parts is placed at a midpoint of the lubricant channel on the end face. This creates the problem that the lubricant tends to escape from the joining section.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 44, the aforementioned patent specification 2 discloses the invention in which a separate element 168, having a lubricant channel groove 167 formed therein, is manufactured separately from the end plate 169, and the separate element 168 is connected to the end plate 169, thereby forming a lubricant channel (see patent specification 2, claim 1). However, the invention disclosed in patent specification 2 does not solve the problem of lubricant escaping from the connection section of the split end plate parts, since the end plate is not split.

[0015] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a motion guidance device that is able to prevent lubricant from escaping from a connecting section, even when an end plate is divided into several parts. MEANS TO SOLVENT THE PROBLEM

[0016] The present invention is now described below.

[0017] To solve the problems mentioned above, the motion guidance device according to the invention includes the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] According to the invention as described in claim 1, it is possible to modify the lubricant line according to the operating environment of the motion control device, for example, to widen the lubricant line for grease lubrication or to narrow the lubricant line for oil lubrication. Consequently, it is possible to easily lubricate the rolling elements in both cases (with lower pressure and a small amount of lubricant).

[0019] It is possible to adjust the diameter of the lubricant line by fitting or removing the lubricant line section into or out of the main body of the cover element. Furthermore, in the case of grease lubrication under heavy loads, it is possible to remove one of the parts.

[0020] According to the invention according to claim 2, it is possible to adjust the width of the lubricant line by fitting the oil lubrication part into the main body of the cover element for oil lubrication and by fitting the grease lubrication part into the main body of the cover element for grease lubrication.

[0021] According to the invention according to claim 3, the oil lubricant channel groove and the grease lubricant channel groove are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the lubricant channel part, and therefore both oil lubrication and grease lubrication are possible by turning or not turning the lubricant channel part.

[0022] According to the invention as per claim 4, the split lubricant line sections can be made smaller because the circulation channel consists of symmetrically split lubricant line sections of the same type. Consequently, the manufacture of the split lubricant line sections is simplified.

[0023] According to the invention according to claim 5, it is possible to adjust the width of the lubricant line by inserting or omitting the lubricant line part in the main body of the cover element.

[0024] According to the invention, it is possible to adjust the width of the lubricant line by inserting or omitting the lubricant line part in the main body of the cover element.

[0025] According to the invention as described in claim 6, it is possible to modify the lubricant line according to the operating environment of the motion control device, for example, to widen the lubricant line for grease lubrication or to narrow the lubricant line for oil lubrication. Consequently, it is possible to easily lubricate the rolling elements in both cases (with lower pressure and a small amount of lubricant).

[0026] According to the invention as per claim 7, the lubricant supply line may have a larger cross-section, since the lubricant can flow in both the first and second lubricant supply grooves. However, when the additional part is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line becomes equal to the smaller cross-section of the second lubricant supply groove, thus reducing the cross-section of the lubricant supply line. Consequently, the lubricant supply line can be used for supplying both grease and lubricating oil.

[0027] According to the invention as described in claim 8, when the additional part is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove, the pressure exerted on the additional part is concentrated on a section that is in contact with the rib section. This makes it possible to improve the hermetic seal through the use of the additional part. Furthermore, since the rib section is provided, it is possible to prevent the additional part from deforming and blocking the second lubricant supply groove.

[0028] According to the invention as described in claim 9, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line can be increased or decreased depending on the presence or absence of the additional part fitted into the first lubricant supply groove. Since the second lubricant supply groove is formed in the cover element or in the lubrication part by deepening the first lubricant supply groove, it is not necessary to form a groove in the surface of the additional part, and the additional part is manufactured with a flat surface. Accordingly, the additional part can be manufactured without resin molding, and its production is considerably simplified.

[0029] According to the invention of claim 10, the additional part can be easily manufactured. Since the additional part is manufactured in such a way that it has a flat surface, and it is not necessary to form a groove in the surface of the additional part, it can be manufactured by stamping.

[0030] According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to improve the hermeticity by using the additional part.

[0031] According to the invention according to claim 12, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line can be increased for the supply of grease and decreased for the supply of lubricating oil.

[0032] According to the invention according to claim 13, it is possible to form the lubricant supply line between the cover element and the end face of the movable block.

[0033] According to the invention of claim 14, it is possible to form the lubricant line between the lubrication part and the cover element.

[0034] According to the invention as described in claim 15, the lubricant supply line may have a larger cross-section, since the lubricant can flow in both the first and second lubricant supply grooves. However, when the additional part is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line becomes equal to the smaller cross-section of the second lubricant supply groove, thus reducing the cross-section of the lubricant supply line. Consequently, the lubricant supply line can be used for supplying both grease and lubricating oil.

[0035] According to the invention according to claim 16, it is possible to increase or decrease the cross-section of the lubricant supply line depending on the presence or absence of the additional part fitted into the first lubricant supply groove.

[0036] According to the invention of claim 17, since the lubricant flows in both the first and second lubricant supply grooves, the lubricant supply line may have a larger cross-section. However, when the additional part is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line becomes equal to the smaller cross-section of the second lubricant supply groove, thus reducing the cross-section of the lubricant line. Consequently, the lubricant supply line can be used for supplying both grease and lubricating oil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view showing a linear guide according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a view that represents a circular structure section of the linear guide; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a lubricant line section and a main body of an end plate; Fig. 4 is a front view showing the main body of the end plate; Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the main body of the end plate into which the lubricant line part is fitted; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the lubricant line section in contact with a moving block; Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of the main body of the end plate into which the oil lubrication part is fitted; Fig. Figure 8 is a front view of the main body of the end plate, into which a grease lubrication part is fitted; Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the oil lubrication part and the grease lubrication part in contact with the moving block; Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view, which provides another example of the lubricant line part; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view, which shows another example of the bypass channel part; Fig. 12 is a perspective exploded view showing a main body of the end plate integrated into a motion guidance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a lubricant line section (standard type and other types); Fig. Figure 14 is a front view of the main body of the end plate with the lubricant line section fitted inside (standard type); Fig. Figure 15 is a front view of the main body of the end plate with the lubricant line section fitted inside (wide type); Fig. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the lubricant line part in contact with the moving block; Fig. Figure 17 is a view that shows another example of the lubricant line part and the end plate; Fig. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the lubricant line section; Fig. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the lubricant line part; Fig. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the lubricant line part; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a motion guidance device according to the third embodiment of the present invention (where the view includes a partial cross-sectional view); Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the motion guidance device (cross-sectional view in the direction perpendicular to the track rail); Fig. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a ball recirculation channel; Fig. 24 is a front view of the end plate; Fig. 25 is an enlarged view of section IIIXV from Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a top view of an accessory part; Fig. 27 is a top view of an accessory part; Fig. 28 is a top view of the end plate into which the additional part is integrated; Fig. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the end plate into which the additional part is integrated; Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the end plate into which the additional part is integrated; Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view along line IIIXI-IIIXI from Fig. 25; Fig. 32 represents a lubricant supply line for lubricating oil (side view of the moving block); Fig. 33 represents a lubricant supply line for lubricating oil (top view of the end plate); Fig. Figure 34 is a perspective view of a motion guidance device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (where the view includes a partial cross-sectional view); Fig. 35 is a front view of the motion guidance device (where the view includes a partial cross-sectional view); Fig. 36 is a top view of the lubrication plate; Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view along line IIIXVII-IIIXVII from Fig. 36; Fig. 38 is a top view of the add-on part; Fig. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the additional part that is integrated into the lubrication plate; Fig. 40 represents a lubricant supply line for lubricating oil (side view of the moving block); Fig. Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a conventional lubrication procedure using a grease gun; Fig. Figure 42 is a perspective view showing a conventional forced supply procedure using an automatic pump; Fig. 43 is a front view showing a conventional stim plate; and Fig. Figure 44 is a perspective view showing a conventional example of an end plate and a separate element in which a lubricant line groove is formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE MARKS 1 track 1b Roller rolling surface (rolling element rolling section) 2 movable blocks 2d loaded roller rolling surface (loaded rolling element rolling section)3... roller (rolling element) 5 End plate (cover element) 6 Direction change channel 7 loaded roller channel (loaded rolling element rolling channel) 8 Roller return channel (rolling element return channel) 30... direction change channel component located on the inside (direction change channel component) 31 split lubricant line section 32 Main body of the end plate (main body of the cover element) 33 Lubricant line groove 35 Fitting groove 38 Lubricant line 39 Lubricant line section 41 Oil lubrication part 41a Oil lubricant line groove 42 Grease lubrication part 42a Grease lubricant line groove 43, 44 Lubricant line 45 Lubricant line section 46 Oil lubricant line groove 47 Grease lubricant line groove 51 Main body of the front plate 51a Middle section 51b thigh section 51a-1 wide middle section 51a-2 Standard middle section 51d connection 52 Lubricant line section 52-1 Standard lubricant line section 52-2 wide lubricant line section 53 Fitting groove 55 Lubricant line groove 58 Lubricant line 59 Lubricant line section 59a Lubricant line groove 71 Lubricant line section 72 Base plate section 73 Connecting section 101 Track rail (track element) 101a Ball rolling groove (rolling element rolling section) 103 Ball (rolling element) 104 movable block 105 Main body of the movable block 105c loaded ball groove (loaded rolling element rolling section) 105d Ball return channel (rolling element return channel) 106 End plate (cover element, lubricant supply line component) 116 Direction change channel 122 first lubricant supply groove 123 second lubricant supply groove 126, 129 Supplementary Part 131 Subsurface 132 Rib section 141 Track rail (track element) 141b Roller rolling surface (rolling element rolling section) 142 movable block 143 Roller (rolling element) 145 Main body of the movable block 145d loaded roller rolling surface (loaded rolling element rolling section) 146 Front plate 147 roller return channel (rolling element return channel) 152 Lubrication plate (lubricating element, lubricant supply line component) 155 first lubricant supply groove 155a Subsurface 156 second lubricant supply groove 157 Rib section 158 Additional Part THE BEST METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0037] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Explain a linear guide as a motion guidance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of the linear guide, and Fig. Section 2 explains a circular structure of the linear guide.

[0038] The linear guide comprises a raceway rail 1 extending straight ahead as a raceway element and a movable block 2, which is movably mounted on the raceway rail 1 via a large number of rollers 3 acting as rolling elements. It serves to guide the linear movement of a moving body. To achieve high rigidity, the rolling elements in this embodiment are rollers 3, which are resistant to elastic deformation; however, the rolling elements can also be spheres.

[0039] The track 1 extends straight ahead and has a rectangular cross-section. Grooves 1a are formed on both side faces of the track 1, which have wall surfaces 1b and bottom surfaces 1c along the longitudinal direction. Each of the upper wall surfaces 1b and the lower wall surfaces 1c is a roller rolling surface on which the rollers 3 roll. Two roller rolling surfaces 1b are present on each side face of the track 1 as rolling element rolling sections, and there are a total of four roller rolling surfaces for the track 1. Since the rollers 3 roll on each of the roller rolling surfaces 1b, the roller rolling surfaces 1b are manufactured with care with regard to strength and surface roughness, and the roller rolling surfaces 1b are subjected to a grinding process, for example, after hardening.

[0040] The movable block 2 has a central section 2a opposite an upper surface of the track rail 1 and side wall sections 2b opposite the two side surfaces of the track rail 1, extending downwards from the respective side of the central section 2a. Projecting sections 2c are formed on the side wall sections 2b of the movable block 2, shaped to correspond to the shape of the groove 1a of the track rail 1. Loaded rolling surfaces 2d are formed on these projecting sections 2c as loaded rolling element rolling sections, corresponding to the respective rolling surfaces 1b. Two vertically arranged loaded rolling surfaces 2d are provided on each side of the side wall sections 2b of the movable block 2, and a total of four loaded rolling surfaces 2d are formed for the movable block 2.Since the rollers 3 roll on these loaded roller rolling surfaces 2d, the loaded roller rolling surfaces 2d are also manufactured with care with regard to strength and surface roughness, and the loaded roller rolling surfaces 2d are subjected to a grinding process, for example, after hardening.

[0041] A plurality of steel rollers are arranged between the roller rolling surface 1b of the track rail 1 and the loaded roller rolling surface 2d of the movable block 2. The multiple rollers 3 are rotatably and slidably held in a chain by a holding device 10.

[0042] Each of the side wall sections 2b of the movable block 2 has through-openings 14, which are arranged in spaces at a predetermined distance from the two perpendicularly arranged loaded roller surfaces 2d and which extend parallel to each other. A roller return channel component 15 is inserted into each through-opening 14, forming a roller return channel 8. The roller return channel component 15 consists of a pair of tubular half-bodies, which are produced by dividing the elongated tubular element into two parts along the axial direction. A roller return channel 8 is formed on the inner surface of the roller return channel component. The roller return channel component 15 is inserted into the through-opening 14 and then attached to the movable block 2, with its two ends being supported by end plates 5.

[0043] Long resin retaining elements 11, 12, 13 are attached to the two edges of each loaded roller rolling surface 2d of the movable block 2. The retaining elements 11, 12, and 13 have a guide groove for guiding the retaining device 10, thus preventing the rollers 3 from falling off the loaded roller rolling surfaces 2d when the movable block 2 is removed from the track. A first retaining element 11 guides the underside of the retaining device 10, which moves on the underside of the loaded roller rolling surface 2d. A second retaining element 12 guides the upper side of the retaining device 10, which moves on the underside of the loaded roller rolling surface 2d. A third retaining element 13 guides the upper side of the retaining device 10, which moves on the upper side of the loaded roller rolling surface 2d.

[0044] In each of the side wall sections 2b of the movable block 2, two loaded roller channels 7-1 and 7-2 are provided (see Fig. 2), each consisting of a roller rolling surface 1b of the track rail 1 and a loaded roller rolling surface 2d of the movable block 2. In addition, two roller return channels 8-1 and 8-2 are provided in each of the side wall sections 2b of the movable block 2 (see Fig. 2), each consisting of the roller return channel component 15. In the end plates 5, direction change channels 6-1 and 6-2 are provided for the intersections of these loaded roller rolling channels 7-1 and 7-2 and the roller return channels 8-1 and 8-2 by forming crossings and underpasses.

[0045] An end plate 5 is attached to each end face in the direction of travel of the movable block 2 as a cover element. The end plate 5 has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of the movable block 2 and has a horizontal section 5a and side wall sections 5b (see Fig. 1) As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an outer direction change channel 6-1 of side wall section 5b connects the lower loaded roller channel 7-1 and the upper roller return channel 8-1. The inner direction change channel 6-2 of side wall section 5b connects the upper loaded roller channel 7-2 and the lower roller return channel 8-2. In other words, the outer direction change channel 6-1 and the inner direction change channel 6-2 connect the loaded roller channels 7 and the roller return channels 8 by means of a channel crossing. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the outside direction change channel 6-1 and the inside direction change channel 6-2 consist of the end plate 5, inside and outside direction change channel components 24, and the inside direction change channel component 30. The view on the left side of Fig. Figure 2 represents the direction change channel components 24 located on the inside and on the outside and the direction change channel component 30 located on the inside away from the end plate 5.

[0046] The inside / outside direction-change channel component 24 has an approximately U-shape as a whole. On the outside of the inside / outside direction-change channel component 24, an inside of the outside direction-change channel 6-1 is formed, while on the inside of the inside / outside direction-change channel component 24, an outside of the inside direction-change channel 6-2 is formed. When the inside / outside direction-change channel component 24 is inserted into the end plate 5, the outside of the inside / outside direction-change channel component 24 and the outside of the outside direction-change channel 6-1 formed in the end plate 5 then form the outside direction-change channel 6-1.Furthermore, the outside of the direction change channel 6-2 located on the outside, which is formed in the end plate 5, is used to form the direction change channel 6-2 located on the outside.

[0047] The inner direction-change channel component 30 has the shape of a halved cylindrical column, and an inner surface of the inner direction-change channel is formed on its outer surface. After the inner / outer direction-change channel component 24 has been fitted into the end plate 5, this inner direction-change channel component 30 is fitted into the end plate 5. The end plate 5 and the inner direction-change channel component 30 then form the inner direction-change channel 6-1.

[0048] A guide element 29 for the holding device is fitted between the inside / outside direction change channel component 24 and the inside direction change channel component 30. When the end plate 5 and the inside / outside direction change channel component 24 form the outside of the inside direction change channel, a change in height occurs at a junction between the end plate 5 and the inside / outside direction change channel component 24. The guide element 29 for the holding device is provided to eliminate this change in height, which occurs on the outside of the inside direction change channel 6-2. The guide element 29 for the holding device is U-shaped as a whole and extends over the entire length of the outside of the inside direction change channel 6-2.

[0049] Next, an assembly procedure for the linear guide is described. First, the retaining elements 11, 12, and 13 and the return channel components 15 are mounted in the movable block 2. Then, the inside / outside direction change channel components 24, guide elements 29 for the retaining device, and the inside direction change channel components 30 are successively fitted into an end plate, and the end plate 5 is attached to an end face of the movable block 2. At this stage, rollers 3, held in a row by the respective retaining device 10, are inserted into each inside and outside recirculating channel.Finally, the direction change channel components 30 located on the inside, the guide elements 29 for the holding device, the direction change channel components 24 located on the inside / outside and the end plate 5 are successively attached to an opposite end face of the movable block 2.

[0050] When the movable block 2 is moved relative to the track rail 1, the multiple rollers 3 roll in each of the loaded roller rolling channels between the loaded roller rolling surface 2d of the movable block 2 and the roller rolling surface 1b of the track rail 1. After each of the rollers 3 has rolled to one end of the loaded roller rolling surface 2d of the movable block 2, the roller 3 is scooped up by a scoop section 5c formed on the end plate 5, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the roller 3 passes through the U-shaped direction change channel 6 and finally enters the roller return channel 8, which extends parallel to the loaded roller rolling channel 7. After passing through the roller return channel 8, the roller 3 rolls through the opposite direction change channel and re-enters the loaded roller rolling channel 7. The roller 3 circulates in an annular roller recirculation channel consisting of the loaded roller rolling channel 7, the direction change channels 6, and the roller return channel 8. There are two annular recirculation channels, one located on the inside and one on the outside, and the roller 3 circulates in both the inner and outer recirculation channels.

[0051] When using such a roller-type motion guidance device, it is necessary to form an oil film between the rollers 3, the roller rolling surfaces 1b, and the loaded roller rolling surfaces 2d, thereby preventing direct metal-to-metal contact. For this reason, the end plate 5 is equipped with a lubricant line to supply lubricant to the rollers 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the lubricant line section 39, which is part of the lubricant line, is provided as a separate element from the end plate 5 and is detachably fitted into the end plate 5. In other words, the end plate 5 comprises, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the lubricant line part 39 in which the lubricant line groove 33 is formed, and the main body 32 of the end plate as the main body of the cover element in which the fitting groove 35 is formed.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the main body 32 of the end plate. A lubricant supply opening 34 is formed in the center of the main body 32 of the end plate, extending from the front face of the main body 32 of the end plate to its rear face. A nipple for supplying lubricant using a grease gun or an oil supply pump is provided at the end of the rear face of the lubricant supply opening 34. If there is insufficient space to attach the nipple to the rear face of the main body 32 of the end plate, a lubricant supply opening 37 is formed on the side face for attaching the nipple. This lubricant supply opening 37 on the side face is connected to the fitting groove 35 formed on the front face of the main body 32 of the end plate.

[0053] In the front surface of the main body 32 of the end plate, the fitting groove 35 is designed to extend horizontally and is connected to the lubricant supply opening 34. The fitting groove 35 is horizontally symmetrical about the axis of the raceway rail 1 and finally reaches the circulation structure 36 at its ends. More precisely, the fitting groove 35 has a horizontal groove 35a extending horizontally from the lubricant supply opening 34 and vertical grooves 35b that curve downwards from the respective end of the horizontal groove 35a and finally extend to the circulation structure 36.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lubricant line section 39 is horizontally symmetrically divided into two parts with respect to the axial direction of the track rail 1. Because it is divided in this way, a divided lubricant line section 31, which is to be fitted into the left-hand fitting groove 35, is reversed so that it can be fitted into the right-hand fitting groove 35. Each divided lubricant line section 31 has a horizontal section 31a, which corresponds in shape to the horizontal groove 35a of the fitting groove 35, and a vertical section 31b, which corresponds in shape to the horizontal groove 35b. Furthermore, each divided lubricant line section 31 has a lubricant line groove 33 formed in both its front and rear faces.

[0055] When the split lubricant line section 31 is brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2, a lubricant line 38 is formed, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows a lubrication channel groove 33 formed between the movable block 2 and the lubricant channel groove 33. The lubricant channel groove 33 is formed on both the front and rear faces, as the lubricant channel 38 can be formed even if the split lubricant channel section 31, which is intended to fit into the left-hand slot 35, is reversed to fit into the right-hand slot 35. In this embodiment, the lubricant channel is formed from the movable block 2 and the split lubricant channel section 31, which are in contact with each other. However, the lubricant channel can also be formed from the main body 32 of the end plate and the split lubricant channel section 31, which are in contact with each other. Furthermore, the width of the lubricant channel groove 33 located on the front face can differ from the width of the lubricant channel groove 33 located on the rear face.In this case, for grease lubrication, the two split lubricant line sections 31 are each fitted into the symmetrical right and left sides of the fitting groove 35, and the wider lubricant line groove 33 is brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2. In contrast, for oil lubrication, the two split lubricant line sections 31 are reversed to be fitted into the symmetrical right and left sides of the fitting groove 35, and the narrower lubricant line groove 33 is brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2.

[0056] Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the main body 32 of the end plate, into which the lubricant line section 31 is fitted. When the main body 32 of the end plate is attached to the end face of the movable block 2, the split lubricant line sections 31 are clamped between the movable block 2 and the main body 32 of the end plate. Subsequently, as described above, these split lubricant line sections 31 are brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2 to form the lubricant line 38 between the end face of the movable block 2 and the lubricant line groove 33 of the split lubricant line sections 31. When lubricant is supplied from the nipple, the lubricant is guided through the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 32 of the end face and the lubricant line 38 of the lubricant line section 39, thus reaching the circulation structure 36.In the rotating structure, the rollers 3 are coated with lubricant while they change their direction of travel. The lubricant-coated rollers 3 roll on the loaded roller contact surface 2d of the moving block and the roller contact surface 1b of the track rail 1, and these surfaces are also coated with lubricant.

[0057] If the split lubricant line section 31 is not fitted into the insertion groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate when the main body 32 of the end plate is attached to the movable block 2, the main body 32 of the end plate is in contact with the end face of the movable block 2, thus forming a lubricant line (insertion groove 35) consisting of the movable block 2 and the main body 32 of the end plate. When the lubricant is supplied from the nipple, the lubricant is guided through the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 32 of the end plate and the lubricant line between the insertion groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate and the end face of the movable block 2, thus reaching the circulation structure 36.

[0058] Lubricants used in motion guidance devices include grease (lithium grease, urea grease, and the like) and lubricating oil (sliding surface oil, turbine oil, ISOVG32-68). Since these have conflicting properties, the cross-section of the lubricant line is preferably wider for use with grease and narrower for use with lubricating oil. In the case of grease lubrication, the split lubricant line section 31 is not fitted into the locating groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate, and the locating groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate is used as the lubricant line. In contrast, in the case of oil lubrication, the split lubricant line section 31 is fitted into the locating groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate to narrow the lubricant line.This allows for simple lubrication of the circulating structure 36 in all cases (with low pressure and a small amount of lubricant).

[0059] The process of narrowing the lubricant line for oil lubrication and widening the lubricant line for grease lubrication is carried out in various other ways than by fitting or not fitting the lubricant line part 39. Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 represents another example of the lubricant line part 39. Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 represents a main body 32 of the end plate into which lubricant line sections 41 and 42 are fitted. The two lubricant line sections 41 and 42 correspond in shape to the fitting groove 35 and are fitted into the fitting groove 35 without a gap between them. Two different types are used as lubricant line sections 41 and 42, namely an oil lubrication section 41 in which a narrow oil lubricant line groove 41a is formed, as shown in Fig. 7 shown, and a grease lubrication part 42 in which a lubricant line groove 42a is formed which is wider than the oil lubricant line groove 41a.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the oil lubrication part 41 extends horizontally according to the shape of the fitting groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate. The oil lubricant line groove 41a, which extends horizontally, is formed on the end face of the oil lubrication part 41. A connecting opening 41b is formed in the center of the oil lubrication part 41, which provides a connection to the lubricant supply opening 34 (see Figure 7). Fig. 4) of the main body 32 of the end plate. This connecting opening 41b is also connected to the oil lubricant line groove 41a. When the main body 32 of the end plate, into which the oil lubrication part 41 is fitted, is attached to the end face of the movable block 2, the oil lubrication part is clamped between the movable block 2 and the main body 32 of the end plate and thus attached to it. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the oil lubrication part 41 is then brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2, and a lubricant line 43 is formed between the end face of the movable block 2 and the oil lubrication line groove 41a of the oil lubrication part 41. When lubricating oil is supplied via the nipple, the lubricating oil is directed to each circulating structure through the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 32 of the end plate, the connecting opening 41b of the oil lubrication part 41, and the oil lubrication line groove 41a of the oil lubrication part.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the grease lubrication part 42 extends horizontally according to the shape of the fitting groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate. The grease lubricant channel groove 42a is formed on the end face of the grease lubrication part 42 and extends horizontally. This grease lubricant channel groove 42a has a wider cross-section (larger in width and depth) than the oil lubricant channel groove 41a of the oil lubrication part 41. A connecting opening 42b is formed in the center of the grease lubrication part 42, which provides a connection to the lubricant supply opening 34 (see Figure 8). Fig. 4) of the main body 32 of the end plate. This connecting opening 42b is also connected to the grease lubricant channel groove.

[0062] Like the oil lubrication part 41, the grease lubrication part 42 is clamped between the movable block 2 and the main body 32 of the end plate when the main body 32 of the end plate, into which the grease lubrication part 42 is fitted, is attached to the end face of the movable block 2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the grease lubrication element 42 is then brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2, thereby forming a lubricant line 44 between the end face of the movable block 2 and the grease lubrication line groove 42a of the grease lubrication element 42. When grease is supplied via the nipple, the grease is directed through the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 32 of the end plate, the connecting opening 42b of the grease lubrication element 42, and the grease lubrication line groove 42a of the grease lubrication element to the circulation structure 36.

[0063] Fig. Figure 10 presents another example of the lubricant line components. A lubricant line component 45 according to this example has a narrower oil lubricant line groove 46, which is formed on the end face 45a, and a wider grease lubricant line groove 47, which is formed on the back face 45b and is wider than the oil lubricant line groove 46. For oil lubrication using lubricating oil as the lubricant, the following applies, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10(A), the lubricant line part 45 is fitted to the main body 32 of the end plate, the front surface 45a of the oil lubricant line groove 46 is brought into contact with the end surface of the movable block 2, and the oil lubricant line groove 46 of the lubricant line part 45 is used as a lubricant line 48. For grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant, however, as shown in Fig. 10(B) shown, the lubricant line part 45 is fitted to the main body 32 of the end plate, the rear surface 45b of the oil lubricant line groove 46 is brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2, and the grease lubricant line groove 47 of the lubricant line part 45 is used as lubricant line 48.

[0064] As a further example of the method for narrowing the lubricant line for oil lubrication and widening the lubricant line for grease lubrication, two types of fitting grooves 35 can be provided, namely a fitting groove 35 with a narrow cross-section and a fitting groove 35 with a wide cross-section, to be used directly as the lubricant line.

[0065] Fig. Figure 11 represents yet another example of the lubricant line component. In the case of lubricant line component 39, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the lubricant line section 39 is in contact with the end faces of the movable block 2, and the lubricant line 38 is formed between the lubricant line section 39 and the movable block 2. In contrast, in this example, the lubricant line 38 is formed between the lubricant line section 59 and the main body 32 of the end plate by bringing the lubricant line section 59 into contact with the main body 32 of the end plate. A lubricant line groove 59a is formed in the lubricant line section 59. In this way, the lubricant line 38 can be formed between the movable block 2 and the lubricant line section 59, or it can be formed between the main body 32 of the end plate and the lubricant line section 59.

[0066] Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. Figure 16 represents an end plate of a motion guidance device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The components, such as the track rail 1 and the movable block 2, with the exception of the end plate, are the same as those in the motion guidance device according to the first embodiment, which are described in Fig. Figure 1 is shown, and therefore only an explanation of the Stim plate is given.

[0067] The end plate has a lubricant line section 52 (see Fig. 13), in which a lubricant line groove is formed, forming a lubricant line, and a main body 51 of the end plate in which a fitting groove 53 is formed, into which the lubricant line part is fitted. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the main body 51 of the end plate is divided into three parts: a pair of leg sections 51b, which face the respective side surfaces of the track rail 1 and in which a direction-change channel 6 is formed, and a middle section 51a, which faces the upper surface of the track rail 1 and is arranged between the pair of leg sections 51b. Two types of middle section 51a are manufactured: a standard middle section 51a-2 and a wide middle section 51a-1, which is wider than the standard middle section 51a-2. When the standard middle section 51a-2 is arranged between the pair of leg sections 51b, the main body of the end plate becomes a standard main body. When the wide middle section 51a-1 is arranged between the pair of leg sections 51b, the main body of the end plate becomes a wide main body.

[0068] Depending on the design of the motion guidance device, there are two types of main end plate bodies: the standard type and the wide type. These differ in width along the axis of the track 1, while the circumferential structure of the end plate 51 is identical. Since the end plate 5 is divided into three parts—namely, the pair of leg sections 51b, positioned opposite the respective side faces of the track 1 and containing the direction change channel 6, and the middle section 51a, which faces the upper surface of the track 1 and is located between the pair of leg sections 51b—the pair of leg sections 51b are generally used in both end plates 5, the standard end plate and the wide end plate. Accordingly, the mold for the leg sections 51b can be used for both, thus reducing the mold cost.Regarding the center sections 51, both the standard section and the wide section must be manufactured. However, since center section 51a has no circumferential structure and a simple shape, forming the center section with a mold is simplified.

[0069] The main body 51 of the end plate has a fitting groove 53 extending horizontally from the lubricant supply opening 34. At each end of the fitting groove 53, a lubricant line groove 54 is formed, which has a narrower width and also extends horizontally. At a midpoint, the lubricant line groove 54 extends downwards and thus reaches the direction change channel 6. The main body 51 of the end plate is divided into three parts at a position to subdivide the fitting groove 53.

[0070] Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lubricant line section 52, which is fitted into the insertion groove of the main body 51 of the end plate. The lubricant line section 52 also has two types: a standard section 52-1 and a wider section 52-2, which is longer than the standard section 52-1. The planar shape of the lubricant line section 52 is approximately rectangular, corresponding to the shape of the insertion groove 53. A lubricant line groove 55 is formed on the surface of the lubricant line section 52, extending horizontally. A connecting opening 56 is formed in the center of the lubricant line section 52, which connects to the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 51 of the end plate. This connecting opening 56 is also connected to the lubricant line groove 55.

[0071] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 represent the main body 51 of the end plate, into which the lubricant line part 52 is fitted. Fig. 14 represents the standard main body of the end plate, and Fig. Figure 15 represents the wide main body of the end plate. The lubricant line section 52, which is fitted into the insertion groove 53, runs over a connection point 51d of the split parts of the main body 51 of the end plate. When the lubricant line section 52 is fitted into the insertion groove 53, the connecting opening 56 of the lubricant line section 52 is connected to the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 51 of the end plate, while the lubricant line grooves 55 at both ends of the lubricant line section 52 are connected to the lubricant line groove 54 of the main body 51 of the end plate.

[0072] Next, the process for manufacturing an end plate is described. First, the lubricant line section 52, in which the lubricant line groove 55 is to be formed, and the parts 51a and 51b of the main body of the end plate, which are divided into two or more parts at the position for subdividing the fitting groove 53 and in which the fitting groove 53 is to be fitted for the lubricant line section 52, are manufactured by injection molding. Next, the divided parts 51a and 51b of the main body of the end plate are joined by fasteners such as adhesive bonding, screwing, or the like. Subsequently, the lubricant line section 52 is fitted into the fitting groove 53 of the parts 51a and 51b of the main body of the end plate above the junction 51d of the parts 51a and 51b of the divided main body of the end plate.Finally, the main body 51 of the end plate is attached to the end face of the movable block 2.

[0073] When the main body 51 of the end plate, into which the lubricant line section 52 is fitted, is attached to the end face of the movable block 2, the lubricant line section 52 is clamped between the main body 51 of the end plate and the movable block 2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the lubricant line sections 52-1 and 52-5 are then brought into contact with the end face of the movable block 2, and a lubricant line 58 is formed between the end face of the movable block 2 and the lubricant line groove 55 of the lubricant line sections 52-1 and 52-2. When lubricant is supplied via a nipple, the lubricant is guided through the lubricant supply opening 34 of the main body 51 of the end plate, the connecting opening 56 of the lubricant line sections 52-1 and 52-2, and the lubricant line groove 55 of the lubricant line sections 52-1 and 52-2, thus reaching the direction change channel 6.Since the lubricant line 58 is formed between the lubricant line groove 55 of the lubricant line parts 52-1 and 52-2 and the end face of the movable block 2, the connecting section 51d of the main body 51 of the end plate is not positioned in the lubricant line 58 when the main body 51 of the end plate is split, and it is prevented that the lubricant escapes from the connecting section 51d.

[0074] Fig. Figure 17 represents another example of the lubricant line section and the end plate. In the motion guidance device according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the direction change channel components 24 located on the inside and outside and the direction change channel component 30 located on the inside (hereinafter referred to as a direction change channel component 30) are integrated into the end plate 5 as direction change channel components, forming a channel crossing direction change channel. The upper side view of Fig. Figure 17 is a front view of the end plate 5 into which the direction-change channel component 30 is fitted. The end plate 5 is divided into a base plate section 72 and a direction-change channel component 30, which is fitted into the base plate section 72. In this structure, the fitting groove 35 of the main body 32 of the end plate is divided at a junction between the direction-change channel component 30 and the base plate section 72, and a gap occurs at the junction. A lubricant line component 71 is fitted into the fitting groove 35 such that it covers the junction 73. The lubricant line component 71, which is in the form of a thin plate, has a flat shape like the fitting groove 35.

[0075] As shown in the cross-sectional view in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, a rear surface of the lubricant line section is flat, and a lubricant line groove 74 is formed as the front surface. When the lubricant line section 71 is fitted into the insertion groove 35 of the main body of the end plate, a gapless surface is formed on the upper surface of the lubricant line section 71. When a lubricant line groove 74 formed in the lubricant line section 71 is used as a lubricant line, the connection point is not formed in the lubricant line, and therefore, lubricant leakage from the connection point of the lubricant line can be prevented.

[0076] Fig. Figure 19 represents another example of the lubricant line part 71. Since the cross-sectional shape of the lubricant line part 71 is U-shaped and consists of a bottom wall and side walls, not only the bottom surface of the fitting groove 35, but also the side surfaces serve as a bridge, thus preventing the occurrence of a gap.

[0077] Fig. Figure 20 presents another example of the lubricant line section 71. In this example, two soft lubricant line sections 71a and 71b are stacked on top of each other to form a lubricant line between them. Because the two soft lubricant line sections 71a and 71b are stacked on top of each other, the sealing of the lubricant line can be improved. If the lubricant line section 71 is in contact with the end face of the movable block 2, machining accuracy can be expected, and therefore the sealing of the lubricant line can be improved by using only one lubricant line section. If the lubricant line section 71 is in contact with a molded part, high machining accuracy cannot be expected, and therefore the two lubricant line sections 71a and 71b are preferably stacked on top of each other, as shown in this example.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in different forms without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, the lubricant line component can form a lubricant line consisting of a through-opening within the lubricant line component itself, although in the embodiment described above, the lubricant line is formed between the end face of the movable block and the lubricant line groove of the lubricant line component that is in contact with it. Furthermore, the rolling elements can be balls instead of rollers, and the shape and structure of the raceway rail and the movable block can be modified in various ways. The description of the embodiment described above also covers the linear guide, which has a movable block that moves in a straight line.However, the present invention is also applicable to a curvilinear motion guidance device for guiding a curvilinear motion. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a splined shaft, including a ball splined shaft and a roller splined shaft.

[0079] Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 represent a motion guidance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the motion guidance device, and Fig. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the motion guidance device. Fig. Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a ball recirculation channel of the motion guidance device. The motion guidance device according to this embodiment is referred to as a linear guide and guides a linear back-and-forth movement of a movable body, such as a table, relative to a base plate. A plurality of balls are positioned as rolling elements on a guide section.

[0080] A raceway rail 101 is mounted on the base plate as a raceway element. Fastening openings 102 are formed in the raceway rail 101 for attaching it to the base plate using fasteners such as screws. The raceway rail 101 has an approximately box-shaped cross-section and extends straight ahead. For example, two ball rolling grooves 101a are formed in each side face of the raceway rail 101, extending along the longitudinal direction as rolling element rolling sections. The cross-sectional shape of each ball rolling groove 101a is either a circular arc groove consisting of a single arc or a pointed arc groove consisting of two arcs. The number of ball rolling grooves 101a and the contact angle of the ball rolling groove and each ball are set to different values ​​depending on the load on the motion guidance device.Since each of the balls rolls 103, the ball rolling groove 101a is manufactured in such a way that it has a low surface roughness and high strength.

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the movable block 104 is movably mounted on the track 101 by means of a plurality of balls 103 relative to the track 101. The movable block 104 has a main body 105 and a pair of resin end plates provided at each end of the direction of travel of the movable block 104. The main body 105 of the movable block is saddle-shaped as a whole and has a central section 105a opposite the upper surface of the track 101 and side wall sections 105b extending downwards from the respective horizontal end of the central section 105a and opposite the respective side surface of the track 101.In each inner surface of the side wall sections 105b of the main body of the movable block, two perpendicularly spaced loaded ball rolling grooves 105c are formed as loaded rolling element rolling grooves, which are opposite the ball rolling grooves 101a of the raceway rail 101. Since the multitude of balls 103 also roll in these loaded ball rolling grooves 105c, the loaded ball rolling grooves 105c are manufactured with a low surface roughness and sufficient strength.

[0082] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the multiple balls 103 in each ball recirculation channel are connected in series by a retaining band 108. A cylindrical spacer 108a is provided between two adjacent balls 103. The side faces of the spacers 108a are connected by a pair of band-like connecting sections 108b. The paired connecting section 108b and the multiple spacers 108a are used to provide recesses for the retaining band 108 to hold the balls 103. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, each of the connecting sections 108b projects beyond the balls 103 when viewed from the direction of travel of the balls 103. A guide groove 110 is formed in each side of the loaded ball rolling groove 105c of the movable block 105 for guiding the connecting sections 108b that project beyond the balls. The guide groove 110 is formed in a resin molded part 111 that is integrally formed with the main body of the movable block. This guide groove 110 is provided to prevent the balls 103 from falling out of the loaded ball rolling grooves 105c of the movable block 104 when the movable block 104 is removed from the raceway rail 101.

[0083] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, a ball return channel 105b is provided in each side wall section 105 of the main body 105 of the movable block, extending parallel to the loaded ball rolling groove 105c. The number of ball return channels 105d provided is the same as the number of loaded ball rolling grooves 105c. Since the diameter of each ball return channel 105d is larger than the diameter of each ball 103, the ball 103 is not under load in the ball return channel 105d. The ball 103 moves in the ball return channel 105d while being pushed by a following ball 103 or pulled by an immediately preceding ball 103 over the retaining band 108. The ball return channel 105d is formed by molding a resin mold element 113 in a through-opening 112 which is formed in the main body 105 of the movable block.In the ball return channel 105d, a guide groove 114 is also formed for guiding the connecting section 108b of the retaining band 108.

[0084] At both ends of the running direction of the main body 105 of the movable block, an end plate 106 is attached as a cover element. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, the end plate 106 has a U-shaped direction-change channel 116 formed within it, which connects the loaded ball rolling groove 105c and the ball return channel 105d. More precisely, a portion of the direction-change channel located on the outside is formed in the end plate 106, and an R-section 117 located on the inside is injection-molded onto the end face of the main body 105 of the movable block. The end plate 106 and the R-section 117 are joined to form the direction-change channel 116.

[0085] The straight-extending loaded ball rolling groove 105c, the ball return channel 105d extending parallel to the loaded ball rolling groove 105c, and the U-shaped direction change channel 116 connecting the loaded ball rolling groove 105c and the ball return channel 105d, form the annular ball recirculation channel. A plurality of balls 103 are arranged in this ball recirculation channel and held by a retaining band 108. When the movable block 104 moves relative to the raceway rail 101, the multiple balls 103 roll in the loaded ball recirculation channel between the ball rolling groove 101a of the raceway rail 101 and the loaded ball rolling groove 105c of the movable block 104.After the ball has rolled to one end of the loaded ball rolling groove 105c of the movable block 104, it is scooped up by a blade section provided in the end plate 106 and then guided through the U-shaped direction-change channel 116 to enter the ball return channel 105d. After passing through the ball return channel 105d, the ball is guided through the opposite direction-change channel 116 and re-enters the loaded ball rolling channel. A total of four annular ball recirculation channels are provided independently of each other.

[0086] Fig. Figure 24 is a top view of the end plate 106, and Fig. 25 is an enlarged view of section IIIXV from Fig. 24. A through-opening 121 is formed in the end plate 106, which leads through the end plate 106 in the direction of travel of the movable block 104. A screw thread for attaching a nipple is cut in the through-opening 121 (see Fig. 21) A first lubricant supply groove 122 is formed on an end face of the end plate 106 that is in contact with the end face of the movable block 105. The first lubricant supply groove 122 is symmetrical about the central axis of the end plate 106 and extends horizontally in both directions from the through-opening 121. The first lubricant supply groove 122 then extends downwards towards the direction change channel 116, which is provided in each of the side sections 106b of the end plate 106, and is divided at an intermediate section of the two vertically arranged direction change channels, thus finally reaching the two direction change channels 116.Between the end face of the main body 105 of the movable block and the end plate 106, in which the first lubricant supply groove 122 is formed, a lubricant supply line is formed to supply the direction change channel 116 with lubricant.

[0087] On the underside of the first lubricant supply groove 122, a second lubricant supply groove 123 is formed, which has a cross-section smaller than that of the first lubricant supply groove 122. Like the first lubricant supply groove 122, the second lubricant supply groove 123 is symmetrical about the central axis of the end plate 106 and extends horizontally in both directions from the through-opening 121. The second lubricant supply groove 123 then extends downwards towards the direction-change channel 116, which is provided in each of the side sections 106b of the end plate 106, and is divided at an intermediate section of the two vertically arranged direction-change channels, thus finally reaching the two direction-change channels 116 at their ends. The path length of the second lubricant supply groove 123 corresponds to the path length of the first lubricant supply groove 122.

[0088] The end plate 106 incorporates a direction-change channel 116. Due to its complex shape, the end plate 106 is conventionally manufactured by resin injection molding. The first and second lubricant supply grooves 122 and 123 are formed in the injection-molded end plate 106 and are easily produced. Reference numeral 125 in the figure denotes a through-hole for attaching the end plate 106 to the main body 105 of the moving block.

[0089] Fig. Figure 26 represents an additional part 126 that is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122. The additional part 126 is an elastic element made of resin or rubber (preferably soft plastic) and is softer than the end plate 106. This additional part 126 is manufactured by stamping a sheet of material using a press or by cutting with a water jet cutter. The additional part 126 has the same flat shape as the first lubricant supply groove 122. The end face and the back surface of the additional part are each flat.

[0090] Fig. 27 represents an additional part 129, which is further fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, there is a change in height in a section 127, where the direction change channel is formed on an end face of the end plate 106 of this embodiment, and this section is lower than another part 128 (see Figure 24). Fig. 29). To compensate for this change in height at section 127, the additional part 129 is provided. The planar shape of the additional part 129 is the same as the planar shape of the first lubricant supply groove 122 of the higher part 128 of the end plate 106. The end face and the rear face of the additional part 129 are both planar.

[0091] If there is no change in height on the end face of the end plate 106, the additional part 129 can be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two separately provided additional parts 126 and 129 are stacked on top of each other for use; however, these two additional parts 126 and 129 can be designed as a single component.

[0092] Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 represent the first lubricant supply groove 122 of the end plate 106, into which the additional parts 126 and 129 are removably fitted. Fig. Figure 28 shows the additional part fitted only into one right-hand side of the first lubricant supply groove 122 of the end plate 106. In reality, the additional parts 126 and 129 are fitted into both the right-hand and left-hand sides of the first lubricant supply groove 122. When the additional parts are fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122, the entire cross-section of the first lubricant supply groove 122 is covered. However, when the additional parts are fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122, the second lubricant supply groove 123 remains uncovered. The additional parts 126 and 129 are clamped between the end face of the main body 105 of the moving block and the underside of the first lubricant supply groove 122.The additional parts 126 and 129 have clearance, and the thickness of the additional parts 126 and 129 is greater than the gap between the end face of the main body 105 of the movable block and the underside of the first lubricant supply groove 122. The additional parts 126 and 129, which consist of elastic elements, are fitted tightly to the underside 131 of the first lubricant supply groove 122 (see . Fig. 30), and the second lubricant supply groove 123 is tightly sealed.

[0093] As in Fig. 29 and Fig. As shown in Figure 30, two rib sections 132 can be provided on each side of the second lubricant supply groove 123, extending along the groove. Each rib section 132 projects from the underside 131 of the first lubricant supply groove 122. This provision of the rib section 132 allows deformation of the additional part 126, even if the additional part 126 has no clearance. Because greater deformation of the additional part 126 is permitted, the tight seal of the second lubricant supply groove 123 can be further improved. If the rib sections 132 are not provided, the additional part 126 can also be deformed to fill the second lubricant supply groove 123. Since the rib sections 132 are provided, the additional part 126 is prevented from narrowing the second lubricant supply groove 123.Therefore, it is ensured that the second lubricant supply groove 123 has a fixed cross-section.

[0094] As described above, lubricants include grease (lithium grease, urea grease, and the like) and lubricating oil (sliding surface oil, turbine oil, ISOVG32-68). Since these have conflicting properties, the cross-section of the lubricant supply line is designed to be wider for use with grease and narrower for use with lubricating oil. For a conventional end plate, a lubricant supply line with a wide cross-section is provided for grease. If a lubricant supply line with a narrow cross-section is required, a tube is cut and provided on the outside of the end plate, or a lubricant supply device incorporating an oil reservoir is mounted on the end face of the end plate.In this embodiment, however, both the wide lubricant supply line for grease and the narrow lubricant supply line for lubricating oil are provided in the end plate 106.

[0095] To provide the wide lubricant supply line for grease, the first lubricant supply groove 122 is formed in the end plate 106. If the first lubricant supply groove 122 is used as a lubricant supply line for grease, the additional part 126 is not fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122. Since the second lubricant supply groove 123 is formed within the first lubricant supply groove 122, the second lubricant supply groove 123 is also used as a lubricant supply line for grease.

[0096] When lubricating oil is used as a lubricant, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 31, the additional parts 126 and 129 are fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122. If the first lubricant supply groove 122 is blocked by the additional parts 126 and 129, only the second lubricant supply groove 123 remains as a lubricant supply line. The lubricant supply line for lubricating oil is formed between the second lubricant supply groove 123 and the additional parts 126 and 129. Since the lubricating oil is supplied to the lubricant supply line under pressure by a pump, it is likely that some lubricating oil will escape. Because the additional parts 126 and 129 improve the tight seal of the lubricant supply line, the escape of lubricating oil from the lubricant supply line can be prevented.

[0097] Fig. 32 and Fig. The 33 parts represent the lubricant supply line for lubricating oil. The additional parts 126 and 129, which are fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122, are arranged between the stim plate 106 and the side surface of the movable block 105. The lubricating oil, which is supplied to the end plate 106 via the lubricant supply nipple, is guided through the through-opening 121 of the end plate 106 and then through the lubricant supply line 133, which is formed between the second lubricant supply groove 123 and the additional parts 126 and 129. Finally, the lubricating oil is introduced into the direction change channel of the end plate 106.

[0098] Instead of forming the second lubricant supply groove within the first lubricant supply groove 122, the second lubricant supply groove 123 can be formed within the additional part 126. The additional part 126 is then fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 122, thus narrowing the cross-section of the lubricant supply line for lubricating oil. However, this method requires that the second lubricant supply groove 123 be formed within the additional part 126, and that the end face of the additional part 126 is not flat. The second lubricant supply groove 123 of the additional part cannot be produced without resin molding or machining. Resin molding requires a mold, and machining the groove requires an additional step. The cost of the additional part 126 inevitably increases in both cases.

[0099] Fig. 34 and Fig. Figure 40 represents a motion guidance device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the motion guidance device according to this embodiment, rollers are used instead of balls as rolling elements. Furthermore, the first and second lubricant supply grooves are formed not in the end plate but in a lubrication plate 152, which is a lubricating element fitted into the end plate.

[0100] Fig. 34 and Fig. Figure 35 shows overall views of a motion guidance device. Fig. Figure 34 is a perspective view, and Fig. Figure 35 is a front view of the motion guidance device. According to this embodiment, the motion guidance device has a raceway rail 141 and a movable block 142, which is movably mounted on the raceway rail 141 relative to the raceway rail. Several rollers are arranged between the raceway rail 141 and the movable block 142 as rolling elements.

[0101] The track rail 141 extends straight ahead and has an approximately box-shaped cross-section. A groove 141a is formed along the longitudinal direction on each side face of the track rail 141. The upper and lower side wall surfaces 141b of the groove 141a serve as roller rolling surfaces for the rolling of the rollers 143. Two roller rolling surfaces 141b are provided perpendicularly spaced on each side face of the track rail 141, for a total of four for the two sides of the track rail 141.

[0102] The movable block 142 comprises a main body 145, an end plate 146 attached to each end of the main body's running direction, and a lubrication plate 152 fitted into the end plate 146. The main body 145 has a central section 145a opposite the upper surface of the track rail 141 and side wall sections 145b opposite the respective side surfaces of the track rail 141, extending downwards from both ends of the central section 145a. Each of the side wall sections 145b of the main body 145 has a projecting section corresponding to the shape of the groove 141a provided in the side surface of the track rail 141. In the preceding section 145c, loaded roller rolling surfaces 145d are designed as loaded rolling element rolling sections corresponding to the roller rolling surfaces 141b.A total of four loaded roller rolling surfaces 145d are provided, two for each side wall section 145b of the main body 145 of the movable block.

[0103] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, a plurality of steel rollers 143 are arranged between the roller rolling surface 141b of the track rail 141 and the loaded roller rolling surface 145d of the main body 145 of the movable block. The multiple rollers 143 are held in a rolling, sliding, and successive manner by a retaining band 148.

[0104] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 35, two vertically arranged through-holes 146 are formed on each of the side wall sections of the main body 145 of the movable block. These through-holes extend parallel to the loaded roller surfaces 145d and at a predetermined distance from them. A roller return channel component 149 is inserted into each of these through-holes 146, forming a roller return channel 147. The roller return channel component 149 has the shape of an elongated tube. After the roller return channel component 149 has been inserted into the through-hole 146, both ends of the roller return channel component 149 are supported within the end plate 146.

[0105] A long resin retaining element 151 is attached to each end of the loaded roller rolling surface 145d of the main body of the movable block. A guide groove for guiding the retaining band 148 is formed in the retaining element 151, thus preventing the rollers 143 from falling off the loaded roller rolling surface 145d when the movable block 142 is removed from the raceway rail 141.

[0106] In each side wall section 145b of the main body 145 of the moving block, two loaded roller channels are provided, each consisting of the roller contact surface 141b of the track rail 141 and the loaded roller contact surface 145d of the main body 145 of the moving block. Furthermore, two roller return channels 147 are provided, arranged vertically in each side wall section 145b of the main body 145 of the moving block. A direction change channel for connecting the loaded roller contact surface and the roller return channel 147 is provided in the end plate 146.

[0107] Fig. Figure 36 represents a lubrication plate 152, which is fitted into the end plate 146. The lubrication plate 152 is positioned between the end plate 146 and the end face of the movable block 145 (see Figure 36). Fig. 40). The lubrication plate 152 has a flat shape and is slightly smaller than the end plate 146. The lubrication plate 152 is covered by the end plate 146. Through-openings for the passage of the roller return channel components 149 are formed in each of the side wall sections 152b of the lubrication plate 152.

[0108] A first lubricant supply groove 155 is formed in a surface of the lubrication plate 152 that is in contact with the end plate 146. The first lubricant supply groove 155 is symmetrical about the central axis of the lubrication plate 152 and extends horizontally in both directions from its center. The first lubricant supply groove 155 then extends downwards in each side wall section 152b of the lubrication plate 152, divides into two parts near the lubrication section 152d, which corresponds to the two perpendicularly spaced loaded roller surfaces 145d, and is connected at its ends to the two perpendicularly spaced lubrication sections 152d. In this example, a lubricant supply line is formed between the lubrication plate 152 and the end plate 146 to supply the lubrication section 152d with lubricant.

[0109] A second lubricant supply groove 156 is formed on the underside 155a of the first lubricant supply groove 155. This second lubricant supply groove has a smaller cross-section than the first lubricant supply groove 155. The second lubricant supply groove 156 is also symmetrical about the central axis of the end plate 146, and its ends are connected to two vertically arranged lubrication sections 152d. The path length of the second lubricant supply groove 156 corresponds to the path length of the first lubricant supply groove 155.

[0110] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 37, a rib section 157 extends along each side of the second lubricant supply groove 156, projecting from the bottom surface 155a of the first lubricant supply groove 155. This rib section 157 is used to reinforce the edges of the second lubricant supply groove 156.

[0111] Fig. Figure 38 represents the additional part 158, which is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 155. The planar shape of the additional part 158 ​​is the same as that of the first lubricant supply groove 155. The end face and the rear face of the additional part 158 ​​are each planar. In this embodiment, a through-opening 158 for the passage of lubricating oil is formed in the additional part 158.

[0112] Fig. Figure 39 represents the first lubricant supply line 155 of the lubrication plate 152, into which the additional part 158 ​​is fitted. The additional part 158 ​​is clamped between the end face of the end plate 146 and the underside 155a of the first lubricant supply groove 155 (see Figure 39). Fig. 40). When the additional part 158 ​​is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 155, the first lubricant supply groove 155 is filled. In contrast, the second lubricant supply groove 156 is not filled.

[0113] Fig. 40 represents a lubricant supply line for lubricating oil. The lubrication plate 152 is arranged between the end face of the main body 145 of the movable block and the end plate 146. The auxiliary part 158 ​​is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove 155 between the lubrication plate 152 and the end plate 146. The lubricating oil, which is to be supplied to the end plate 146 via the lubrication oil supply nipple, is guided from the through-opening 159 of the end plate 146 through the through-opening 158a of the auxiliary part 158 ​​and through the lubricant supply line 160, which is formed between the second lubricant supply groove 156 and the auxiliary part 158. The lubricating oil is then introduced into a lubrication section 152d of the lubrication plate 152.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in different forms without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the first and second lubricant supply grooves can be formed in a lubricant supply line component other than the end plate and a lubrication plate (for example, in an element attached to a movable block separately from the end plate, or in an element attached to the outside of the end plate). Although the present invention is applied to the linear guide as a motion guidance device in the embodiment described above, it can also be applied to a curved linear motion guidance device for guiding a curved motion, a ball splined shaft, and a roller splined shaft.

Claims

[1] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) which are provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and which each have a direction change channel (6) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6); and a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5) to supply a lubricant to the rolling element circulation channel, wherein the lubricant line is narrowed for oil lubrication using a lubricating oil and widened for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant compared to oil lubrication, characterized by , that that at least one of the cover elements (5) has a lubricant line part (39, 59) in which a lubricant line groove (33, 59a) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and a main body (32) of the cover element (5) which has a fitting groove (35) for fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) therein, wherein for oil lubrication using lubricating oil as lubricant the lubricant line is narrowed by fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) and for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant the lubricant line part (39, 59) is not fitted into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) in order to use the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) as a lubricant line. [2] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) which are provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and which each have a direction change channel (6) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6); and a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5) to supply a lubricant to the rolling element circulation channel, wherein the lubricant line is narrowed for oil lubrication using a lubricating oil and widened for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant compared to oil lubrication, characterized by , that that at least one of the cover elements (5) has a lubricant line part (41, 42) in which a lubricant line groove (41a, 42a) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and a main body (32) of the cover element (5) which has a fitting groove for fitting the lubricant line part (41, 42) therein, wherein the lubricant conduit part (41, 42) comprises an oil lubrication part (41) in which a narrow oil lubricant conduit groove (41a) is formed, and a grease lubrication part (42) in which a grease lubricant conduit groove (42a) is formed which is wider than the oil lubricant conduit groove (41a), and For oil lubrication using lubricating oil as a lubricant, the oil lubrication part (41) is fitted into the main body (32) of the cover element (5), while for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant, the grease lubrication part (42) is fitted into the main body (32) of the cover element (5). [3] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) which are provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and which each have a direction change channel (6) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6); and a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5) to supply a lubricant to the rolling element circulation channel, wherein the lubricant line is narrowed for oil lubrication using a lubricating oil and widened for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant compared to oil lubrication, characterized by , that that at least one of the cover elements (5) is a lubricant line part (45) in which a lubricant line groove (46, 47) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and has a main body (32) of the cover element (5) which has a fitting groove for fitting the lubricant line part (45) therein, wherein the lubricant line groove (46, 47) has a narrow oil lubricant line groove (46) formed on a front surface of the lubricant line part (45) and a grease lubricant line groove (47) formed on a rear surface of the lubricant line part (45), wherein the grease lubricant line groove (47) is wider than the oil lubricant line groove (46), wherein for oil lubrication using lubricating oil as lubricant the lubricant line part (45) is fitted into the main body (32) of the cover element (5) in order to use the oil lubricant line groove (46) of the lubricant line part (45) as a lubricant line, and For grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant, the lubricant line part (45) is fitted into the main body (32) of the cover element (5) to use the grease lubricant line groove (47) of the lubricant line part (45) as a lubricant line. [4] Motion guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) is horizontally symmetrical in an axial direction of the raceway element (1), the lubricant line part (39) is divided into two horizontally symmetrical parts when viewed in the axial direction of the raceway element (1) and Split lubricant line sections (31, 31) of one type, having an essentially identical shape, are fitted into both the right side and the left side of the fitting groove (35). [5] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) which are provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and which each have a direction change channel (6) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6); and a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5) to supply lubricant to the rolling element circulation channel, characterized by , that that at least one of the cover elements (5) has a lubricant line part (39, 59) in which a lubricant line groove (33, 59a) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and a main body (32) of the cover element (5) in which a fitting groove (35) for fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) is formed therein, wherein the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) is used as a lubricant line when the lubricant line part (39, 59) is not fitted into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5), and the lubricant line is narrowed when the lubricant line part (39, 59) is fitted into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5). [6] Lubrication supply method for a motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (1) on which a rolling element rolling section (1b) is formed; a movable block (2) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (1b) and which has a rolling element return channel (8) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d); a pair of cover elements (5) provided at the respective ends of the running direction of the movable block (2) and each having a direction change channel (6) connecting the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d) and the rolling element return channel (8); and a plurality of rolling elements (3) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (2d), the rolling element return channel (8) and the direction change channel (6), the method comprising: Supplying the rolling element circulation channel with a lubricant via a lubricant line provided at at least one of the cover elements (5), Narrowing of the lubrication line for oil lubrication using a lubricating oil as a lubricant, whereas widening of the lubrication line compared to the lubrication line used for oil lubrication for grease lubrication using a grease as a lubricant, characterized by , that that at least one of the cover elements (5) is a lubricant line part (39, 59) in which a lubricant line groove (33, 59a) is formed, which forms the lubricant line, and has a main body (32) of the cover element (5) which has a fitting groove (35) for fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) therein, wherein for oil lubrication using lubricating oil as lubricant the lubricant line is narrowed by fitting the lubricant line part (39, 59) into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) and for grease lubrication using grease as a lubricant the lubricant line part (39, 59) is not fitted into the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) in order to use the fitting groove (35) of the main body (32) of the cover element (5) as a lubricant line. [7] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (101, 141) on which a rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b) is formed, which extends in a longitudinal direction; a movable block (104, 142) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) is formed, which is opposite the rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b), and which has a rolling element return channel (105d, 147) which extends parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d); a cover element (106, 146) provided at one end of the running direction of the movable block (104, 142) and having a direction change channel (116) connecting the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) and the rolling element return channel (105d, 147); a plurality of rolling elements (103, 143) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d), the rolling element return channel (105d, 147) and the direction change channel (116); and characterized by , that in the cover element (106) or in a lubrication element (152) attached in the cover element (106) a first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) is formed for supplying the rolling element circulation channel with a lubricant and in the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) a second lubricant supply groove (123, 156) is formed which has a cross-section that is smaller than a cross-section of the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155). [8] Motion guidance device according to claim 7, which further comprises a rib section (132, 157) provided on both sides of the second lubricant supply groove (123, 156) and extending along the second lubricant supply groove (123, 156) and projecting from a lower surface (131, 155a) of the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155). [9] Motion guidance device according to claim 7, wherein an additional part (126, 129, 158) is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) in such a way that the additional part (126, 129, 158) blocks the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) and does not block the second lubricant supply groove (123, 156). [10] Motion guidance device according to claim 9, wherein the additional part (126, 129, 158) is produced by punching a sheet material. [11] Motion guidance device according to claim 9, wherein the additional part (126, 129, 158) is made of an elastic material that is softer than the lubrication element (152) or the cover element (106) into which the additional part (126, 129, 158) is fitted. [12] Motion guidance device according to claim 9, wherein when using grease as a lubricant the additional part (126, 129, 158) is not fitted into the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) and When using a lubricating oil as a lubricant, the additional part (126, 129, 158) is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155). [13] Motion guidance device according to claim 7, wherein the first lubricant supply groove (122) and the second lubricant supply groove (123) are formed in the cover element (106) and the lubricant supply line for supplying the rolling element rolling channel with the lubricant is formed between an end face of the movable main body block (105) which is in contact with the cover element (106) and the cover element (106) in which the first lubricant supply groove (122) and the second lubricant supply groove (123) are formed. [14] Motion guidance device according to claim 7, wherein the first lubricant supply groove (155) and the second lubricant supply groove (156) are formed in the lubricating element (152) and the lubricant supply line for supplying the rolling element rolling channel with the lubricant is formed between the cover element (146) which is in contact with the lubricating element (152) and the lubricating element (152) in which the first lubricant supply groove (155) and the second lubricant supply groove (156) are formed. [15] Motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (101, 141) on which a rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b) is formed, which extends in a longitudinal direction; a movable block (104, 142) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) is formed, which is opposite the rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b), and which has a rolling element return channel (105d, 147) which extends parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d); a cover element (106, 146) which is provided at one end of the running direction of the movable block (104, 142) and which has a direction change channel (116) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) and the rolling element return channel (105d, 147); a plurality of rolling elements (103, 143) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d), the rolling element return channel (105d, 147) and the direction change channel (116); and characterized by , that a lubricant supply line component (106, 152) which forms a lubricant supply line for supplying the rolling element circulation channel with a lubricant, wherein a first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) is formed as a lubricant supply groove in the lubricant supply line component (106, 152) and a second lubricant supply groove (123, 156), which is further formed in the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155), has a smaller cross-section than a cross-section of the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155). [16] An additional part (126, 129, 158) for a motion guidance device according to claim 15, wherein the additional part (126, 129, 158) has a planar shape corresponding to a planar shape of the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) in order to fit the additional part (126, 129, 158) into the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155), and the additional part (126, 129, 158) blocks the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) and does not block the second lubricant supply groove (123, 156) when the additional part (126, 129, 158) is fitted into the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155). [17] Method for manufacturing a motion guidance device comprising: a raceway element (101, 141) on which a rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b) is formed extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable block (104, 142) on which a loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) is formed opposite the rolling element rolling section (101a, 141b) and which has a rolling element return channel (105d, 147) extending parallel to the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d); a cover element (106, 146) which is provided at one end of the running direction of the movable block (104, 142) and which has a direction change channel (116) which connects the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d) and the rolling element return channel (105d, 147);and a plurality of rolling elements (103, 143) arranged in a rolling element circulation channel comprising the loaded rolling element rolling section (105c, 145d), the rolling element return channel (105d, 147) and the direction change channel (116), the method comprising:; characterized by , that a cover element or lubrication element formation step for forming a first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) in the cover element (106) or in a lubrication element (152) attached to the cover element (146) for supplying the rolling element circulation channel with a lubricant and further for forming a second lubricant supply groove (123, 156) in the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155) which has a cross-section that is smaller than a cross-section of the first lubricant supply groove (122, 155); and a cover element or lubrication element fitting step for fitting the cover element (106) or the lubrication element (152) attached to the cover element (146) to the movable main body block (105, 145).

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