Bearing or linear motion device

Abstract

To provide a bearing or linear motion device capable of simply detecting abnormalities without disassembly.SOLUTION: A linear motion device comprises a rolling groove, and a rolling element arranged to be freely rollable in the rolling groove. The rolling groove has a contact part that comes into contact with the rolling element in an initial contact state, and a non-contact part that does not come into contact in the initial contact state. The non-contact part is coated with a plurality of mutually different function layers. The plurality of function layers is arranged in order from the side closest to an initial contact angle between the rolling groove and the rolling element in the initial contact state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing or a linear motion device. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to efficiently maintain and manage the precision and functionality of transport equipment and robots for general industrial use, there is a growing need to detect abnormalities and monitor the condition of the bearings and linear motion devices used in these devices.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the use of an AE sensor to detect the current operating state of a linear motion rolling guide device. However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires a large-scale system configuration including sensors and an analyzer for detected signals in addition to the linear motion rolling guide device, which increases the cost burden, and requires the accumulation of a large amount of data to grasp the correlation between the detection signal and the operating state of the linear motion rolling guide device, making operation difficult.

[0004] In response to this, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose techniques for coating the surface of the sliding layer of a sliding bearing without using a sensor, and detecting its lifespan and condition from the degree to which the coating layer peels off. However, since it is necessary to disassemble the sliding bearing in order to check the wear of the coating layer, handling is cumbersome. In addition, since it is difficult to grasp the degree of progression of the abnormality, it is not possible to optimize the timing of replacement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4430316 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5083646 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-78319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a bearing and a linear motion device in which an abnormality can be easily detected without disassembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following configuration. (1) a rolling groove; A rolling element that is rollably disposed in the rolling groove; A bearing or linear motion device comprising: the rolling groove has a contact portion that comes into contact with the rolling element in an initial contact state, and a non-contact portion that does not come into contact with the rolling element in the initial contact state, The non-contact portion is coated with a plurality of functional layers different from each other, The plurality of functional layers are arranged in order from the side closest to an initial contact angle between the rolling groove and the rolling element in the initial contact state. Bearings or linear motion devices. (2) The functional layer has a hue. A bearing or linear motion device as described in (1). (3) The functional layer has microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance. A bearing or linear motion device according to (1) or (2). (4) The functional layer has a certain concavo-convex pattern. The bearing or linear motion device according to any one of (1) to (3). Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bearing and a linear motion device in which an abnormality can be easily detected without disassembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a rail 1 of a linear guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the rail 1, and FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2(a). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the change in contact angle due to wear or load. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the bearing or linear motion device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Examples of the bearing include various rolling bearings, and examples of the linear motion device include linear guides and ball screws. Below, the present invention will be described as being applied to a rail of a linear guide, but it can also be applied to the inner and outer rings of a bearing, the screw shaft of a ball screw, etc.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a rail 1 of a linear guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the rail 1, and Fig. 2(b) is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing Fig. 2(b). Figs. 1 to 3 show the initial contact state between the rolling groove 10 and the rolling element 20, that is, the state in which the rolling element 20 is fitted into the rolling groove 10 to form a desired initial contact angle θ.

[0012] The rail 1 includes a rolling groove 10 extending in the sliding direction of the linear guide, and rolling elements 20 arranged so as to be able to roll in the rolling groove 10. The rolling groove 10 and the rolling elements 20 are lubricated with a lubricant such as lubricating oil or grease.

[0013] The rolling groove 10 has a contact portion 11 that comes into contact with the rolling element 20 in an initial contact state, and a non-contact portion 13 that does not come into contact in the initial contact state. The non-contact portion 13 is covered over the entire length of the rolling groove 10 with a plurality of mutually different functional layers 15, 17.

[0014] The multiple functional layers 15, 17 are arranged in order from the side closest to the initial contact angle θ between the rolling groove 10 and the rolling element 20 in the initial contact state. Hereinafter, of the multiple functional layers 15, 17, the one closest to the initial contact angle θ will be referred to as the first functional layer 15, and the one furthest from the initial contact angle θ will be referred to as the second functional layer 17.

[0015] The first functional layer 15 and the second functional layer 17 are made of paints having different hues. For example, the hue of the first functional layer 15 is yellow, and the hue of the second functional layer 17 is red.

[0016] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the contact angle when it changes due to wear or load. When a gap occurs between the rolling groove 10 and the rolling element 20 due to wear from long-term use, or when a large load F is applied, the contact angle changes as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the amount of change in the contact angle Δθ.

[0017] As a result, the first functional layer 15 and the rolling element 20, which were not in contact in the initial contact state, come into contact, and the paint that has peeled off from the first functional layer 15 mixes with the lubricant and turns yellow. If wear progresses further or a larger load F is applied, the contact angle changes significantly, and the second functional layer 17, which is farther from the contact portion 11 than the first functional layer 15, comes into contact with the rolling element 20, and the paint that has peeled off from the second functional layer 17 mixes with the lubricant and turns red.

[0018] In this way, by visually checking for discoloration (change in hue) of the lubricant and peeling of the first functional layer 15 and the second functional layer 17, the progression of the abnormality can be confirmed without disassembling the linear guide.

[0019] In the above embodiment, a first functional layer 15 (yellow paint) is coated on the position where the rolling body 20 and rolling groove 10 become a new contact area when the amount of gap generated between the rolling body 20 and rolling groove 10 reaches 10 to 30 μm, unlike the initial contact state, and a second functional layer 17 (red paint) is coated on the position where the new contact area becomes a further contact area when the amount of gap generated between the rolling body 20 and rolling groove 10 exceeds 30 μm.

[0020] Generally, when a bearing or linear motion device is significantly worn, the functionality of the device (such as deterioration of mounting accuracy and generation of abnormal noise and vibration) often occurs in conveying devices and robots for general industrial applications that incorporate the bearing or linear motion device of the present invention. When the bearing or linear motion device of the present invention is incorporated, for example, when the lubricant turns yellow, it is treated as being in a caution zone, and replacement parts (bearings or linear motion devices) can be prepared and an overhaul schedule can be planned, or the operating conditions of the device can be relaxed to extend its life. Furthermore, when the lubricant turns red, it is treated as being in a danger zone and parts can be replaced, which allows parts to be replaced at an appropriate cycle without waste, which is advantageous in terms of cost and maintenance.

[0021] The covering positions of the first and second functional layers 15, 17 are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the functional deterioration and tolerance range of each device. In addition, although two functional layers 15, 17 are provided in the above embodiment, three or more functional layers may be provided to perform more detailed state monitoring.

[0022] In addition, the first and second functional layers 15, 17 may cover only specified areas by masking the rolling groove 10, or may cover the entire rolling groove 10 and then peel off the initial contact area by aging or the like.

[0023] The first and second functional layers 15, 17 may be different coating layers containing microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance. In this case, the rolling element 20 contacts and presses the first and second functional layers 15, 17 to break the microcapsules, and the difference in the smell generated at that time makes it possible to detect an abnormality.

[0024] The first and second functional layers 15 and 17 may be different coating layers having a certain uneven pattern engraved on the surface. In this case, an abnormality can be detected by the difference in the sound generated when the rolling element 20 rolls on the first and second functional layers 15 and 17.

[0025] In addition, the first and second functional layers 15, 17 may have a hue and the other may have microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance, or one may have microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance and the other may have a certain uneven pattern on the surface, or one may have a certain uneven pattern on the surface and the other may have a hue. In other words, the combination of the first and second functional layers 15, 17 and the hue, microcapsules, and uneven pattern may be set appropriately.

[0026] The first and second functional layers 15, 17 are not limited to the above examples, and the specific form is not limited as long as it is possible to perceptually detect contact with the rolling element 20. In other words, it is sufficient that perceptible information different from that when the rolling groove 10 and the rolling element 20 are in contact with each other can be output. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 1 Rail 10 Rolling groove 11 Contact part 13 Non-contact part 15 First functional layer 17 Second functional layer 20 Rolling elements

Claims

1. A rolling groove; A rolling element that is rollably disposed in the rolling groove; A bearing or linear motion device comprising: the rolling groove has a contact portion that comes into contact with the rolling element in an initial contact state, and a non-contact portion that does not come into contact with the rolling element in the initial contact state, The non-contact portion is coated with a plurality of functional layers different from each other, The plurality of functional layers are arranged in order from the side closest to an initial contact angle between the rolling groove and the rolling element in the initial contact state. Bearings or linear motion devices.

2. The functional layer has a hue. A bearing or linear motion device according to claim 1.

3. The functional layer has microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance.

3. A bearing or linear motion device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The functional layer has a certain uneven pattern.

3. A bearing or linear motion device according to claim 1 or 2.

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