Linear motion unit

Abstract

To provide a linear motion unit which can achieve improvement of workability during replacement of a cover member.SOLUTION: A linear motion unit includes a linear motion mechanism and a housing. The linear motion mechanism includes a track member and a movement member. The housing includes a cover member that covers the linear motion mechanism. The cover member includes a fastener extending in a longitudinal direction. The fastener includes a first element, a second element, a first slider, and a second slider. The first slider and the second slider cause the first element and the second element to separate from each other as each moves in a direction away from the side where the other is positioned, and cause the first element and the second element to mesh with each other as each moves in a direction toward the side where the other is positioned. The first slider and the second slider can be fixed to the movement member. The fastener reaches at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover member. The one end of the cover member is configured to be openable and closable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a linear motion unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of dust prevention and waterproofing, a linear motion unit in which a linear motion mechanism is housed in a housing has been known. This type of technology is described in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Patent Document 1 discloses a linear motion unit in which a ball screw, which is a linear motion mechanism, is housed in a housing. In this document, the housing is configured by combining a bottom plate on which the ball screw is arranged, a pair of side plates, and an upper plate with each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a linear motion unit in which a linear motion mechanism is housed in a housing, a fastener may be provided on a cover member that covers the linear motion mechanism. With such a configuration, it is easy to ensure high sealing performance in the housing. Here, for the cover member, there are cases where it must be replaced before the linear motion unit reaches the end of its life. If the man-hours for this replacement increase, the replacement work becomes complicated. Improvement in workability during replacement of the cover member is required. Therefore, one of the objectives is to provide a linear motion unit capable of improving workability during replacement of the cover member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The linear motion unit according to the present disclosure includes a linear motion mechanism and a housing that houses the linear motion mechanism. The linear motion mechanism includes an orbital member and a moving member that is linearly movable along the longitudinal direction of the orbital member. The housing includes a cover member that covers the linear motion mechanism. The cover member includes a fastener that extends in the longitudinal direction. The fastener includes a first element that extends in the longitudinal direction, a second element that extends in the longitudinal direction along the first element and is engageable with the first element, a first slider attached to the first element and the second element, and a second slider attached to the first element and the second element and positioned longitudinally away from the first slider. The first slider and the second slider move the first element and the second element apart from each other as they move in a direction opposite to the side where the other is located, and engage the first element and the second element with each other as they move in the direction of the side where the other is located. The first slider and the second slider are fixable to the moving member. The fastener reaches at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover member. One end of the cover member is configured to be openable and closable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the above linear motion unit, it is possible to improve workability when replacing the cover member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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[0008] [Overview of Embodiment] The linear motion unit of the present disclosure includes a linear motion mechanism and a housing that houses the linear motion mechanism. The linear motion mechanism includes an orbital member and a moving member that can move linearly along the longitudinal direction of the orbital member. The housing includes a cover member that covers the linear motion mechanism. The cover member includes a fastener that extends in the longitudinal direction. The fastener includes a first element that extends in the longitudinal direction, a second element that extends in the longitudinal direction along the first element and can mesh with the first element, a first slider attached to the first element and the second element, and a second slider attached to the first element and the second element and positioned longitudinally away from the first slider. The first slider and the second slider move the first element and the second element away from each other as they move in the direction opposite to the side where the other is located, and mesh the first element and the second element with each other as they move in the direction of the side where the other is located. The first slider and the second slider can be fixed to the moving member. The fastener reaches at least one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover member. One end of the cover member is configured to be openable and closable.

[0009] According to the linear motion unit of the present disclosure, when removing the cover member from the linear motion unit, such as when replacing the cover member, one end of the cover member is opened and the cover member is pulled out toward the other end side. Then, since the fastener reaches one end of the cover member, it can be pulled out as it is. Therefore, the cover member can be removed from the linear motion unit without removing the moving member to which the first slider and the second slider are fixed. As a result, when removing the cover member, steps such as removing the moving member and reinstalling the moving member can be omitted. As described above, according to such a linear motion unit, workability can be improved when replacing the cover member.

[0010] In the above linear motion unit, the fastener may reach both longitudinal ends of the cover member. Both ends of the cover member may be configured to be openable and closable. By doing so, on both ends sides in the longitudinal direction, the cover member can be removed from the linear motion unit by pulling it out. Therefore, the convenience during the replacement of the cover member can be improved.

[0011] In the above linear motion unit, the cover member may include a side wall portion located on the side surface side of the linear motion mechanism, an upper wall portion provided with a fastener and continuous with the side wall portion and located above the linear motion mechanism, a front wall portion located on one end side in the longitudinal direction, and a rear wall portion located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion may be configured to be openable and closable. By doing so, the linear motion mechanism is surrounded by the side wall portion, the upper wall portion, the front wall portion, and the rear wall portion, and the cover member can be pulled out from either one side of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. Therefore, while improving workability, the linear motion mechanism can be more appropriately covered by the cover member to enhance the dustproof property of the linear motion mechanism.

[0012] In the above linear motion unit, at least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion may be configured by bending a first end region in the longitudinal direction of the upper wall portion and a second end region in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion. By configuring at least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion in this way, the above-described openable and closable configuration can be easily realized. Therefore, workability can be further improved.

[0013] In the above linear motion unit, a plurality of fasteners may be provided at intervals in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. By doing so, even when a plurality of fasteners are used, the cover member can be easily removed, and workability can be improved.

[0014] In the above linear motion unit, the track member may have a first rolling surface extending in the longitudinal direction. The moving member may have a second rolling surface that faces the first rolling surface and forms a rolling element rolling path therebetween. The linear motion mechanism may further include a plurality of rolling elements that circulate through a rolling element circulation path including the rolling element rolling path as the moving member linearly moves in the longitudinal direction of the track member. Such a linear motion mechanism can smoothly move the moving member by using a plurality of rolling elements.

[0015] In the above linear motion unit, the linear motion mechanism may include a triangular screw, a trapezoidal screw, a square screw, or a ball screw. Such a linear motion mechanism can move the moving mechanism by rotating a screw shaft with a motor or the like, and can be effectively used for an actuator or the like.

[0016] In the above linear motion unit, the housing may include a base plate. The cover member may be attached to the base plate. The linear motion mechanism may be disposed in a space surrounded by the cover member and the base plate. By doing so, the base plate and the cover member can easily seal the linear motion mechanism. Therefore, the dust-proof performance can be improved.

[0017] [Specific Example of Embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the linear motion unit of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1, which is an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear motion unit in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a part of a cover member, which will be described later, is removed from the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1 as seen in the direction indicated by arrow III. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1 as seen in the direction indicated by arrow IV. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1 as seen in the direction indicated by arrow V. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut along line segment VI-VI in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 and the figures shown below, the X direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the linear motion unit, the Y direction indicates the short-side direction, which is the width direction of the linear motion unit, and the Z direction indicates the thickness direction (height direction) (vertical direction) of the linear motion unit. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are orthogonal to each other. Note that the direction indicated by arrow X is from the rear side to the front side. Also, in FIG. 2, fasteners, which will be described later, are shown together for ease of understanding.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the linear motion unit 10a according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a linear motion mechanism 11a and a housing 41a that houses the linear motion mechanism 11a. In the present embodiment, the linear motion unit 10a is composed of the linear motion mechanism 11a and the housing 41a.

[0020] The linear motion mechanism 11a includes a rail 12a as an orbital member and a slide block 13a as a moving member attached to the rail 12a. The slide block 13a is linearly movable along the longitudinal direction of the orbital member. The rail 12a linearly extends in the longitudinal direction (X direction). The rail 12a is provided with a plurality of through holes in the shape of round holes penetrating in the thickness direction (Z direction). The plurality of through holes are each formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction. These through holes are used in attaching the linear motion unit 10a and the like.

[0021] On both sides in the width direction (Y direction) of the rail 12a, a pair of first rolling surfaces 21a and 22a are provided. The first rolling surfaces 21a and 22a each extend in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the rail 12a.

[0022] The slide block 13a is linearly movable along the longitudinal direction of the rail 12a. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the slide block 13a includes a casing 23a and a pair of end caps (a first end cap 24a and a second end cap 25a) disposed on both longitudinal sides of the casing 23a. The casing 23a includes a casing body 26a extending in the width direction and a pair of sleeve portions (a first sleeve portion 27a and a second sleeve portion 28a) extending in the thickness direction from both sides of the casing body 26a.

[0023] The first sleeve portion 27a extends in the height direction from one end in the width direction of the casing body 26a toward the rail 12a. In the first sleeve portion 27a, a second rolling surface 31a is formed which faces the first rolling surface 21a and forms a first rolling element rolling path 33a between the first rolling surface 21a. The second rolling surface 31a is formed in a region of the first sleeve portion 27a facing the rail 12a side. In the first rolling element rolling path 33a, a plurality of rolling elements, specifically balls 15a, are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. Note that the type of the rolling element is not limited to a ball and may be, for example, a roller.

[0024] A first return path 29a is formed in the first sleeve portion 27a. The first return path 29a extends along the first rolling surface 21a. The first return path 29a is a through hole in the shape of a round hole penetrating the first sleeve portion 27a in the longitudinal direction. The first return path 29a is formed at a position spaced apart from one end of the casing body 26a more than the second rolling surface 31a.

[0025] The second sleeve portion 28a extends in the height direction from the other end portion in the width direction of the casing body 26a toward the rail 12a. A second rolling surface 32a is formed on the second sleeve portion 28a so as to face the first rolling surface 22a and form a second rolling element rolling path 34a between the second rolling surface 32a and the first rolling surface 22a. The second rolling surface 32a is formed in a region of the second sleeve portion 28a facing the rail 12a side. A plurality of rolling elements, specifically balls 15a, are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction in the second rolling element rolling path 34a.

[0026] A second return path 35a is formed in the second sleeve portion 28a. The second return path 35a extends along the first rolling surface 22a. The second return path 35a is a through hole in the shape of a round hole that penetrates the second sleeve portion 28a in the longitudinal direction. The second return path 35a is formed at a position spaced apart from the other end portion of the casing body 26a compared to the second rolling surface 32a.

[0027] A first direction conversion path (not shown) that connects the first rolling element rolling path 33a and the first return path 29a and a second direction conversion path (not shown) that connects the second return path 35a and the second rolling element rolling path 34a are formed in the first end cap 24a. Similarly, a first direction conversion path (not shown) that connects the first rolling element rolling path 33a and the first return path 29a and a second direction conversion path (not shown) that connects the second return path 35a and the second rolling element rolling path 34a are formed in the second end cap 25a.

[0028] An annular first rolling element circulation path composed of the first rolling element rolling path 33a, the first return path 29a, and the first direction conversion path is formed inside the slide block 13a. Also, a second rolling element circulation path composed of the second rolling element rolling path 34a, the second return path 35a, and the second direction conversion path is formed inside the slide block 13a. As the slide block 13a linearly moves along the longitudinal direction of the rail 12a, the plurality of balls 15a circulate through the first rolling element circulation path and the second rolling element circulation path.

[0029] In this embodiment, the housing 41a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the longitudinal direction. The housing 41a is box-shaped and includes a base plate 42a, a cover member 43a, and a stay member 44a.

[0030] The base plate 42a is plate-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction. The base plate 42a is flat. The base plate 42a is rectangular in shape and long in the longitudinal direction when viewed in the thickness direction. The stay member 44a is disposed on the base plate 42a. The stay member 44a has a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a flat first stay 46a that is disposed in contact with the base plate 42a, and a pair of second stays 47a and 48a that are connected to the first stay 46a and face each other with a space therebetween in the width direction. In this embodiment, the linear motion mechanism 11a is disposed above the base plate 42a via the first stay 46a included in the stay member 44a.

[0031] The cover member 43a has an outer shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that extends in the longitudinal direction. The cover member 43a is disposed above the base plate 42a. The cover member 43a covers the linear motion mechanism 11a. The cover member 43a includes a pair of side wall portions 51a and 52a that are located on the side surface side of the linear motion mechanism, an upper wall portion 53a that is connected to the pair of side wall portions 51a and 52a and is located above the linear motion mechanism 11a, a front wall portion 54a that is located at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a rear wall portion 55a that is located at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The pair of side wall portions 51a and 52a face each other in the width direction. The front wall portion 54a and the rear wall portion 55a face each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] On the upper wall portion 53a of the cover member 43a, a fastener 56a extending in the longitudinal direction is provided. The fastener 56a includes a first element 61a extending in the longitudinal direction, a second element 62a extending in the longitudinal direction along the first element 61a, a first slider 63a, and a second slider 64a. The second element 62a is provided so as to be engageable with the first element 61a. The first slider 63a is attached to the first element 61a and the second element 62a. The second slider 64a is also attached to the first element 61a and the second element 62a. The second slider 64a is positioned apart from the first slider 63a in the longitudinal direction. As the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a move in a direction opposite to the side where the other is located, the first element 61a and the second element 62a are separated from each other, and as they move in the direction of the side where the other is located, the first element 61a and the second element 62a are engaged with each other.

[0033] The slide block 13a is attached to the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a. In the present embodiment, the slide block 13a is fixed to the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a. The slide block 13a is disposed above the upper wall portion 53a of the cover member 43a. That is, the slide block 13a is not covered by the cover member 43a and is exposed from the cover member 43a.

[0034] Here, the fastener 56a reaches one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover member 43a. Specifically, the fastener 56a reaches the front wall portion 54a of the cover member 43a. Note that the fastener 56a does not reach the rear wall portion 55a of the cover member 43a.

[0035] Here, one end of the cover member 43a is configured to be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the front wall portion 54a located at one end of the cover member 43a is configured to be openable and closable. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the front wall portion 54a is released. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state where the front wall portion 54a is closed. Referring also to FIG. 7, a slit 65a extending in the height direction is provided in the front wall portion 54a. The slit 65a is disposed at the center in the width direction. The front wall portion 54a is configured by bending a first end region 66a in the longitudinal direction of the upper wall portion 53a and second end regions 67a and 68a in the longitudinal directions of the pair of side wall portions 51a and 52a, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first end region 66a is divided into two parts by the slit 65a, and each is connected to the upper wall portion 53a.

[0036] Here, an example of how to remove the cover member 43a will be briefly described. First, the slide block 13a, which is a moving member, is moved together with the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a to the region where the front wall portion 54a is located. Then, the front wall portion 54a is opened as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the bent states of the bent first end region 66a and the second end regions 67a and 68a are released. Then, referring also to FIG. 8, the cover member 43a is pulled out in the direction of arrow D (opposite to arrow X). FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the cover member 43a is being pulled out. Then, the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a remain attached to the slide block 13a, and only the cover member 43a is pulled out. Note that a new cover member can be attached by reversing the removal procedure.

[0037] According to the above linear motion unit 10a, when removing the cover member 43a from the linear motion unit 10a, such as when replacing the cover member 43a, the front wall portion 54a, which is one end portion of the cover member 43a, is opened, and the cover member 43a is pulled out toward the other end portion side. Then, since the fastener 56a has reached one end portion of the cover member 43a, it can be pulled out as it is. Therefore, the cover member 43a can be removed from the linear motion unit 10a without removing the slide block 13a to which the first slider 63a and the second slider 64a are fixed. As a result, when removing the cover member 43a, steps such as removing the slide block 13a, which is a moving member, and reinstalling the slide block 13a can be omitted. From the above, according to such a linear motion unit 10a, workability can be improved when replacing the cover member 43a.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the cover member 43a includes side wall portions 51a, 52a located on the side surface side of the linear motion mechanism 11a, a fastener 56a is provided, an upper wall portion 53a that is continuous with the side wall portions 51a, 52a and is located above the linear motion mechanism 11a, a front wall portion 54a located at one end portion in the longitudinal direction, and a rear wall portion 55a located at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction. The front wall portion 54a is configured to be openable and closable. Thus, the linear motion mechanism 11a is surrounded by the side wall portions 51a, 52a, the upper wall portion 53a, the front wall portion 54a, and the rear wall portion 55a, and the cover member 43a can be pulled out from the rear wall portion 55a side. Therefore, while improving workability, the linear motion mechanism 11a can be more appropriately covered by the cover member 43a to enhance the dustproof property of the linear motion mechanism 11a.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the front wall portion 54a is configured by bending a first end region 66a in the longitudinal direction of the upper wall portion 53a and second end regions 67a, 68a in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portions 51a, 52a. By configuring the front wall portion 54a in this way, the above-described openable and closable configuration can be easily realized. Therefore, workability can be further improved.

[0040] In this embodiment, the housing 41a includes a base plate 42a. The cover member 43a is attached to the base plate 42a. The linear motion mechanism 11a is disposed within a space surrounded by the cover member 43a and the base plate 42a. Therefore, the base plate 42a and the cover member 43a can facilitate sealing of the linear motion mechanism 11a. Accordingly, the dust-proof property can be improved. Note that the housing 41a may not include the base plate 42a. That is, this is also applicable to a case where the linear motion mechanism 11a is directly fixed to a mating member (attachment location) without using the base plate 42a, and the cover member 43a included in the housing 41a covers the linear motion mechanism 11a.

[0041] In this embodiment, the rail 12a, which is an orbital member, has first rolling surfaces 21a and 22a extending in the longitudinal direction. The moving member has second rolling surfaces 31a and 32a that face the first rolling surfaces 21a and 22a and form a rolling element rolling path therebetween. The linear motion mechanism 11a includes balls 15a as a plurality of rolling elements that circulate through a rolling element circulation path including the rolling element rolling path as the moving member linearly moves in the longitudinal direction of the orbital member. Such a linear motion mechanism can smoothly move the moving member by utilizing the plurality of balls 15a.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the front wall portion is configured to be openable and closable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion may be configured to be openable and closable. By doing so, the linear motion mechanism can be surrounded by the side wall portion, the upper wall portion, the front wall portion, and the rear wall portion, and the cover member can be pulled out from either the front wall portion or the rear wall portion. Therefore, while improving workability, the linear motion mechanism can be more appropriately covered by the cover member to enhance the dust-proof property of the linear motion mechanism.

[0043] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2, which is another embodiment, will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear motion unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a cover member included in the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the cover member included in the linear motion unit shown in FIG. 9 is removed. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is being pulled out. The linear motion unit in Embodiment 2 basically has the same configuration as in the case of Embodiment 1 and exhibits the same effects. However, the linear motion unit of Embodiment 2 is mainly different from that of Embodiment 1 in that the linear motion mechanism is a ball screw.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, the linear motion unit 10b in Embodiment 2 includes a housing 41b including a cover member 43b and a ball screw 11b as a linear motion mechanism. The ball screw 11b includes a screw shaft 16b as an orbital member and a nut 17b. A slide block 13b as a moving member is fixed to the nut 17b. By rotating the screw shaft 16b, the nut 17b and the slide block 13b fixed to the nut 17b can move linearly along the X direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft.

[0045] Here, a fastener 56b extending in the longitudinal direction is provided on the cover member 43b. The fastener 56b reaches one end in the longitudinal direction of the cover member 43b. One end of the cover member 43b is configured to be openable and closable.

[0046] Even with such a configuration, the cover member 43b can be removed from the linear motion unit 10b without removing the slide block 13b. As a result, when removing the cover member 43b, steps such as removing the slide block 13b, which is a moving member, and reinstalling the slide block 13b can be omitted. From the above, according to such a linear motion unit 10b, it is possible to improve the workability when replacing the cover member 43b.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the linear motion unit 10b includes the ball screw 11b as the linear motion mechanism. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the linear motion mechanism may be a triangular screw, a trapezoidal screw, or a square screw, each of which is a sliding screw. That is, the linear motion mechanism included in the linear motion unit 10b may include a triangular screw, a trapezoidal screw, a square screw, or a ball screw. Such a linear motion mechanism can rotate the screw shaft by a motor or the like to move the moving mechanism, and can be effectively used for an actuator or the like.

[0048] (Embodiment 3) Another embodiment, Embodiment 3, will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear motion unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the front wall portion is released. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is pulled out. The linear motion unit in Embodiment 3 basically has the same configuration as that in Embodiment 1 and exhibits the same effects. However, the linear motion unit in Embodiment 3 is mainly different from that in Embodiment 1 in that it includes a plurality of fasteners.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the linear motion unit 10c in Embodiment 2 includes a cover member 43c. The cover member 43c includes a plurality of fasteners 56c, 57c, specifically, two fasteners 56c, 57c. The fasteners 56c, 57c are provided in two in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the present embodiment, with an interval therebetween. Thus, even when a plurality of fasteners 56c, 57c are used, the cover member 43c can be easily removed, and workability can be improved.

[0050] It should be understood that all the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any way. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0051] Linear motion units 10a, 10b, 10c, linear motion mechanism 11a, ball screw 11b, rail 12a, slide blocks 13a, 13b, ball 15a, screw shaft 16b, nut 17b, first rolling surfaces 21a, 22a, casing 23a, first end cap 24a, second end cap 25a, casing body 26a, first sleeve portion 27a, second sleeve portion 28a, first return path 29a, second rolling surfaces 31a, 32a, first rolling element rolling path 33a, second rolling element rolling path 34a, second return path 35a, housings 41a, 41b, base plate 42a, cover members 43a, 43b, 43c, stay member 44a, first stay 46a, second stays 47a, 48a, side wall portions 51a, 52a, upper wall portion 53a, front wall portion 54a, rear wall portion 55a, fasteners 56a, 56b, 56c, 57c, first element 61a, second element 62a, first slider 63a, second slider 64a, slit 65a, first end region 66a, second end regions 67a, 68a.

Claims

1. A linear motion mechanism, and a housing that houses the linear motion mechanism, wherein the linear motion mechanism includes a track member and a moving member that is linearly movable along the longitudinal direction of the track member, the housing includes a cover member that covers the linear motion mechanism, the cover member includes a fastener that extends in the longitudinal direction, the fastener includes a first element that extends in the longitudinal direction, a second element that extends in the longitudinal direction along the first element and is engageable with the first element, a first slider attached to the first element and the second element, and a second slider attached to the first element and the second element and located away from the first slider in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first slider and the second slider move the first element and the second element away from each other as they move in a direction opposite to the side where the other is located, and engage the first element and the second element with each other as they move in the direction of the side where the other is located, the first slider and the second slider are fixable to the moving member, the fastener reaches at least one end of the cover member in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the cover member is configured to be openable and closable, a linear motion unit.

2. The fastener reaches both ends of the cover member in the longitudinal direction, and both ends of the cover member are configured to be openable and closable, the linear motion unit according to Claim 1.

3. The cover member includes a side wall portion located on the side surface side of the linear motion mechanism, an upper wall portion provided with the fastener and continuous with the side wall portion and located above the linear motion mechanism, a front wall portion located at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a rear wall portion located at the other end in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion is configured to be openable and closable, the linear motion unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. At least one of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion is configured by bending a first end region of the upper wall portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end region of the side wall portion in the longitudinal direction, the linear motion unit according to Claim 3.

5. The linear motion unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of the fasteners are provided at intervals in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

6. A first rolling surface extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the track member. A second rolling surface is formed on the moving member so as to face the first rolling surface and form a rolling element rolling path between the second rolling surface and the first rolling surface. The linear motion mechanism further includes a plurality of rolling elements that circulate through a rolling element circulation path including the rolling element rolling path as the moving member linearly moves in the longitudinal direction of the track member. The linear motion unit according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The linear motion unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linear motion mechanism includes a triangular screw, a trapezoidal screw, a square screw, or a ball screw.

8. The housing includes a base plate. The cover member is attached to the base plate. The linear motion unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linear motion mechanism is disposed in a space surrounded by the cover member and the base plate.

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