Linear motion guide unit and adapter

Abstract

To provide a linear motion guide unit capable of achieving smooth sliding of a slider while achieving cost reduction.SOLUTION: A linear motion guide unit includes a rail, a slider, and a plurality of rolling elements. The slide includes a casing, and an end cap. The slider further includes an adapter which is mounted on the end cap so as to be arranged on the opposite side from the side on which the casing is positioned in the longer direction, and which includes a pair of sleeve parts arranged so as to stride over the rail having an interval in the shorter direction orthogonal to the longer direction and a connection part arranged above the rail and for connecting the pair of sleeve parts. The pair of sleeve parts includes a pair of side wall surfaces positioned in the shorter direction. The connection part includes an upper surface positioned in the vertical direction. At the adapter, a first oil hole having a first opening on an upper surface and reaching an annular passage, and a second oil hole having a second opening at least on one of the side wall surfaces and reaching the annular passage are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a linear motion guide unit and an adapter. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A linear motion guide unit including a rail, a roller as a rolling element, a slider that moves relatively along the rail, and a holding plate that holds the roller on the slider is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-94729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a linear motion guide unit, if the sliding resistance of the slider is large, the smooth sliding of the slider is hindered. It is necessary to realize smooth sliding of the slider. In addition, when providing a mechanism for realizing smooth sliding of the slider, it is also necessary to reduce costs.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects is to provide a linear motion guide unit that can achieve smooth sliding of the slider while reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure includes a rail having a first raceway surface extending in the longitudinal direction, a slider attached to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail and having a second raceway surface opposing the first raceway surface, and a plurality of rolling elements rolling on a raceway formed by the first and second raceway surfaces. The slider includes a casing having a first circulation path parallel to the raceway and including a second raceway surface, and an end cap located on one side of the casing in the longitudinal direction and having a second circulation path connecting the raceway and the first circulation path. Each rolling element circulates on a circular path formed by the raceway, the first circulation path, and the second circulation path. The slider is attached to the end cap so as to be located on the side opposite the casing in the longitudinal direction, and further includes an adapter including a pair of sleeves arranged to straddle the rail at a distance in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a connecting portion located above the rail and connecting the pair of sleeves. The pair of sleeves include a pair of side wall surfaces located in the lateral direction. The connecting portion includes an upper surface located in the vertical direction. The adapter is provided with a first oil hole having a first opening on the upper surface and leading to the annular passage, and a second oil hole having a second opening in at least one of the pair of side wall surfaces and leading to the annular passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the linear motion guide unit described above, costs can be reduced and smooth sliding of the slider can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear motion guide unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by the arrows II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the linear motion guide unit shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the linear motion guide unit shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the linear motion guide unit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the linear motion guide unit shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic rear view of the adapter. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adapter. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter with a portion thereof removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Outline of the embodiment] The linear motion guide unit disclosed herein includes a rail having a first raceway surface extending in the longitudinal direction, a slider attached to the rail for relative movement and having a second raceway surface opposing the first raceway surface, and a plurality of rolling elements rolling on a raceway formed by the first and second raceway surfaces. The slider includes a casing having a first circulation path parallel to the raceway and including a second raceway surface, and an end cap located on one longitudinal side of the casing and having a second circulation path connecting the raceway and the first circulation path. Each rolling element circulates on a circular path formed by the raceway, the first circulation path, and the second circulation path. The slider is attached to the end cap so as to be located on the side opposite the casing in the longitudinal direction, and further includes an adapter including a pair of sleeves spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and spanning the rail, and a connecting portion located above the rail and connecting the pair of sleeves. The pair of sleeves include a pair of side wall surfaces located in the lateral direction. The connecting portion includes an upper surface located in the vertical direction. The adapter is provided with a first oil hole having a first opening on the upper surface and leading to the annular passage, and a second oil hole having a second opening in at least one of the pair of side wall surfaces and leading to the annular passage.

[0010] The linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure includes an adapter attached to an end cap and including a pair of sleeves and a connecting portion. The adapter has a first oil hole with a first opening on the top surface of the connecting portion and a second oil hole with a second opening on the side wall surface of the sleeve. This allows oil to be supplied to the annular passage through either the top or side wall opening. This allows the oil supply direction to be selected depending on the situation. In this case, no additional processing is required once the oil supply direction is determined, thereby shortening lead time and reducing costs. Furthermore, proper lubrication within the annular passage ensures smooth sliding of the slider. As described above, this linear motion guide unit can achieve smooth sliding of the slider while reducing costs.

[0011] In the linear guide unit described above, the first oil hole may include a first oil groove extending vertically from the first opening and an oil passage groove continuing from the first oil groove and extending longitudinally, connecting the end of the first oil groove to the annular passage. The second oil hole may include a second oil groove extending laterally from the second opening to the oil passage groove. The first oil groove and the second oil groove may be provided at different positions longitudinally. This ensures a large area for each opening, making it easy to provide tapped holes. This allows the tapped holes to be used to reliably block openings not used for lubrication. This allows for more efficient lubrication.

[0012] In the linear motion guide unit described above, the second oil groove may be provided so as to be located higher than the oil passage groove in the vertical direction. This allows for smooth oil supply when using the second oil groove for lubrication. This allows for more reliable lubrication.

[0013] In the linear motion guide unit, at least one of the first opening and the second opening may be provided with a tapped hole. This allows components used for lubrication, such as a grease nipple, to be easily and reliably attached using the tapped hole. Furthermore, the tapped hole can be used to reliably close openings not used for lubrication. This allows for more efficient lubrication.

[0014] In the linear guide unit described above, the adapter may have an upper surface and include a protruding region that protrudes in the longitudinal direction opposite the side where the end cap is located. The first opening may be provided at a position that includes the protruding region. This makes it possible to easily provide a tapped hole in the first opening while preventing the adapter from becoming too large overall. Therefore, it is possible to easily form a tapped hole in the first opening while preventing an increase in size.

[0015] In the linear motion guide unit, the second openings may be provided in the pair of side wall surfaces, respectively. This allows for grease to be supplied from either side in the short side direction, improving convenience.

[0016] In the linear motion guide unit, the adapter may further include a stopper that closes at least one of the first opening and the second opening. This allows the stopper to reliably close the opening that is not used for lubrication, thereby reliably preventing oil leakage from the unused opening.

[0017] The adapter of the present disclosure includes a pair of sleeves arranged at a distance from each other and a connecting portion connecting the pair of sleeves. The pair of sleeves include a pair of sidewall surfaces. The connecting portion includes an upper surface. A first oil hole having a first opening is provided in the upper surface, and a second oil hole having a second opening is provided in at least one of the pair of sidewall surfaces.

[0018] According to the above adapter, it is possible to reduce costs and, when attached to the linear motion guide unit, to achieve smooth sliding of the slider.

[0019] [Specific example of embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the linear guide unit of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrows II-II in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 and the following figures, the X direction indicates the short side direction, i.e., the width direction, of the linear guide unit, the Y direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the linear guide unit, and the Z direction indicates the up-down direction, i.e., the height direction, of the linear guide unit. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the Y direction, i.e., the XZ plane. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the linear guide unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view seen from the direction indicated by arrow III in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic side views of the linear guide unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view seen from the direction indicated by arrow IX in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a view seen from the direction indicated by arrow X in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the linear guide unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a view seen from the direction indicated by arrow VI in FIG.

[0021] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, linear guide unit 10a according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes rail 11a, which is a track rail, slider 21a, and multiple rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d as multiple rolling elements. Rail 11a extends straight in the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction. By including multiple rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, linear guide unit 10a according to embodiment 1 can achieve a larger load rating while remaining compact in size, compared to a case in which the rolling elements are balls, for example. In this embodiment, linear guide unit 10a is a so-called four-row linear guide unit. Rollers 20a and 20b each include rolling surfaces 28a and 28b, first end faces 51a and 51b located on one side of rollers 20a and 20b in the direction of the central rotation axis, and second end faces 52a and 52b located on the other side of rollers 20a and 20b in the direction of the central rotation axis. Similarly, rollers 20c and 20d each include a rolling surface, a first end face located on one side of rollers 20c and 20d in the direction of the central rotation axis, and a second end face located on the other side of rollers 20c and 20d in the direction of the central rotation axis.

[0022] First, the configuration of the rail 11a will be described. The rail 11a includes a rail upper end surface 12a and a rail lower end surface 12b spaced apart in the Z direction, a first rail side surface 13a and a second rail side surface 13b spaced apart in the X direction, and a rail front end surface 14a and a rail rear end surface 14b spaced apart in the Y direction. That is, the rail 11a includes the first rail side surface 13a and the second rail side surface 13b extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction. The rail 11a has a pair of first raceway grooves 15a, 15b extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction. The first raceway groove 15a is provided in the first rail side surface 13a. The first raceway groove 15b is provided in the second rail side surface 13b.

[0023] The first raceway groove 15a is composed of first raceway surfaces 16a and 16b and a connecting surface 17a. The first raceway surface 16a is inclined with respect to the XY plane and is provided on the rail upper end surface 12a side. The first raceway surface 16b is inclined with respect to the XY plane and is provided on the rail lower end surface 12b side. The connecting surface 17a is provided contiguous to each of the first raceway surfaces 16a and 16b. Like the first raceway groove 15a, the first raceway groove 15b is also composed of first raceway surfaces 16c and 16d and a connecting surface 17b. The first raceway surface 16c is inclined with respect to the XY plane and is provided on the rail upper end surface 12a side. The first raceway surface 16d is inclined with respect to the XY plane and is provided on the rail lower end surface 12b side. The connecting surface 17b is provided contiguous to each of the first raceway surfaces 16c and 16d. That is, the rail 11a includes first raceway surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extending in the longitudinal direction. A linear motion guide unit 10a including such a rail 11a is suitable for use in machine tools, assembly equipment, conveyance machines, and the like.

[0024] The rail 11a is provided with a plurality of through holes 18a that penetrate in the Z direction from the rail upper end surface 12a to the rail lower end surface 12b. The plurality of through holes 18a are provided at intervals in the Y direction. For example, when using the linear motion guide unit 10a, the through holes 18a are each effectively used when attaching the rail 11a to a predetermined location.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the slider 21a will be described. The slider 21a is attached to the rail 11a so as to be relatively movable. In this embodiment, the slider 21a is slidably mounted across the rail 11a. The slider 21a is provided with a fitting portion 24a recessed in the Z direction, and the slider 21a is attached so that the rail 11a is fitted into this fitting portion 24a. In other words, the slider 21a is attached so as to straddle the rail 11a, and is configured to be movable in the Y direction.

[0026] The slider 21a includes a casing 22a, a pair of end caps 23a and 23b, specifically a first end cap 23a and a second end cap 23b, and a pair of adapters 61a and 61b, specifically a first adapter 61a and a second adapter 61b. The first adapter 61a is attached to the first end cap 23a so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. The second adapter 61b is attached to the second end cap 23b so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. The end cap 23a and an end seal 27a (described later) are interposed between the adapter 61a and the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. The end cap 23b and an end seal 27b (described later) are interposed between the adapter 61b and the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. The configurations of the adapters 61a and 61b will be described in detail later.

[0027] The first end cap 23a is disposed on one longitudinal side of the casing 22a, specifically, on the rail front end surface 14a side of the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. The second end cap 23b is disposed on the other longitudinal side of the casing 22a, specifically, on the rail rear end surface 14b side of the casing 22a in the longitudinal direction. That is, the slider 21a includes a pair of end caps 23a, 23b disposed on both longitudinal sides of the casing 22a. The first end cap 23a has a through hole penetrating in the Y direction. Both the first end cap 23a and the second end cap 23b are so-called plate-shaped, with their thickness direction aligned along the longitudinal direction. The first end cap 23a is connected to the casing 22a with multiple bolts via the through holes. The second end cap 23b is connected to the casing 22a with multiple bolts via the through holes. The end cap 23a is provided with a supply hole (not shown) for supplying oil, and the same is true for the end cap 23b.

[0028] The slider 21a includes a first end seal 27a located on one longitudinal side of the first end cap 23a and a second end seal 27b located on the other longitudinal side of the second end cap 23b. The first end seal 27a is attached to the first end cap 23a with bolts together with a first adapter 61a (described later). An oil hole (not shown) is provided in the first end seal 27a, passing through the adapter 61a (described later) and the annular passage through the first end cap 23a. The second end cap 23b, like the first end cap 23a, is connected to the casing 22a with multiple bolts. The second end seal 27b is attached to the second end cap 23b with bolts together with a second adapter 61b (described later). Similar to the first end seal 27a, the second end seal 27b is provided with an oil hole (not shown) that passes through in the longitudinal direction and communicates with the annular passage from the adapter 61b via the second end cap 23b.

[0029] The casing 22a is provided with a plurality of through holes 29a penetrating in the Z direction. In this embodiment, four through holes 29a are provided. The four through holes 29a are provided at intervals in the X direction and the Y direction, and are used, for example, when connecting the slider 21a to another member.

[0030] Casing 22a includes second raceway surfaces 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d that face first raceway surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, respectively. Raceway 31a, on which roller 20a rolls, is composed of first raceway surface 16a and second raceway surface 32a. Raceway 31b, on which roller 20b rolls, is composed of first raceway surface 16b and second raceway surface 32b. Raceway 31c, on which roller 20c rolls, is composed of first raceway surface 16c and second raceway surface 32c. Raceway 31d, on which roller 20d rolls, is composed of first raceway surface 16d and second raceway surface 32d.

[0031] The casing 22a is provided with first circulation paths 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d that run parallel to the raceways 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d, respectively. The first circulation paths 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d are also referred to as return paths. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 34a formed by combining a first divided member 35a and a second divided member 36a is disposed within the first circulation path 33a. A plurality of rollers 20a move within the sleeve 34a. Similarly, a hollow cylindrical sleeve 34b formed by combining a first divided member 35b and a second divided member 36b is disposed within the first circulation path 33b. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 34c formed by combining a first divided member 35c and a second divided member 36c is disposed within the first circulation path 33c. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 34d formed by combining a first divided member 35d and a second divided member 36d is disposed within the first circulation path 33d.

[0032] The casing 22a includes first guide surfaces 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d that come into contact with first end surfaces 51a and 51b located on one side of the rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d to guide the rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d.

[0033] The first end cap 23a is provided with a second circulation path (not shown). The second circulation path is also called a direction change path. The second circulation path has an arc-shaped recess in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the first end cap 23a so as to allow movement of the plurality of rollers 20a. The second circulation path connects the raceway path 31a and the first circulation path 33a. The first end cap 23a also includes a second circulation path connecting the raceway path 31b and the first circulation path 33b, a second circulation path connecting the raceway path 31c and the first circulation path 33c, and a second circulation path connecting the raceway path 31d and the first circulation path 33d. Similarly to the first end cap 23a, the second end cap 23b includes a second circulation path connecting the raceway 31a and the first circulation path 33a, a second circulation path connecting the raceway 31b and the first circulation path 33b, a second circulation path connecting the raceway 31c and the first circulation path 33c, and a second circulation path connecting the raceway 31d and the first circulation path 33d. The rollers 20a circulate in a circular path formed by the raceway 31a, the second circulation path of the second end cap 23b, the first circulation path 33a, and the second circulation path of the first end cap 23a. The rollers 20b circulate in a circular path formed by the raceway 31b, the second circulation path of the second end cap 23b, the first circulation path 33b, and the second circulation path of the first end cap 23a. The rollers 20c circulate in a circular path formed by the raceway 31c, the second circulation path of the second end cap 23b, the first circulation path 33c, and the second circulation path of the first end cap 23a. The rollers 20d circulate in a circular path (not shown) formed by the raceway 31d, the second circulation path of the second end cap 23b, the first circulation path 33d, and the second circulation path of the first end cap 23a.

[0034] Slider 21a includes holding members 41a and 41b that hold rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in casing 22a. Holding member 41a includes a holding plate 42a and a holding band 43a as an attachment mechanism. Similarly to holding member 41a, holding member 41b includes a holding plate 42b and a holding band 43b. The configuration of holding member 41b is similar to that of holding member 41a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The holding plate 42a and holding band 43a included in the holding member 41a each have a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction. The holding plate 42a has a groove 47a that is recessed to accommodate the holding band 43a. The groove 47a has a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction. Similar to the holding plate 42a, the holding plate 42b also has a groove 47b.

[0036] Here, the configuration of the retaining band 43a will be briefly described. The retaining band 43a is formed by bending, for example, a long, thin metal member. The retaining band 43a is elastically deformable. The retaining band 43a has a pair of claws (not shown) at both longitudinal ends. When attaching the retaining band 43a, the rod-shaped portion of the retaining band 43a extending in the longitudinal direction is fitted into the groove 47a and the longitudinal center is pressed against the retaining plate 42a, and the pair of claws is hooked onto the pair of end caps 23a, 23b while holding the retaining plate 42a. This causes slight elastic deformation at both ends of the retaining band 43a, and this pressing force attaches the retaining plate 42a to the casing 22a.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the holding plate 42a will be described. The holding plate 42a includes second guide surfaces 46a and 46b that come into contact with second end surfaces 52a and 52b located on the other side of the rollers 20a and 20b, respectively, to guide the rollers 20a and 20b.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the adapter 61a will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter 61a. FIG. 8 is a schematic rear view of the adapter 61a. FIG. 8 is a view as seen from the direction indicated by arrow VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adapter 61a. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 61a, including the first oil groove and oil passage groove described below, taken along a cross section parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 9 is a view as seen from the direction indicated by arrow X. Note that FIG. 9 illustrates only a portion of the linear motion guide unit 10a for ease of understanding. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter 61a with a portion removed. In FIG. 10, a portion of the adapter 61a has been removed to expose the first oil hole, first oil groove, second oil hole, second oil groove, and part of the oil passage groove. Note that the configuration of the adapter 61b is similar to that of the adapter 61a, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10, the adapter 61a is used to supply grease to the rollers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d as they roll. In other words, the adapter 61a is a grease supply adapter. The adapter 61a is used to supply grease to the annular path in the linear motion guide unit 10a. The adapter 61a is configured to be detachable from the casing 22a. The adapter 61a includes a pair of sleeves 62a and 63a arranged at a distance from each other and a connecting portion 64a connecting the pair of sleeves 62a and 63a. The pair of sleeves 62a and 63a includes a pair of side wall surfaces 65a and 66a. The connecting portion 64a includes an upper surface 67a. The adapter 61a includes a first oil hole 76a having a first opening 71a on the top surface 67a, and second oil holes 77a, 78a having second openings 72a, 73a on the pair of side wall surfaces 65a, 66a, respectively. Specifically, the adapter 61a includes a pair of sleeves 62a, 63a spaced apart in the short-side direction (X direction) and extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and a connecting portion 64a extending in the short-side direction and connecting the pair of sleeves 62a, 63a. The pair of sleeves 62a, 63a are positioned so as to straddle the rail 11a in the short-side direction. The pair of sleeves 62a, 63a each include a pair of side wall surfaces 65a, 66a exposed in the short-side direction. In this embodiment, the pair of side wall surfaces 65a, 66a are parallel to the YZ plane. The connecting portion 64a includes an upper surface 67a exposed in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the upper surface 67a is parallel to the XY plane. The sleeve portions 62a and 63a are provided with through holes 74a and 75a, respectively, that penetrate in the longitudinal direction for fastening bolts.

[0040] The adapter 61a includes a first oil hole 76a having a first opening 71a in the top surface 67a and leading to the annular passage, and second oil holes 77a and 78a having second openings 72a and 73a in the pair of side wall surfaces 65a and 66a, respectively, leading to the annular passage. That is, the adapter 61a has two second openings 72a and 73a. The adapter 61a includes the top surface 67a and a protruding region 68a that protrudes longitudinally away from the end cap 23a. The first opening 71a is located at a position that includes the protruding region 68a. Both the first opening 71a and the second openings 72a and 73a each have a tapped hole. That is, the inner wall surfaces of both the first opening 71a and the second openings 72a and 73a are internally threaded.

[0041] The first oil hole 76a includes a first oil groove 81a extending vertically from the first opening 71a and an oil passage groove 83a extending longitudinally, continuing from the first oil groove 81a, and connecting the first oil groove 81a to the annular passage. The second oil hole 77a includes a second oil groove 82a extending transversely from the second opening 72a to the oil passage groove 83a. Although not shown, the second oil hole 78a also includes a second oil groove similar to that of the second oil hole 77a. The first oil groove 81a and the second oil groove 82a are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, referring particularly to FIG. 9, the first oil groove 81a and the second oil groove 82a are spaced apart by a length L. The second oil groove 82a is located closer to the upper surface 67a than the oil passage groove 83a in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0042] The adapter 61a includes a stopper 84a that closes one of the second openings 72a. The stopper 84a has a portion where a male thread is formed, and is attached to one of the pair of second openings 72a, 73a. That is, the stopper 84a is attached by engaging the male thread portion of the stopper 84a with the female thread portion of the second opening 72a. The portion where the stopper 84a is attached protrudes in the short direction.

[0043] The linear motion guide unit 10a configured as described above includes an adapter 61a attached to the end cap 23a and including a pair of sleeves 62a, 63a and a connecting portion 64a. The adapter 61a has a first oil hole 76a with a first opening 71a on the top surface 67a of the connecting portion 64a, and second oil holes 77a, 78a with second openings 72a, 73a on the side wall surfaces 65a, 66a of the sleeves 62a, 63a. This allows oil to be supplied from either the top surface 67a or the side wall surfaces 65a, 66a (i.e., the first opening 71a or the second opening 72a, 73a) and then to the annular passage through either the first oil hole 76a or the second oil hole 77a, 78a. This allows the oil supply direction to be selected depending on the situation. In this case, once the oil supply direction is determined, no additional machining is required, shortening lead time and reducing costs. Furthermore, since the circulation path can be appropriately lubricated, the slider 21a can slide smoothly. As described above, with this linear motion guide unit 10a, the slider 21a can slide smoothly while reducing costs.

[0044] Furthermore, the adapter 61a having such a configuration can reduce costs and, when attached to the linear motion guide unit 10a, can achieve smooth sliding of the slider 21a.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first oil hole 76a includes a first oil groove 81a extending vertically from the first opening 71a and an oil passage groove 83a extending longitudinally from the first oil groove 81a and connecting the first oil groove 81a to the annular passage. The second oil hole 77a includes a second oil groove 82a extending transversely from the second opening 72a to the oil passage groove 83a. The first oil groove 81a and the second oil groove 82a are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction. This ensures a large area for each opening, making it easy to provide tapped holes. This allows the tapped holes to be used to reliably block openings not used for lubrication. This allows for more efficient lubrication.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second oil groove 82a is provided so as to be located closer to the upper surface 67a than the oil passage groove 83a in the vertical direction. This allows for smooth oil supply when using the second oil groove 82a for lubrication. This allows for more reliable lubrication.

[0047] In this embodiment, tapped holes are provided in both the first opening 71a and the second openings 72a and 73a. Therefore, components used for lubrication, such as grease nipples, can be easily and reliably attached using the tapped holes. Furthermore, the tapped holes can be used to reliably close openings not used for lubrication. Therefore, more efficient lubrication is possible.

[0048] In this embodiment, the adapter 61a includes an upper surface 67a and a protruding region 68a that protrudes in the longitudinal direction opposite the side where the end cap 23a is located. The first opening 71a is located at a position that includes the protruding region 68a. This allows tapped holes to be easily formed in the first opening 71a while preventing the adapter 61a from becoming too large overall. This makes it easy to form tapped holes in the first opening 71a while preventing an increase in size.

[0049] In this embodiment, the second openings 72a and 73a are provided in the pair of side wall surfaces 65a and 66a, respectively, which makes it possible to supply grease from either side in the short side direction, thereby improving convenience.

[0050] In this embodiment, the adapter 61a includes a stopper 84a that closes one of the second openings 72a. Therefore, the opening that is not used for lubrication can be reliably closed by the stopper 84a. Therefore, oil leakage from the unused opening can be reliably prevented.

[0051] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the adapters 61a, 61b are provided as a pair in the longitudinal direction, but this is not limiting, and only one of the adapters 61a, 61b may be provided. Furthermore, in each of the adapters 61a, 61b, the second opening may be provided in only one of the side wall surfaces rather than in both side wall surfaces in the lateral direction.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the holding plate is held on the casing side using a holding band, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the holding plate may be fixed and attached to the casing side using a bolt or the like, or the holding plate may be glued to the casing side.

[0053] The present invention is intended to cover a wide range of applications, including those related to the present invention, including those related to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10a linear motion guide unit, 11a rail, 12a rail upper end surface, 12b rail lower end surface, 13a first rail side surface, 13b second rail side surface, 14a rail front end surface, 14b rail rear end surface, 15a, 15b first raceway groove, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d first raceway surface, 17a, 17b connecting surface, 18a through hole, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d roller, 21a slider, 22a casing, 23a end cap (first end cap), 23b end cap (second end cap), 24a fitting portion, 27a end seal (first end seal), 27b end seal (second end seal), 28a, 28b rolling surface, 29a Through holes, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d Raceway, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d Second raceway surface, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d First circulation path, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d Sleeve, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d First divided member, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d Second divided member, 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d First guide surface, 41a, 41b Retaining member, 42a, 42b Retaining plate, 43a, 43b Retaining band, 46a, 46b Second guide surface, 47a, 47b Groove portion, 51a, 51b First end surface, 52a, 52b Second end surface, 61a Adapter (first adapter), 61b Adapter (second adapter), 62a, 63a sleeve portion, 64a connecting portion, 65a, 66a side wall surface, 67a upper surface, 68a protruding region, 71a first opening, 72a, 73a second opening, 74a, 75a through hole, 76a first oil hole, 77a, 78a second oil hole, 81a first oil groove, 82a second oil groove, 83a oil passage groove, 84a stopper.

Claims

1. a rail having a first raceway surface extending in a longitudinal direction; a slider attached to the rail so as to be relatively movable, the slider having a second raceway surface facing the first raceway surface; a plurality of rolling elements that roll on a raceway defined by the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface, The slider includes: a casing having a first circulation path parallel to the raceway and including the second raceway surface; an end cap disposed on one side of the casing in the longitudinal direction, the end cap having a second circulation path connecting the raceway and the first circulation path; each of the rolling elements circulates in a circular path formed by the raceway, the first circulation path, and the second circulation path; the slider is attached to the end cap so as to be positioned on the opposite side to the side on which the casing is located in the longitudinal direction, and further includes an adapter including a pair of sleeves spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and positioned to straddle the rail, and a connecting portion positioned above the rail and connecting the pair of sleeves; The pair of sleeve portions includes a pair of side wall surfaces located in a short direction, The connecting portion includes an upper surface positioned in the vertical direction, The adapter includes: a first oil hole having a first opening on the upper surface and leading to the annular passage; a second oil hole having a second opening in at least one of the pair of side wall surfaces and leading to the annular passage;

2. The first oil hole is a first oil groove extending in the up-down direction from the first opening; and an oil passage groove continuing from the first oil groove, extending in the longitudinal direction, and connecting a terminal end of the first oil groove and the annular passage, the second oil hole includes a second oil groove extending in the short direction and extending from the second opening to the oil groove, 2. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the first oil groove and the second oil groove are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

3. 3. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 2, wherein the second oil groove is provided so as to be located closer to the upper surface than the oil groove in the up-down direction.

4. 4. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said first opening and said second opening is provided with a tapped hole.

5. the adapter has the upper surface and includes a protruding region that protrudes in the longitudinal direction opposite to the side on which the end cap is located, 4. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 2, wherein the first opening is provided at a position that includes the protruding region.

6. 3. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is provided in each of the pair of side wall surfaces.

7. 3. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the adapter further includes a stopper that closes at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

8. a pair of sleeves spaced apart from one another and a connecting portion connecting the pair of sleeves; The pair of sleeve portions includes a pair of side wall surfaces, the coupling portion includes an upper surface; a first oil hole having a first opening on the upper surface; a second oil hole having a second opening in at least one of the pair of side wall surfaces.

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