Temporary shaft of linear motion guide device

Abstract

To provide a temporary shaft of a linear motion guide device which can be applied to sliders having different lengths base on a view point different from that of the prior art, while suppressing component costs and the like.SOLUTION: A temporary shaft has a first side plate, a second side plate, and an intermediate member connecting the first side plate and the second side plate in parallel, and has at least one of a coupling element connecting the first side plate and the intermediate member, and a coupling element connecting the intermediate member and the second side plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temporary shaft for a linear guide device. [Background technology]

[0002] A linear guide device, which guides a guided object linearly while circulating rolling elements such as rollers or balls inside, is one of the important machine elements that has a significant effect on the motion accuracy of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ultra-precision processing machines, ultra-precision measuring instruments, etc. A linear guide device includes a guide rail, a slider that moves in the longitudinal direction along the guide rail, and rolling elements arranged between the guide rail and the slider.

[0003] When the slider of a linear guide device is mounted on a guide rail, the slider is held via a temporary shaft formed to resemble the guide rail to prevent the rolling elements of the slider from falling out of the rolling element rolling grooves. The cross section of the temporary shaft has a shape that is almost identical to the cross section of the guide rail of the linear guide device. The temporary shaft on which the slider and rolling elements are mounted is connected to the end of the axial direction (i.e., longitudinal direction) of the guide rail, and the slider is moved from the temporary shaft onto the guide rail, allowing the slider to be mounted on the guide rail without the rolling elements falling out.

[0004] In recent years, the number of linear motion guiding devices that achieve high motion accuracy, high rigidity, and high load capacity has been increasing, and along with this, long sliders that are longer in overall length than standard sliders of standard length have also been developed.As a result, a temporary shaft that is compatible with a standard slider cannot accommodate a long slider, and a temporary shaft specifically for a long slider must be prepared separately.

[0005] In response to this, Patent Document 1 proposes a temporary shaft that can be connected in the axial direction via a connecting means. Such a temporary shaft has a connecting mechanism with a recess or a protrusion at its end. When a standard slider is attached to the guide rail, the temporary shaft can be used alone, and when a long slider is attached, two temporary shafts can be connected via a connecting mechanism to use as a temporary shaft with an extended length. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a temporary shaft specifically for the long slider, which has the advantage of reducing parts costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5807390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, according to the temporary shafts of Patent Document 1, the connecting mechanism includes a protrusion on the end of one temporary shaft that protrudes in the axial direction and engages with a recess on the mating temporary shaft. This prevents the end face of the temporary shaft from being tightly fitted to the end face of the guide rail, resulting in an inherent gap between the temporary shaft and the guide rail. If this gap is larger than the diameter of the rolling elements in the slider, the rolling elements may fall off when the slider is moved from the temporary shaft to the guide rail. In response to this, reducing the size of the protrusion to prevent the rolling elements from falling off results in a corresponding decrease in the strength of the connecting mechanism. In particular, when trying to prevent small-diameter rolling elements from falling off, the protrusion becomes too small, resulting in insufficient strength and making the connecting mechanism unworkable.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is based on a different viewpoint from the conventional technology and has an object to provide a temporary shaft for a linear guide device that can be applied to sliders of different lengths while suppressing component costs and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the temporary shaft of the linear motion guiding device of the present invention is A temporary shaft of a linear guide device that can hold a slider of the linear guide device, the temporary shaft being provided with a guide rail and a slider that can move relatively to the guide rail in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail via a rolling element, a first side plate, a second side plate, and an intermediate member connecting the first side plate and the second side plate; The device is characterized by having at least one of a joining element that joins the first side plate and the intermediate member and a joining element that joins the intermediate member and the second side plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, based on a viewpoint different from that of the prior art, it is possible to provide a temporary shaft for a linear guide device that can be applied to sliders of different lengths while suppressing component costs and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear guide device to which the temporary shaft of this embodiment can be applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the temporary shaft of this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the temporary shaft with the parts assembled thereto. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a state in which a slider is attached to the temporary shaft of this embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state in which a slider is attached to the temporary shaft of the modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the temporary shaft of this embodiment with the slider attached thereto. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which a slider is attached to a temporary shaft according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft according to the second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft according to a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a left side plate according to another modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an intermediate member according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, technically preferable limitations are imposed for carrying out the present invention, but these limitations are not essential requirements for the present invention. In the following embodiment, the first side plate has a first convex portion or a first recess on its surface facing the intermediate member, and the second side plate has a second convex portion or a second recess on its surface facing the intermediate member. The intermediate member has a third recess on its surface facing the first side plate that fits into the first convex portion or a third convex portion that fits into the first recess, and a fourth recess on its surface facing the second side plate that fits into the second convex portion or a fourth convex portion that fits into the second recess. In this case, the first convex portion or first recess, the second convex portion or second recess, the third convex portion or third recess, and the fourth convex portion or fourth recess constitute a coupling element.

[0013] First, a linear guide device to which a slider can be attached using the temporary shaft of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a linear guide device to which the temporary shaft of this embodiment can be applied.

[0014] 1, the bearing device has a guide rail 11 having rolling element rolling grooves 11a with a semicircular cross section and rolling element rolling grooves 11b with a quarter-circular cross section on both sides thereof, a slider 12 fitted onto the guide rail 11 so as to be movable in the axial direction, and rolling elements (not shown) arranged between the guide rail 11 and the slider 12. The slider 12 has rolling element rolling grooves (not shown) formed along the axial direction that face the rolling element rolling grooves 11a and 11b.

[0015] When a linear guide device is attached to a machine tool, a robot, or the like for use, dirt and dust can accumulate in the rolling element rolling grooves of the guide rail 11 and other exposed surfaces, hindering the rolling of the rolling elements. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, dust-proof side seals 14 are often attached to end caps 13 on both ends of the slider 12.

[0016] When the linear guide device is in operation, the rolling elements loaded between the opposing rolling element rolling grooves roll in accordance with the relative movement between the guide rail 11 and the slider 12. When the rolling elements reach one end of the body of the slider 12, they are picked up by the tip of the end cap 13 and guided through a return guide (not shown) provided in the end cap 13 to a circulation hole opened in the body of the slider 12.

[0017] Furthermore, the rolling elements (steel balls) that pass through the circulation hole and reach the other end of the body of the slider 12 are returned to the opposing rolling element rolling grooves in the guide rail 11 and the body of the slider 12 through a return guide provided in the opposite end cap 13, thereby enabling the rolling elements to circulate endlessly.

[0018] Here, when the slider 12 is attached to the guide rail 11, in order to prevent the rolling elements incorporated in the slider 12 from falling out of the rolling element rolling grooves, the slider 12 is held on a temporary shaft made of resin molded to resemble the guide rail 11.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the temporary shaft 20. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the temporary shaft 20 in an assembled state, in which the contact surfaces of the left plate, right plate, and intermediate member are shown in a see-through state with double hatching (similar to Figs. 4A, 4B, and 6 to 10).

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the temporary shaft 20 has a resin left side plate (also referred to as the first side plate) 21, a resin right side plate (also referred to as the second side plate) 22, and a resin intermediate member 23. Here, the longitudinal direction of the left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 is the X direction, the width direction of the left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction. The left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the Z direction. The surface of the left side plate 21 facing the right side plate 22 is referred to as the first plane 21d, and the surface of the right side plate 22 facing the left side plate 21 is referred to as the second plane 22d.

[0021] The rectangular left side plate 21 has on one surface a rolling element rolling groove 21a with a semicircular cross section extending in the X direction and a rolling element rolling groove 21b with a quarter-circular cross section, and has on the other surface, a first flat surface 21d, a plurality of protrusions (first convex portions) 21c. The protrusions 21c each have a common cylindrical shape.

[0022] The protrusions 21c are arranged in two groups (a total of eight protrusions 21c) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the left side plate 21, with the centers of the four protrusions 21c positioned at the vertices of a rectangle. The distance between the centers of adjacent protrusions 21c in one group in the X direction is Δ1, and the distance between the centers of adjacent protrusions 21c in the Y direction is Δ2. The distance between the edge of the left side plate 21 and the center of the protrusion 21c closest to that edge is Δ3, where Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1. The diameter of the protrusions 21c is φ. The arrangement of the protrusions 21c in each group is the same.

[0023] Furthermore, rectangular right side plate 22 has a mirror image shape of left side plate 21, so parts common to left side plate 21 can be used in reverse. Specifically, right side plate 22 has rolling element rolling groove 22a with a semicircular cross section and rolling element rolling groove 22b with a quarter-circular cross section extending in the X direction on the surface away from left side plate 21, and has multiple protrusions (second convex portions) 22c on second flat surface 22d, which is the other surface. Protrusions 22c each have a cylindrical shape and also have a shape common to protrusions 21c.

[0024] The protrusions 22c are also arranged in two groups of four (a total of eight protrusions 22c) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the right side plate 22, with the centers of the four protrusions 22c located at the vertices of a rectangle. The distance between the centers of adjacent protrusions 22c in one group in the X direction is Δ1, and the distance between the centers of adjacent protrusions 22c in the Y direction is Δ2. The distance between the edge of the right side plate 22 and the center of the protrusion 22c closest to that edge is Δ3, where Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1. The diameter of the protrusions 22c is φ. The arrangement of the protrusions 22c in each group is the same.

[0025] The intermediate member 23 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has four cylindrical recesses (third recesses) 23b on its left side surface 23a facing the left side plate 21. The centers of the four recesses 23b are located at the vertices of a rectangle. The distance between the centers of adjacent recesses 23b in the X direction is Δ1, and the distance between the centers of adjacent recesses 23b in the Y direction is Δ2. The distance between the X-direction end of the intermediate member 23 and the center of the recess 23b closest to that end is Δ3, and it is preferable that Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1. The diameter of the recesses 23b is φ.

[0026] The intermediate member 23 also has four cylindrical recesses (fourth recesses) 23d on its right side surface 23c facing the right side plate 22, facing the recesses 23b. The centers of the four recesses 23d are located at the vertices of a rectangle. The distance between the centers of adjacent recesses 23d in the X direction is Δ1, and the distance between the centers of adjacent recesses 23d in the Y direction is Δ2. The distance between the X-direction end of the intermediate member 23 and the center of the recess 23d closest to that end is Δ3, and it is preferable that Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1. The diameter of the recesses 23d is φ.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the temporary shaft 20 is formed by disposing two intermediate members 23 between a left plate 21 and a right plate 22 that are arranged in parallel, and then joining the left plate 21 and the right plate 22, respectively. More specifically, the protrusion 21c of the left plate 21 and the recessed portions 23b of the two intermediate members 23 are placed opposite each other, and then the two are displaced relative to each other in the Z direction, so that the protrusion 21c fits into the recessed portions 23b. At this time, as indicated by double hatching, the first flat surface 21d and the left side surface 23a come into close contact with each other. The protrusion 21c and the recessed portions 23b fit together while elastically deforming, thereby preventing the first flat surface 21d and the left side surface 23a from separating from each other.

[0028] Furthermore, the protrusion 22c of the right side plate 22 and the recessed portions 23d of the two intermediate members 23 are brought into opposition to each other, and then the two are displaced relative to each other in the Z direction, whereby the protrusion 22c fits into the recessed portions 23d. At this time, the second flat surface 22d and the right side surface 23c come into close contact with each other, as indicated by double hatching. The protrusion 22c and the recessed portions 23d fit together while elastically deforming, thereby preventing the second flat surface 22d and the right side surface 23c from separating from each other.

[0029] 4A is a plan view showing the state in which the slider 12 is attached to the temporary shaft 20, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing the state in which the slider 12 is attached to the temporary shaft 20, both of which are shown together with the guide rail 11.

[0030] The YZ-direction cross section of the temporary shaft 20 matches the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 11 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the temporary shaft 20 does not have a protrusion that protrudes in the X direction from its X-direction end. Therefore, when the X-direction end of the temporary shaft 20 is connected to the longitudinal end of the guide rail 11, the rolling element rolling grooves 11a, 11b on one side of the guide rail 11 are connected to the rolling element rolling grooves 21a, 21b of the temporary shaft 20 without any gaps or steps, and the rolling element rolling grooves 11a, 11b on the other side are connected to the rolling element rolling grooves 22a, 22b of the temporary shaft 20 without any gaps or steps. Therefore, when the slider 12 is moved from the temporary shaft 20 connected to the guide rail 11 to the guide rail 11, the rolling elements can be moved smoothly into the rolling element rolling grooves 11a, 11b without falling off.

[0031] Alternatively, a first recess similar to the third recess may be provided in place of the first convex portion, a second recess similar to the fourth recess may be provided in place of the second convex portion, a third convex portion similar to the first convex portion may be provided in place of the third recess, and a fourth convex portion similar to the second convex portion may be provided in place of the fourth recess, and the third convex portion may be fitted into the first recess and the fourth convex portion may be fitted into the second recess. 4B , a through hole 21f may be formed in the right side plate 22 (and / or left side plate 21) of the temporary shaft 20, and a screw hole may be formed in the corresponding surface of the intermediate member 23, and a bolt (not shown) may be inserted into the through hole 23f and screwed into the screw hole in the intermediate member 23, thereby joining the intermediate member 23 and the right side plate 22 (and / or left side plate 21). In such a case, the bolt passing through the right side plate 22 (and / or left side plate 21) and the screw hole in the intermediate member 23 constitute a joining element.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft 20A according to another embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a side view showing a state in which a slider 12A is attached to a temporary shaft 20A according to another embodiment.

[0033] In recent years, the number of linear guide devices that achieve high motion accuracy, high rigidity, and high load capacity has increased, and sliders with longer overall lengths have been developed. Therefore, while using the same guide rail 11, a slider 12A that exceeds the longitudinal length of the left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 may be used. According to the temporary shaft 20A of this embodiment, the same components can be used to correspond to the slider 12A.

[0034] 6, the temporary shaft 20A has two left side plates 21A and 21B, two right side plates 22A and 22B, and three intermediate members 23. The left side plates 21A and 21B have a shape common to the left side plate 21 described above, and the right side plates 22A and 22B have a shape common to the right side plate 22 described above.

[0035] Two left-side plates 21A, 21B are arranged in series along the X direction, and two right-side plates 22A, 22B are arranged in series along the X direction, with three intermediate members 23 spaced apart between these plates. In this configuration, in FIG. 6 , the four protrusions 21c on the front side of left-side plate 21A face the four recesses 23b of the front intermediate member 23, and the four protrusions 21c on the rear side of left-side plate 21B face the four recesses 23b of the rear intermediate member 23. Meanwhile, the central intermediate member 23 is arranged to straddle the left-side plates 21A, 21B, with the two protrusions 21c on the rear side of left-side plate 21A facing the two recesses 23b of the central intermediate member 23, and the two protrusions 21c on the front side of left-side plate 21B facing the remaining two recesses 23b of the central intermediate member 23.

[0036] By displacing the left and right plates 21A and 21B relative to each other in the Z direction, the protrusions 21c fit into the recesses 23b, and at this time, the first flat surface 21d of the left side plates 21A and 21B and the left side surface 23a of the intermediate member 23 come into close contact, as indicated by double hatching. As a result, the central intermediate member 23 is attached across the butted ends of the left side plates 21A and 21B, preventing the left side plates 21A and 21B from separating. At this time, two protrusions 21c remain on the left side plates 21A and 21B that do not fit into the recesses 23b.

[0037] The four protrusions 22c on the front side of the right side plate 22A face the four recesses 23d of the front intermediate member 23, and the four protrusions 22c on the back side of the right side plate 22B face the four recesses 23d of the back intermediate member 23. On the other hand, the central intermediate member 23 is disposed across the right side plates 22A and 22B, with the two protrusions 22c on the back side of the right side plate 22A facing the two recesses 23d of the central intermediate member 23, and the two protrusions 22c on the front side of the right side plate 22B facing the remaining two recesses 23d of the central intermediate member 23.

[0038] By displacing the right and left plates 22A and 22B relative to each other in the Z direction, the protrusions 22c fit into the recesses 23d, and at this time, the second flat surface 22d of the right side plates 22A and 22B and the right side surface 23c of the intermediate member 23 come into close contact with each other, as indicated by double hatching. As a result, the central intermediate member 23 is attached across the butted ends of the right side plates 22A and 22B, preventing the right side plates 22A and 22B from separating. At this time, two protrusions 22c remain on each of the right side plates 22A and 22B that do not fit into the recesses 23d.

[0039] 2, the distance between the ends of left side plates 21A, 21B and right side plates 22A, 22B and the protrusion 21c closest to those ends and the center of protrusion 22c is Δ3, where Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1. Therefore, there is no gap between the butted ends of left side plates 21A, 21B connected by central intermediate member 23, and there is also no gap between the butted ends of right side plates 22A, 22B connected by central intermediate member 23. As a result, rolling element rolling grooves 21a, 21b of left side plate 21A are connected to rolling element rolling grooves 21a, 21b of left side plate 21B without any gaps or steps, and rolling element rolling grooves 22a, 22b of right side plate 22A are connected to rolling element rolling grooves 22a, 22b of right side plate 22B without any gaps or steps. 7, a slider 12A longer than the longitudinal length of the left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 can be placed on the temporary shaft 20A assembled in this manner without causing the rolling elements to fall out of the rolling element rolling grooves. Also, as in the above-described embodiment, the temporary shaft 20A can be connected to the guide rail 11, and the slider 12A can be moved toward the guide rail 11.

[0040] (First Modification) 8 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft 20C according to a first modified example. The temporary shaft 20C has a left side plate 21, a right side plate 22, and a resin intermediate member 23C. The left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22 have the same shapes as those in the above-described embodiment. The intermediate member 23C has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is larger in size in the Z direction than those in the above-described embodiment. Other configurations of the intermediate member 23C are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for common configurations, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0041] According to this modification, while using the common left and right plates 21 and 22, by changing the intermediate member 23C, it is possible to provide a temporary shaft 20C that can accommodate a wide slider.

[0042] (Second Modification) 9 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft 20D according to a second modified example. The temporary shaft 20D has a left side plate 21D made of resin, a right side plate 22D made of resin, and an intermediate member 23. Unlike the embodiment described above, the left side plate 21D has a rolling element rolling groove 21e parallel to the rolling element rolling groove 21a. Similarly, unlike the embodiment described above, the right side plate 22D has a rolling element rolling groove 22e parallel to the rolling element rolling groove 22a. Other configurations of the left side plate 21D and the right side plate 22D are the same as those of the embodiment described above, and therefore the same reference numerals are used to designate common configurations, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0043] The intermediate member 23 has the same shape as in the above-described embodiment.

[0044] (Third Modification) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a temporary shaft 20E according to a third modified example. The temporary shaft 20E has a left side plate 21E made of resin, a right side plate 22E made of resin, and an intermediate member 23. The left side plate 21E has a different shape of the rolling element rolling groove 21Ea from that of the above-described embodiment, and the right side plate 22E also has a different shape of the rolling element rolling groove 22Ea from that of the above-described embodiment. The rolling element rolling grooves 21Ea, 22Ea are grooves having a trapezoidal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The temporary shaft 20E is used in a linear guide device that uses rollers as rolling elements. The remaining configuration of the left side plate 21E and the right side plate 22E is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the common configuration and redundant description will be omitted.

[0045] According to the second and third modified examples, by changing the left side plates 21D, 21E and the right side plates 22D, 22E while using the same intermediate member 23, temporary shafts 20D, 20E can be provided that can accommodate sliders of different specifications while keeping costs down.

[0046] (Other variations) 11 to 23 are perspective views showing parts of a temporary shaft according to another modified example, and the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in the following modified examples, the left side plate and the left side surface of the intermediate member are shown as examples, but the right side plate and the right side surface of the intermediate member also have the same configuration.

[0047] 11 is a perspective view showing an intermediate member 23F that can be used in place of the intermediate member 23 in the temporary shaft 20 of the above-described embodiment. The resin intermediate member 23F has, instead of recesses, four cylindrical through-holes 23Fb that penetrate from the left side surface 23a to the right side surface 23c at the same positions. The through-holes 23Fb have a diameter of φ.

[0048] 3, the protrusion 21c of the left side plate 21 is opposed to the through-holes 23Fb of the two intermediate members 23F, and the two are then displaced relative to each other in the Z direction, whereby the protrusion 21c fits into the through-hole 23Fb. The protrusion 22c of the right side plate 22 is opposed to the through-holes 23Fb of the two intermediate members 23F, and the two are then displaced relative to each other in the Z direction, whereby the protrusion 22c fits into the through-hole 23Fb. This allows the intermediate members 23F to be attached between the left side plate 21 and the right side plate 22.

[0049] In a resin left side plate 21G shown in FIG. 12, four cylindrical recesses (first recesses) 21Gc are formed in the first flat surface 21d instead of a group of protrusions. The diameter of the recesses 21Gc is φ. In addition, in a resin left side plate 21H shown in FIG. 13, four cylindrical holes (first recesses) 21Hc are formed, penetrating from the first flat surface 21d to the opposite surface instead of a group of protrusions. The diameter of the cylindrical holes 21Hc is φ. It is desirable that the cylindrical holes 21Hc be formed so as to avoid interference with the rolling element rolling grooves 21a, 21b.

[0050] 14, which is shown inverted from FIG. 2, etc., a cylindrical protrusion (third protrusion) 23Gd is formed on the left side surface 23a of the intermediate member 23G instead of one group of recesses. The diameter of the protrusion 23Gd is φ.

[0051] The left side plate 21G or 21H can be joined to the intermediate member 23G by fitting the protrusion 23Gd into the recess 21Gc or the cylindrical hole 23Hc and bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a.

[0052] In a resin left-side plate 21I shown in FIG. 15, two linear ridges (first convex portions) 21Ic are formed on the first plane 21d in place of a group of protrusions so as to extend parallel to each other in the Y direction. The two linear ridges 21Ic have the same shape, with a length L in the Y direction, a width W in the X direction, and a height H from the first plane 21d. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear ridges 21Ic that are furthest apart in the X direction is S. Although not shown, the center-to-center distance between the two linear ridges 21Ic is Δ1, and the distance between the end of the left-side plate 21I and the center of the linear ridge 21Ic closest to that end is Δ3, where Δ3 = 0.5 × Δ1.

[0053] 16 is an inverted view of a resin intermediate member 23I compared to FIG. 2, etc., but instead of one group of recesses, two linear grooves (third recesses) 23Ib are formed on the left side surface 23a so as to extend parallel to each other in the Y direction. The two linear grooves 23Ib have the same shape, with a length in the Y direction of L, a width in the X direction of W, and a depth from the left side surface 23a of D (>H). The distance between the side surfaces of the linear grooves 23Ib that are furthest apart in the X direction is S.

[0054] The left side plate 21I can be joined to the intermediate member 23I by fitting the linear ridge 21Ic into the linear groove 23Ib and bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a. Alternatively, the two left side plates 21I may be aligned in the X direction and the linear ridge 21Ic may be fitted into the linear groove 23Ib of the intermediate member 23I so as to straddle the butted ends of the left side plates 21I.

[0055] 17 is also shown inverted from FIG. 2 etc., but instead of one group of recesses, two linear through-holes (third recesses) 23Jb are formed in the left side surface 23a so as to penetrate in the Z direction. The two linear through-holes 23Jb have the same shape, and their length in the Y direction is L and their width in the X direction is W. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear through-holes 23Jb that are furthest apart in the X direction is S.

[0056] The left side plate 21I can be joined to the intermediate member 23J by fitting the linear protrusion 21Ic into the linear through-hole 23Jb and bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a. Alternatively, the two left side plates 21I may be aligned in the X direction and the linear protrusion 21Ic may be fitted into the linear through-hole 23Jb of the intermediate member 23J so as to straddle the butted ends of the left side plates 21I.

[0057] 18 is also inverted from that of Figure 2 etc., but instead of one group of recesses, one rectangular recess (third recess) 23Kb is formed on the left side surface 23a. The rectangular recess 23Kb has an inner surface 23Kbx along the X direction and an inner surface 23Kby along the Y direction, the distance between the inner surfaces 23Kby facing each other in the Y direction is L, the distance between the inner surfaces 23Kbx facing each other in the X direction is S, and the depth from the left side surface 23a is D (>H).

[0058] The intermediate member 23K can be combined with the left side plate 21I. More specifically, when the two linear protrusions 21Ic of the left side plate 21I are fitted into the rectangular recess 23Kb, the side surfaces of the linear protrusions 21Ic that are furthest apart in the X direction come into contact with the inner surface 23Kby, generating a frictional force that prevents the intermediate member 23K and the left side plate 21I from separating. Therefore, the left side plate 21I can be joined to the intermediate member 23K with the first flat surface 21d in close contact with the left side surface 23a.

[0059] 19 is also shown inverted from Figure 2 etc., but instead of a group of recesses, one rectangular through-hole (third recess) 23Lb is formed from the left side surface 23a to the right side surface 23c of the resin intermediate member 23L. The rectangular through-hole 23Lb has an inner side surface 23Lbx along the X direction and an inner side surface 23Lby along the Y direction, with the distance between the inner side surfaces 23Lby facing in the Y direction being L and the distance between the inner side surfaces 23Lbx facing in the X direction being S.

[0060] The intermediate member 23L can be combined with the left side plate 21I. More specifically, when the two linear protrusions 21Ic of the left side plate 21I are fitted into the rectangular through-hole 23Lb, the side surfaces of the linear protrusions 21Ic that are furthest apart in the X direction come into contact with the inner side surface 23Lby, generating a frictional force that prevents the intermediate member 23L and the left side plate 21I from separating. Therefore, by bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a, the left side plate 21I can be joined to the intermediate member 23L.

[0061] 20, the resin left side plate 21M has two linear grooves (first recesses) 21Mc formed on the first flat surface 21d in place of a group of protrusions, extending parallel to one another in the Y direction. The two linear grooves 21Mc have the same shape, with a length L in the Y direction, a width W in the X direction, and a depth D (>H) from the first flat surface 21d. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear grooves 21Mc that are furthest apart in the X direction is S.

[0062] 2 and the like, two linear protrusions (third protrusions) 23Mb are formed on the left side surface 23a of the resin intermediate member 23M, which is inverted from the view shown in FIG. 2, extending parallel to one another in the Y direction, instead of one group of recesses. The two linear protrusions 23Mb have the same shape, and their length in the Y direction is L, their width in the X direction is W, and their height from the left side surface 23a is H. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear protrusions 23Mb that are furthest apart in the X direction is S.

[0063] The left side plate 21M can be joined to the intermediate member 23M by fitting the linear protrusion 23Mb into the linear groove 21Mc and bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a. Alternatively, the two left side plates 21M may be aligned in the X direction and the linear groove 21Mc may be fitted into the linear protrusion 23Mb of the intermediate member 23M so as to straddle the butted ends of the left side plates 21M.

[0064] 22, the resin left side plate 21N has two linear grooves (first recesses) 21Nc formed on the first flat surface 21d in place of a group of protrusions, extending parallel to each other in the X direction. The two linear grooves 21Nc have the same shape, with a length L in the X direction, a width W in the Y direction, and a depth D (>H) from the first flat surface 21d. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear grooves 21Nc that are furthest apart in the Y direction is S.

[0065] In the resin left side plate 21O shown in Fig. 23, two linear through holes (first recesses) 21Oc are formed on the first flat surface 21d in place of a group of protrusions so as to extend parallel to each other in the X direction. The two linear through holes 21Oc have the same shape, and their length in the X direction is L and their width in the Y direction is W. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear through holes 21Oc that are furthest apart in the Y direction is S. It is desirable that the linear through holes 21Oc be formed so as to avoid interference with the rolling element rolling grooves 21a, 21b.

[0066] 2 and the like, two linear protrusions (third protrusions) 23Nb are formed on the left side surface 23a of the resin intermediate member 23N, instead of one group of recesses, so as to extend parallel to each other in the X direction. The two parallel linear protrusions 23Nb have the same shape, and their length in the X direction is L, their width in the Y direction is W, and their height from the left side surface 23a is H. The distance between the side surfaces of the linear protrusions 23Nb that are furthest apart in the Y direction is S.

[0067] The left side plate 21N or the left side plate 21O can be joined to the intermediate member 23N by fitting the linear protrusion 23Nb into the linear groove 21Nc or ​​the linear through-hole 21Oc and bringing the first flat surface 21d into close contact with the left side surface 23a.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also contemplates the mutual combination of the various components of the embodiments, as well as modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known techniques, and these modifications and applications are included in the scope of protection sought. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 11 Guide rail 12,12A slider 20, 20A, 20C, 20D, 20E temporary shaft 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21G, 21H, 21I, 21M, 21N, 21O Left side plate 22, 22A, 22B, 22D, 22E Right side plate 23, 23C, 23F, 23G, 23I, 23J, 23K, 23L, 23M, 23N Intermediate members

Claims

1. A temporary shaft of a linear guide device that can hold a slider of the linear guide device, the temporary shaft being provided with a guide rail and a slider that can move relatively to the guide rail in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail via a rolling element, a first side plate, a second side plate, and an intermediate member connecting the first side plate and the second side plate in parallel; the intermediate member is provided with at least one of a connecting element that connects the first side plate and the intermediate member and a connecting element that connects the intermediate member and the second side plate; A temporary shaft for a linear guide device characterized in that

2. The first side plate has a first convex portion or a first concave portion on the surface facing the intermediate member, the second side plate has a second convex portion or a second concave portion on the surface facing the intermediate member, and the intermediate member has a third concave portion on the surface facing the first side plate that fits into the first convex portion or a third convex portion that fits into the first concave portion, and a fourth concave portion on the surface facing the second side plate that fits into the second convex portion or a fourth convex portion that fits into the second concave portion.

2. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 1.

3. the first side plate has four of the first protrusions or first recesses as one group, and within one group, the centers of the first protrusions or first recesses are arranged at intervals Δ1 along the longitudinal direction of the first side plate and at intervals Δ2 along the width direction of the first side plate; the second side plate has four of the second protrusions or the second recesses as one group, and within one group, the centers of the second protrusions or the second recesses are arranged at intervals Δ1 along the longitudinal direction of the second side plate and at intervals Δ2 along the width direction of the second side plate; the intermediate member has four of the third convex portions or the third concave portions and four of the fourth convex portions or the fourth concave portions, the centers of the third protrusions or the third recesses are arranged at intervals Δ1 along the longitudinal direction of the first side plate and at intervals Δ2 along the width direction of the first side plate, and the centers of the fourth protrusions or the fourth recesses are arranged at intervals Δ1 along the longitudinal direction of the second side plate and at intervals Δ2 along the width direction of the second side plate; 3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 2.

4. the first side plate has two groups of the first protrusions or the first recesses, the second side plate has two groups of the second protrusions or the second recesses, The two intermediate members are disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate.

4. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 3.

5. when the two first side plates are connected in series along the longitudinal direction, the third recess or the third convex portion of the intermediate member is fitted into the first convex portion or the first recess of one of the first side plates, and the third recess or the third convex portion of the same intermediate member is fitted into the first convex portion or the first recess of the other first side plate, when the two second side plates are connected in series along the longitudinal direction, the fourth recess or the fourth convex portion of the intermediate member is fitted into the second convex portion or the second recess of one of the second side plates, and the fourth recess or the fourth convex portion of the intermediate member is fitted into the second convex portion or the second recess of the other second side plate; 4. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 3.

6. the first convex portion and the second convex portion are cylindrical protrusions, and the third concave portion and the fourth concave portion are cylindrical concave portions or through holes.

3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 2.

7. the first recess and the second recess are cylindrical recesses or through holes, and the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion are cylindrical protrusions.

3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 2.

8. the first convex portion and the second convex portion are linear protrusions, and the third concave portion and the fourth concave portion are linear grooves, linear through holes, rectangular holes, or rectangular through holes; 3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 2.

9. the first recess and the second recess are linear grooves or linear through holes, and the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion are linear ridges; 3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 2.

10. the first side plate and the second side plate are a common part; 3. The temporary shaft of a linear guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

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