Linear guide unit

Abstract

To provide a linear motion guide unit usable regardless of the installation direction of the linear motion guide unit and having an oil supply groove which is easy of oil supply.SOLUTION: The linear motion guide unit has oil supply ports in both side faces and the front face of an end cap of a slider and an oil supply pathway communicated with a direction changing passage through the oil supply ports. The oil supply pathway includes a first pathway connecting the oil supply ports, a second pathway including a first part connecting a pair of first points of the pair of direction changing passage and a pair of second points and a second part connecting the pair of second points, a first connection passage connecting a third point located in the first part of the first pathway and the second pathway, and passing through a fourth point located at a position higher than the second pathway, and a second connection passage connecting the second part of the first pathway and the second pathway, and communicated with the oil supply port in the front face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear motion guide unit. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that an oil supply port is provided on the end cap of the slider in a linear motion guide unit. The lubricating oil injected from the oil supply port travels through an oil groove formed in the end cap and reaches the track of the rolling elements provided in the end cap. The oil supply port is often provided on the side surface and the front surface of the end cap.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a slider for a linear motion guide unit that has a first oil filler port in the center of the front face of the end cap and second oil filler ports on both sides. In the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 1, a pin is inserted into a pin hole formed in the oil filler path, and by rotating the pin, the oil filler path can be switched between open and closed between the first and second oil filler ports. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-221008 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-100951 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A linear motion guide unit is installed in various positions depending on the manner of use. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a linear motion guide unit that can be used regardless of the installation position of the linear motion guide unit and that is easy to oil. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure includes a rail, a slider slidable relative to the rail, and a rolling element capable of rolling on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider. The slider includes a slider body and end caps fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and having a pair of direction change paths formed therein that connect to the rolling paths. The end caps have oil filler ports including a pair of first oil filler ports formed on both side surfaces of the end cap and a second oil filler port formed on a front surface of the end cap. The linear motion guide unit includes an oil feed path that communicates the oil filler ports with the direction change paths. The system defines a coordinate space having an X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap, a Y-axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap, and a Z-axis extending in the height direction of the end cap from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap, and having an origin at a point where a YZ plane passing through the center of the end cap in the width direction, an XZ plane including the end face of the end cap on the side in contact with the slider body, and an XY plane including the bottom face of the end cap intersect. In the coordinate space, the oil supply path includes a first path, a second path, a first connecting path, and a second connecting path. The first path connects the pair of first oil supply ports and the second oil supply port. The second path includes a pair of first parts connecting a pair of first points on each of the pair of direction change paths and a pair of second points that are located at a positive position in the Z axis direction from the pair of first points, and a second part connecting between the pair of second points. The first connection path connects a pair of third points in the pair of first portions of the pair of first paths to the second path, and passes through a fourth point located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second path. The second connection path communicates with the second fuel filler port and connects the second portions of the first path to the second path. The absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of third points is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of first portions of the first path. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the linear motion guide unit described above, it can be used regardless of the installation position of the linear motion guide unit, and oiling is easy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly in section, showing a linear motion guide unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the linear motion guide unit shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of an end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment when used in a horizontal orientation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a modified example of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a modified example of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear view of a modified example of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a rear view of a modified example of the end cap of the linear motion guide unit in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Overview of the embodiment] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. A linear motion guide unit according to the present disclosure includes a rail, a slider that is slidable relative to the rail, and a rolling element that is capable of rolling on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider. The slider includes a slider body and end caps that are fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and have a pair of direction change paths formed therein that connect to the rolling paths. The end caps have oil filler ports including a pair of first oil filler ports formed on both side surfaces of the end cap, and a second oil filler port formed on the front surface of the end cap. The linear motion guide unit includes an oil feed path that communicates the oil filler port and the direction change paths. The system defines a coordinate space having an X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap, a Y-axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap, and a Z-axis extending in the height direction of the end cap from the bottom side to the top side of the end cap, and having an origin at a point where a YZ plane passing through the center of the end cap in the width direction, an XZ plane including the end face of the end cap on the side in contact with the slider body, and an XY plane including the bottom face of the end cap intersect. In the coordinate space, the oil supply path includes a first path, a second path, a first connecting path, and a second connecting path. The first path connects the pair of first oil supply ports and the second oil supply port. The second path includes a pair of first parts connecting a pair of first points on each of the pair of direction change paths and a pair of second points that are located at a positive position in the Z axis direction from the pair of first points, and a second part connecting between the pair of second points. The first connection path connects a pair of third points in the pair of first portions of the pair of first paths to the second path, and passes through a fourth point located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second path. The second connection path communicates with the second fuel filler port and connects the second portions of the first path to the second path. The absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of third points is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinate of the pair of first portions of the first path.

[0010] A linear guide unit has a pair of raceways formed on both side surfaces of a rail. Such linear guide units are installed in various orientations depending on the equipment and space to which they are attached, such as an orientation in which the pair of raceways are positioned horizontally relative to each other (generally referred to as vertical orientation) or an orientation in which the pair of raceways are positioned vertically relative to each other (generally referred to as horizontal orientation). Furthermore, lubricating oil is supplied to the linear guide unit from the outside as necessary. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to easily supply lubricating oil regardless of the installation orientation, and to reliably supply lubricating oil to both of the pair of raceways.

[0011] Conventionally, linear motion guide units have been proposed that can supply lubricating oil regardless of the installation position. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2005-221008) discloses an end cap of a slider that has oil supply ports on both sides and in the center of the front surface, and an oil supply passage that connects these oil supply ports. The oil supply passage in Patent Document 1 has two pin holes, and the oil supply passage can be opened or closed by turning a pin inserted into the pin hole. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of cost and quality control, it is desirable to have a small number of parts that make up the linear motion guide unit.

[0012] Also, Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication 2007-100951) discloses an oil supply groove that connects an oil supply port to a direction change path in an end cap of a linear guide unit. When the linear guide unit of Patent Document 2 is used in a horizontal position, part of the oil supply groove is blocked with resin or the like, and two end caps arranged on both end faces of the slider body are used to supply oil from one of the two end caps to the direction change path located on the upper side, and from the other end cap to the direction change path located on the lower side. However, if oil could be supplied to both the upper and lower direction change paths from one end cap, oil supply would be easier and convenience would be further improved.

[0013] Therefore, an oil supply path was considered that would enable oil to be supplied to both of a pair of tracks from one end cap, regardless of the installation position of the linear guide unit, without increasing the number of parts that make up the linear guide unit.

[0014] The relative positions of the pair of direction change paths formed in the end caps change depending on the installation posture of the linear guide unit. Meanwhile, the lubricating oil always moves according to gravity. The inventors focused on this fact and conceived of configuring a path so that the lubricating oil is supplied to both of the pair of direction change paths from above in the vertical direction or from the same position, regardless of whether the linear guide unit is horizontally or vertically placed. And, according to the linear guide unit according to the present disclosure, when the linear guide unit is vertically placed, the lubricating oil is supplied to both of the pair of direction change paths through the oil supply path in the center of the end cap as in the conventional case, and when the linear guide unit is horizontally placed, the lubricating oil is supplied to the connection part to the direction change path located at the upper side in the vertical direction, and it was confirmed that the lubricating oil reaches both the upper direction change path and the lower direction change path. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, in either the horizontal or vertical installation posture, the lubricating oil can be supplied to both of the pair of raceways from one end cap.

[0015] When the linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure is placed vertically, the lubricant supplied from the oil filler first enters the first path connected to the oil filler. The first path is connected to the first connection path and the second connection path, but the first connection path passes through a point located vertically above the first path, so the lubricant only reaches halfway along the first connection path. On the other hand, the second connection path does not pass through a position vertically above the first path, so the lubricant enters the second connection path and moves to the first path connected to the second connection path. The second connection path is connected to the first path at a second portion of the first path located vertically above the first point, which is the connection point to the direction change path. Therefore, the lubricant that flows into the second connection path flows into the first portion of the first path via the second portion of the first path, and reaches the direction change path.

[0016] When the linear guide unit of the present disclosure is placed horizontally, among the connection portions between the first path and the first connection path, a pin or the like is inserted and blocked directly below the upper connection portion. Then, the lubricating oil supplied from the oil supply port located above the end cap flows from the first path connected to the supply port into the first connection path. The first connection path is connected to the first portion of the first path. Also, the point where the first connection path and the first portion of the first path are connected is at the same position or above with respect to both of the pair of direction-changing paths. For this reason, lubricating oil is supplied to both the upper direction-changing path and the lower direction-changing path.

[0017] As described above, according to the linear guide unit of the present disclosure, it can be used in either a vertical installation posture or a horizontal installation posture, and by simply supplying lubricating oil from one oil supply port, it is possible to supply oil to both of a pair of tracks. Also, it can be applied to both vertical and horizontal installations by using only one pin.

[0018] In the linear guide unit described above, the first path may be a through hole that linearly penetrates the inside of the end cap, and the second path may be a path formed on the end face of the end cap on the side in contact with the slider body, and a pipeline is formed by the end cap and the slider body being closely fixed to each other. Such a configuration can be realized by forming a linear hole in the end cap and forming a groove on the end face of the end cap. That is, it can be manufactured by a practical and reasonable method, and a linear guide unit with stable quality can be manufactured by an established method.

[0019] In the linear guide unit described above, the first path and the second portion of the second path may both extend in the X-axis direction and be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. A linear guide unit having such a configuration can be manufactured by a practical and reasonable method using known machining. Also, it can be applied to a small linear guide unit in which the configuration of the oil supply path is simple and the space for arranging the oil supply path is small.

[0020] In the linear motion guide unit, the first path may be located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second portion of the second path. With this configuration, when the linear motion guide unit is placed vertically, the lubricating oil flows smoothly from the first path to the second path, and a small amount of lubricating oil can be used for reliable lubrication.

[0021] In the linear motion guide unit, the pair of first portions of the second path can extend in the Z-axis direction, and the second portion of the second path can extend in the X-axis direction. With this configuration, a simple and short oil supply path is realized, and the amount of lubricating oil remaining in the oil supply path is reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of lubricating oil used and prevent lubricating oil from remaining in the oil supply path.

[0022] In the linear guide unit, the pair of first connection paths may include a first connection portion that is connected to the second path and extends in the Y-axis direction, and a second connection portion that is formed on the end face of the end cap on the side that contacts the slider body, and the third point and the fourth point may both be located on the second connection portion. With this configuration, a simple and short oil supply path is realized. In addition, a linear guide unit having the above-mentioned effects can be manufactured using a manufacturing method similar to that of the conventional method, in which a hole is formed in the Y-axis direction from the end face of the end cap and a groove is formed on the end face of the end cap.

[0023] In the linear motion guide unit, the second connection portion may be formed by an S-shaped curve. With this configuration, an oil supply path of a desired shape can be realized and the number of bent portions in the oil supply path can be reduced. This allows the movement of the lubricating oil in the oil supply path to be smooth, and prevents the lubricating oil from accumulating in the oil supply path.

[0024] [Specific Example of the 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 given the same reference numbers, and their description will not be repeated. In the drawings, black circles at the ends of the lines indicating points (p1, p2, etc.) are added for ease of understanding, and do not indicate a substantial configuration.

[0025] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of a linear guide unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the X-axis is the width direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100, the Y-axis is the length direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100, and the Z-axis is the height direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100.

[0026] First, the overall configuration of the linear motion guide unit 1 will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, the linear motion guide unit 1 includes a rail 10, a slider 100, and rollers 200 which are rolling elements. The slider 100 is mounted across the rail 10 and is slidable relative to the rail 10. The slider 100 has a platform portion which is the upper surface, and sleeve portions which hang down from both ends of the platform portion. The slider 100 includes a casing 110 which is the slider body, and end caps 120 which are attached to both end surfaces of the casing 110 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). An end seal 140 is attached to the end surface of the end cap 120 opposite to the side which contacts the casing 110. A grease nipple 31 is attached to the side surface of the end cap 120.

[0027] The rail 10 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 11 for fixing a mating member to which the linear motion guide unit 1 is attached. The upper surface of the casing 110 is formed with a plurality of holes 101 which are screw holes for attaching a mating member such as a workpiece or equipment.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA section in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pair of raceway surfaces 10a, 10b are formed on both side surfaces of the rail 10. The pair of raceway surfaces 10a, 10b includes two upper and lower rows of raceway surfaces 10a, 10b extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail 10. In the casing 110, raceway surfaces 110a, 110b are formed at positions facing the raceway surfaces 10a, 10b. The raceway surfaces 10a and 110a and the raceway surfaces 10b and 110b form two rows of raceway paths 102a, 102b, which are load areas. In other words, the linear motion guide unit 1 has two upper and lower rows of raceway paths. As the slider 100 moves, the rollers 200 roll in the raceway paths. Inside the casing 110, return paths 103a, 103b, which are unloaded areas and continue to the raceway paths 102a, 102b, respectively, are formed.

[0029] The return paths 103a, 103b may be formed by combining pipes 111, 112 divided into two along the longitudinal direction. The ends of the pipes 111, 112 are formed so as to be able to fit with the projections 105, 106 (FIG. 3) formed on the end cap 120. The pipes 111, 112 may be made of a sintered resin member impregnated with lubricant and capable of retaining the lubricant. The rolling elements 200 rolling on the raceways 102a, 102b are held by a holding plate 131 and a holding band 132 so that the rolling elements 200 do not fall off even when the slider 100 is removed from the rail 10. On the side of the holding plate 131 facing the rail 10, a concave groove recessed outward extends in the longitudinal direction. A holding band 132 is disposed in the concave groove. A bottom seal 129 is disposed on the bottom of the end cap 120 at a position facing the rail 10 .

[0030] An end cap for a linear guide unit according to the present disclosure will now be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the end cap 120 of the linear motion guide unit 1. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the side surface s6 of the end cap 120. Fig. 5 is a front view showing the front surface s4 of the end cap 120. Fig. 6 is a rear view showing the rear surface s1 of the end cap 120.

[0031] Here, first, a coordinate space S for explaining the configuration of the end cap 120 will be described. With reference to FIG. 3, the X-axis is an axis extending in the width direction of the end cap 120. The direction of the X-axis is the same as the width direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The Y-axis is an axis extending in the thickness direction of the end cap 120. The Y-axis is the same as the length direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The Z-axis is an axis extending in the height direction of the end cap 120 from the bottom surface side to the top surface side. That is, the top surface side relative to the bottom surface side of the end cap 120 is the positive direction in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis is the same as the height direction of the linear guide unit 1, the rail 10, and the slider 100 (see FIG. 1). The origin of the coordinate space S is the center x in the width direction of the end cap 120. 0 It is an intersection point of a YZ plane passing through, an XZ plane including the end face s1 of the end cap 120 on the casing 110 side, and an XY plane including the bottom face s2 of the end cap 120. Note that holes, grooves, protrusions, etc. are formed on the end face s1 of the end cap 120, but the "XZ plane including the end face s1" means the XZ plane including the main surface of the end face s1 excluding these holes, grooves, and protrusions. Also, hooks, etc. for engaging the bottom seal are formed on the bottom face s2 of the end cap 120, but the "XY plane including the bottom face s2" means the XY plane including the main surface of the bottom face s2 excluding these engaging portions, etc.

[0032] In this specification, the terms "X-axis direction", "Y-axis direction" and "Z-axis direction" do not mean that they are strictly parallel to the axis mathematically, but naturally include cases where there is unavoidable deviation that occurs during the design and manufacturing process. In addition, they include the same range as the terms "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "depth direction", and also include cases where they have a certain degree of angle (for example, about 15° or less) with respect to the axial direction, as long as they do not impair the effect of the invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the end cap 120 has an end surface s1, which is a back surface, a bottom surface s2, a top surface s3, a front surface s4, and a pair of side surfaces s5 and s6. The end cap 120 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the end cap 120. In this specification, "a pair" means "a pair symmetrically provided with respect to the center in the width direction of the end cap". A pair of direction change paths 104a and 104b are formed in the end cap 120. The direction change paths 104a and 104b are connected to the raceways 102a and 102b and the return paths 103a and 103b ([FIG. 2]) to form an annular infinite circulation path. Protrusions 105 and 106 are formed at the ends of the direction change paths 104a and 104b. The protrusions 105 and 106 are fitted to the ends of the pipes 111 and 112 that constitute the return paths 103a and 103b.

[0034] 3, 5, and 6, through holes 21a and 21b are formed in end cap 120. Screws for fixing end cap 120 and end seal 140 to casing 110 can be inserted into through holes 21a and 21b. The screws are inserted into through holes 21a and 21b and screwed into threaded holes 118 of the casing, thereby fixing end cap 120 and end seal 140 to casing 110.

[0035] 4, a fuel filler opening 22, which is a first fuel filler opening, is formed on the side surface of the end cap 120. The coordinates of a point p8, which is the center of the fuel filler opening 22, are (X p8 ,Y p8 ,Z p8 ) The inner peripheral surface of the oil filler opening 22 may be formed with a screw thread so that a grease nipple or plug can be screwed into place. A conduit 220, which is a first path in the oil supply path L, is formed continuous with the oil filler opening 22. In other words, the end cap 120 has a cylindrical peripheral wall that defines the conduit 220. The conduit 220 is a conduit formed inside the end cap 120 and extends in the X-axis direction, and its position in the height direction in the coordinate space S is Z p8The pipe 220 connects a pair of fuel filler ports 22 formed on the side surface s6 and the side surface s5. The pipe 220 passes through the end cap 120 in a straight line between the side surface s6 and the side surface s5.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, a fuel filler port 25, which is a second fuel filler port, is formed on the front surface s4 of the end cap 120. The inner peripheral surface of the fuel filler port 25 may be threaded so that a grease nipple or a plug can be screwed. A conduit 250, which is a second connection path in the fuel supply path L, is formed continuous with the fuel filler port 25. That is, the end cap 120 has a cylindrical peripheral wall that defines the conduit 250. The conduit 250 is a conduit formed inside the end cap 120 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The conduit 250 linearly penetrates between the front surface s4 and the back surface s1 of the end cap 120. A hook 123 that can engage with the bottom seal 129 ([FIG. 2]) is provided on the bottom of the end cap 120.

[0037] 6, a pair of direction change paths 104a, 104b, which are recesses, are formed on the back surface s1 of the end cap 120. Although not shown, the direction change paths 104a, 104b may be formed with projections and recesses that fit with the holding member 131 or the holding band 132. The back surface s1 of the end cap 120 is formed with recesses 210 (210a, 201b) and 240b that constitute the oil supply path L. When the slider 100 is in an assembled state, the back surface s1 of the end cap 120 is fixed in close contact with the end surface of the casing 110. When the slider 100 is in an assembled state, the opening surfaces of the recesses 210 (210a, 201b) and 240b are blocked by the end surface of the casing 110, forming a pipeline. The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grooves 210 (210a, 201b) and 240b may be rectangular, U-shaped, semicircular, or semi-elliptical.

[0038] The recessed groove 210 (210a, 201b) and the recessed groove 240b that configure the oil supply path L will be described. A recessed groove 210 is formed on the back surface s1 of the end cap 120 as a second path in the oil supply path L. In other words, the end cap 120 has a peripheral wall that defines the recessed groove 210 as the second path in the oil supply path L. The recessed groove 210 includes a pair of first portions 210a extending in the Z-axis direction and a second portion 210b that is continuous with the upper ends of the first portions 210a and extends in the X-axis direction. The first portions 210a are connected to the direction change paths 104a and 104b at a first point p1. In the first embodiment, the point p1 is provided near the position where the direction change path 104a and the direction change path 104b intersect. By providing this position, oil can be efficiently supplied to both of the rolling elements arranged in two rows. The point p1 may be any position in the direction change paths 104a and 104b.

[0039] The second portion 210b of the groove 210 is connected to the first portion 210a at point p2, which is a pair of second points. In other words, the second portion 210b connects between each of the pair of second points p2. Point p2 is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than point p1. The coordinates of point p1 (X p1 ,Y p1 ,Z p1 ) and the coordinates of point p2 (X p2 ,Y p2 ,Z p2 ) is Y p1 =Y p2 , Z p1 <Z p2 Also, |X p1 |=|X p2 | and |X p2 | is |X p1 That is, point p2 may be located closer to the center of the end cap 120 in the width direction than point p1.

[0040] The second portion 210b is connected to a pipe 250, which is a second connecting passage in the fuel supply path L, at a point p7. The coordinates of the point p7 (X p7 ,Y p7 ,Z p7 ) is X p7 =0, Y p2 =Y p7 and Zp7 is Z p2 That is, point p7 is slightly higher than point p2 in the height direction of the end cap. With these configurations, when the end cap 120 is placed upright, the lubricant supplied from the pipe 250 enters the second portion 210b of the second path from point p7. The lubricant that subsequently reaches point p2 reaches point p1 according to gravity. In this manner, the lubricant is supplied to both of the direction changing paths 104a and 104b.

[0041] Further, a pair of grooves 240b constituting a pair of first connection paths in the fuel supply path L are formed on the back surface s1 of the end cap 120. The groove 240b is an S-shaped groove extending from point p5 to point p3 via point p4 when viewed from the back surface s1 of the end cap 120. The groove 240b is connected to the groove 210a at a third point, point p3. Point p3 is located between points p1 and p2 which are both ends of the first portion 210b. The coordinates of points p1 and p2 and the coordinate (X p3 ,Y p3 ,Z p3 ) means Y p1 =Y p2 =Y p3 , Z p2 >Z p3 >Z p1 Furthermore, |X p3 |≧|X p1 |, |X p3 |≧|X p2 That is, the absolute value of the X coordinate of point p3 is equal to or greater than the absolute values ​​of the X coordinates of points p1 and p2. With this configuration, when the linear motion guide unit 1 is placed horizontally, the lubricant oil supplied to p3, which is the upper one of the pair of points p3, moves to p1 and p2 due to gravity.

[0042] The recessed groove 240b has a fourth point p4 (X p4 ,Y p4 ,Z p4 ) The point p4 is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the pipe 220 (FIG. 4). That is, Z p4 >Z p8The groove 240b is connected to the pipeline 240a (FIG. 8) at point p5. The pipeline 240a is a pipeline extending in the Y-axis direction. Meanwhile, the groove 240b is a groove extending on the end surface s1 of the end cap 120 (in other words, on the XZ plane). That is, the pipeline 240a and the groove 240b extend perpendicular to each other. The first connection path 240 is composed of the pipeline 240a and the groove 240b. The first connection path 240 connects between the pipeline 220, which is the first path, and the groove 210a, which is the second path.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of end cap 120. Referring to Fig. 7, conduit 220, which is a first path, connects between fuel filler port 22, which is a pair of first fuel filler ports. Conduit 220 also communicates with conduit 250 extending from fuel filler port 25, which is a second fuel filler port. Conduit 220 extends linearly in the X-axis direction. Conduit 250 extends linearly in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] With reference to Figure 7, the movement of lubricating oil will be described when the linear guide unit 1 is placed vertically, that is, when the pair of direction change paths 104a, 104b in the end cap 120 are installed so as to be positioned horizontally relative to each other, as shown in Figure 7. Note that, although only the end cap 120 is shown here for the purpose of explanation, in reality the end cap 120 is combined with the casing 110, etc., and the recessed groove formed in the end face s1 of the end cap 120 serves as a duct.

[0045] 7, the lubricant oil inserted from the oil filler port 22 or the oil filler port 25 moves to the pipeline 220 and the pipeline 250. The lubricant oil that enters the pipeline 220 enters the pipeline 240a and reaches the recessed groove 240b. However, since the recessed groove 240b passes through point p4 (FIG. 6) which is located more positive in the Z-axis direction than the pipeline 220, the lubricant oil that moves according to gravity cannot reach point p4. On the other hand, the lubricant oil that enters the pipeline 250 then moves to the recessed groove 210b via point p7. The lubricant oil further enters the recessed groove 210a from point p2, reaches point p1, and enters the direction change paths 104a and 104b.

[0046] Both the conduit 220 and the groove 210b extend linearly in the X-axis direction. At the same time, the conduit 220 and the groove 210b are formed to be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The conduit 220 is located slightly more positive in the Z-axis direction than the groove 210b. That is, the Z coordinate (Z p8 ) and the Z coordinate of the groove 210b (Z p2 ) means Z p8 >Z p2 In other words, the conduit 220 and the recessed groove 210b are paths that are parallel to each other. By arranging the conduit 220 and the recessed groove 210b in this manner, the oil supply path L can be arranged even in a small end cap. In addition, the oil supply path L can be formed by a simple process of providing a through hole between the oil filler ports 22.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 120. Referring to FIG. 8, the first connection path 240 is composed of a conduit 240a which is a first connection portion, and a groove 240b which is a second connection portion. The conduit 240a is connected to the conduit 220 at point p6. The conduit 240a which is the conduit from point p6 to point p5 is a conduit extending in the Y-axis direction. The groove 240b is a groove which reaches point p3 from point p5 via point p4. The groove 240b is connected to the groove 210a at point p3. Point p3 (X p3 ,Y p3 ,Z p3 ), point p4(X p4 ,Y p4 ,Z p4 ), point p5(X p5 ,Y p5 ,Z p5 ) is the relationship |X p5 |>|X p4 |>|X p3 |, Y p3 =Y p4 =Y p5 , Z p3 <Z p5 <Z p4 Point p5(X p5 ,Y p5 ,Z p5 ) and point p6(X p6 ,Y p6 ,Z p6 ) is related to |Xp5 |=|X p6 |, Y p6 >Y p5 , Z p5 =Z p6 It is.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end cap 120. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the plug 300 is inserted into the pipeline 220. The plug 300 is a member for partially blocking the oil supply path L. The plug 300 is used when the linear guide unit 1 is used in a horizontal orientation. When the linear guide unit 1 is used in a horizontal orientation, the plug 300 is inserted directly below the upper point p6 of a pair of points p6 (FIG. 8) in the pipeline 220. With the linear guide unit of the present disclosure, by simply inserting the plug 300, oil can be supplied to both of the pair of raceways even when the linear guide unit is used in a horizontal orientation.

[0049] FIG. 10 shows the end cap 120 when the linear guide unit is installed in a horizontal position. The end cap 120 is installed so that the positive direction of the X-axis is vertically upward. A plug 300 is inserted into the pipe 220 shown by the dotted line. With reference to FIG. 10, the movement of the lubricating oil will be described when the linear guide unit 1 is installed horizontally, that is, when the pair of direction change paths 104a, 104b in the end cap 120 are installed so as to be vertically above and below each other as shown in FIG. 10. Note that only the end cap 120 is shown here for the purpose of explanation, but in reality the end cap 120 is combined with the casing 110, etc., and the recessed groove formed in the end face s1 of the end cap 120 serves as a pipe.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 10, the lubricant oil inserted from the oil filler opening 22 located vertically above enters the pipeline 240a (FIG. 8). Because the pipeline 220 is blocked by the plug 300, the lubricant oil does not enter below the plug 300 of the pipeline 220. The lubricant oil enters the groove 240b from the pipeline 240a through point p5, and enters the groove 210a through points p4 and p3 of the groove 240b. A part of the lubricant oil that entered the groove 210a enters the upper direction change paths 104a and 104b through point p1. A part of the lubricant oil that entered the groove 210a enters the groove 210b through point p2. The lubricant oil that entered the groove 210b moves downward (in the negative direction of the X-axis) according to gravity, and enters the lower direction change paths 104a and 104b from point p2 through point p1. Although some of the lubricating oil moves from point p3 to recessed groove 240b, leakage of the lubricating oil can be prevented by closing oil supply port 22 located vertically below with a grease nipple or plug.

[0051] (Modification) The above-mentioned first embodiment is merely one example, and many configuration changes are possible. For example, in the first embodiment, two rows of circulation paths for the rolling elements are formed on one side of the rail, but the configuration of the circulation paths is not limited to this. It may be a linear motion guide unit of a type in which one row of circulation path is formed on one side of the rail. Also, the rolling elements are not limited to rollers, and may be balls. It may also be one equipped with a cage that maintains the spacing between the rolling elements.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the groove 240b is formed in an S-shape, but the specific shape of the groove 240b is not limited to this. The shape of the groove 240b can be changed depending on the size of the slider or end cap, the amount and properties of the lubricant to be supplied, etc. As a modified example of the groove 240b, for example, referring to FIG. 11, p5 ,Y p5 ,Z p5 ) at position p44 (X p44 ,Y p44 ,Z p44 ) (However, |X p44 |>|X p5 |, Y p44 =Y p5 , Zp44 >Z p5 ) may be set as the fourth point. With reference to FIG. 11, the recessed groove 240b extends from the point p5 in a straight line upward to the outside to a point p44, bends 180° at the point p44, extends from the point p44 in a straight line downward to the inside to a point p3. With reference to FIG. 12, the recessed groove 240b may be formed in a curved shape that extends from the point p5 in a curved line upward to the outside to pass through the point p44 and reach the point p3. With reference to FIG. 13, the recessed groove 240b may be formed in a shape that extends from the point p5 in a curved line upward to the outside to pass through the point p44, and between the points p44 and p3, includes a portion that extends in a straight line downward from the point p44 (in the Y-axis direction) and a portion that extends in a straight line laterally (in the X-axis direction) toward the point p3.

[0053] 14, a third portion 210c, which is a connecting portion, can be provided between the pipeline 250 and the second portion 210b of the groove 210. That is, the groove 210, which serves as the second path, includes a first portion 210a, a second portion 210b, and a third portion 210c. The first portion 210a connects a first point, point p1, to a second point, point p21, which is a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than point p1. The second portion 210b connects between the pair of points p21. The third portion 210c extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the pipeline 250 and the second portion 210b. The third portion 210c is connected to the pipeline 250, which is the second connecting path in the fuel supply path L, at a point p7. The coordinates (X p21 ,Y p21 ,Z p21 ) and the coordinates of point p7 (X p7 ,Y p7 ,Z p7 ) is related to |X p21 |>X p7 =0, Y p21 =Y p7 , Z p7 >Z p21 That is, point p7 is higher than point p21 in the height direction of the end cap. p5 ,Y p5 ,Z p5 ) at the position p41 (X p41 ,Y p41,Z p41 ) (However, |X p41 |>|X p5 |, Y p41 =Y p5 , Z p41 >Z p5 ) A fourth point is set at point p5. The recessed groove 240b connecting point p5 and point p3 extends linearly upward (in the Y-axis direction) from point p5, passes through point p41, curves 180° at point p41, extends linearly downward (in the Y-axis direction), curves further at point p411, and reaches point p3.

[0054] 11 to 14, the first portion 210a of the groove 210 may have a path width that changes along the way. Specifically, the path width may change between points p1 and p3, with the path being relatively thin near point p1 and relatively thick near point p3. The same is true for the other paths, and the path width may be the same throughout or may include portions with different widths.

[0055] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 linear motion guide unit, 10 rail, 100 slider, 11, 101, hole, 10a, 10b, 110a, 110b raceway, 110 casing, 102a, 102b raceway, 103a, 103b return path, 104a, 104b direction change path, 105, 106 projection, 111, 112 pipe, 118 screw hole, 120 end cap, 123 hook, 128 plug, 129 bottom seal, 131 retaining plate, 132 retaining band, 140 end seal, 200 rolling element, 210, 201a, 210b, 240b, groove, 21a, 21b through hole, 22, 25 oil supply port, 220, 250, 240a pipe, 300 Stopper, p1,p2,p21,p3,p4,p41,p44,p5,p6,p7,p8 points

Claims

1. Rails and a slider that is slidable relative to the rail; A linear motion guide unit including a pair of rolling elements that can roll on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider, The slider includes: A slider body; end caps fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and having a pair of direction change paths formed therein and connected to the rolling paths; The end cap is a pair of first fuel filler ports formed on both side surfaces of the end cap; a second oil filler port formed on a front surface of the end cap; an oil supply passage is formed in the linear motion guide unit, the oil supply passage connecting the oil supply port and the direction change passage; An X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap; A Y axis extending in a thickness direction of the end cap; a Z axis extending in a height direction of the end cap from a bottom surface side to a top surface side of the end cap, In a coordinate space having an origin at a point where a YZ plane passing through the center in the width direction of the end cap, an XZ plane including an end face of the end cap that contacts the slider body, and an XY plane including a bottom face of the end cap intersect, The fuel supply path is a first passage connecting the pair of first fuel filler ports and the second fuel filler port; a second path including a pair of first portions connecting a pair of first points on each of the pair of direction changing paths and a pair of second points located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the pair of first points, and a second portion connecting between the pair of second points; a first connection path that connects a pair of third points in the pair of first portions of the second path to the second path and passes through a fourth point that is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second path; a second connection passage communicating with the second fuel filler port and connecting the second portion of the second passage and the first passage, the pair of third points has an absolute value of an X-coordinate that is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinates of the pair of first portions of the second path; the first passage is a through hole that linearly penetrates an interior of the end cap, the second path is formed on an end surface of the end cap that contacts the slider body, and a conduit is formed by tightly fixing the end cap and the slider body to each other.

2. 2. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the first path and the second portion of the second path are both paths that extend in the X-axis direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

3. 3. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the first path is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second portion of the second path.

4. 4. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the pair of first portions of the second path extend in a Z-axis direction, and the second portion of the second path extends in an X-axis direction.

5. The pair of first connection paths are a first connection portion connected to the second path and extending in the Y-axis direction; a second connection portion formed on an end surface of the end cap on a side in contact with the slider body, 5. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the third point and the fourth point are both located on the second connection portion.

6. 6. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 5, wherein said second connection portion is formed by an S-shaped curve.

7. A rail, a slider that is slidable relative to the rail; A linear motion guide unit including a pair of rolling elements that can roll on a pair of rolling paths formed by the rail and the slider, The slider includes: A slider body; end caps fixed to both end surfaces of the slider body and having a pair of direction change paths formed therein and connected to the rolling paths; The end cap is a pair of first fuel filler ports formed on both side surfaces of the end cap; a second oil filler port formed on a front surface of the end cap; an oil supply passage is formed in the linear motion guide unit, the oil supply passage connecting the oil supply port and the direction change passage; An X-axis extending in the width direction of the end cap; A Y axis extending in a thickness direction of the end cap; a Z axis extending in a height direction of the end cap from a bottom surface side to a top surface side of the end cap, In a coordinate space having an origin at a point where a YZ plane passing through the center in the width direction of the end cap, an XZ plane including an end face of the end cap that contacts the slider body, and an XY plane including a bottom face of the end cap intersect, The fuel supply path is a first passage connecting the pair of first fuel filler ports and the second fuel filler port; a second path including a pair of first portions connecting a pair of first points on each of the pair of direction changing paths and a pair of second points located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the pair of first points, and a second portion connecting between the pair of second points; a first connection path that connects a pair of third points in the pair of first portions of the second path to the second path and passes through a fourth point that is located at a more positive position in the Z-axis direction than the second path; a second connection passage communicating with the second fuel filler port and connecting the second portion of the second passage and the first passage, the pair of third points has an absolute value of an X-coordinate that is equal to or greater than the maximum absolute value of the X-coordinates of the pair of first portions of the second path; The pair of first connection paths are a first connection portion connected to the second path and extending in the Y-axis direction; a second connection portion formed on an end surface of the end cap on a side in contact with the slider body, the third point and the fourth point are both located on the second connection portion.

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