Straight and curved guide device

Abstract

To provide a straight line / curved line guide device in which an arm of a swing portion can be further shortened.SOLUTION: The straight line / curved line guide device comprises a rail and a movable element. The movable element includes a frame, a first swing portion, and a second swing portion. Each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion includes an arm portion, a first bearing portion, and a second bearing portion. The first bearing portion includes a first raceway member, a second raceway member, a third raceway member, a plurality of first rolling elements, and a plurality of second rolling elements. The second bearing portion includes a fourth raceway member, a fifth raceway member, and a third rolling element. In each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion, the second raceway member is connected to the frame, and the second bearing portion is separated from the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a straight guide device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Straight and curved guide devices in which a mover moves on a circulating path made up of straight and curved rails have been known for some time. This type of technology is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0003] The straight-curve guiding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a table, a pair of sliders arranged on the underside of the table, and a carriage arranged between the pair of sliders on the underside. The carriage includes an arm, a pair of rollers arranged at both ends of the arm, and a slewing bearing arranged on the arm between the pair of rollers. The slewing bearing includes an outer ring fitted in a recess formed on the underside of the table, a rotating shaft, an inner ring fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and cylindrical rollers arranged in a rolling path between the raceway surfaces of the outer ring and the inner ring. The pair of rollers are fixed to the arm by a shaft member, and a nut is fastened to the tip of the shaft member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 009105 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,086,705 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the straight and curved guide device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a swivel bearing is disposed in the arm between the pair of rollers, and this swivel bearing is attached to the underside of the table. Therefore, it is necessary to secure space in the arm for disposing the swivel bearing, which poses a problem that it is difficult to shorten the arm.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a straight / curve guide device that can shorten the arm of the swing portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A straight / curve guide device according to the present disclosure includes a rail including a straight portion and a curved portion, and a mover movable on the rail. The mover includes a frame, a first swing portion connected to the frame and in contact with the rail, and a second swing portion connected to the frame and spaced apart from the first swing portion in the longitudinal direction of the rail and in contact with the rail. Each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion includes an arm portion extending in the width direction of the rail, a first bearing portion located on one side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion, and a second bearing portion located on the other side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion. the first bearing portion penetrates the arm portion in the rail height direction and has, on its outer peripheral surface, a first annular raceway surface and a second annular raceway surface that is spaced from the first raceway surface in the rail height direction and sandwiches the arm portion; the first bearing portion includes: a first raceway member fixed to the arm portion; a second annular raceway member having, on its inner peripheral surface, a third annular raceway surface that faces the first raceway surface and is connected to the frame; a third raceway member having, on its inner peripheral surface, a fourth annular raceway surface that faces the second raceway surface and having, on its outer peripheral surface, a first annular rail groove that contacts the rail; a plurality of first rolling elements arranged in a first annular rolling path defined by the first raceway surface and the third raceway surface; and a plurality of second rolling elements arranged in a second annular rolling path defined by the second raceway surface and the fourth raceway surface. The second bearing portion includes a fourth race member having an annular fifth raceway surface on its outer circumferential surface and fixed to the arm portion, a fifth race member having a sixth raceway surface opposite the fifth raceway surface on its inner circumferential surface and having an annular second rail groove that contacts the rail on its outer circumferential surface, and a third rolling element disposed in an annular third rolling path defined by the fifth raceway surface and the sixth raceway surface. In each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion, the second raceway member is connected to the frame, and the second bearing portion is separated from the frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a straight / curve guide device that can shorten the arm of the swing portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a straight / curve guide device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the straight / curve guide device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the magnet yoke is removed in the straight / curve guiding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the first swing section of the straight / curve guide device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing portion taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a straight / curve guide device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the straight / curve guide device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the magnet yoke is removed in the straight / curve guiding device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Outline of the embodiment] A straight / curve guide device according to the present disclosure includes a rail including a straight portion and a curved portion, and a mover movable on the rail. The mover includes a frame, a first swing portion connected to the frame and in contact with the rail, and a second swing portion connected to the frame and spaced apart from the first swing portion in the longitudinal direction of the rail and in contact with the rail. Each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion includes an arm portion extending in the width direction of the rail, a first bearing portion located on one side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion, and a second bearing portion located on the other side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion. the first bearing portion penetrates the arm portion in the rail height direction and has, on its outer peripheral surface, a first annular raceway surface and a second annular raceway surface that is spaced from the first raceway surface in the rail height direction and sandwiches the arm portion; the first bearing portion includes: a first raceway member fixed to the arm portion; a second annular raceway member having, on its inner peripheral surface, a third annular raceway surface that faces the first raceway surface and is connected to the frame; a third raceway member having, on its inner peripheral surface, a fourth annular raceway surface that faces the second raceway surface and having, on its outer peripheral surface, a first annular rail groove that contacts the rail; a plurality of first rolling elements arranged in a first annular rolling path defined by the first raceway surface and the third raceway surface; and a plurality of second rolling elements arranged in a second annular rolling path defined by the second raceway surface and the fourth raceway surface. The second bearing portion includes a fourth race member having an annular fifth raceway surface on its outer circumferential surface and fixed to the arm portion, a fifth race member having a sixth raceway surface opposite the fifth raceway surface on its inner circumferential surface and having an annular second rail groove that contacts the rail on its outer circumferential surface, and a third rolling element disposed in an annular third rolling path defined by the fifth raceway surface and the sixth raceway surface. In each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion, the second raceway member is connected to the frame, and the second bearing portion is separated from the frame.

[0011] In the above-mentioned straight-bend guide device, the second raceway member of the first bearing portion, which is located on one side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion, is connected to the frame, so that the first swing portion and the second swing portion are each supported in a cantilevered state relative to the frame. Therefore, unlike conventional straight-bend guide devices, there is no need to secure space for placing a swivel bearing between the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion of the arm portion. Therefore, the above-mentioned straight-bend guide device makes it possible to shorten the arm of the swing portion.

[0012] In the above-mentioned straight / curve guide device, the first track member may include a shaft member penetrating the arm portion in the height direction of the rail, and an annular member surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member. A first threaded portion may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member. A second threaded portion that meshes with the first threaded portion may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular member. The first track surface may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular member. With this configuration, the shaft member and the annular member can be easily assembled.

[0013] In the straight / curve guide device, the frame may be formed with an insertion hole into which the second track member is inserted. The outer peripheral surface of the second track member may be in contact with the wall surface of the insertion hole over the entire circumferential direction. With this configuration, the first swing portion and the second swing portion can be more stably attached to the frame.

[0014] In the above-described straight / curve guiding device, the second raceway member may have an insertion port formed radially through the second raceway member for inserting the first rolling element into the first rolling path. The second raceway member may include a lid member that closes the insertion port. The lid member may include a lid raceway surface that contacts the first rolling element and a lid outer surface positioned radially opposite the lid raceway surface of the second raceway member. The lid outer surface may contact a wall surface of the insertion hole. This configuration prevents the position of the lid member from shifting radially, and can maintain the lid raceway surface and the third raceway surface flush or nearly flush.

[0015] The straight / curve guide device may further include a fixing member that fixes each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion to the frame. The frame may be formed with a first fixing hole into which the fixing member is inserted. The second track member may be formed with a second fixing hole that communicates with the first fixing hole and into which the fixing member is inserted. According to this configuration, the fixing member can more reliably attach each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion to the frame.

[0016] In the above-described straight / curve guide device, the fourth track member may penetrate the arm portion in the height direction of the rail. The second bearing portion may further include an annular eccentric collar inserted between the wall surface of the through hole in the arm portion through which the fourth track member penetrates and the outer peripheral surface of the fourth track member. The eccentric collar may have a shape in which the radial thickness varies circumferentially. According to this configuration, the distance between the first rail groove and the second rail groove can be adjusted by rotating the eccentric collar in the circumferential direction.

[0017] [Specific example of embodiment] Next, specific embodiments of the straight / curve guide device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) First, the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 1. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the straight-curve guiding device 1 in a state where the magnet yoke 20 has been removed. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the first swing portion 31. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first swing portion 31 taken along line VV in Fig. 4.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the straight / curve guide device 1 mainly comprises a rail 2 and a mover 3 that is movable on the rail 2. The rail 2 includes a straight section 2A and a curved section 2B that connects to the end of the straight section 2A. The mover 3 mainly comprises a frame 10, a magnet yoke 20, a first swing section 31, and a second swing section 32. Each of these components will be described below. In this specification, the longitudinal direction D1, width direction D2, and height direction D3 of the rail 2 correspond to the directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0020] 1, the frame 10 includes a first frame portion 11 and a second frame portion 12. In this embodiment, the first frame portion 11 and the second frame portion 12 each have a rectangular plate shape. The second frame portion 12 extends perpendicularly to the first frame portion 11 from an end of the first frame portion 11 in the width direction D2.

[0021] The first frame portion 11 includes a first surface 11A (lower surface) facing downward in the height direction D3, and a second surface 11C (upper surface) facing the opposite side to the first surface 11A (upper side in the height direction D3, toward the magnet yoke 20). The second frame portion 12 includes a third surface 12A that is perpendicular to the second surface 11C and faces toward the magnet yoke 20. As shown in FIG. 1, a first protrusion 13 that protrudes in the width direction D2 and extends in the height direction D3 is formed at approximately the center of the third surface 12A in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0022] 1, magnet yoke 20 includes a first yoke portion 20A disposed on second surface 11C, a second yoke portion 20B facing first yoke portion 20A with a gap in height direction D3, and a third yoke portion 20C connecting an end of first yoke portion 20A in width direction D2 with an end of second yoke portion 20B in width direction D2. Recess 21, into which first protrusion 13 is inserted, is formed in third yoke portion 20C and extends in height direction D3.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, first magnets 22 and second magnets 23 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction D1 on the inner surface of first yoke portion 20A (the surface facing second yoke portion 20B). First magnets 22 and second magnets 23 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction D1 on the inner surface of second yoke portion 20B (the surface facing first yoke portion 20A). As shown in Fig. 1, first magnets 22 arranged on the inner surface of first yoke portion 20A face opposite second magnets 23 arranged on the inner surface of second yoke portion 20B in the height direction D3. Meanwhile, second magnets 23 arranged on the inner surface of first yoke portion 20A face opposite first magnets 22 arranged on the inner surface of second yoke portion 20B in the height direction D3.

[0024] 2, the magnet yoke 20 is fixed to the frame 10 (second frame portion 12) by a plurality of first bolts B1. Specifically, the second frame portion 12 and the third yoke portion 20C have bolt holes that communicate with each other in the width direction D2. The wall surfaces of the bolt holes in the third yoke portion 20C have female threads that mesh with the male threads of the first bolts B1.

[0025] The magnet yoke 20 is fixed to the frame 10 by inserting a first bolt B1 into the bolt hole. As shown in FIG. 2, a recess 12B is formed in the outer surface (the surface opposite to the third surface 12A) of the second frame portion 12, into which the head of the first bolt B1 is accommodated. A plurality of (eight in this embodiment) first fixing holes 11D into which second bolts B2 (fixing members) are inserted are formed in the first frame portion 11, opening toward the second surface 11C. The second bolts B2 are used to fix each of the first swing portion 31 and the second swing portion 32 to the frame 10 (first frame portion 11).

[0026] The first swing portion 31 is a portion that comes into contact with the rail 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the first swing portion 31 is connected to the first frame portion 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first frame portion 11 has an insertion hole 11B that opens to the first surface 11A side and has a predetermined depth in the height direction D3. The insertion hole 11B has a circular shape when viewed in the height direction D3. A part of the first swing portion 31 (a second track member 62 described later) is inserted into the insertion hole 11B and a second bolt B2 is tightened, whereby the first swing portion 31 is connected to the first surface 11A side of the first frame portion 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip end of the first swing portion 31 (the portion opposite the portion connected to the frame 10) is located forward of the tip end of the first frame portion 11 (on the opening side of the magnet yoke 20).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the first frame portion 11 is formed with a plurality of oil supply holes 11E (two in this embodiment) that communicate with the insertion hole 11B (Fig. 2) in the height direction D3. The oil supply hole 11E has a circular shape that is concentric with the insertion hole 11B (Fig. 2) and has a smaller diameter than the insertion hole 11B when viewed in the height direction D3. As shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of first fixing holes 11D (four in this embodiment) are formed to surround the oil supply hole 11E when viewed in the height direction D3.

[0028] Similar to the first swing section 31, the second swing section 32 is a section that comes into contact with the rail 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the second swing section 32 is connected to the frame 10 (first frame section 11) at a distance from the first swing section 31 in the longitudinal direction D1. Similar to the first swing section 31, the second swing section 32 is connected to the frame 10, and therefore, a description of the mounting structure of the second swing section 32 to the frame 10 will be omitted.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the first swing section 31 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first swing section 31 includes an arm section 41, a first bearing section 51, and a second bearing section 52. The arm section 41 extends in the width direction D2. The first bearing section 51 is disposed on one side (one end of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction) of the arm section 41 as viewed from the center of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction (the width direction D2 of the rail 2). The second bearing section 52 is disposed on the other side (the other end of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction) of the arm section 41 as viewed from the center of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 5, a first through hole 41A is formed in the arm section 41 on one side as viewed from the center of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction, penetrating the arm section 41 in the height direction D3. Meanwhile, a second through hole 41B is formed in the arm section 41 on the other side as viewed from the center of the arm section 41 in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] 5, the first bearing portion 51 includes a first race member 61, a second race member 62, and a third race member 63. The first race member 61 includes a first end portion 51A and a second end portion 51B opposite the first end portion 51A in the height direction D3. The first race member 61 penetrates the arm portion 41 in the height direction D3 and is fixed to the arm portion 41. Specifically, the first race member 61 in this embodiment includes a first stud 71 (shaft member) that penetrates the arm portion 41 in the height direction D3 (inserted into the first through hole 41A), and a circular first nut 72 (annular member) that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first stud 71.

[0031] The first stud 71 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 71A that is inserted into the first through hole 41A, and a head portion 71B that is larger in diameter than the shaft portion 71A and is connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 71A. As shown in Fig. 5, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 71A is in contact with the wall surface of the first through hole 41A over the entire circumferential direction. A first screw portion (male screw portion) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip end (opposite the head portion 71B) of the shaft portion 71A. A second screw portion (female screw portion) that meshes with the first screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first nut 72 over the entire circumferential direction.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, a first oil supply passage 71D is formed inside the first stud 71. The first oil supply passage 71D includes a first path portion that extends inside the shaft portion 71A in the height direction D3, and a second path portion that connects to the lower end of the first path portion and extends radially inside the head portion 71B. A first grease nipple 71C is disposed at the entrance of the first oil supply passage 71D. Lubricating oil can be supplied between the head portion 71B of the first stud 71 and the third raceway member 63 via the first oil supply passage 71D.

[0033] The first raceway member 61 has an annular first raceway surface 61A and an annular second raceway surface 61B on its outer circumferential surface. The second raceway surface 61B is spaced apart from the first raceway surface 61A in the height direction D3, with the arm portion 41 sandwiched between them. As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the first raceway surface 61A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first nut 72. The first raceway surface 61A defines a V-shaped groove in a cross section taken along the height direction D3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second raceway surface 61B is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first stud 71 (head 71B). As shown in Fig. 5, the second raceway surface 61B defines a V-shaped groove in a cross section taken along the height direction D3. In this embodiment, the second raceway surfaces 61B are formed in multiple rows (two rows) spaced apart from each other in the height direction D3, but this is not limiting. The second raceway surfaces 61B may also be formed in a single row.

[0035] The second raceway member 62 (outer ring) is an annular member having an inner diameter larger than that of the first raceway surface 61A. The second raceway member 62 has an annular third raceway surface 62A on its inner peripheral surface, which faces the first raceway surface 61A in the radial direction of the second raceway member 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the third raceway surface 62A is formed symmetrically with respect to the first raceway surface 61A in a cross section taken along the height direction D3. The second raceway member 62 has an annular hole 62B formed therein, which overlaps with the inlet of the first oil supply passage 71D in the height direction D3. The annular hole 62B overlaps with the oil supply hole 11E (FIG. 3) in the height direction D3.

[0036] The second track member 62 is connected to the frame 10 (first frame portion 11). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second track member 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 11B and fixed to the first frame portion 11 by a plurality of second bolts B2. The outer peripheral surface of the second track member 62 contacts the wall surface of the insertion hole 11B over the entire circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end face of the second track member 62 in the height direction D3 is substantially flush with the first surface 11A of the frame 10.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, second raceway member 62 is formed with second fixing holes 62C that communicate with first fixing holes 11D (Fig. 2) and into which second bolts B2 (Fig. 2) are inserted. A plurality of second fixing holes 62C (four in this embodiment) are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the end face of second raceway member 62. A female thread portion (not shown) that engages with the male thread portion of second bolt B2 (Fig. 2) is formed on the wall surface of second fixing hole 62C over the entire circumferential direction.

[0038] The third raceway member 63 is an annular member having an inner diameter larger than that of the second raceway surface 61B. The third raceway member 63 has an annular fourth raceway surface 63A on its inner peripheral surface, which faces the second raceway surface 61B in the radial direction of the third raceway member 63. As shown in FIG. 5 , the third raceway member 63 has an annular first rail groove 63B on its outer peripheral surface, which contacts the rail 2. In this embodiment, the first rail groove 63B is a V-shaped groove in cross section along the height direction D3, but is not limited to this.

[0039] The first bearing portion 51 further includes a plurality of first rolling elements 81 arranged in an annular first rolling path defined by the first raceway surface 61A and the third raceway surface 62A. The first rolling elements 81 in this embodiment are cylindrical rollers, and are in contact with each of the first raceway surface 61A and the third raceway surface 62A.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the second raceway member 62 has an insertion port for inserting the first rolling element 81 into the first rolling path formed radially through a portion of the circumference of the second raceway member 62. This insertion port is closed by the first lid member 83. The first lid member 83 includes a lid raceway surface (a surface facing the first raceway surface 61A in the radial direction of the second raceway member 62) that contacts the first rolling element 81, and a lid outer surface positioned radially opposite the lid raceway surface of the second raceway member 62. The lid raceway surface is substantially flush with the third raceway surface 62A and defines the first rolling path together with the first raceway surface 61A and the third raceway surface 62A. When the second raceway member 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 11B, the lid outer surface contacts the wall surface of the insertion hole 11B. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cover member 83 is fixed to the second track member 62 by a pin 84 extending in the height direction D3.

[0041] The first bearing portion 51 further includes a plurality of second rolling elements 82 arranged in an annular second rolling path defined by the second raceway surface 61B and the fourth raceway surface 63A. In this embodiment, the second rolling elements 82 are cylindrical rollers and are in contact with the second raceway surface 61B and the fourth raceway surface 63A, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the third raceway member 63 has an insertion port formed therein for inserting the second rolling elements 82 into the second rolling path. A second cover member 64 is arranged in this insertion port. The second cover member 64 is fixed to the third raceway member 63 by a pin 65.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the second bearing portion 52 includes a fourth raceway member 66, a fifth raceway member 68, an eccentric collar 67, a second nut 69, and a third rolling element 85. The fourth raceway member 66 penetrates the arm portion 41 in the height direction D3 and is fixed to the arm portion 41. Specifically, the fourth raceway member 66 is a stud (second stud) including a shaft portion 66E inserted into the second through-hole 41B of the arm portion 41 and a head portion 66B having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 66E and connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 66E. As shown in FIG. 5, a second oil supply passage 66C is formed inside the fourth raceway member 66 to supply lubricating oil to the third rolling element 85. A second grease nipple 66D is disposed at the inlet of the second oil supply passage 66C.

[0043] A third threaded portion (male threaded portion) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip end (opposite the head 66B) of the shaft portion 66E. The second nut 69 has an annular shape that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 66E. A fourth threaded portion (female threaded portion) that meshes with the third threaded portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second nut 69 over the entire circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the eccentric collar 67 includes an annular small diameter portion 67A that is inserted into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 66E and the wall surface of the second through hole 41B, and a flange portion 67B that extends radially outward from the end of the small diameter portion 67A. The eccentric collar 67 has a shape in which the radial thickness varies circumferentially.

[0044] The fourth raceway member 66 (head 66B) has an annular fifth raceway surface 66A on its outer circumferential surface. As shown in Fig. 5, the fifth raceway surface 66A defines a V-shaped groove in a cross section taken along the height direction D3. In this embodiment, the fifth raceway surfaces 66A are formed in multiple rows (two rows) spaced apart from each other in the height direction D3, but are not limited to this.

[0045] The fifth raceway member 68 is an annular member having an inner diameter larger than that of the fifth raceway surface 66A. The fifth raceway member 68 has a sixth raceway surface 68A on its inner peripheral surface that faces the fifth raceway surface 66A in the radial direction of the fifth raceway member 68. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fifth raceway member 68 has a second rail groove 68B, which is annular and comes into contact with the rail 2, on its outer peripheral surface.

[0046] A plurality of third rolling elements 85 are arranged in an annular third rolling path defined by fifth raceway surface 66A and sixth raceway surface 68A. In this embodiment, third rolling elements 85 are cylindrical rollers and are in contact with fifth raceway surface 66A and sixth raceway surface 68A, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5 , fifth raceway member 68 has an insertion port formed therein for inserting third rolling elements 85 into the third rolling path. A third cover member 73 is arranged in this insertion port. Third cover member 73 is fixed to fifth raceway member 68 by a pin 74.

[0047] The second swing section 32 (FIG. 1) basically has the same configuration as the first swing section 31, and is connected to the frame 10 (first frame section 11) in the same manner as the first swing section 31. That is, in each of the first swing section 31 and the second swing section 32, the second track member 62 is connected to the frame 10, and the second bearing section 52 is separated from the frame 10 in the width direction D2. In other words, each of the first swing section 31 and the second swing section 32 is supported in a cantilevered state by the frame 10 (first frame section 11), and is rotatable within an imaginary plane parallel to the first surface 11A around the connection section with the frame 10. A detailed description of the second swing section 32 will be omitted.

[0048] As described above, in the straight-curve guiding device 1 according to this embodiment, the second raceway member 62 of the first bearing portion 51, which is disposed on one side of the longitudinal center of the arm portion 41, is connected to the frame 10, so that the first swing portion 31 and the second swing portion 32 are each supported in a cantilevered state relative to the frame 10. Therefore, in the straight-curve guiding device 1, it is not necessary to ensure space for disposing a swivel bearing between the first bearing portion 51 and the second bearing portion 52 of the arm portion 41. Therefore, according to the straight-curve guiding device 1, the arm of the swing portion can be made shorter.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) Next, the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 4 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. The straight-curve guiding device 4 according to the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as the straight-curve guiding device 1 according to the first embodiment and achieves the same effects, but is different in the shape of the frame 10. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 4. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the straight-curve guiding device 4. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the straight-curve guiding device 4 with the magnet yoke 20 removed.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, frame 10 in the second embodiment further includes second protrusion 14 in addition to first frame portion 11, second frame portion 12, and first protrusion 13. Second protrusion 14 is provided on the surface of second frame portion 12 opposite to the surface on which first protrusion 13 is provided. As shown in Fig. 6, second protrusion 14 protrudes in the opposite direction to first protrusion 13 in width direction D2 and extends in height direction D3.

[0052] (Other embodiments) Here, other embodiments will be described.

[0053] In the above-described first embodiment, the first raceway member 61 is configured from two members, the first stud 71 and the first nut 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first raceway member may be configured from a single member.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the case where the second track member 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 11B has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a bolt (not shown) may protrude downward in the height direction D3 from the first surface 11A, and the bolt may be inserted into the second fixing hole 62C (FIG. 4).

[0055] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the second track member 62 is fixed to the frame 10 by the second bolt B2 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second track member 62 may be press-fitted into the insertion hole 11B.

[0056] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the second bearing portion 52 includes the eccentric collar 67 has been described as an example, but the eccentric collar 67 may be omitted.

[0057] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. 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]

[0058] 1, 4 Straight and curved guide device, 2 Rail, 2A Straight portion, 2B Curved portion, 3 Movable element, 10 Frame, 11 First frame portion, 11A First surface, 11B Insertion hole, 11C Second surface, 11D First fixing hole, 11E Oil supply hole, 12 Second frame portion, 12A Third surface, 12B Recess, 13 First protrusion, 14 Second protrusion, 20 Magnet yoke, 20A First yoke portion, 20B Second yoke portion, 20C Third yoke portion, 21 Recess, 22 First magnet, 23 Second magnet, 31 First swing portion, 32 Second swing portion, 41 Arm portion, 41A First through hole, 41B Second through hole, 51 First bearing portion, 51A First end portion, 51B Second end portion, 52 Second bearing portion, 61 First raceway member, 61A First raceway surface, 61B Second raceway surface, 62 Second raceway member, 62A Third raceway surface, 62B Annular hole, 62C Second fixing hole, 63 Third raceway member, 63A Fourth raceway surface, 63B First rail groove, 64 Second cover member, 65, 74, 84 Pin, 66 Fourth raceway member, 66A Fifth raceway surface, 66B Head, 66C Second oil supply passage, 66D Second grease nipple, 66E Shaft portion, 67 Eccentric collar, 67A Small diameter portion, 67B Flange portion, 68 Fifth raceway member, 68A Sixth raceway surface, 68B Second rail groove, 69 Second nut, 71 First stud, 71A Shaft portion, 71B Head, 71C First grease nipple, 71D First oil supply passage, 72 First nut, 73 Third cover member, 81 First rolling element, 82 Second rolling element, 83 First cover member, 85 third rolling element, B1 first bolt, B2 second bolt, D1 longitudinal direction, D2 width direction, D3 height direction.

Claims

1. a rail including a straight section and a curved section; a movable element that is movable on the rail, The mover is The frame and a first swing portion connected to the frame and in contact with the rail; a second swing portion connected to the frame and spaced apart from the first swing portion in the longitudinal direction of the rail and in contact with the rail; Each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion is an arm portion extending in the width direction of the rail; a first bearing portion disposed on one side of a center portion of the arm portion in a longitudinal direction; a second bearing portion disposed on the other side of the arm portion as viewed from the center portion in the longitudinal direction, The first bearing portion is a first track member that penetrates the arm portion in the height direction of the rail and has, on its outer circumferential surface, a first annular track surface and a second annular track surface that is spaced apart from the first track surface in the height direction of the rail and sandwiches the arm portion, and is fixed to the arm portion; a second raceway member having an annular third raceway surface on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the third raceway surface being opposed to the first raceway surface, and connected to the frame; a third raceway member having an annular fourth raceway surface on its inner peripheral surface that faces the second raceway surface, and an annular first rail groove on its outer peripheral surface that contacts the rail; a plurality of first rolling elements disposed in a first annular rolling path defined by the first raceway surface and the third raceway surface; a plurality of second rolling elements disposed in a second annular rolling path defined by the second raceway surface and the fourth raceway surface, The second bearing portion is a fourth raceway member having an annular fifth raceway surface on its outer circumferential surface and fixed to the arm portion; a fifth raceway member having a sixth raceway surface on its inner peripheral surface that faces the fifth raceway surface, and having an annular second rail groove on its outer peripheral surface that contacts the rail; a third rolling element disposed in an annular third rolling path defined by the fifth raceway surface and the sixth raceway surface, In each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion, the second track member is connected to the frame, and the second bearing portion is separated from the frame.

2. The first track member is a shaft member that penetrates the arm portion in the height direction of the rail; an annular member surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member, a first threaded portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member, a second threaded portion that meshes with the first threaded portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the annular member, The straight / curve guiding device according to claim 1 , wherein the first raceway surface is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the annular member.

3. an insertion hole into which the second track member is inserted is formed in the frame; 3. The straight / curve guide device according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the second track member is in contact with a wall surface of the insertion hole over the entire circumferential direction.

4. an input port for inputting the first rolling element into the first rolling path is formed in the second raceway member so as to penetrate the second raceway member in a radial direction; the second track member includes a cover member that closes the insertion port, the lid member includes a lid raceway surface that contacts the first rolling element, and a lid outer surface that is positioned radially opposite the lid raceway surface and the second raceway member, The straight / curve guide device according to claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the lid is in contact with the wall surface of the insertion hole.

5. a fixing member that fixes each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion to the frame; The frame has a first fixing hole formed therein into which the fixing member is inserted, The straight / curve guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second track member is formed with a second fixing hole that communicates with the first fixing hole and into which the fixing member is inserted.

6. the fourth track member penetrates the arm portion in the height direction of the rail, the second bearing portion further includes an annular eccentric collar inserted between a wall surface of a through hole in the arm portion, through which the fourth raceway member passes, and an outer circumferential surface of the fourth raceway member, The straight / curve guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the eccentric collar has a shape in which a radial thickness thereof varies along a circumferential direction.

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