Guide device

Abstract

A guide device 1 comprises a rail 12 having a first surface 121 that in contact with a mounting surface 111B, a second surface 122 opposed to the first surface 121, a through hole 126 that passes through between the first surface 121 and the second surface 122, and a recessed portion 1260 which is an opening on the first surface 121 side of the through hole 126 and which is formed so as to be recessed from the first surface 121 toward the second surface 122. The recessed portion 1260 includes a third surface 1261 orthogonal to the first surface 121 and orthogonal to the width direction of the rail 12. In the recessed portion 1260 is stored an eccentric portion 141 which rotates eccentrically with respect to a reference axis orthogonal to the mounting surface 111B and which applies a force to the third surface 1261 in the width direction of the rail 12. The diameter of the through hole 126 is shorter than the length of the recessed portion 1260 in the width direction.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device. [[Background Art]]

[0002] A guide device provided with a rail for guiding a carriage is known. In this guide device, a technique for improving straightness by correcting bending of the rail using an eccentric bolt is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-127037 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Divided rails may be connected to construct a single rail. In this case, if there is a step at the connecting portion of the rails, vibration may occur when the carriage passes through. Therefore, conventionally, when connecting a plurality of rails, two reference surfaces (surfaces respectively abutting against the rail bottom surface and the rail side surface) are provided on the rail mounting component side, and the rails are pressed against the rail mounting component with a strong force using a vise or bolts while being fixed to the rail mounting component, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a step at the connecting portion of the rails. However, this method cannot be achieved unless the two reference surfaces are formed on the same component.

[0005] On the other hand, when constructing long routes, or when using products where rails and rail mounting components are modularized, such as linear transport systems, the rail mounting components are also divided, and the rail mounting method described above may result in steps occurring at the rail connections. In such cases, fine adjustments such as inserting shims to compensate for the step difference between the rail and the reference surface are necessary, but this work is very complicated and time-consuming. There is also room for improvement in the method of correcting rail curvature using eccentric bolts.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the various circumstances described above, and its purpose is to reduce misalignment at rail joints and to allow the carriage to move more smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is, The first surface that contacts the mounting surface, A second surface opposite to the first surface, A through hole that penetrates between the first surface and the second surface, The opening on the first surface side of the through hole, comprising a recess formed so as to be recessed from the first surface toward the second surface, A guide device having a rail, The recess includes a third surface that is perpendicular to the first surface and perpendicular to the width direction of the rail, The recess houses an eccentric portion that rotates eccentrically with respect to a reference axis perpendicular to the mounting surface and applies force to the third surface in the width direction of the rail. The diameter of the through hole is shorter than the length of the recess in the width direction. It is a guidance device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by elastically deforming the tip of the rail, misalignment at the rail joints can be reduced, allowing the carriage to move more smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external appearance of the guide device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the movement of multiple rollers in a guide device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a cross-section of the guide device in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the rail according to the embodiment (the YZ plane in Figure 1). [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the guide device before connecting the rails according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a side view after connecting the first module and the second module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken at section AA in Figure 5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a view of the second rail according to the first embodiment, seen from the bottom. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view of the area near the eccentric bolt in the AA section of Figure 5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the area near the eccentric bolt according to the first embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis (XZ plane). [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the area near the eccentric bolt according to the first embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the X-axis (YZ plane). [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the rail before a pressing force is applied in the Y-axis direction from the head of the eccentric bolt to the bolt contact surface according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the rail after a pressing force is applied in the Y-axis direction from the head of the eccentric bolt to the bolt contact surface according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the lower side of the second rail according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the upper side of the rail according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the lower side of the rail according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing the rail according to the third embodiment attached to the attachment member. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the adjustment hole according to the third embodiment along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction (YZ plane). [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the top surface side of the rail according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view of the bottom surface side of the rail according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of a side view of the rail according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of the rail according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the rail according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from below. [Figure 23] It is an example of a perspective view of the top surface side in a state where the first rail and the second rail according to the fifth embodiment are connected. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing an example of the rail and the carriage according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing an example of a side view of the rail and the carriage according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing an example of a connection portion of the rail according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing an example of a side view of the rail according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing an example of the rail according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 29] It is a diagram showing an example of the rail according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from below. [Figure 30] It is an example of a perspective view of the top surface side in a state where the first rail and the second rail according to the sixth embodiment are connected. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a guide device comprising a rail. The rail is attached to a mounting surface and guides a carriage. The surface that contacts the mounting surface when the rail is attached is the first surface. The rail also has a second surface opposite the first surface. The first and second surfaces are surfaces that extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The second surface does not have to be parallel to the first surface. The rail also has a through hole. The central axis of the through hole is perpendicular to the first surface and the mounting surface. For example, a tool can be passed through this through hole. Furthermore, the rail has a recess at the opening on the first surface side of the through hole, which is formed to be recessed from the first surface toward the second surface. That is, the through hole opens in the recess. Since the recess is recessed from the first surface, when the rail is attached to the mounting surface, a space is formed surrounded by the recess and the mounting surface.

[0011] The recess includes a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and perpendicular to the width direction of the rail. This third surface is the surface that forms the recess in the direction of the rail's side. This third surface may also be parallel to the side of the rail. The recess houses an eccentric part that rotates eccentrically with respect to a reference axis perpendicular to the mounting surface and applies force to the third surface in the width direction of the rail. The reference axis is a rotation axis provided on the mounting surface. When this eccentric part comes into contact with the third surface, it pushes against the third surface. This force applied by the eccentric part to the third surface causes the rail to elastically deform and bend. Since the eccentric part is eccentric with respect to the reference axis, the force pushing against the third surface can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation angle. Therefore, the curvature of the rail can be corrected by rotating the eccentric part.

[0012] Here, the through-hole and recess are formed such that the diameter of the through-hole is shorter than the width of the recess. Therefore, since the diameter of the through-hole is relatively small, when, for example, a tool for rotating the eccentric part is inserted into the through-hole, the tool can be easily inserted into the eccentric part. Therefore, the eccentric part can be rotated quickly, and by elastically deforming the tip of the rail, the misalignment of the joints between rails can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, the eccentric portion may be the head of an eccentric bolt that rotates around the reference axis. The threaded portion of the bolt is screwed into the mounting surface. If an eccentric bolt is used, it will not come off even if it is pre-installed on the mounting surface, thus simplifying the work. Also, if a tool for turning the eccentric bolt is available, the bending of the rail can be corrected relatively easily.

[0014] Furthermore, the recess may extend to at least one end of the rail. This would allow, for example, the rail to be moved longitudinally while the eccentric portion is stored in the recess, thereby simplifying the work.

[0015] Furthermore, the through-hole may be formed on the end side of the rail, rather than on the mounting hole, which is a hole through which a bolt for fixing the rail to the mounting surface passes. For example, by applying force to the third surface with the eccentric portion to correct the curvature of the rail, and then attaching the rail to the mounting surface with a bolt passed through the mounting hole, the rail can be fixed in a state where the curvature of the rail has been corrected. Also, by providing the through-hole on the end side of the rail, even if there is a step between the rails when connecting to other rails, the rail can be bent in a direction that eliminates the step by rotating the eccentric portion.

[0016] Furthermore, through holes may be formed between the multiple mounting holes, which are holes through which bolts are passed to fix the rail to the mounting surface. By applying force to the third surface with the eccentric portion to correct the curvature of the rail, and then attaching the rail to the mounting surface with bolts passed through the mounting holes, the rail can be fixed in a state where the curvature of the rail has been corrected. In addition, by providing multiple mounting holes and multiple through holes, the curvature of the rail can be corrected at multiple points, thereby increasing the straightness of the rail and reducing misalignment at the rail joints by elastically deforming the ends of the rails.

[0017] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those specific components. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0018] <First Embodiment> First, the configuration of the guide device 1 will be described. Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the guide device 1 according to this embodiment. The guide device 1 comprises a rail 12 and a carriage 50 that is assembled to be movable relative to the rail 12 along its longitudinal direction. The rail 12 is attached to the mounting surface of user equipment such as a machine tool, and the table of the user equipment is attached to the carriage 50. In this case, the movement of the movable part including the table is guided by the guide device 1. The guide device 1 can also be inverted, with the carriage 50 attached to the mounting surface of the user equipment and the rail 12 attached to the table. Furthermore, the guide device 1 may be used with the longitudinal direction of the rail 12 not horizontal, but inclined or perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0019] For the sake of explanation, in this application, the rail 12 is positioned on a horizontal plane. In the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is established, and the position of each component is described with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The configuration of the guide device 1 is described with respect to the direction when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the rail 12, i.e., the X-axis direction as shown in Figure 1 is the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction is the up-and-down direction. Of course, the arrangement of the guide device 1 is not limited to this arrangement. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the movement of multiple rollers 53 in the guide device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the guide device 1 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail 12 (the YZ plane in Figure 1) according to this embodiment.

[0020] Furthermore, the surface of the rail 12 perpendicular to the Y-axis direction is called the side surface 124. As shown in Figure 3, each of the left and right side surfaces 124 of the rail 12 has two upper and lower rolling surfaces 1241 formed thereon. In other words, the rail 12 has four rolling surfaces 1241 formed thereon.

[0021] The carriage 50 has a central portion facing the upper surface 122, which is the upper surface of the rail 12, and a pair of lateral portions facing the side surfaces of the rail 12, and has a U-shaped cross-section. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the carriage 50 comprises a carriage body 51 in the center in the direction of movement, and a pair of end plates 52 positioned at both ends of the carriage body 51 in the direction of movement. As shown in Figure 3, the carriage body 51 has a central portion 511 facing the upper surface 122 of the rail 12, and a pair of lateral portions 512 facing the side surfaces 124 of the rail 12, and has a U-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the end plates 52 also have a central portion facing the upper surface 122 of the rail 12 and a pair of lateral portions facing the side surfaces 124 of the rail 12, similar to the carriage body 51, and have a U-shaped cross-section. Each end plate 52 is fastened to the carriage body 51 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the carriage body 51 has four rolling surfaces 1242 that are opposite to each of the four rolling surfaces 1241 of the rail 12. Multiple rollers 53 are sandwiched in a rotatable state between the rolling surfaces 1241 formed on the rail 12 and the rolling surfaces 1242 formed on the carriage body 51, and the carriage body 51 is engaged with the rail 12. The opposing rolling surfaces 1241 of the rail 12 and the rolling surfaces 1242 of the carriage body 51 define the load track 54. As shown in Figure 2, a return track 55 is formed inside the carriage body 51 parallel to the load track 54. In addition, a U-shaped direction change track 56 is formed on each end plate 52 that connects the load track 54 and the return track 55. The inner circumference of the direction change track 56 is formed by an inner circumference portion 57 with a semicircular cross-section that is integrated with the carriage body 51. Then, a track-like rolling element path 58 is formed by the load track 54 between the rolling surface 1241 of the rail 12 and the rolling surface 1242 of the carriage body 51, a pair of direction change paths 56, and a return path 55. Multiple rollers 53 are housed in this rolling element path 58. In the guide device 1, as shown in Figure 2, when the carriage 50 moves relative to the rail 12 in the direction of the white arrow, the multiple rollers 53 circulate in the direction of the arrow through the rolling element path 58. In other words, the rollers 53 that are between the opposing rolling surfaces 1241 and 1242 roll along the load track 54. After rolling to one end of the load track 54, the rollers 53 are introduced into one of the direction change paths 56, and return to the other end of the load track 54 via the return path 55 and the other direction change path 56.

[0023] Next, the connection of multiple rails 12 will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of a guide device 1 connecting a first module 10A and a second module 10B will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the guide device 1 before connecting the rails 12 according to the first embodiment. The guide device 1 has a first module 10A and a second module 10B. The first module 10A includes a first mounting member 11A and a first rail 12A fixed to the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A. The second module 10B includes a second mounting member 11B and a second rail 12B fixed to the mounting surface 111B of the second mounting member 11B. In the following description, it will be assumed that the first module 10A and the second module 10B have the same shape. However, this is not limited to this, and the first module 10A and the second module 10B may have different shapes.

[0024] When the first mounting member 11A and the second mounting member 11B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as mounting member 11, and when the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A and the mounting surface 111B of the second mounting member 11B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as mounting surface 111. Mounting surface 111 is the mounting surface of the user equipment described above. Also, when the first rail 12A and the second rail 12B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as rail 12. Mounting surface 111 of mounting member 11 is the surface to which rail 12 is attached and fixed.

[0025] The direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 111 is the Z-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the rail 12 on the mounting surface 111 is the X-axis direction, and the short direction of the rail 12 on the mounting surface 111 is the Y-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the first module 10A side is the front side, and the second module 10B side is the rear side. In the Z-axis direction, the rail 12 side is the upper side, and the mounting member 11 side is the lower side. The Y-axis direction is also called the width direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the surface of the rail 12 that contacts the mounting member 11 (the downward-facing surface) and is opposite the upper surface 122 is called the lower surface 121. The lower surface 121 and the upper surface 122 are surfaces perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. However, the upper surface 122 may be an inclined surface with respect to the Z-axis direction. Note that the lower surface 121 is an example of a first surface, and the upper surface 122 is an example of a second surface.

[0027] Furthermore, the surfaces on which the rails 12 come into contact when they are connected (the ends in the X-axis direction) are called end faces 123. The front end face 123 in the X-axis direction is called the front end face 1231, and the rear end face 123 in the X-axis direction is called the rear end face 1232. In this embodiment, the front end face 1231 and the rear end face 1232 are described as surfaces perpendicular to the X-axis direction, but this is not limited to this, and for example, they may be surfaces having an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the X-axis direction. Figure 4 shows the state before the front end face 1231 of the second rail 12B is connected to the rear end face 1232 of the first rail 12A.

[0028] The rail 12 has bolt mounting holes 125, which are through holes through which mounting bolts 13 for fixing to the mounting surface 111 pass. The bolt mounting holes 125 are formed in the Z-axis direction. Multiple bolt mounting holes 125 are provided in the X-axis direction of each rail 12. A counterbore is formed on the upper surface 122 side of the bolt mounting hole 125 so that the head of the mounting bolt 13 is housed inside the rail 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the mounting member 11 has a screw hole 112 formed in the Z-axis direction into which the mounting bolt 13 is tightened. The screw hole 112 is formed perpendicular to the mounting surface 111 and corresponds to the bolt mounting hole 125 of the rail 12.

[0030] Here, Figure 5 shows an example of a side view after connecting the first module 10A and the second module 10B according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a view of the guide device 1 from the Y-axis direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view when cut along section AA of Figure 5 according to the first embodiment. When the first module 10A and the second module 10B are connected, the connection portion B1 of both mounting members 11 and the connection portion B2 of both rails 12 are offset in the X-axis direction so that the connection portion B2 of the rail 12 and the connection portion B1 of the mounting member 11 are not on the same plane. That is, in the first module 10A, the rear end surface 1232 of the first rail 12A is offset forward from the rear end surface 1131A of the first mounting member 11A. On the other hand, in the second module 10B, the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B is offset forward from the front end surface 1132B of the second mounting member 11B.

[0031] In the second module 10B, the bolt mounting hole 125 at the very front of the second rail 12B is positioned to protrude from the second mounting member 11B. The bolt mounting hole 125 at the very front of the rail 12 will be referred to as the first bolt mounting hole 1251. The mounting member 11 has screw holes 112 formed therein that correspond to the second and subsequent bolt mounting holes 125 from the front of the rail 12, into which mounting bolts 13 are inserted. The second bolt mounting hole 125 from the front of the rail 12 will be referred to as the second bolt mounting hole 1252. The second rail 12B is fixed to the second mounting member 11B by mounting bolts 13 inserted into multiple bolt mounting holes 125 from the second bolt mounting hole 1252 onward.

[0032] In the first module 10A, a mounting bolt 13 is inserted into the rearmost bolt mounting hole 125 of the first rail 12A, and similar to the second module 10B, mounting bolts 13 are also inserted into bolt mounting holes 125 other than the first bolt mounting hole 1251. The bolt mounting hole 125 at the rearmost end of the rail 12 will be referred to as the third bolt mounting hole 1253. The first rail 12A is fixed to the first mounting member 11A by mounting bolts 13 inserted into multiple bolt mounting holes 125 from the second bolt mounting hole 1252 to the third bolt mounting hole 1253.

[0033] The second rail 12B has an adjustment hole 126, which is a through hole, formed on the front end surface 1231 side of the first bolt mounting hole 1251. Figure 7 is a view of the second rail 12B according to the first embodiment, seen from the bottom surface 121 side. The adjustment hole 126 is formed in the Z-axis direction. A recess 1260 is formed at the opening of the adjustment hole 126 on the bottom surface 121 side, recessing from the bottom surface 121 of the second rail 12B toward the top surface 122. The end of the recess 1260 in the X-axis direction opens to the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B. The recess 1260 is formed extending from the front end surface 1231 toward the rear end surface 1232 in the X-axis direction. The head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 is housed in the recess 1260. The head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 is an example of an eccentric portion. Furthermore, in order to increase the versatility of the rail 12, an adjustment hole 126, which is a through hole, and a recess 1260 are also formed on the rear end surface 1232 side of the third bolt mounting hole 1253, but these are not necessarily required.

[0034] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area around the eccentric bolt 14 in the AA section of Figure 5 according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the area around the eccentric bolt 14 according to the first embodiment, cut by a plane perpendicular to the Y axis (XZ plane). Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the area around the eccentric bolt 14 according to the first embodiment, cut by a plane perpendicular to the X axis (YZ plane). The recess 1260 has bolt contact surfaces 1261 which are two planes perpendicular to the Y axis and parallel to each other, a semi-cylindrical curved surface 1262 which is in contact with the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 and protrudes from the bolt contact surfaces 1261 toward the rear end surface 1232 side, and a bottom surface 1263 which is a plane perpendicular to the Z axis and in which the opening of the adjustment hole 126 is formed. Note that the bolt contact surfaces 1261 are an example of a third surface.

[0035] The distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 is longer than the diameter of the adjustment hole 126. That is, the diameter of the adjustment hole 126 is shorter than the length of the recess 1260 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). Also, the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 is slightly longer than the diameter of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14, and is formed so that the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 is housed within it. On the other hand, the diameter of the adjustment hole 126 is shorter than the diameter of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14, and is longer than the width (which may be the diameter) of the tool 30 used to turn the eccentric bolt 14. The tool 30 is, for example, a hex wrench.

[0036] The eccentric bolt 14 is attached to the first mounting member 11A. The first mounting member 11A has an adjustment screw hole 114 that corresponds to the eccentric bolt 14. The central axis of this adjustment screw hole 114 is located on the same plane as the central axis of the screw hole 112 of the mounting bolt 13. Furthermore, the adjustment hole 126 and the adjustment screw hole 114 are formed such that the distance from the rear end surface 1232 of the first rail 12A to the central axis of the adjustment screw hole 114 is approximately equal to the distance from the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B to the central axis of the adjustment hole 126. In addition, the first mounting member 11A has a screw hole 112 that corresponds to the first bolt mounting hole 1251 of the second rail 12B. The first bolt mounting hole 1251 and its corresponding screw hole 112 are formed such that the distance from the rear end surface 1232 of the first rail 12A to the central axis of the screw hole 112 is approximately equal to the distance from the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B to the central axis of the first bolt mounting hole 1251.

[0037] The eccentric bolt 14 has a head 141 and a threaded portion 142 connected to the head 141, on which threads are formed. The eccentric bolt 14 is formed such that the central axis A1 of the head 141 is offset from the central axis A2 of the threaded portion 142. The eccentric bolt 14 is, for example, a socket head cap bolt, with a hexagonal prism-shaped hole (hereinafter also referred to as the hexagonal hole 1411) formed in the cylindrical head 141. The central axis of the hexagonal hole 1411 is located, for example, on the central axis of the threaded portion 142. The eccentric bolt 14 is attached to the first mounting member 11A before the first module 10A and the second module 10B are connected.

[0038] The recess 1260 is formed such that the distance from the lower surface 121 to the bottom surface 1263 of the second rail 12B is longer than the length of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 in the direction of the central axis A1. Furthermore, the recess 1260 is formed such that the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 is longer than the diameter of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14, and shorter than the sum of the diameter of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 and the distance from the central axis A2 of the threaded portion 142 of the eccentric bolt 14 to the central axis A1 of the head 141. By forming the recess 1260 in this way, the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 can be housed in the recess 1260, and when the eccentric bolt 14 is rotated, the side surface of the head 141 contacts the bolt contact surface 1261, allowing the head 141 to push the bolt contact surface 1261 in the Y-axis direction.

[0039] When attaching the eccentric bolt 14 to the first mounting member 11A, the angle of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 is adjusted so that the plane containing the central axis A2 of the threaded portion 142 and the central axis A1 of the head 141 is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. This allows the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 to be stored in the recess 1260 when connecting the second module 10B to the first module 10A.

[0040] Next, the method of connecting the first module 10A and the second module 10B will be described. From the state shown in Figure 4, the second rail 12B is placed on the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A. At this time, the second rail 12B may be shifted in the X-axis direction and placed on the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A, or the second rail 12B may be placed on the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A from the top in the Z-axis direction. After the second rail 12B is placed on the mounting surface 111A of the first mounting member 11A, the mounting bolts 13 are temporarily tightened into the first bolt mounting holes 1251 of the second rail 12B. At this time, the mounting bolts 13 are temporarily tightened with a torque that allows the second rail 12B to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0041] The first mounting member 11A and the second mounting member 11B may be fixed to other foundation members, for example, by bolts, and the first mounting member 11A and the second mounting member 11B may be connected to each other by bolts. The method of fixing the first mounting member 11A and the second mounting member 11B is not limited.

[0042] With the mounting bolt 13 temporarily tightened into the first bolt mounting hole 1251 of the second rail 12B, the tool 30 is inserted into the adjustment hole 126, and then the tool 30 is operated to rotate the eccentric bolt 14 around the central axis A2 of the threaded portion 142, thereby applying a pressing force in the Y-axis direction to one of the bolt contact surfaces 1261. As a result, the second rail 12B is bent in the direction of the pressing force. At this time, for example, a micrometer is used to adjust the rotation angle of the eccentric bolt 14 so that the step difference between the side surface 124 of the first rail 12A and the side surface 124 of the second rail 12B is less than or equal to a predetermined value. After the step difference between the side surface 124 of the first rail 12A and the side surface 124 of the second rail 12B is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the mounting bolt 13 that was temporarily tightened into the first bolt mounting hole 1251 of the second rail 12B is then fully tightened to fix the second rail 12B to the first mounting member 11A.

[0043] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the rail 12 before a pressing force in the Y-axis direction is applied from the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 to the bolt contact surface 1261 according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the rail 12 after a pressing force in the Y-axis direction is applied from the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 to the bolt contact surface 1261 according to the first embodiment. Figures 11 and 12 are views of the rail 12 from the top surface 122 side.

[0044] Before a pressing force is applied to the bolt contact surface 1261 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 11), at the connection point B2 of the rail 12, the side surface 124A of the first rail 12A and the side surface 124B of the second rail 12B are misaligned in the Y-axis direction by the distance indicated by C1. On the other hand, after a pressing force is applied to the bolt contact surface 1261 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 12), the second rail 12B undergoes elastic deformation due to this pressing force, and its tip is moved in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the misalignment in the Y-axis direction between the side surface 124A of the first rail 12A and the side surface 124B of the second rail 12B at the connection point B2 of the rail 12 is reduced to the distance indicated by C2.

[0045] In this way, by adjusting the rotation angle of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14, the tip of the rail 12 is elastically deformed, thereby correcting the curvature of the rail 12 and reducing misalignment at the joint of the rail 12. This suppresses the occurrence of steps at the connection part B2 of the rail 12. Therefore, the carriage can be moved more smoothly. In addition, by providing the recess 1260, after attaching the eccentric bolt 14 to the first mounting member 11A, the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B can be brought into contact with the rear end surface 1232 of the first rail 12A while moving the second rail 12B in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, by attaching the eccentric bolt 14 to the first mounting member 11A in advance, positioning when connecting the second rail 12B becomes easier. In addition, by making the diameter of the adjustment hole 126 shorter than the width of the recess 1260 in the Y-axis direction, the tool 30 can be easily inserted into the hexagonal hole 1411 of the head 141. Therefore, it becomes easier to rotate the eccentric bolt 14 after the second rail 12B has been brought into contact with the first rail 12A. For example, if there is an obstacle above the first rail 12A and the second rail 12B, it may not be possible to visually see the adjustment hole 126 when tightening the eccentric bolt 14 later. In such a case, the adjustment hole 126 would have to be located by feel, and the tool 30 would have to be inserted. If the adjustment hole 126 is larger than the tool 30, it may become difficult to insert the tool 30 into the hexagonal hole 1411 of the eccentric bolt 14. With the adjustment hole 126 according to the first embodiment, it becomes easier to insert the tool 30 into the hexagonal hole 1411 of the eccentric bolt 14, so the rail 12 can be straightened more quickly.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the recess 1260 is formed up to the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B, but in this second embodiment, the recess 1260A is formed so as not to reach the front end surface 1231 of the second rail 12B. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lower surface 121 side of the second rail 12B according to the second embodiment. The recess 1260 is formed so that the cross section when cut by a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is an elongated hole. Bolt contact surfaces 1261A are formed, which are two planes perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and parallel to each other, and the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261A is equal to the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 according to the first embodiment. Except for the shape of the recess 1260A on the front end surface 1231 side, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261A is longer than the diameter of the adjustment hole 126.

[0047] Even with this shape, the tool 30 can be easily inserted into the hexagonal hole 1411, allowing for faster straightening of the rail. Furthermore, by making the cross-sectional shape of the recess 1260A an elongated hole, deformation of the recess 1260 when force is applied to the recess 1260 from the eccentric bolt 14 can be suppressed.

[0048] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, an example of correcting the curvature of a single rail 12 will be described. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the upper surface 122 side of the rail 12 according to the third embodiment, and Figure 15 is a perspective view of the lower surface 121 side of the rail 12 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the rail 12 according to the third embodiment in a state attached to the mounting member 11.

[0049] The rail 12 has a plurality of bolt mounting holes 125 and a plurality of adjustment holes 126 formed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the rail. For example, the bolt mounting holes 125 and adjustment holes 126 may be arranged alternately at equal intervals. Alternatively, for example, adjustment holes 126 may be formed at predetermined intervals of bolt mounting holes 125. The shape of the bolt mounting holes 125 is the same as the shape of the bolt mounting holes 125 in the first embodiment. Each of the plurality of adjustment holes 126 leads to a recess 1260A on the lower surface 121 side. The shape of the recess 1260A is the same as the shape of the recess 1260A in the second embodiment.

[0050] Here, Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment hole 126 according to the third embodiment, when cut by a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction (YZ plane). The mounting member 11 is provided with a reference surface 1110. The reference surface 1110 is a surface that rises from the mounting surface 111 in the Z-axis direction and is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The distance from the central axis of the adjustment screw hole 114 to the reference surface 1110 is approximately equal to the distance from the central axis of the adjustment hole 126 to the side surface 124 of the rail 12.

[0051] When fixing the rail 12 to the mounting member 11, the rail 12 is placed on the mounting surface 111 from above with the eccentric bolt 14 attached to the mounting member 11. When attaching the eccentric bolt 14 to the mounting member 11, the angle of the head 141 of the eccentric bolt 14 is adjusted so that the plane containing the central axis A2 of the threaded portion 142 and the central axis A1 of the head 141 is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0052] After placing the rail 12 on the mounting surface 111 of the mounting member 11, the mounting bolts 13 are inserted into each bolt mounting hole 125 of the rail 12 and temporarily tightened. At this time, the mounting bolts 13 are temporarily tightened with a torque that allows the rail 12 to move in the Y-axis direction. Next, the tool 30 is inserted into the adjustment hole 126 and the eccentric bolt 14 is rotated to apply a pressing force in the Y-axis direction to the bolt contact surface 1261A on the reference surface 1110 side. This presses the side surface 124 of the rail 12 against the reference surface 1110. At this time, for example, the eccentric bolt 14 may be tightened to a predetermined torque to apply a predetermined pressing force to the bolt contact surface 1261A. After all the eccentric bolts 14 have been tightened, the mounting bolts 13 are fully tightened.

[0053] In this way, by using multiple eccentric bolts 14, the rail 12 can be pressed against the reference surface 1110, and the curvature of the entire rail 12 can be corrected. Also, when connecting rails 12 together, if they are on the same reference surface 1110, pressing each rail 12 against the reference surface 1110 can prevent the formation of steps between the rails 12. Furthermore, since it is easier to insert the tool 30 into the hexagonal hole 1411, the straightening of the rail 12 can be performed more quickly.

[0054] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, an example of correcting the curvature of a single rail 12 will be described. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the upper surface 122 side of the rail 12 according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 19 is a perspective view of the lower surface 121 side of the rail 12 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0055] The upper surface 122 side of rail 12 has the same shape as the upper surface 122 side of rail 12 according to the third embodiment. On the other hand, on the lower surface 121 of rail 12, a recess 1260B is formed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of rail 12, from the front end surface 1231 to the rear end surface 1232, and recesses from the lower surface 121 to the upper surface 122 of the second rail 12B. The X-axis end of the recess 1260B opens to the front end surface 1231 and the rear end surface 1232 of rail 12.

[0056] The recess 1260B has two parallel planes, which are bolt contact surfaces 1261B, perpendicular to the Y-axis, and a bottom surface 1263B, which is perpendicular to the Z-axis and forms the openings for the bolt mounting holes 125 and the adjustment holes 126. The distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261B is equal to the distance between the two bolt contact surfaces 1261 in the first embodiment. Also, the distance from the lower surface 121 of the rail 12 to the bottom surface 1263B is equal to the distance from the lower surface 121 of the rail 12 to the bottom surface 1263 in the first embodiment.

[0057] By forming such a recess 1260B, similar to the third embodiment, the rail 12 can be pressed against the reference surface 1110 by applying a pressing force in the Y-axis direction to one of the bolt contact surfaces 1261A from multiple eccentric bolts 14, thereby correcting the curvature of the entire rail 12. Furthermore, when connecting rails 12 to each other, if they are on the same reference surface 1110, pressing each rail 12 against the reference surface 1110 will prevent the formation of steps between the rails 12. In addition, since the recess 1260B opens on the front end surface 1231 and the rear end surface 1232, the rail 12 can be positioned while moving it in the X-axis direction relative to the mounting surface 111. Furthermore, since the tool 30 can be easily inserted into the hexagonal hole 1411, the straightening of the rail 12 can be performed more quickly.

[0058] <Fifth Embodiment> In the rails 12 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the end face 123 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction. On the other hand, in the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment, the end face 123 is inclined with respect to the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the end face 123 is parallel to the Y-axis direction and inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of a side view of the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from above. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from below. Figure 23 is an example of a perspective view of the upper surface 122 side in a state where the first rail 12A and the second rail 12B according to the fifth embodiment are connected.

[0059] The front end surface 1231 is formed to protrude forward from the upper surface 122 towards the lower surface 121. Similarly, the rear end surface 1232 is formed to protrude backward from the lower surface 121 towards the upper surface 122. In Figure 23, the first rail 12A and the second rail 12B have the same shape. Except for the shapes of the front end surface 1231 and the rear end surface 1232, the description is omitted as they are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0060] In Figures 20 to 23, the rail 12 has a recess 1260 that extends to the end face 123 of the rail 12, similar to the first embodiment. However, it is not limited to this, and, similar to the second embodiment, the recess 1260 may be formed so that it does not reach the end face 123 of the rail 12. Furthermore, similar to the third embodiment, a plurality of bolt mounting holes 125 and a plurality of adjustment holes 126 may be formed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the rail 12. Also, similar to the fourth embodiment, the recess 1260 may be formed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the rail 12, extending from the front end face 1231 to the rear end face 1232, and recessing from the lower surface 121 to the upper surface 122 of the rail 12.

[0061] Here, in the first embodiment, a carriage 50 utilizing rollers 53 has been described, but the types of carriages 50 that can be used are not limited to this. For example, a carriage 520 having four rollers 523, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, can also be used. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 and carriage 520 according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the rear. Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 and carriage 520 according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the side. The carriage 520 includes a carriage body 521 that is located further above the upper surface 122 of the rail 12 and protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the side surface 124 of the rail 12. The carriage 520 also includes four roller shafts 522 that protrude downward in the Z-axis direction from the carriage body 521. There are two roller shafts 522 on each side of the rail 12. Furthermore, the carriage 520 includes four rollers 523 that are rotatably supported on each of the roller shafts 522. The roller 523 is cylindrical in shape, and the rolling surfaces 5231 are formed on the upper and lower edges of the roller 523 so as to be parallel to the upper and lower rolling surfaces 1241 of the rail 12. The roller 523 rotates around the roller shaft 522, with its rolling surface 5231 in contact with the rolling surfaces 1241 of the rail 12. That is, one roller 523 is in contact with the two upper and lower rolling surfaces 1241 of the rail 12. The rail 12 is then sandwiched between two rollers 523 located in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the rail 12 is similarly sandwiched between two rollers 523 at positions separated in the X-axis direction.

[0062] In such a carriage 520, there is a risk of vibration and noise occurring when the roller 523 passes over the connection part B2 of the rail 12. That is, when the rolling surface 5231 of the roller 523 passes over the connection part B2, if there is a step or gap in the connection part B2, vibration and noise may occur when the roller 523 passes over the connection part B2. On the other hand, according to the rail 12 of the fifth embodiment, the above-mentioned vibration and noise can be reduced.

[0063] Here, Figure 26 shows an example of the connection portion B2 of the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment. D1 indicates the location (hereinafter referred to as the upper contact portion D1) where the upper rolling surface of the roller 523 (hereinafter referred to as the upper rolling surface 5231A) contacts the rolling surface 1241A on the upper surface 122 side of the rail 12, and D2 indicates the location (hereinafter referred to as the lower contact portion D2) where the lower rolling surface of the roller 523 (hereinafter referred to as the lower rolling surface 5231B) contacts the rolling surface 1241B on the lower surface 121 side of the rail 12. The upper contact portion D1 and the lower contact portion D2 are located at positions offset in the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Figure 26, the upper contact portion D1 is located on the first rail 12A, and the lower contact portion D2 is located on the second rail 12B. When the carriage 50 moves from the second rail 12B towards the first rail 12A, the connection portion B2 is formed at an angle to the direction of travel of the carriage 50. Therefore, the upper rolling surface 5231A and the lower rolling surface 5231B located below it of the roller 523 do not pass through the connection portion B2 at the same time. Consequently, even if noise or vibration is generated when the roller 523 passes through the connection portion B2, noise or vibration will not be generated simultaneously at the upper contact portion D1 and the lower contact portion D2, thus reducing the maximum value of noise and vibration.

[0064] Furthermore, even considering only the upper contact portion D1, when passing through the connection portion B2, the connection portion B2 passes from the upper side to the lower side of the upper rolling surface 5231A of the roller 523. Therefore, even if there is a gap in the connection portion B2, the upper rolling surface 5231A is prevented from falling into that gap. The same applies to the lower rolling surface 5231B. In this way, vibration and noise can be reduced compared to the case where the connection portion B2 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0065] As described above, the rail 12 according to the fifth embodiment can reduce vibration and noise while achieving the same effects as the rail 12 according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0066] <Sixth Embodiment> In the sixth embodiment, the end face 123 is inclined with respect to the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the end face 123 is also inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction and is parallel to the Z-axis direction. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of a side view of the rail 12 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 according to the sixth embodiment viewed from above. Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of the rail 12 according to the sixth embodiment viewed from below. Figure 30 is a diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the upper surface 122 side in which the first rail 12A and the second rail 12B according to the sixth embodiment are connected.

[0067] The end face 123 is perpendicular to the upper surface 122 and the lower surface 121 and is inclined with respect to the side surface 124. For example, the front end face 1231 is formed to protrude forward as it moves from the left side surface 124 to the right side surface 124. Similarly, the rear end face 1232 is formed to protrude backward as it moves from the right side surface 124 to the left side surface 124. Except for the shapes of the front end face 1231 and the rear end face 1232, the details are the same as in the first to fourth embodiments and will therefore not be described.

[0068] In Figures 27 to 30, the rail 12 has a recess 1260 that extends to the end face 123 of the rail 12, similar to the first embodiment. However, it is not limited to this, and, similar to the second embodiment, the recess 1260 may be formed so that it does not reach the end face 123 of the rail 12. Furthermore, similar to the third embodiment, the rail 12 may have a plurality of bolt mounting holes 125 and a plurality of adjustment holes 126 that are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction of the rail. Also, similar to the fourth embodiment, the lower surface 121 of the rail 12 may have a recess 1260 that extends from the front end face 1231 to the rear end face 1232 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the rail 12, and recesses from the lower surface 121 to the upper surface 122 of the rail 12.

[0069] According to the rail 12 of the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the rails of the first to fourth embodiments described above can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the rail 12 of the sixth embodiment, since the multiple rollers 523 shown in Figures 24 and 25 do not pass through the connection part B2 at the same time, noise and vibration can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1... Guide device, 10A... First module, 10B... Second module, 11A... First mounting member, 11B... Second mounting member, 12A... First rail, 12B... Second rail, 13... Mounting bolt, 14... Eccentric bolt, 111... Mounting surface, 126... Adjustment hole, 1261... Bolt contact surface

Claims

1. The first surface is the surface that is in contact with the mounting surface and faces the said mounting surface, A second surface which faces in the opposite direction to the aforementioned mounting surface, A through hole that penetrates between the first surface and the second surface, The opening on the first surface side of the through hole, comprising a recess formed so as to be recessed from the first surface toward the second surface, A guide device having a rail, The recess includes a third surface that is perpendicular to the first surface and perpendicular to the width direction of the rail, The recess houses an eccentric portion that rotates eccentrically with respect to a reference axis perpendicular to the mounting surface and applies force to the third surface in the width direction of the rail. The diameter of the through hole is shorter than the length of the recess in the width direction. Guidance device.

2. The eccentric portion is the head of an eccentric bolt that rotates around the reference axis. The guide device according to claim 1.

3. The recess is formed to at least one end of the rail. The guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The through-hole is formed on the end side of the rail, which is a mounting hole through which a bolt for fixing the rail to the mounting surface passes. The guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The through-holes are formed between a plurality of mounting holes, which are holes through which bolts for fixing the rail to the mounting surface are passed. The guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The axial end face of the rail is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rail. The guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

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