Linear motion guidance unit

Abstract

This invention relates to a linear motion guiding unit, comprising: a track; a slider that can slide relative to the track; and a rolling element that can rotate on a rotating groove formed by the track and the slider. At least one end face of the slider has a lubricating oil supply device. The lubricating oil supply device comprises: a lubricating member that holds lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the track by abutting against the track surface; a housing having a front, back, and bottom surface covering the front, back, and bottom surfaces of the lubricating member, and having an open top surface; and an outer cover covering at least the top surface of the lubricating member. The housing is fixed to the slider by a first fixing member. The outer cover is not fixed by the first fixing member, but by a second fixing member to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear motion guiding unit. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-206679 filed on December 14, 2020, and incorporates all the descriptions contained in the aforementioned Japanese patent application. Prior Art

[0002] There is known a linear motion guiding unit including a track, a slider that slides on the track, and a lubricating oil supply device, and the lubricating oil supply device includes a lubricating oil holding member that supplies lubricating oil to the sliding part (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] There is known a linear motion guiding unit including a track, a slider that slides on the track, and a lubricating oil holding member, and in this linear motion guiding unit, there are oil cylinders each including a lubricating oil holding member on the left and right (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

[0004] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-351251 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-90338 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The lubricating oil supplied to the track is consumed as the linear motion guiding unit operates. Therefore, it is preferable to replenish the lubricating oil to the lubricating oil supply device or replace the lubricating oil holding member. When replacing the lubricating oil holding member, it is desired to be able to easily replace the lubricating oil holding member. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a linear motion guiding unit in which the lubricating oil holding member can be easily replaced and the maintainability is excellent. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The linear motion guiding unit according to the present disclosure includes: a track; a sliding member that can slide relative to the aforementioned track; and rolling elements that can rotate on a rotation groove formed by the aforementioned track and the aforementioned sliding member. At least one end surface of the aforementioned sliding member is provided with a lubricating oil supply device. The aforementioned lubricating oil supply device includes a lubricating member, a housing, and an outer cover. The lubricating member holds lubricating oil and supplies the aforementioned lubricating oil to the track by abutting against the track surface of the track. The housing has a front surface, a back surface, and a bottom surface covering the front surface, the back surface, and the bottom surface of the aforementioned lubricating member, and the upper surface is open. The outer cover covers at least the upper surface of the aforementioned lubricating member. The aforementioned housing is fixed to the aforementioned sliding member by a first fixing member. The aforementioned outer cover is not fixed by the aforementioned first fixing member, but is fixed to the aforementioned housing by a second fixing member. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above linear motion guiding unit, the lubricating oil holding member is easy to replace and has excellent maintainability. Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the structure of the linear motion guiding unit of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the linear motion guiding unit of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sliding member and the track included in the linear motion guiding unit of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the lubricating oil supply device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the lubricating oil supply device of FIG. 3 disassembled. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the linear motion guiding unit of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lubricating member included in the lubricating oil supply device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a top view of the outer cover included in the lubricating oil supply device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer cover included in the lubricating oil supply device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the sliding member of Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a modification example in which the shape of the housing is changed in the lubricating oil supply device. Embodiment

[0009] Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [Summary of the Embodiment] First, embodiments of this disclosure are described. The linear motion guiding unit according to this disclosure includes: a track; a slider that can slide relative to the track; and a rolling element that can rotate on a rotating groove formed by the track and the slider. At least one end face of the slider has a lubricating oil supply device. The lubricating oil supply device includes a lubricating member, a housing, and an outer cover. The lubricating member holds lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the track by abutting against the track surface. The housing has a front, back, and bottom surface covering the front, back, and bottom surfaces of the lubricating member, and the top surface is open. The outer cover covers at least the top surface of the lubricating member. The housing is fixed to the slider by a first fixing member. The outer cover is not fixed by the first fixing member, but by a second fixing member to the housing.

[0010] In conventional linear motion guide units, a lubrication supply device fixed to the long side end face of the sliding member is widely known. The lubrication supply device includes a lubrication member configured to abut against the track surface of the track. When the sliding member slides on the track, lubricating oil is supplied from the lubrication member to the track. The lubricating oil held in the lubrication member is gradually consumed as the linear motion guide unit operates. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the lubrication member with lubricating oil or replace the lubrication member as needed.

[0011] For example, in the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 1, the lubricating plate holding the lubricating oil is bolted to the sleeve of the sliding member together with the end seal or end cover. Therefore, when replacing the lubricating plate, the end seal or end cover must be removed together. However, the operation of removing and reinstalling the end seal or end cover is very complicated. Especially when reinstalling the end seal or end cover after replacing the lubricating plate, precision is required to prevent the parts from shifting. On the other hand, in the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 2, the system is configured with an oil cylinder holding lubricating oil on both the left and right sides, and the oil cylinder can be pulled out from the left and right sides. However, in the linear motion guide unit of Patent Document 2, the end cover, lubricating oil cylinder and bracket are bolted to the sliding member as a whole. Therefore, when replacing the oil cylinder, the bolts must be loosened at least, and loosening the bolts may cause the end cover to shift.

[0012] Therefore, we studied the configuration of a lubricating oil supply device that reduces the risk of misalignment of other parts when replacing the lubricating component and makes lubricating component replacement easier. We arrived at an idea to separate the fixing member that secures the housing of the lubricating oil supply device to the sliding member and the fixing member that secures the outer cover covering the lubricating component, and then fixes them together with individual members. Further research revealed a configuration where the housing of the lubricating oil supply device is fixed to the sliding member by a first fixing member, and the outer cover of the lubricating oil supply device is fixed to the housing by a second fixing member, without the outer cover being fixed by the first fixing member. With this configuration, the outer cover of the lubricating oil supply device can be removed without loosening the first fixing member simply by loosening (removing) the second fixing member. Therefore, a lubricating oil supply device can be manufactured that makes lubricating component replacement and lubrication easier, reduces the risk of misalignment between the lubricating component and the sliding member, and simplifies operation.

[0013] In the aforementioned linear motion guiding unit, the outer cover may include an upper part covering the lubricating component and two side parts, the side parts extending from both ends of the upper part and covering the sides of the lubricating component. By providing an outer cover covering the top and two sides of the lubricating component, the lubricating component housed in the housing can be reliably protected.

[0014] In the aforementioned linear motion guiding unit, the housing may have a front, a back, and a bottom surface, as well as side portions extending from the outer ends of the front and back surfaces in the lateral direction, and the side portions extending from the front and the side portions extending from the back are separate. With this configuration, the outer cover can be reliably held in place, and the removal of the outer cover becomes easier.

[0015] In the aforementioned linear motion guide unit, the lubrication component can be composed of two components, one on the left and one on the right, relative to the long side of the track. The thickness of the lubrication component is the same as or less than the width of the partition between the side portion extending from the front and the side portion extending from the back. With this configuration, after removing the outer cover, the lubrication component can be removed from both the left and right sides of the housing, thus making replacement easier.

[0016] In the aforementioned linear motion guide unit, the lubrication member may have an outwardly protruding portion on its side, corresponding to the aforementioned track surface. According to this configuration, the protruding portion of the lubrication member abuts against the side of the housing or outer cover, and the housing or outer cover pushes the lubrication member inward against the track. Therefore, the track and the lubrication member are in close contact, ensuring reliable application of lubricating oil to the track.

[0017] In the aforementioned linear motion guide unit, a cone protruding towards the track can also be provided on the bottom surface of the housing, opposite to the track. This configuration prevents dust and other contaminants from entering from the bottom surface of the lubricating oil supply device.

[0018] In the aforementioned linear motion guiding unit, the front end of the aforementioned side of the outer cover can be formed in a tapered shape. This configuration makes it easier to remove or insert the outer cover from the housing. In particular, insertion is easy when inserting the side of the outer cover between the lubrication member and the side portion of the housing.

[0019] [Specific Examples of Implementation Forms] Next, an example of a specific implementation of the linear motion guidance unit disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or equivalent parts will be marked with the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0020] [Implementation Form 1] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the structure of the linear motion guide unit 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. In Figure 1A, the X-axis is the width direction of the linear motion guide unit 1, the Y-axis is the direction of the long side of the linear motion guide unit 1 (track 10), and the Z-axis is the thickness direction of the linear motion guide unit 1. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing a portion of the linear motion guide unit 1 in Figure 1A cut out.

[0021] First, the overall structure of the linear motion guide unit 1 will be described. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the linear motion guide unit 1 includes a track 10, a slider 100, and rollers 200 as rolling elements. The slider 100 is mounted on the track 10 and can slide freely relative to the track 10. The slider 100 has a trapezoidal upper portion and sleeves hanging down from both ends of the trapezoidal portion. The slider 100 includes a sleeve 110 and end caps 120 installed on both ends of the sleeve 110 along its length. A lubricating oil supply device 500 is provided on the end face of one end cap 120 opposite to the sleeve 110. An end seal 140 is installed on the end face of the lubricating oil supply device 500 opposite to the end cap 120. The end face of the other end cap 120 opposite to the sleeve 110 does not have a lubricating oil supply device but has an end seal 140 installed. A grease nipple 31 is installed on the outer side of the end seal 140 without a lubricating oil supply device.

[0022] Mounting holes 11 are formed in the track 10 for fixing and mounting corresponding components of the linear motion guide unit 1. A plurality of holes 101 are formed on the sleeve 110, which are mounting screw holes for mounting corresponding components such as workpieces or machines.

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the sleeve 110 and track 10 of the linear motion guide unit 1 after removal. Referring to Figures 1B and 2, two pairs of track surfaces 10a and 10b are formed on the side of the track 10 along its long side. Track surfaces 110a and 110b are formed on the sleeve 110 at positions opposite to the track surfaces 10a and 10b. Two rows of track passages 102a and 102b, which serve as rotating grooves, are formed by the track surfaces 10a and 110a and 10b and 110b, and these track passages 102a and 102b are loading areas. That is, the linear motion guide unit 1 has two rows of rotating grooves. As the slider 100 moves, the roller 200 rotates on the rotating grooves. Inside the sleeve 110, there are continuous circulation passages 103a and 103b that are unloaded areas and are connected to the track passages 102a and 102b, respectively. Although not shown in the figure, two direction conversion paths are formed on the end cap 120, which respectively connect the unloaded areas between the track path 102a and the circulation path 103a, and between the track path 102b and the circulation path 103b.

[0024] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the sliding member 100. Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, and 9, a hole 115 is formed on the end face of the sleeve 110, which is a screw hole for mounting the end cap 120. On the end cap 120, a hole 125 is formed at a position corresponding to the hole 115 in the sleeve 110, and this hole 125 extends through the screw hole in the thickness direction of the end cap 120. Furthermore, on the housing 510 of the lubricating oil supply device 500, a screw hole 515 is formed at a position corresponding to holes 115 and 125. And on the end seal 140, a screw hole 145 is formed at a position corresponding to holes 115, 125, and 515. The screw 81, serving as the first fixing member, can be inserted through holes 145, 515, 125, and 115. That is, the end seal 140, housing 510, and end cap 120 can be fixed to the sleeve 110 by screws 81. The sliding member 100 is located on the left and right sides above when viewed from the end face direction through holes 145, 515, 125, and 115.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the removal of the lubricating oil supply device 500 in Embodiment 1. The lubricating oil supply device 500 includes a housing 510, an outer cover 520, and a lubrication component 530. The top of the housing 510 is open, allowing the outer cover 520 to be removed or inserted from the top of the housing 510. Referring to Figures 1B and 3, the housing 510 and the outer cover 520 are fixed together by screws 82, which serve as a second fixing member. The screws 82 fix the end cap 140, the housing 510, and the outer cover 520. However, the screws 82 do not reach the end cap 120.

[0026] That is, while screw 81 secures the end seal 140, the housing 510 of the lubricating oil supply device 500, and the end cap 120 to the sleeve 110, screw 82 secures the end seal 140, the housing 510 of the lubricating oil supply device 500, and the outer cover 520. Furthermore, the outer cover 520 is not secured by screw 81. With this configuration, after removing screw 82, the outer cover 520 can be removed while maintaining the end seal 140, the housing 510, and the end cap 120 fixed to the sleeve 110.

[0027] Next, the lubricating oil supply device 500 will be described in more detail. Furthermore, in the following description, "front" refers to the outer surface (the surface farther from the sleeve 110) with reference to the sleeve 110 when viewing the slider 100 along its long side. "Back" refers to the inner surface (the surface closer to the sleeve 110) with reference to the sleeve 110 when viewing the slider 100 along its long side. "Bottom" and "top" refer to the lower and upper sides of the linear motion guide unit 1, respectively, and "side" refers to the surface extending along the side of the track 10.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the composition of the lubricating oil supply device 500. Referring to Figure 4, the lubricating oil supply device 500 includes a housing 510, an outer cover 520, a lubrication component 530 consisting of two separate parts (left and right), a collar 540, and screws 82. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the lubrication component 530 is housed in the housing 510 and covered by the outer cover 520.

[0029] The housing 510 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The housing 510 includes a first front surface 510a, a second back surface 510b, and a third bottom surface 510c. The first surface 510a and the second surface 510b have a recess formed at their central portion in the width direction, extending upwards from the bottom surface, to span the track 10. A protrusion 514 is formed at the central portion in the height direction along the side profile of the track. That is, the recess that forms the opening of the housing 510 has a portion narrower than the maximum width of the track 10. The first surface 510a and the second surface 510b cover the front and back surfaces of the lubrication member 530, respectively. The third bottom surface 510c of the housing 510 is connected to the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b. A side portion 510d extends from both ends of the first surface 510a in the width direction towards the second surface 510b in the side direction. Furthermore, the side portion 510e extends from the end outside the second surface 510b in the lateral direction toward the first surface 510a. The side portion 510d is separate from the side portion 510e.

[0030] A tapered portion 511 protruding inward is provided on the inner side of the lower end of the recess in the housing 510, that is, on the portion of the third surface 510c opposite to the track 10 (Fig. 5). By providing the tapered portion 511 on the housing 510, dust and other contaminants can be prevented from entering the lubricating oil supply device 500. In other words, the tapered portion 511 performs a sealing function for the lubricating oil supply device 500. The front end of the tapered portion 511 can be formed to be slightly separated from the track 10, or it can be formed to abut against the track 10. Furthermore, a thickened portion 513, which is thicker than other parts of the bottom surface, is formed on the third surface 510c.

[0031] Protrusions 512a (not shown) and 512b are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b of the housing 510. These protrusions 512a and 512b help to prevent the lubrication member 530 from unnecessary movement inside the housing 510. Furthermore, holes 515 are formed on the left and right sides and a central hole 517 on the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b. The screw 81 of the first fixing member can be inserted through the hole 515, and the screw 82 of the second fixing member can be inserted through the hole 517. The diameter of the hole 517 matches the head diameter of the screw 82. The housing 510 can be made of, for example, resin or steel, or a combination thereof; the material is not particularly limited.

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the linear motion guide unit 1, showing section AA in Figure 1A. Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, the lubrication member 530 is composed of two components separated left and right relative to the long side of the track 10, and can be housed in the housing 510. The thickness L3 of the lubrication member 530 is less than the internal dimension L1 of the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b of the housing 510. Furthermore, the thickness L3 is almost the same as or slightly less than the length L2 of the separation portion between the side portion 510d and the side portion 510e of the housing 510.

[0033] The lubrication component 530 is made of a material capable of retaining lubricating oil, and is preferably made of a porous sintered resin component. For example, the sintered resin component is formed by filling synthetic resin microparticles into a predetermined mold and then heating and sintering them into a porous structure. Specifically, for example, a sintered resin component can be made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) resin microparticles. The particle size of the UHMWPE resin can be, for example, powder with a fine particle size of 30 μm and a coarse particle size of 250-300 μm. Using a sintered resin component manufactured in this manner, the machining accuracy of the molded product can be achieved to a high precision, for example, ±0.025 mm. The porous structure can be a structure composed of open pores with a porosity of, for example, 40-50%. The lubricating oil is then impregnated and retained in the porous portions of the porous structure.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the removal of the lubricating component 530. Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, the lubricating component 530 includes: a first portion 531, which is a bulge protruding inward and abutting against the track surfaces 10a and 10b of the track 10; a second portion 532, which is an upper portion extending from the side towards the center; and a third portion 533, which is a side portion. The lubricating component 530 is shaped to avoid the portions corresponding to screws 81 and 82, so as to avoid interference with screws 81 and 82. In addition, in order to remove or insert the lubricating component 530 with screw 81 fixed, a groove 530s is formed that is hollowed out diagonally upward. Even with screw 81 fixed, the lubricating component 530 can be removed by removing the outer cover 520 and pulling the lubricating component 530 out diagonally upward along the groove 530s. By shaping the lubrication component 530 into this form, the lubrication component 530 can be removed while ensuring that the large volume keeps it adequately lubricated.

[0035] A protrusion 534 protruding outward in the width direction is formed on the side of the third part 533 of the lubrication member 530. The protrusion 534 is positioned in the height direction corresponding to the track surfaces 10a and 10b of the track 10. The protrusion 534 abuts against the outer cover 520 and is pushed inward by the outer cover 520. This configuration allows the first part 531 of the bulge to be pressed against the track 10, thereby efficiently applying lubricating oil. The position, size, and height of the protrusion 534 can be changed according to the track size or the required level of lubrication. Alternatively, the protrusion 534 can be removed, resulting in a configuration where the entire side of the lubrication member 530 abuts against the outer cover 520. A downwardly protruding convex portion 535 is formed on the bottom surface of the third part 533. By combining the convex portion 535 with the thick portion 513 of the housing 510, the lubrication member 530 and the housing 510 can be easily positioned.

[0036] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in order to maintain the distance between the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b of the housing 510 and to protect the lubrication member 530, a collar 540 is provided at the position where the screw 81 of the first fixing member can be inserted. The collar 540 is a tubular member made of metal or resin. The thickness L4 of the collar 540 is approximately equal to the internal dimension L1 of the first surface 510a and the second surface 510b of the housing 510.

[0037] Figure 7 is a top view of the outer cover 520 included in the lubricating oil supply device 500. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the outer cover 520. Referring to Figures 4, 7, and 8, the outer cover 520 includes an upper portion 521 extending in the width direction and side portions 522 hanging down from both ends of the upper portion 521. A portion 523 is provided at the lower center of the upper portion 521, which is a protrusion with a hole 527, and the hole 527 is a screw hole through which the screw 82 (Figure 5) of the second fixing member can be inserted. The hole 527 is formed at a position corresponding to the hole 517 of the housing 510. The diameter of the hole 527 matches the body diameter of the screw 82. The outer cover 520 is composed of the upper portion and the side portions. And the outer cover 520, except for the upper portion, does not contain any portion protruding inward in the width direction. In addition, the outer cover 520 is shaped to avoid the portion corresponding to the screw 81 and the collar 540, so as to avoid interference with the screw 81 and the collar 540. With these features, even when the screws 81 are fixed, the outer cover 520 will not be fixed by the screws 81, and can be disassembled and installed.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, the thickness L5 of the outer cover 520 is formed to be approximately equal to the thickness L3 of the lubrication member 530. The thickness L5 of the outer cover 520 is greater than the length L2 of the separation between the side portion 510d and the side portion 510e of the housing 510. With this configuration, the sides of the outer cover 520 can be held in place by the side portion 510d and the side portion 510e. Furthermore, the thickness L5 of the outer cover 520 is approximately 0.1 to 1 mm smaller than the internal dimension L1 of the housing 510 and the thickness L4 of the collar 540. With this configuration, only the outer cover 520 can be removed while the housing 510 and the collar 540 are fixed. The outer cover 520 can be made of, for example, resin or steel, or a combination thereof, with no particular limitation on the material.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the side portion 522 of the outer cover 520 has a tapered portion 524 that tapers towards the front end. The tapered portion 524 makes it easier to insert the outer cover 520 into the housing 510. Furthermore, the curved portion between the upper portion 521 and the side portion 522 of the outer cover 520 has a chamfered outer surface and a thick inner surface. This design increases the strength of the outer cover 520, preventing damage during disassembly or insertion.

[0040] The lubricating oil supply device 500 with the aforementioned configuration allows for replacement of the lubricating component 530 without loosening the screws 81 securing the end cover 120. Furthermore, the lubricating component 530 can be easily replaced by removing the outer cover 520 of the housing 510 on which it is housed. After prolonged use, the linear motion guide unit may accumulate wear dust on the track surface, which can clog the lubricating component. However, thanks to the lubricating oil supply device 500, the lubricating component 530 can be easily replaced, resulting in excellent maintainability.

[0041] Next, the other configurations of the linear motion guide unit 1 will be described. Referring to Figures 1B and 2, in the linear motion guide unit 1, the rolling element 200a rotating on the circulation path 103a circulates from the track path 102a on the lower side of the sleeve 110 to the circulation path 103a on the upper side of the sleeve 110. The rolling element 200a bears the load below the slider 100. The rolling element 200b rotating on the circulation path 103b is configured to circulate from the track path 102b on the upper side of the sleeve 110 to the circulation path 103b on the lower side. The rolling element 200b bears the load above the slider 100.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1B and 9, two second circulation paths (direction conversion paths) are formed in the end cap 120 of the linear motion guide unit 1, respectively connecting the track path 102a and circulation path 103a, and the track path 102b and circulation path 103b. The two second circulation paths are formed in a cross-shaped manner within the end cap 120. A protrusion with a cylindrical outer circumference is provided on the side of the end cap 120 that connects to the circulation path 103a to facilitate positioning when installing the end cap 120. The end cap 120 is U-shaped in cross-section to span the track 10. A hole 127 is formed in the center of the upper part of the end cap 120, which is a screw hole into which a grease nipple 31 can be inserted. When the lubricating oil supply device 500 is installed on the outside of the end cap 120, the hole 127 is not used as a grease inlet hole, and therefore a plug 128 is inserted. On the end face without the lubricating oil supply device 500, the end seal 140 and end cap 120 can be fixed by inserting fixing screws into the holes 147 of the end seal 140 and 127 of the end cap 120. A separator forming part of the second circulation passage can also be provided between the sleeve 110 and the end cap 120. An oil groove for guiding lubricant inserted from the grease nipple 31 can also be formed on the end cap 120. A fastener for mounting the bottom seal 129 can also be provided at the bottom of the end cap 120 opposite to the track 10.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, the circulation paths 103a and 103b can also be formed by combining tubes 111 and 112, which are divided into two parts along the long side. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of tubes 111 and 112 is formed into an arc shape along the circumferential wall defining the cylindrical hole 118 formed in the sleeve 110. The inner peripheral surfaces of tubes 111 and 112 form circulation paths 103a and 103b with rectangular cross-sections that extend along the long side. The ends of tubes 111 and 112 can also be formed to fit into protrusions formed on end caps 120. Tubes 111 and 112 can also be made of sintered resin components that can be impregnated with lubricating oil and retain the lubricating oil. When tubes 111 and 112 are made of sintered resin components that can retain lubricating oil, the maintainability of the linear motion guide unit 1 can be further improved.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the rolling element 200 rotating on the track passages 102a and 102b is held by the retaining plate 131 and the retaining band 132, so the rolling element 200 will not fall off even when the sliding member 100 is removed from the track 10. A V-shaped groove extending along the length direction is formed on the side of the retaining plate 131 opposite to the sleeve 110. A concave groove extending outward along the long side is formed on the side of the retaining plate 131 opposite to the track 10. The retaining band 132 is provided in this groove. The retaining band 132 is formed by inserting its two ends into the retaining band groove 126 (Figure 9) of the end cap 120.

[0045] Generally, when relubricating parts, it is difficult to visually determine how much lubricant has actually been added. According to the linear motion guide unit disclosed herein, lubricant can be reliably replenished by replacing the lubricating parts themselves. Furthermore, replacing the lubricating parts themselves can prevent blockages caused by particles generated from wear and other factors. According to the linear motion guide unit disclosed herein, when replacing lubricating parts, it is not necessary to remove the lubricant supply device from the track. In addition, lubricating parts can be replaced while maintaining fixed end seals, etc. Therefore, the risk of end seal misalignment during relubrication or lubricant replacement is reduced, and maintenance can be easily performed in the field where the linear motion guide unit is operating.

[0046] (Modified Example) The above-described embodiment 1 is only one embodiment, and many configurations can be varied. For example, the shape of the opening of the housing 510 of the lubricating oil supply device 500 is not limited to the shape along the track 10. Specifically, referring to FIG10, the protrusion 514 (FIG. 3) can be deleted, and it can be replaced with a recess with an opening wider than the width of the track 10 and cut into a rectangle. Even if it is a recess cut into a rectangle, it is still advisable to provide a tapered portion 511 at the bottom. Furthermore, the shapes of the outer cover 520 and the lubricating member 530 can be changed as long as the effects disclosed herein are achieved. Furthermore, the lubricating oil supply device 500 adopts a structure in which the screw 81 of the first fixing member is provided at both the left and right sides and the screw 82 of the second fixing member is provided at the center, but it is not limited to this form. For example, it can also be configured to divide the outer cover into left and right parts, and further provide the second fixing member at two locations so that the left and right lubricating members can be replaced separately.

[0047] In Embodiment 1, there are two pairs of rolling element circulation paths, and rollers are used as the linear motion guide units for the rolling elements. However, the form of the rolling elements and rotating parts is not limited to this. For example, the rolling element circulation paths can also be a pair. Furthermore, balls can also be used as rolling elements. Also, it can be equipped with a retainer to maintain the spacing between the rolling elements.

[0048] Furthermore, in embodiment 1, a lubricating oil supply device 500 is provided only on one side of the sliding member 100, but lubricating oil supply devices 500 can also be provided on both sides of the sleeve 110. Also, if the lubricating oil supply device 500 alone can adequately supply lubricating oil, the grease nipple 31 can be omitted.

[0049] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative from all perspectives and are not restrictive in any way. The scope of this invention is defined by the claims of the patent application rather than the foregoing description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning of the claims of the patent application.

[0050] 1: Linear motion guidance unit 10: Track 11,101,115,118,127,145,147,515,517: Hole 10a, 10b, 110a, 110b: Track planes 31: Add grease nozzle 81, 82: Screws 100: Slider 102a, 102b: Track Pathways 103a, 103b: Circulatory pathways 110: Sleeve 111,112: pipe 120: End Cap 126: Keep the grooved band 128:Tie 129: Bottom Seal 131: Retention Plate 132: Keep the belt 140: End Seal 200, 200a, 200b: Rolling elements 500: Lubricating oil supply device 510: Housing 510a, 510b, 510c: Face 510d, 510e: Side view 511: Conical part 512a, 512b: Protrusions 513: Thick flesh part 514:convex part 520: Outer Cover 521: Upper face 522: Side profile 523: Part 524: Conical part 530: Lubrication components 531: Part 1 532: Part 2 533: Part 3 534: Protrusion 535:convex part 540: Ring

Claims

1. A linear motion guiding unit comprising: a track; a slider that is slidable relative to the track; and a rolling element that is rotatable on a rotating groove formed by the track and the slider; wherein, in the linear motion guiding unit, at least one end face of the slider is provided with a lubricating oil supply device, the lubricating oil supply device comprising: a lubricating member that holds lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the track by abutting against the track surface of the track; a housing having a front, back, and bottom surface covering the front, back, and bottom surfaces of the lubricating member, and having an open top surface; and an outer cover covering at least the top surface of the lubricating member; wherein the housing is fixed to the slider by a first fixing member, the outer cover comprising an upper part covering the top surface of the lubricating member and two side parts extending from both ends of the upper part and covering the side surfaces of the lubricating member, and the outer cover is not fixed by the first fixing member, but is fixed to the housing by a second fixing member.

2. The linear motion guiding unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned housing further has side portions extending in a lateral direction from the outer ends of the front and rear sides respectively, and the side portions extending from the front and the side portions extending from the rear sides are separate.

3. The linear motion guiding unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned lubrication member is composed of two left and right members in the direction of the long side of the track, and the thickness of the aforementioned lubrication member is the same as or less than the width of the partition between the aforementioned side portion extending from the front and the aforementioned side portion extending from the back.

4. The linear motion guiding unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned lubrication member has an outwardly protruding portion on its side at a position corresponding to the aforementioned track surface.

5. The linear motion guiding unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a cone protruding toward the aforementioned track is provided on the portion of the aforementioned bottom surface of the housing that is opposite to the aforementioned track.

6. The linear motion guiding unit as described in claim 1, wherein the front end of the aforementioned outer cover on the aforementioned side is formed in a conical shape.

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