Linear motion guide unit manufacturing device

Abstract

This linear motion guide unit manufacturing device inserts a rolling element into a raceway path of a linear motion guide unit having four rows. The linear motion guide unit includes a rail, a slider, a plurality of first rolling elements, and a plurality of second rolling elements. The linear motion guide unit manufacturing device comprises a slider holding part, a first rolling element storage part, a second rolling element storage part, a first rolling element supply tube, a second rolling element supply tube, a first rolling element insertion mechanism, and a second rolling element insertion mechanism. A first rolling element insertion direction in which the first rolling element is inserted is a direction along a rolling axis direction of the first rolling element. The second rolling element insertion mechanism includes: a second rolling element guide path extending from a discharge port of the second rolling element supply tube to a second raceway path; and a pushing member that has a rod shape, is capable of reciprocating in the second rolling element guide path, and pushes the second rolling element into the second raceway path such that a rolling surface of the second rolling element is along a second lower raceway surface.

Description

Linear motion guide unit manufacturing equipment

[0001] This disclosure relates to a linear motion guide unit manufacturing apparatus. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2023-117601, filed July 19, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] A linear guide unit incorporating a plurality of rollers as rolling elements has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The linear guide unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a track rail having a first raceway surface, a slider including a casing having a second raceway surface, and a plurality of rollers that roll on the first raceway surface and the second raceway surface. The slider is provided so as to be slidable relative to the track rail.

[0003] JP 2008-291932 A

[0004] When manufacturing a linear guide unit, it is necessary to insert rolling elements into the raceways. At this time, in a linear guide unit having four rows, i.e., a pair of upper raceways and a pair of lower raceways, it is required that the rolling elements be inserted smoothly and efficiently into each raceway.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects is to provide a linear motion guide unit manufacturing apparatus that can smoothly and efficiently insert rolling elements into each raceway.

[0006] A linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure inserts rolling elements into raceways of a four-row linear guide unit. The linear guide unit includes a rail having a pair of first upper raceways and a pair of first lower raceways extending in the longitudinal direction, a slider attached to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail and having a pair of second upper raceways facing the pair of first upper raceways and a pair of second lower raceways facing the pair of first lower raceways, a plurality of first rolling elements that roll on a first raceway consisting of the first upper raceways and second upper raceways, and a plurality of second rolling elements that roll on a second raceway consisting of the first lower raceways and second lower raceways. The linear motion guide unit manufacturing device includes a slider holding section that holds a slider, a first rolling element storage section that is arranged above the slider holding section and that stores a plurality of first rolling elements to be inserted into a first raceway, a second rolling element storage section that is arranged above the slider holding section and that stores a plurality of second rolling elements to be inserted into a second raceway, a first rolling element supply pipe that extends from the first rolling element storage section and through which the first rolling elements can pass one by one, and a second rolling element supply pipe that extends from the first rolling element storage section and that stores a plurality of second rolling elements one by one. the slider holder, the first rolling element storage portion, the second rolling element storage portion, the first rolling element supply pipe, the second rolling element supply pipe, the first rolling element insertion mechanism, the slider holder, the first rolling element storage portion, the second rolling element storage portion, the first rolling element supply pipe, the second rolling element supply pipe, the first rolling element insertion mechanism, and the second rolling element insertion mechanism. The first rolling element insertion direction, in which the first rolling element is inserted, is a direction along the rolling axis of the first rolling element. The second rolling element insertion mechanism includes a second rolling element guideway extending from the outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe to the second raceway, and a rod-shaped pushing member capable of reciprocating motion within the second rolling element guideway, which pushes the second rolling element into the second raceway so that the rolling surface of the second rolling element is aligned with the second lower raceway surface.

[0007] According to the linear motion guide unit manufacturing apparatus, the rolling elements can be inserted smoothly and efficiently into each raceway.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit manufactured by the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the linear guide unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a roller is inserted into a first raceway. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a roller is inserted into the first raceway. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a roller is inserted into a second raceway. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an insertion path when a roller is inserted into the second raceway. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which the attitude of the roller is tilted when the roller is inserted into the second raceway. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the roller is pushed into the second raceway.

[0009] [Summary of the Embodiments] A linear guide unit manufacturing device according to the present disclosure inserts rolling elements into raceways of a four-row linear guide unit. The linear guide unit includes a rail having a pair of first upper raceways and a pair of first lower raceways extending in the longitudinal direction, a slider attached to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail and having a pair of second upper raceways facing the pair of first upper raceways and a pair of second lower raceways facing the pair of first lower raceways, a plurality of first rolling elements that roll on a first raceway formed by the first upper raceways and the second upper raceways, and a plurality of second rolling elements that roll on a second raceway formed by the first lower raceways and the second lower raceways. The linear motion guide unit manufacturing device includes a slider holding section that holds a slider, a first rolling element storage section that is arranged above the slider holding section and that stores a plurality of first rolling elements to be inserted into a first raceway, a second rolling element storage section that is arranged above the slider holding section and that stores a plurality of second rolling elements to be inserted into a second raceway, a first rolling element supply pipe that extends from the first rolling element storage section and through which the first rolling elements can pass one by one, and a second rolling element supply pipe that extends from the first rolling element storage section and that stores a plurality of second rolling elements one by one. the slider holder, the first rolling element storage portion, the second rolling element storage portion, the first rolling element supply pipe, the second rolling element supply pipe, the first rolling element insertion mechanism, the slider holder, the first rolling element storage portion, the second rolling element storage portion, the first rolling element supply pipe, the second rolling element supply pipe, the first rolling element insertion mechanism, and the second rolling element insertion mechanism. The first rolling element insertion direction, in which the first rolling element is inserted, is a direction along the rolling axis of the first rolling element. The second rolling element insertion mechanism includes a second rolling element guideway extending from the outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe to the second raceway, and a rod-shaped pushing member capable of reciprocating motion within the second rolling element guideway, which pushes the second rolling element into the second raceway so that the rolling surface of the second rolling element is aligned with the second lower raceway surface.

[0010] According to the linear guide unit manufacturing device of the present disclosure, the first rolling element insertion direction is a direction along the rolling axis of the first rolling element. This allows the first rolling elements to be passed from the first rolling element storage section through the first rolling element supply pipe and smoothly inserted into the first raceway. In this case, the first rolling elements can be passed one by one, allowing multiple first rolling elements to be inserted into the first raceway while maintaining the appropriate posture. Furthermore, the second rolling elements are passed from the second rolling element storage section through the second rolling element supply pipe and supplied into the second rolling element guideway. The pushing member then allows the second rolling elements to be inserted into the second raceway one by one along the second lower raceway surface. This allows the second rolling elements to be properly inserted into the second raceway. Therefore, the second rolling elements can be smoothly inserted into the second raceway. In this case, the first and second rolling elements can be inserted simultaneously, saving time and enabling efficient insertion of the rolling elements. As described above, according to the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, the rolling elements can be inserted into the raceways smoothly and efficiently.

[0011] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, each of the plurality of first rolling elements may move toward the first raceway by its own weight. This eliminates the need for special power to push the first rolling elements forward when they are inserted, making it possible to configure the apparatus at lower cost.

[0012] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, the first rolling element insertion mechanism may include a cross member that can be arranged in the first raceway on an extension of the outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe and that can reciprocate along the first raceway. By doing so, the cross member can be reciprocated to insert the first rolling elements alternately to the front and rear of the first raceway. This allows the first rolling elements to be inserted more smoothly into the first raceway.

[0013] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus described above, the side wall surface of the link member may be arc-shaped along the rolling surface of the first rolling element when viewed from the direction of the rolling axis of the first rolling element. This allows the link member to more smoothly distribute the first rolling element within the first raceway. This allows the first rolling element to be inserted into the first raceway more smoothly.

[0014] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, each of the plurality of second rolling elements may move toward the second rolling element guideway by its own weight. This eliminates the need for special power to push the second rolling elements forward when inserting them, making it possible to configure the apparatus at lower cost.

[0015] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, the second rolling element guideway may be inclined with respect to the second raceway when viewed vertically. This allows the second rolling elements to be inserted smoothly in one direction within the second raceway. This makes it easier to avoid the second rolling elements already inserted from interfering with the second rolling elements to be inserted next. This allows the second rolling elements to be inserted more smoothly.

[0016] In the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, the tip of the pushing member may have an end face inclined along the second lower raceway surface and may be provided with a recess for receiving the second rolling element. This allows the second rolling element to be inserted into the second raceway while being more reliably inclined at a desired angle. This reduces the risk of the second rolling element being inclined at an undesired angle within the second rolling element guideway. Therefore, the second rolling element can be inserted more efficiently.

[0017] In the linear guide unit manufacturing device, the slider holding portion may be variable in at least one of its vertical and horizontal positions. This allows the slider to be held at different vertical and horizontal positions for linear guide units of different sizes and types. This makes the device more versatile.

[0018] [Specific Example of Embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) First, embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus shown in Fig. 1. In Figs. 1 and 2, the vertical direction is indicated in the direction opposite to the arrow Z, the X direction indicates the depth direction of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus, and the Y direction indicates the width direction of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus.

[0020] 1 and 2, a linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a according to the present disclosure is used to insert rolling elements into raceways when manufacturing a four-row linear guide unit. The linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a includes a frame 11a, a slider holder 12a, a first rolling element storage section 13a, a second rolling element storage section 14a, a first rolling element supply pipe 15a, a second rolling element supply pipe 16a, a first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a, and a second rolling element insertion mechanism 18a. The frame 11a holds the components that make up the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a, namely, the slider holding portion 12a, the first rolling element storage portion 13a, the second rolling element storage portion 14a, the first rolling element supply pipe 15a, the second rolling element supply pipe 16a, the first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a, and the second rolling element insertion mechanism 18a. In this embodiment, rollers are used as the rolling elements.

[0021] Here, an example of a linear guide unit manufactured by the linear guide unit manufacturing device 10a will be briefly described. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit manufactured by the linear guide unit manufacturing device 10a. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the linear guide unit shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, including a casing 25a described below. In Figs. 3 and 4, the L direction indicates the longitudinal direction, the W direction indicates the lateral direction, and the T direction indicates the thickness direction.

[0022] 3 and 4, linear motion guide unit 20a includes rail 21a, which is a track rail, slider 22a, a plurality of rollers 23a and 23b as first rolling elements, and a plurality of rollers 24a and 24b as second rolling elements. Rollers 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b all have the same shape. Rail 21a extends straight in the longitudinal direction. Linear motion guide unit 20a is a so-called four-row linear motion guide unit.

[0023] The rail 21a includes a pair of first upper track surfaces 31a, 31b and a pair of first lower track surfaces 32a, 32b extending in the longitudinal direction. The slider 22a is attached to the rail 21a so as to be movable relative to the rail 21a. The slider 22a includes a pair of second upper track surfaces 33a, 33b facing the pair of first upper track surfaces 31a, 31b, respectively, and a pair of second lower track surfaces 34a, 34b facing the pair of first lower track surfaces 32a, 32b, respectively.

[0024] The roller 23a serving as the first rolling element rolls on a first raceway 35a consisting of a first upper raceway surface 31a and a second upper raceway surface 33a. The roller 23b serving as the first rolling element rolls on a first raceway 35b consisting of a first upper raceway surface 31b and a second upper raceway surface 33b. The roller 24a serving as the second rolling element rolls on a second raceway 36a consisting of a first lower raceway surface 32a and a second lower raceway surface 34a. The roller 24b serving as the second rolling element rolls on a second raceway 36b consisting of a first lower raceway surface 32b and a second lower raceway surface 34b.

[0025] The slider 22a includes a casing 25a, a pair of end caps 26a and 26b, a pair of end seals 27a and 27b, and holding members 28a and 28b that hold the rollers 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b to the casing 25a.

[0026] The holding member 28a includes a holding plate 29a and a holding band 30a. The holding plate 29a includes a second guide surface that contacts second end faces located on the other side of the rollers 23a, 23b to guide the rollers 23a, 23b. The holding plate 29a also includes a groove that is recessed to accommodate the holding band 30a. Like the holding member 28a, the holding member 28b also includes a holding plate 29b and a holding band 30b. The configuration of the holding plate 29b is also the same as the configuration of the holding plate 29a.

[0027] The casing 25a is provided with first circulation paths 37a, 37b and second circulation paths 38a, 38b, which run parallel to the first raceways 35a, 35b and second raceways 36a, 36b, respectively. The first circulation paths 37a, 37b and second circulation paths 38a, 38b are also referred to as return paths. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 39a formed by combining a first divided member and a second divided member is disposed within the first circulation path 37a. A plurality of rollers 23a move within the sleeve 39a. Similarly, a hollow cylindrical sleeve 39b formed by combining a first divided member and a second divided member is disposed within the first circulation path 37b. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 40a formed by combining a first divided member and a second divided member is disposed within the second circulation path 38a. A hollow cylindrical sleeve 40b formed by combining a first divided member and a second divided member is disposed within the second circulation path 38b.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a will be further described. The slider holder 12a can mount the slider 22a described above. The mounted slider 22a is a slider with a pair of end caps 26a, 26b attached to the casing 25a. That is, the mounted slider 22a does not include a pair of end seals 27a, 27b and retaining members 28a, 28b. In this case, the slider 22a is mounted so that one second upper raceway 33a and one second lower raceway 34a are vertically downward, and the other second upper raceway 33b and the other second lower raceway 34b are vertically upward. Specifically, the sliders are mounted so that the Z direction and the W direction coincide, and the X direction and the T direction coincide. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which rolling elements are inserted into the first raceway 35a and the second raceway 36a.

[0029] The slider holder 12a is variable in both vertical and horizontal positions. The slider holder 12a includes a first position adjustment mechanism 19a that adjusts the vertical position and a second position adjustment mechanism 19b that adjusts the horizontal position. This allows the slider 22a to be held while changing its vertical and horizontal positions.

[0030] The first rolling element storage section 13a and the second rolling element storage section 14a are attached side by side to the upper part of the frame body 11a. The first rolling element storage section 13a and the second rolling element storage section 14a are each arranged above the slider holding section 12a. The first rolling element storage section 13a stores a plurality of rollers 23a, 23b as a plurality of first rolling elements used in the linear motion guide unit 20a. The second rolling element storage section 14a stores a plurality of rollers 24a, 24b as a plurality of second rolling elements used in the linear motion guide unit 20a. Since the rollers 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b have the same shape, rollers of the same shape are stored in the first rolling element storage section 13a and the second rolling element storage section 14a, respectively.

[0031] The first rolling element supply pipe 15a is composed of a tubular member through which the rollers 23a, 23b can pass one by one. The first rolling element supply pipe 15a extends from the first rolling element storage section 13a to the first raceway 35a. The first rolling element supply pipe 15a extends vertically straight from the first rolling element storage section 13a and then tilts 45 degrees to reach the first raceway 35a. The first rolling element insertion direction for inserting the rollers 23a is a direction along the rolling axis of the rollers 23a. The multiple rollers 23a move toward the first raceway 35a due to their own weight.

[0032] Like the first rolling element supply pipe 15a, the second rolling element supply pipe 16a is composed of a tubular member through which the rollers 24a can pass one by one. The second rolling element supply pipe 16a extends from the second rolling element storage section 14a to a second rolling element guide path 61a (described later). The second rolling element supply pipe 16a extends vertically in a straight line from the second rolling element storage section 14a and then reaches the second rolling element guide path 61a. The rollers 24a move toward the second rolling element guide path 61a due to their own weight.

[0033] The first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a inserts the roller 23a into the first raceway 35a from the outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe 15a. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views showing the state in which the roller 23a is inserted into the first raceway 35a. Figure 6 corresponds to a view seen from the direction of the rolling axis of the roller 23a.

[0034] 5 and 6 , the first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a inserts the roller 23a, which has moved under its own weight, into the first raceway 35a. The first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a includes a roller member 41a. The roller member 41a can be positioned within the first raceway 35a on an extension of the outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe 15a. The roller member 41a can reciprocate along the first raceway 35a. The reciprocating motion of the roller member 41a is achieved by driving a first raceway roller pushing device 42a included in the first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a. The side wall surfaces 43a and 44a of the roller member 41a are arc-shaped along the rolling surface of the roller 23a when viewed from the direction of the rolling axis of the roller 23a. A protrusion 45a appears between the side wall surfaces 43a and 44a.

[0035] Here, the method for inserting the rollers 23a will be described. The rollers 23a, which have been moving through the first rolling element supply pipe 15a due to their own weight, reach the first raceway 35a. Here, the end face of the roller 23a comes into contact with the convex portion 45a of the roller member 41a, stopping the roller 23a. When the roller member 41a moves in the direction indicated by arrow D1 or the opposite direction indicated by arrow D2, the roller 23a is released from contact with the convex portion 45a, and is inserted into the first raceway 35a. The roller 23a is then pushed by the side wall surface 43a or the side wall surface 44a due to the movement of the roller member 41a, and moves within the first raceway 35a. In accordance with the reciprocating motion of the roller member 41a, the rollers 23a are alternately inserted into the first raceway 35a. In this manner, the rollers 23a are inserted and filled into the first raceway 35a.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the roller 24a being inserted into the second raceway 36a. Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the insertion path when inserting the roller 24a into the second raceway 36a. Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the state in which the attitude of the roller 24a is tilted when inserting the roller 24a into the second raceway 36a. Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the state in which the roller 24a is pushed into the second raceway 36a.

[0037] 7, 8, 9, and 10, the second rolling element insertion mechanism 18a includes a second rolling element guideway 61a and a pushing member 62a. The second rolling element guideway 61a extends from the outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe 16a to the second raceway 36a. When viewed vertically, the second rolling element guideway 61a is inclined with respect to the second raceway 36a (see FIG. 8 in particular). In this embodiment, the angle of inclination is 45 degrees.

[0038] The pushing member 62a is rod-shaped and capable of reciprocating motion within the second rolling element guideway 61a. The pushing member 62a pushes the roller 24a into the second raceway 36a in the direction indicated by arrow D3 so that the rolling surface of the roller 24a is aligned with the second lower raceway surface 34a. In this embodiment, the pushing member 62a pushes the roller 24a into the second raceway 36a while tilting it. The tip of the pushing member 62a has an end face that slopes along the second lower raceway surface 34a and is provided with a recess 63a that receives the roller 24a.

[0039] Here, the method for inserting the roller 24a will be described. The roller 24a moves through the second rolling element supply pipe 16a under its own weight and reaches the second rolling element guide path 61a. The roller 24a is then pushed toward the second raceway 36a by the pushing member 62a. After reaching the second raceway 36a, the roller 24a is tilted so that the rolling surface of the roller 24a is aligned with the second raceway surface. In this manner, the roller 24a is pushed in by the pushing member 62a. The pushing member 62a is then pulled back to the outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe 16a. This causes the next roller 24a to fall under its own weight. The pushing member 62a is then pushed forward in the same manner, tilting the next roller 24a and inserting it into the second raceway 36a. This process continues until the number of rollers 24a specified for the linear motion guide unit 20a is reached. The rollers 24a are inserted in this manner.

[0040] After the specified number of rollers 23 a, 24 a have been inserted, the mounting angle of the slider 22 a is changed and the specified number of rollers 23 b, 24 b are then inserted. Thereafter, the retaining members 28 a, 28 b, the end seals 27 a, 27 b, and the rail 21 a are attached to manufacture the linear motion guide unit 20 a.

[0041] According to the linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a, the first rolling element insertion direction is the direction along the rolling axis of the roller 23a. This allows the roller 23a to pass from the first rolling element storage portion 13a through the first rolling element supply pipe 15a and be smoothly inserted into the first raceway 35a. Since the rollers 23a can pass through one by one, multiple rollers 23a can be inserted into the first raceway 35a while maintaining the proper posture. Furthermore, the roller 24a passes from the second rolling element storage portion 14a through the second rolling element supply pipe 16a and is supplied into the second rolling element guideway 61a. The pushing member 62a then inserts the rollers 24a one by one into the second raceway 36a along the second lower raceway surface 34a. This allows the rollers 24a to be properly inserted into the second raceway 36a. Therefore, the rollers 24a can be smoothly inserted into the second raceway 36a. In this case, rollers 23a and 24a can be inserted at the same time, which saves time and enables efficient insertion of rollers 23a, 24a. As described above, with the linear motion guide unit manufacturing apparatus 10a, rollers 23a, 24a can be inserted smoothly and efficiently into each of raceways 35a, 36a.

[0042] In this embodiment, each of the rollers 23a moves toward the first raceway 35a due to its own weight. Therefore, no special power is required to push the rollers 23a forward when inserting them, which allows for a more inexpensive configuration.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first rolling element insertion mechanism 17a can be arranged on an extension of the outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe 15a within the first raceway 35a and includes a roller member 41a that can reciprocate along the first raceway 35a. Therefore, by reciprocating the roller member 41a, the rollers 23a can be inserted alternately to the front and rear of the first raceway 35a. This allows the rollers 23a to be inserted more smoothly into the first raceway 35a.

[0044] In this embodiment, when viewed from the rolling axis direction of the rollers 23a, the side wall surfaces 43a, 44a of the roller member 41a in the extension direction of the first raceway 35a are arc-shaped to follow the rolling surfaces of the rollers 23a. This allows the rollers 23a to be more smoothly distributed within the first raceway 35a by the roller member 41a. This allows the rollers 23a to be inserted into the first raceway 35a more smoothly.

[0045] In this embodiment, each of the rollers 24a moves toward the second rolling element guideway 61a due to its own weight, so no special power is required to push the rollers 24a forward when inserting them, making it possible to achieve a more inexpensive configuration.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second rolling element guideway 61a is inclined with respect to the second raceway 36a when viewed vertically. This allows the rollers 24a to be inserted smoothly in one direction within the second raceway 36a. This makes it easier to avoid the previously inserted rollers 24a from interfering with the next roller 24a to be inserted. This allows the rollers 24a to be inserted more smoothly.

[0047] In this embodiment, the tip of the pushing member 62a has an end surface that slopes along the second lower raceway surface 34a and is provided with a recess 63a that receives the second rolling element. This allows the roller 24a to be inserted into the second raceway 36a while being more reliably tilted at a desired angle. This reduces the risk of the roller 24a being tilted at an undesired angle within the second rolling element guideway 61a. This allows the roller 24a to be inserted more efficiently.

[0048] In this embodiment, the slider holding portion 12a is variable in both vertical and horizontal positions. Therefore, even for linear motion guide units 20a of different sizes and types, the slider 22a can be held at different vertical and horizontal positions. This makes it possible to provide greater versatility.

[0049] (Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiments, the slider holding portion may be variable in at least one of the vertical and horizontal positions. By doing so, it is possible to hold the slider at different vertical and horizontal positions even for linear motion guide units of different sizes and types. This makes it possible to provide greater versatility.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, rollers are used as the rolling elements, but the invention is not limited to this, and balls may be used as the rolling elements.

[0051] The present invention is intended to cover a wide range of applications, including those related to the present invention, including those related to the present invention.

[0052] 10a Linear motion guide unit manufacturing apparatus, 11a Frame, 12a Slider holding portion, 13a First rolling element storage portion, 14a Second rolling element storage portion, 15a First rolling element supply pipe, 16a Second rolling element supply pipe, 17a First rolling element insertion mechanism, 18a Second rolling element insertion mechanism, 19a First position adjustment mechanism, 19b Second position adjustment mechanism, 20a Linear motion guide unit, 21a Rail, 22a Slider, 23a, 23b Roller (first rolling element), 24a, 24b Roller (second rolling element), 25a Casing, 26a, 26b End cap, 27a, 27b End seal, 28a, 28b Holding member, 29a, 29b Holding plate, 30a, 30b Holding band, 31a, 31b First upper raceway surface, 32a, 32b; First lower raceway surface, 33a, 33b; Second upper raceway surface, 34a, 34b; Second lower raceway surface, 35a, 35b; First raceway path, 36a, 36b; Second raceway path, 37a, 37b; First circulation path, 38a, 38b; Second circulation path, 39a, 39b, 40a, 40b; Sleeve, 41a; Block member, 42a; First raceway roller pushing device, 43a, 44a; Side wall surface, 45a; Convex portion, 61a; Second rolling element guideway, 62a; Pushing member, 63a; Concave portion.

Claims

1. A linear guide unit manufacturing device for inserting rolling bodies into a raceway of a four-row linear guide unit, the linear guide unit comprising: a rail having a pair of first upper raceway surfaces and a pair of first lower raceway surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction; a slider attached to the rail so as to be movable relatively thereto, the slider having a pair of second upper raceway surfaces facing the pair of first upper raceway surfaces and a pair of second lower raceway surfaces facing the pair of first lower raceway surfaces; a plurality of first rolling bodies rolling on a first raceway consisting of the first upper raceway surfaces and the second upper raceway surfaces; and a plurality of second rolling bodies rolling on a second raceway consisting of the first lower raceway surfaces and the second lower raceway surfaces, the linear guide unit manufacturing device comprising: a slider holding section for holding the slider; and a first rolling body storage section located above the slider holding section for storing the plurality of first rolling bodies to be inserted into the first raceway; the slider holding portion includes a second rolling element storage portion disposed above the slider holding portion and storing the second rolling elements to be inserted into the second raceway; a first rolling element supply pipe extending from the first rolling element storage portion through which the first rolling elements can pass one by one; a second rolling element supply pipe extending from the second rolling element storage portion through which the second rolling elements can pass one by one; a first rolling element insertion mechanism inserting the first rolling elements into the first raceway from an outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe; a second rolling element insertion mechanism inserting the second rolling elements into the second raceway from an outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe; and a frame that holds the slider holding portion, the first rolling element storage portion, the second rolling element storage portion, the first rolling element supply pipe, the second rolling element supply pipe, the first rolling element insertion mechanism, and the second rolling element insertion mechanism, a first rolling element insertion direction for inserting the first rolling element is a direction along the rolling axis direction of the first rolling element, and the second rolling element insertion mechanism includes: a second rolling element guide path extending from an outlet of the second rolling element supply pipe to the second raceway, and a pushing member that is rod-shaped, reciprocatable within the second rolling element guide path, and pushes the second rolling element into the second raceway so that the rolling surface of the second rolling element is aligned with the second lower raceway.

2. A linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of first rolling elements moves toward said first raceway due to its own weight.

3. A linear guide unit manufacturing device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first rolling element insertion mechanism can be positioned on an extension of the discharge outlet of the first rolling element supply pipe within the first raceway and includes a top member capable of reciprocating motion along the first raceway.

4. A linear guide unit manufacturing device as described in claim 3, wherein, when viewed from the direction of the rolling axis of the first rolling body, the side wall surface of the piece member is arc-shaped along the rolling surface of the first rolling body.

5. A linear guide unit manufacturing device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of second rolling elements moves toward the second rolling element guideway due to its own weight.

6. A linear guide unit manufacturing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein said second rolling element guideway is inclined with respect to said second raceway when viewed in the vertical direction.

7. A linear guide unit manufacturing device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tip of the pushing member has an end face that is inclined along the second lower raceway surface and is provided with a recess that receives the second rolling element.

8. A linear motion guide unit manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the vertical and horizontal positions of said slider holding portion is variable.

Images