Linear motion guide unit

Abstract

This linear motion guide unit comprises: a rail; a cover member that includes a first fastener and a second fastener, both of which extend in the longitudinal direction, and that covers the rail and a sliding member; and a moving member. The cover member includes an upper wall part to which the first fastener and the second fastener are both attached at a spacing in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a side wall part that is disposed at a position facing the rail-side surface and is continuous with the upper wall part. The first fastener includes a first right-side element, a first right-side tape, a first left-side element, and a first left-side tape. At least one of the first right-side tape and the first left-side tape includes: a first upper-wall-side region that has a shape following the upper wall part; and a first side-wall-side region that is continuous with the first upper-wall-side region, has a shape following the side wall part, and is attached to the side wall part.

Description

Linear guide unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a linear guide unit. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-037944 filed on March 11, 2025, and incorporates all the content described in the said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] There has been known a linear guide unit including a fastener extending in the longitudinal direction and having a cover member for covering machine element parts (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the linear guide unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on a wall portion that forms a space for accommodating machine element parts.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-184063

[0004] In order to improve dust resistance and waterproofness, a cover member may be provided on machine element parts included in a linear guide unit such as a rail and a sliding member to avoid exposure of the rail and the sliding member as much as possible. It is desirable that the cover member used for improving the sealing performance of such machine element parts can be used stably over a long period of time. In addition, the linear guide unit including such a cover member is required to be kept clean.

[0005] Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a linear guide unit that can be used stably while maintaining cleanliness over a long period of time.

[0006] A linear motion guide unit according to this disclosure includes a rail having a rail upper surface and rail side surface extending in the longitudinal direction, with a first track surface provided on the rail side surface; a sliding member mounted to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail and including a sliding member lower surface facing the rail upper surface and a second track surface facing the first track surface; a plurality of rolling elements that roll along a track formed by the first track surface and the second track surface; a cover member covering the rail and the sliding member, including a first fastener and a second fastener extending in the longitudinal direction, respectively; and a moving member disposed outside the cover member, connected to the sliding member and moving together with the sliding member. The cover member includes an upper wall portion positioned facing the rail upper surface, with the first fastener and the second fastener attached at intervals in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively; and a side wall portion positioned facing the rail side surface and connected to the upper wall portion. The first fastener includes a first right element extending along the longitudinal direction, a first right tape attached to the short end of the first right element and attached to the upper wall, a first left element extending along the longitudinal direction along the first right element and capable of interlocking with the first right element, a first left tape attached to the short end of the first left element and attached to the upper wall, a first front slider attached to the first right element and the first left element and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member, and a first rear slider attached to the first right element and the first left element, positioned longitudinally away from the first front slider and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member. As the sliding member and moving member move, the first front slider and the first rear slider move in the opposite direction to the side where the mating member is located, causing the first right element and the first left element to separate from each other, and move in the direction to the side where the mating member is located, causing the first right element and the first left element to interlock with each other. At least one of the first right tape and the first left tape includes a first upper wall side region having a shape along the upper wall, and a first side wall side region that is connected to the first upper wall side region, has a shape along the side wall, and is attached to the side wall.

[0007] According to the above linear motion guide unit, stable use can be maintained while keeping the unit clean over a long period of time.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a linear guide unit in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing an enlarged view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, with a portion of the cover member omitted from the illustration. Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, with the moving member omitted from the illustration. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, with the moving member and a portion of the cover member, including the upper wall, side wall, and flat plate, omitted from the illustration. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the linear motion guide unit shown in Figure 1, in which the upper wall, side wall, and flat plate portions, which are part of the moving member and cover member, are shown with dashed lines.

[0009] [Summary of Embodiments] The linear motion guide unit of the present disclosure includes a rail having a rail upper surface and rail side surface extending in the longitudinal direction, with a first track surface provided on the rail side surface; a sliding member attached to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail, including a sliding member lower surface facing the rail upper surface and a second track surface facing the first track surface; a plurality of rolling elements that roll along a track formed by the first track surface and the second track surface; a cover member covering the rail and the sliding member, including a first fastener and a second fastener extending in the longitudinal direction, respectively; and a moving member disposed outside the cover member, connected to the sliding member and moving together with the sliding member. The cover member includes an upper wall portion disposed opposite the rail upper surface, with the first fastener and the second fastener attached at intervals in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively; and a side wall portion disposed opposite the rail side surface and connected to the upper wall portion. The first fastener includes a first right element extending along the longitudinal direction, a first right tape attached to the short end of the first right element and attached to the upper wall, a first left element extending along the longitudinal direction along the first right element and capable of interlocking with the first right element, a first left tape attached to the short end of the first left element and attached to the upper wall, a first front slider attached to the first right element and the first left element and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member, and a first rear slider attached to the first right element and the first left element, positioned longitudinally away from the first front slider and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member. As the sliding member and moving member move, the first front slider and the first rear slider move in the opposite direction to the side where the mating member is located, causing the first right element and the first left element to separate from each other, and move in the direction to the side where the mating member is located, causing the first right element and the first left element to interlock with each other. At least one of the first right tape and the first left tape includes a first upper wall side region having a shape along the upper wall, and a first side wall side region that is connected to the first upper wall side region, has a shape along the side wall, and is attached to the side wall.

[0010] According to the linear motion guide unit of this disclosure, the rail and the sliding member are covered by the cover member. When the sliding member is in operation, that is, when the sliding member is in linear reciprocating motion, the spacing and interlocking of the elements included in the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively, allows the sliding member to slide while maintaining the state in which the rail and the sliding member are covered by the cover member. Therefore, the dustproof and waterproof properties during the sliding of the sliding member can be improved. Here, in the first fastener, at least one of the first right tape and the first left tape includes a first upper wall side region having a shape that follows the upper wall, and a first side wall side region that is connected to the first upper wall side region, has a shape that follows the side wall, and is attached to the side wall. As a result, the first upper wall side region is raised by the first side wall side region of the above configuration, and has an upwardly convex shape, so that friction between the sliding member and the inner surface of the cover member during the sliding of the sliding member can be suppressed. In other words, the deflection of the upper wall portion of the cover member due to its own weight is suppressed, making it easier to avoid interference between the sliding member and the upper wall portion of the cover member. Therefore, the risk of damage to the cover member can be reduced. In addition, because the first upper wall side region is convex upward, dust and other powdery substances are less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the cover member. As a result, the cover member can be kept clean for a long period of time. Thus, the above linear motion guide unit can be used stably while maintaining cleanliness for a long period of time. Here, a fastener refers to a device in which multiple teeth (fastener teeth) are attached along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of a cutting portion (opening region) that extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In the above linear motion guide unit, the second fastener may include a second right element extending along the longitudinal direction, a second right tape attached to the end of the second right element in the short direction and attached to the upper wall, a second left element extending along the longitudinal direction along the second right element and capable of engaging with the second right element, a second left tape attached to the end of the second left element in the short direction and attached to the upper wall, a second front slider attached to the second right element and the second left element and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member, and a second rear slider attached to the second right element and the second left element, positioned longitudinally away from the second front slider and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member. The second front slider and the second rear slider may, as the sliding member and the moving member move, move in the direction opposite to the side where the mating part is located, causing the second right element and the second left element to separate from each other, and move in the direction toward the side where the mating part is located, causing the second right element and the second left element to interlock with each other. At least one of the second right tape and the second left tape may include a second upper wall side region having a shape along the upper wall, and a second side wall side region that is connected to the second upper wall side region, has a shape along the side wall, and is attached to the side wall. In this way, in the first fastener and the second fastener, the first upper wall side region and the second upper wall side region are raised by the first side wall side region and the second side wall side region of the above configuration, respectively, and have an upwardly convex shape, so that friction between the sliding member and the inner surface of the cover member when the sliding member slides can be more reliably suppressed. In other words, the deflection of the upper wall portion of the cover member due to its own weight is suppressed, making it easier to avoid interference between the sliding member and the upper wall portion of the cover member. Therefore, the risk of damage to the cover member can be further reduced. In addition, since the first upper wall region and the second upper wall region are convex upwards, dust and other powdery substances are less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the cover member. As a result, the cover member can be kept cleaner for a longer period of time. Therefore, the above linear motion guide unit can be used more stably while maintaining cleanliness for a longer period of time.

[0012] In the linear motion guide unit described above, the first side wall region may be provided over the entire length. By doing so, friction between the sliding member and the inner surface of the cover member during sliding of the sliding member can be suppressed over the entire length. Therefore, the risk of damage to the cover member is greatly reduced, and it can be kept clean over the entire length.

[0013] In the linear motion guide unit described above, the material of the first right tape and the first left tape may be selected from polyester resin, polyamide resin, rayon, and stainless steel fiber. By using such materials, the deflection of the first right tape and the first left tape can be suppressed more reliably, and damage to the cover member can be prevented more reliably.

[0014] In the above linear motion guide unit, the longitudinal length of the cover member may be 60 mm or more. Such a linear motion guide unit is relatively long in the longitudinal direction and tends to bend due to the weight of the cover member. However, with the above configuration, bending due to the weight of the cover member can be suppressed, friction between the cover member and the sliding member can be prevented, and the accumulation of powder on the upper surface of the cover member can be suppressed.

[0015] In the linear motion guide unit described above, the first side wall region may be formed by bending. By doing so, the first side wall region can be formed more easily. Therefore, productivity can be improved.

[0016] In the linear motion guide unit described above, both the first side wall region and the second side wall region may be formed by bending. By doing so, the first side wall region and the second side wall region can be formed more easily. Therefore, productivity can be further improved.

[0017] In the linear motion guide unit described above, the cover member may further include a flat plate portion having an opening in the center and connected to the side wall portion. By doing so, the flat plate portion can be effectively used for fixing and attaching the cover member.

[0018] In the linear motion guide unit described above, a first track surface may be provided on the side of the rail. The sliding member may be provided with a second track surface facing the first track surface. The linear motion guide unit may further include a plurality of rolling elements that roll along a track composed of the first track surface and the second track surface. By doing so, the sliding member can be used as a rolling guide, enabling smooth sliding of the sliding member.

[0019] [Specific Examples of Embodiments] Next, a specific example of an embodiment of the linear motion guide unit of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1, which is an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the linear guide unit in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In Figure 1 and the following figures, the X direction indicates the width direction of the linear guide unit, which is the short side direction, the Y direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the linear guide unit, and the Z direction indicates the thickness direction (height direction) of the linear guide unit. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the direction indicated by arrow X will be considered left, the direction indicated opposite to arrow X will be considered right, the direction indicated by arrow Y will be considered forward, the direction indicated opposite to arrow Y will be considered backward, the direction indicated by arrow Z will be considered upward, and the direction indicated opposite to arrow Z will be considered downward. However, this only corresponds to the case where the linear guide unit is arranged as shown in Figure 1, etc., and the left / right, up / down, or front / back direction may change depending on the mounting situation of the linear guide unit, for example.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, but in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow Z. In Figure 2, the rails are shown by dashed lines. Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, but in the direction indicated by arrow Z. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, enlarged. Figure 4 is a view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, but in the direction indicated by arrow Y. Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, but in the direction indicated by arrow X. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut along the cross section indicated by VI-VI in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut with a plane perpendicular to the Y direction and parallel to the X-Z plane. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1, where some of the cover members described later are omitted from the illustration. Specifically, Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view in which the upper wall portion, side wall portion, and flat plate portion, which are included in the cover member and will be described later, are omitted from the illustration. Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view in which the movable member, which will be described later, is omitted from the illustration of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view in which the movable member and the upper wall portion, side wall portion, and flat plate portion, which are part of the cover member, are omitted from the illustration of the linear guide unit shown in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view in which the movable member and the upper wall portion, side wall portion, and flat plate portion, which are part of the cover member, are shown with dashed lines.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 11, the linear motion guide unit 10a according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure comprises a rail 11a, a sliding member 21a, a plurality of balls (not shown) as rolling elements, a cover member 31a, and a moving member 51a. Such a configuration, including balls as rolling elements, allows for a more compact device configuration. Details of the configuration of each component will be described below.

[0023] Rail 11a includes a rail upper surface 12a and a rail lower surface 12b spaced apart in the Z direction, a rail front surface 13a and a rail rear surface 13b spaced apart in the Y direction, and rail sides 14a and 14b spaced apart in the X direction on both sides of rail 11a. Rail side 14a is located on the right side of rail 11a, and rail side 14b is located on the left side of rail 11a. Rail 11a includes first track surfaces 15a and 15b provided on rail sides 14a and 14b, respectively, and extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction. That is, first track surfaces 15a and 15b are provided on rail sides 14a and 14b, respectively. The first track surfaces 15a and 15b each have a groove-like recessed shape. The first track surfaces 15a and 15b each have a semi-circular recessed shape when viewed in the Y direction, following the outer shape of the ball as a rolling element.

[0024] The rail 11a is provided with a plurality of through holes 16 that penetrate in the Z direction from the upper surface 12a of the rail to the lower surface 12b of the rail (see Figure 3 in particular). The plurality of through holes 16 are spaced apart in the Y direction. The through holes 16 are effectively utilized, for example, when attaching the rail 11a to a predetermined location when using the linear motion guide unit 10a.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the sliding member 21a will be described. The sliding member 21a is attached to the rail 11a so as to be movable relative to it. The sliding member 21a includes a pair of sleeve portions 23a and 23b arranged on both sides of the rail 11a in the width direction, and a base portion 22a connected to each of the pair of sleeve portions 23a and 23b. The pair of sleeve portions 23a and 23b are spaced apart in the X direction. The base portion 22a includes a sliding member lower surface 24a that faces the rail upper surface 12a when the sliding member 21a is attached to the rail 11a. The sliding member 21a is slidably straddled on the rail 11a. In this embodiment, the sliding member 21a is attached so as to straddle the rail 11a and is configured to be movable in the Y direction.

[0026] The sliding member 21a includes a casing 25a, a front end cap 26a, a rear end cap 26b, and a pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b. The outer shape of the casing 25a is rectangular when viewed in the Z direction. The casing 25a includes second raceway surfaces (not shown) that are opposite to the first raceway surfaces 15a and 15b, respectively. The second raceway surfaces extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and have a groove-like recessed shape. The second raceway surfaces are recessed in a semi-circular arc shape when viewed in the Y direction, following the outer shape of the ball. The raceway on which the ball rolls is composed of the first raceway surface 15a and the second raceway surface. The raceway on which the ball rolls is composed of the first raceway surface 15b and the second raceway surface.

[0027] The casing 25a is provided with return paths that run parallel to the track paths. The return paths are shaped to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y direction), and multiple balls move within the return paths.

[0028] The front end cap 26a is attached to one side of the casing 25a in the longitudinal direction, specifically to the rail front 13a side of the casing 25a in the longitudinal direction, by bolts 28a. The front end cap 26a is also provided with a direction change path (not shown) for changing the direction of the balls. The rear end cap 26b is attached to the other side of the casing 25a in the longitudinal direction, specifically to the rail rear 13b side of the casing 25a in the longitudinal direction, by bolts. The front end cap 26a is also provided with a direction change path (not shown) for changing the direction of the balls. Each direction change path connects the track path and the return path. Multiple balls circulate along the track path, the direction change path provided on the front end cap 26a, the return path, and the direction change path provided on the rear end cap 26b.

[0029] The casing 25a is provided with a plurality of mounting holes (not shown), specifically four holes spaced apart in the X and Y directions. These mounting holes are used to connect the sliding member 21a, which includes the casing 25a, to the movable member 51a.

[0030] Each of the pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b is plate-shaped and rectangular when viewed in the Z direction. The pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b are spaced apart in the X direction. In the Z direction, each of the pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b is positioned between the casing 25a, the front end cap 26a and the rear end cap 26b and the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a, which will be described later. Each of the pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b is fixed to the casing 25a. Each of the pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b is slidably provided together with the casing 25a, the front end cap 26a and the rear end cap 26b. Each of the pair of intermediate members 27a and 27b is provided with a pair of convex portions 29a and 29b that protrude in the thickness direction (Z direction). The pair of convex portions 29a and 29b are spaced apart in the X direction. The pair of convex portions 29a and 29b are each flat and extend in the Y direction. These convex portions 29a and 29b are used to position the movable member 51a when the intermediate members 27a and 27b are connected to the movable member 51a.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the cover member 31a that covers the rail 11a and the sliding member 21a will be described. The cover member 31a includes an upper wall portion 32a, side wall portions connected to the upper wall portion 32a (front side wall portion 33a, rear side wall portion 33b, right side wall portion 34a, left side wall portion 34b), and a flat plate portion 35a. The upper wall portion 32a is positioned opposite the upper surface 12a of the rail. The first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b, which will be described later, are attached to the upper wall portion 32a. The front side wall portion 33a is a side wall portion located on the front side, the rear side wall portion 33b is a side wall portion located on the rear side, the right side wall portion 34a is a side wall portion located on the right side, and the left side wall portion 34b is a side wall portion located on the left side. The outer shape of the cover member 31a is rectangular, with the longitudinal direction (Y direction) being longer than the transverse direction (X direction) when viewed in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flat plate portion 35a. An opening 36a is provided in the center of the flat plate portion 35a. The flat plate portion 35a is connected to the front side wall portion 33a, the rear side wall portion 33b, the right side wall portion 34a, and the left side wall portion 34b. The front side wall portion 33a, the rear side wall portion 33b, the right side wall portion 34a, and the left side wall portion 34b are provided so as to rise from the flat plate portion 35a. The front side wall portion 33a, the rear side wall portion 33b, the right side wall portion 34a, and the left side wall portion 34b are each connected to the upper wall portion 32a and extend in a direction that intersects the upper wall portion 32a. In this embodiment, the front wall portion 33a, the rear wall portion 33b, the right wall portion 34a, and the left wall portion 34b are provided so as to rise perpendicularly to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flat plate portion 35a. The front wall portion 33a and the rear wall portion 33b are spaced apart in the Y direction. The right wall portion 34a and the left wall portion 34b are spaced apart in the X direction. The upper wall portion 32a is arranged in conjunction with the front wall portion 33a, the rear wall portion 33b, the right wall portion 34a, and the left wall portion 34b. The upper wall portion 32a is arranged parallel to the flat plate portion 35a with a space between them in the Z direction. The flat plate portion 35a is configured in a so-called flange shape and is provided so as to extend outward from the front wall portion 33a, the rear wall portion 33b, the right wall portion 34a, and the left wall portion 34b in the X-Y plane, that is, on the side opposite to the side where the opening 36a is located.The cover member 31a covers the rail 11a and the sliding member 21a within the space 37a surrounded by the upper wall portion 32a, the front side wall portion 33a, the rear side wall portion 33b, the right side wall portion 34a, and the left side wall portion 34b. Preferably, the cover member 31a has a longitudinal length of 60 mm or more.

[0032] The material of the cover member 31a, excluding the first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b, is resin. Specifically, the cover member 31a is made of polyurethane resin. This ensures appropriate flexibility for the cover member 31a while maintaining high strength. Therefore, deformation of the cover member 31a is suppressed, and the risk of interference with the sliding member 21a is reduced. In addition, the region between the first left element 44a and the second right element 42b, which will be described later, may be made of an elastic material. Furthermore, the material of the cover member 31a may include reinforcing material.

[0033] The cover member 31a includes a first fastener 41a and a second fastener 41b, each extending in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b are each provided on the upper wall portion 32a. The first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the X direction. The first fastener 41a is provided to the right of the second fastener 41b. In other words, in this embodiment, two rows of fasteners are provided, extending in the longitudinal direction with a gap in the short direction.

[0034] The configuration of the first fastener 41a will now be described. The first fastener 41a includes a first right element 42a, a first right tape 43a, a first left element 44a, a first left tape 45a, a first front slider 46a, and a first rear slider 47a. The first right element 42a extends along the longitudinal direction. The first right tape 43a is attached to the upper wall portion 32a, and the first right element 42a is attached to the end in the short direction, specifically the left end. The first left element 44a is provided to extend along the longitudinal direction along the first right element 42a. That is, the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a are provided adjacent to each other in the X direction. The first left element 44a is configured to interlock with the first right element 42a. The first left tape 45a is attached to the upper wall portion 32a, and the first left element 44a is attached to the end in the shorter direction, specifically the right end. The material of the first right tape 43a and the first left tape 45a is selected from polyester resin, polyamide resin, rayon, and stainless steel fiber. In this embodiment, both the first right tape 43a and the first left tape 45a are made of polyester resin.

[0035] The first front slider 46a is attached to the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a. The first front slider 46a is fixed to the sliding member 21a, specifically the intermediate member 27a. The first rear slider 47a is also attached to the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a, similar to the first front slider 46a. The first rear slider 47a is located apart from the first front slider 46a in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The first rear slider 47a is also fixed to the sliding member 21a, specifically the intermediate member 27a, similar to the first front slider 46a.

[0036] As the sliding member 21a moves, the first front slider 46a and the first rear slider 47a move in the opposite direction to the side where the mating part is located, causing the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a to separate from each other, and move in the direction towards the side where the mating part is located, causing the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a to interlock with each other. A first opening region 48a is formed between the first front slider 46a and the first rear slider 47a in the longitudinal direction when the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a are separated. A convex portion 29a is positioned in this first opening region 48a.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the second fastener 41b will be described. The second fastener 41b includes a second right element 42b, a second right tape 43b, a second left element 44b, a second left tape 45b, a second front slider 46b, and a second rear slider 47b. The second right element 42b extends along the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the arrangement of the second fastener 41b is such that the first left element 44a of the first fastener 41a and the second right element 42b of the second fastener 41b are adjacent to each other with a gap in the X direction. The second right tape 43b is attached to the upper wall portion 32a, and the second right element 42b is attached to the end in the short direction, specifically the left end. The second left element 44b is provided to extend along the longitudinal direction along the second right element 42b. That is, the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b are provided adjacent to each other in the X direction. The second left element 44b is configured to interlock with the second right element 42b. The second left tape 45b is attached to the upper wall portion 32a, with the second left element 44b attached to the shorter end, specifically the right end. The material of the second right tape 43b and the second left tape 45b is selected from polyester resin, polyamide resin, rayon, and stainless steel fiber. In this embodiment, both the second right tape 43b and the second left tape 45b are made of polyester resin.

[0038] The second front slider 46b is attached to the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b. The second front slider 46b is fixed to the sliding member 21a, specifically the intermediate member 27b. The second rear slider 47b is attached to the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b, similar to the second front slider 46b. The second rear slider 47b is located apart from the second front slider 46b in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The second rear slider 47b is also fixed to the sliding member 21a, specifically the intermediate member 27b, similar to the second front slider 46b.

[0039] As the sliding member 21a moves, the second front slider 46b and the second rear slider 47b move in the opposite direction to the side where the mating part is located, causing the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b to separate from each other, and move in the direction towards the side where the mating part is located, causing the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b to interlock with each other. A second opening region 48b is formed between the second front slider 46b and the second rear slider 47b in the longitudinal direction when the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b are separated. A convex portion 29b is positioned in this second opening region 48b.

[0040] The movable member 51a is plate-shaped. The external shape of the movable member 51a is rectangular when viewed in the Z direction. The movable member 51a is positioned outside the cover member 31a. Specifically, the movable member 51a is positioned above the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a. The movable member 51a is also positioned across the two rows of first fasteners 41a and second fasteners 41b. The movable member 51a is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 52a, and a transport member (not shown) that is transported together with the movable member 51a is attached using these mounting holes 52a.

[0041] Furthermore, the movable member 51a is provided with a pair of receiving recesses (not shown) that are recessed inward from the lower surface located on the rail 11a side. Each of these receiving recesses is shaped to receive a pair of convex portions 29a and 29b provided on the intermediate members 27a and 27b. The movable member 51a is connected to and fixed to the intermediate members 27a and 27b included in the sliding member 21a by attaching the pair of convex portions 29a and 29b to the receiving recesses, respectively.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first opening region 48a, which is formed when the first right element 42a and the first left element 44a are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and viewed from the rail top surface 12a side, is positioned to avoid the rail 11a. That is, the first opening region 48a is provided in a position that does not overlap with the rail 11a when viewed in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the first fastener 41a is positioned to avoid the rail 11a when viewed from the rail top surface 12a side and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second opening region 48b, which is formed when the second right element 42b and the second left element 44b are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and viewed from the rail top surface 12a side, is positioned to avoid the rail 11a. That is, the second opening region 48b is provided in a position that does not overlap with the rail 11a when viewed in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second fastener 41b is positioned to avoid the rail 11a when viewed from the rail upper surface 12a side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the rail 11a is positioned between the first opening region 48a and the second opening region 48b in the X direction when viewed from the rail upper surface 12a side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0043] Here, the first right-side tape 43a included in the first fastener 41a includes a first upper wall-side region 53a having a shape that follows the upper wall portion 32a, and a first side wall-side region 54a that is connected to the first upper wall-side region 53a, has a shape that follows the right-side wall portion 34a included in the side wall portion, and is attached to the right-side wall portion 34a. The first side wall-side region 54a is provided so as to be perpendicular to the first upper wall-side region 53a when viewed in the Y direction. The first right-side tape 43a, composed of the first upper wall-side region 53a and the first side wall-side region 54a, is L-shaped when viewed in the Y direction. Furthermore, the second left-side tape 45b included in the second fastener 41b includes a second upper wall-side region 53b having a shape that follows the upper wall portion 32a, and a second side wall-side region 54b that is connected to the second upper wall-side region 53b, has a shape that follows the left-side wall portion 34b included in the side wall portion, and is attached to the left-side wall portion 34b. The second side wall-side region 54b is provided so as to be perpendicular to the second upper wall-side region 53b when viewed in the Y direction. The second left-side tape 45b, composed of the second upper wall-side region 53b and the second side wall-side region 54b, is L-shaped when viewed in the Y direction. The first side wall-side region 54a and the second side wall-side region 54b are each provided over their entire length. That is, the first side wall-side region 54a is provided over the entire length of the first right-side tape 43a, and the second side wall-side region 54b is provided over the entire length of the second left-side tape 45b. The first side wall region 54a and the second side wall region 54b are each formed by folding. Specifically, the first right tape 43a and the second left tape 45b are each formed with a wide width, and the regions corresponding to the first side wall region 54a and the second side wall region 54b are folded to form the first side wall region 54a and the second side wall region 54b, which are connected to the first upper wall region 53a and the second upper wall region 53b, respectively.

[0044] According to the linear motion guide unit 10a of the present disclosure, the rail 11a and the sliding member 21a are covered by the cover member 31a. When the sliding member 21a operates, that is, when the sliding member 21a performs linear reciprocating motion, the separation and meshing of the elements respectively included in the first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b allow the sliding member 21a to slide while the cover member 31a maintains the state of covering the rail 11a and the sliding member 21a. Therefore, the dust resistance and waterproof performance during sliding of the sliding member 21a can be improved. Here, in the first fastener 41a, the first right tape 43a includes a first upper wall-side region 53a having a shape along the upper wall portion 32a, and a first side wall-side region 54a connected to the first upper wall-side region 53a, having a shape along the right side wall portion 34a and attached to the right side wall portion 34a. In this case, the first upper wall-side region 53a is raised by the first side wall-side region 54a having the above configuration, and forms an upwardly convex conforming shape, so that friction between the sliding member 21a and the inner surface of the cover member 31a during sliding of the sliding member 21a can be suppressed. That is, deflection of the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a due to its own weight can be suppressed, and interference between the sliding member 21a and the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a can be easily avoided. Therefore, the risk of damage to the cover member 31a can be reduced. In addition, since the first upper wall-side region 53a is convex upward, powder such as dust is less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the cover member 31a. As a result, the cover member 31a can be kept clean for a long period of time. From the above, according to the linear motion guide unit 10a, it can be used stably while maintaining cleanliness for a long period of time.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second left-side tape 45b includes a second upper wall-side region 53b having a shape that follows the upper wall portion 32a, and a second side wall-side region 54b that is connected to the second upper wall-side region 53b, has a shape that follows the left-side wall portion 34b, and is attached to the left-side wall portion 34b. Therefore, in the first fastener 41a and the second fastener 41b, the first side wall-side region 54a and the second side wall-side region 54b with the above configuration cause the first upper wall-side region 53a and the second upper wall-side region 53b to bulge out, respectively, and form an upwardly convex shape, thus more reliably suppressing friction between the sliding member 21a and the inner surface of the cover member 31a when the sliding member 21a slides. In other words, it is possible to suppress the deflection of the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a due to its own weight, making it easier to avoid interference between the sliding member 21a and the upper wall portion 32a of the cover member 31a. Therefore, the risk of damage to the cover member 31a can be further reduced. In addition, since the first upper wall region 53a and the second upper wall region 53b are convex upwards, dust and other powdery substances are less likely to accumulate on the upper surface of the cover member 31a. As a result, the cover member 31a can be kept cleaner for a longer period of time. Thus, the linear motion guide unit 10a can be used more stably while maintaining cleanliness for a longer period of time.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first side wall region 54a is provided over the entire length. Therefore, friction between the sliding member 21a and the inner surface of the cover member 31a during sliding of the sliding member 21a can be suppressed over the entire length. Consequently, the risk of damage to the cover member 31a is greatly reduced, and it can be kept clean over the entire length.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the material of the first right tape 43a and the first left tape 45a is any one selected from the group consisting of polyester resin, polyamide resin, rayon and stainless steel fiber. By using such a material, bending of the first right tape 43a and the first left tape 45a can be more reliably suppressed, and damage to the cover member 31a can be more reliably prevented. The same applies to the materials of the second right tape 43b and the second left tape 45b.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the length of the cover member 31a in the longitudinal direction is 60 mm or more. Such a linear motion guide unit 10a is relatively long in the longitudinal direction, and the cover member 31a tends to bend easily due to its own weight. However, with the above configuration, bending due to self-weight can be suppressed, friction between the sliding member 21a and the cover member 31a can be prevented, and accumulation of powder on the upper surface of the cover member 31a can be suppressed.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the first side wall region 54a is formed by bending. Therefore, the first side wall region 54a can be formed more easily. Accordingly, productivity can be improved.

[0050] In the present embodiment, both the first side wall region 54a and the second side wall region 54b are formed by bending. Therefore, the first side wall region 54a and the second side wall region 54b can be formed more easily. Accordingly, productivity can be further improved.

[0051] In the present embodiment, first raceway surfaces 15a, 15b are provided on the rail side surfaces 14a, 14b. The sliding member 21a is provided with second raceway surfaces facing the first raceway surfaces 15a, 15b. The linear motion guide unit 10a includes balls as a plurality of rolling elements that roll on a raceway path constituted by the first raceway surfaces 15a, 15b and the second raceway surfaces. Therefore, the sliding member 21a can be a rolling guide, and smooth sliding of the sliding member 21a is enabled.

[0052] (Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, balls were used as rolling elements, but the invention is not limited to balls, and rollers may also be used as rolling elements. Furthermore, in the embodiment, rolling elements were used to guide the sliding member, but the invention is not limited to this, and the sliding member and rail may be guided by sliding without using rolling elements.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above embodiment is configured with two rows of zippers, it is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration with three or more rows of zippers may also be used.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the cover member includes a flat plate portion, but it is not limited to this, and the cover member does not have to include a flat plate portion.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first side wall region and the second side wall region are provided over the entire length of the structure, but the invention is not limited to this. At least one of the first side wall region and the second side wall region may be provided over a portion of the length of the structure, or multiple regions may be provided at intervals along the length of the structure.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be equivalent.

[0057] 10a Linear guide unit, 11a Rail, 12a Rail top surface, 12b Rail bottom surface, 13a Rail front surface, 13b Rail rear surface, 14a Rail side surface, 14b Rail side surface, 15a, 15b First track surface, 16 Through hole, 21a Sliding member, 22a Base part, 23a, 23b Sleeve part, 24a Sliding member bottom surface, 25a Casing, 26a Front end cap, 26b Rear end cap, 27a, 27b Intermediate member, 28a Bolt, 29a, 29b Convex part, 31a Cover member, 32a Upper wall part, 33a Front wall part, 33b Rear wall part, 34a Right side wall part, 34b Left side wall part, 35a Flat plate part, 36a Opening, 37a Space, 41a First fastener, 41b Second fastener, 42a First right element, 42b Second right element, 43a First right tape, 43b Second right tape, 44a First left element, 44b Second left element, 45a First left tape, 45b Second left tape, 46a First front slider, 46b Second front slider, 47a First rear slider, 47b Second rear slider, 48a First opening region, 48b Second opening region, 51a Moving member, 52a Mounting hole, 53a First upper wall region, 53b Second upper wall region, 54a First side wall region, 54b Second side wall region.

Claims

1. A rail including a rail upper surface and rail side surface extending in the longitudinal direction; a sliding member attached to the rail so as to be movable relative to the rail and including a sliding member lower surface facing the rail upper surface; a cover member including a first fastener and a second fastener extending in the longitudinal direction, covering the rail and the sliding member; a movable member disposed outside the cover member and connected to the sliding member and moving together with the sliding member, wherein the cover member includes an upper wall portion positioned facing the rail upper surface, to which the first fastener and the second fastener are attached at intervals in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a side wall portion positioned facing the rail side surface and connected to the upper wall portion, wherein the first fastener includes a first right-side element extending along the longitudinal direction; a first right-side tape attached to the short-side end of the first right-side element and attached to the upper wall portion; and a first left-side element extending along the first right-side element in the longitudinal direction and capable of engaging with the first right-side element. The first left tape is attached to the end of the first left element in the short direction and is attached to the upper wall portion; the first front slider is attached to the first right element and the first left element and is fixed to the sliding member and the moving member; the first rear slider is attached to the first right element and the first left element and is positioned apart from the first front slider in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the sliding member and the moving member, wherein the first front slider and the first rear slider move apart from each other as the sliding member and the moving member move in the direction opposite to the side in which the other is located, and interlock with each other as the sliding member and the moving member move in the direction in which the other is located; and at least one of the first right tape and the first left tape has a first upper wall side region having a shape along the upper wall portion. A linear motion guide unit comprising: a first side wall region that is connected to the first upper wall region, has a shape that follows the side wall portion, and is attached to the side wall portion.

2. The second fastener includes: a second right element extending along the longitudinal direction; a second right tape attached to the end of the second right element in the short direction and attached to the upper wall; a second left element extending along the longitudinal direction along the second right element and capable of engaging with the second right element; a second left tape attached to the end of the second left element in the short direction and attached to the upper wall; a second front slider attached to the second right element and the second left element and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member; and a second rear slider attached to the second right element and the second left element, positioned longitudinally away from the second front slider and fixed to the sliding member and the moving member. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the second front slider and the second rear slider, when the sliding member and the moving member move, move in the direction opposite to the side where the mating object is located, causing the second right element and the second left element to separate from each other, and move in the direction toward the side where the mating object is located, and at least one of the second right tape and the second left tape includes a second upper wall side region having a shape along the upper wall and a second side wall side region that is connected to the second upper wall side region, has a shape along the side wall, and is attached to the side wall.

3. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side wall region is provided over the entire length of the region.

4. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the material of the first right tape and the first left tape is selected from polyester resin, polyamide resin, rayon, and stainless steel fiber.

5. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the longitudinal length of the cover member is 60 mm or more.

6. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first side wall region is formed by bending.

7. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 2, wherein both the first side wall region and the second side wall region are formed by bending.

8. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cover member further includes a flat plate portion having an opening in the center and connected to the side wall portion.

9. The linear motion guide unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first track surface is provided on the side surface of the rail, a second track surface is provided on the sliding member opposite to the first track surface, and the linear motion guide unit further includes a plurality of rolling elements that roll along a track formed by the first track surface and the second track surface.

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