Linear motion guide unit and method of manufacturing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear motion guide devices face difficulties in smooth sliding due to the lack of a structure to scoop up rolling elements transitioning from the load-carrying to the deflecting groove, leading to increased sliding resistance.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion guide unit with a slider formed from a single metal plate, featuring raceway grooves, return passages, and turnaround grooves, where the rolling elements roll in a circulation circuit, and a scooping part to smoothly transition elements from the load-carrying to the turnaround groove, reducing sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the no-load straight groove and deflecting groove are formed by cutting, press forming, or coining to create an elliptical-track-shaped infinite circulation circuit, then the slide member can be manufactured simply and inexpensively from a single metal plate, but the rolling elements experience disturbed rolling at the boundary between the load-carrying straight groove and the deflecting groove, potentially resulting in difficulty in smooth sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting groove is designed with a curved track that preliminarily guides the rolling elements from the load-carrying straight groove toward the no-load straight groove in a smooth arcuate path. This preliminary guiding action prevents sudden directional changes and disturbed rolling at the groove boundaries, enabling smooth sliding while maintaining the single-plate manufacturing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting groove employs a curved, arcuate track configuration instead of sharp angular transitions. This curvature allows rolling elements to transition smoothly between grooves by following a rounded path, eliminating rolling disturbances and maintaining ease of operation while preserving the simple single-plate construction method
2Reliability
If the rolling elements move in sliding contact with the guide rail in the no-load straight groove and deflecting groove to prevent dropping off, then the rolling elements are retained in the circulation circuit, but the sliding resistance acting on the rolling elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting groove is designed with a curved track that allows rolling elements to transition from the load-carrying straight groove to the no-load straight groove through a smooth arcuate path. This curvature enables the rolling elements to maintain rolling contact rather than sliding contact with the guide rail, reducing sliding resistance while preventing dropout through the continuous curved geometry
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear motion guide unit manufactured at low cost by forming at least a slider from a single metal plate, and reduced in sliding resistance of rolling elements as well as a method of manufacturing the same. The linear motion guide unit includes a guide rail, and the slider formed from a single metal plate. The guide rail has a bottom part, and a pair of longitudinal side parts standing from opposite sides of the bottom part, extending longitudinally in a mutually facing manner, and having respective raceway grooves in which the rolling elements roll. The slider includes an upper part, a pair of mutually facing sleeve parts extending downward from opposite sides of the upper part and having respective raceway grooves and return passages, and end cap parts formed respectively at opposite ends of the upper part and having turnaround grooves.