Dust-proof tool, linear motion mechanism, and linear motion device

Abstract

To reduce an amount of dust dropped into a dust-proof tool.SOLUTION: A dust-proof tool (4) includes a slide fastener (6) and an adherend (5). An opening (6o) between first and second sliders (10, 20) may be displaced in conjunction with linear motion of a linear motion member (2a) of a linear motion mechanism (2). A first fastener tape (8m) has a first side edge part (82m) which is folded to the inner side of the dust-proof tool (4) so that a first fastener element (9m) is disposed at the inner side of the dust-proof tool (4). A second fastener tape (8n) has a second side edge part (82n) which is folded to the inner side of the dust-proof tool (4) so that a second fastener element (9n) is disposed at the inner side of the dust-proof tool (4). The first and second side edge parts (82m, 82n) are disposed adjacent to each other to form a linear border line or slit (L6) on an outer surface of the dust-proof tool (4) when the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) are engaged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dust-proof device, a linear motion mechanism, and a linear motion device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses adopting a housing with a slide fastener to improve the dust-proof and maintainability of a linear motion mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the same document, two sliders of the slide fastener are held between an intermediate plate (reference numeral 31) and a pressing member (reference numeral 30). The intermediate plate is connected to a slider block mounted on a rail in the linear motion mechanism. Therefore, the two sliders move linearly in conjunction with the linear motion of the slider block, and a certain degree of closure is obtained except for the opening between the two sliders. Patent Document 2 discloses a hidden slide fastener.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of the dust-proof device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the fastener elements are exposed to the outside, and dust accumulates on the fastener elements. When dust accumulates on the fastener elements, when the slide fastener is opened and closed, the dust falls into the dust-proof device (for example, through the gaps between adjacent fastener elements in the front-rear or left-right direction, and / or the opening between two adjacent sliders in the front-rear direction). In addition, in each fastener stringer, a recess is formed between the front and rear sets of fastener elements, and dust also accumulates in this recess, which promotes dust fall and / or hinders cleaning.

[0005] As can be seen from the description of the above non-limiting example, the inventor of the present application newly found that the deposition of dust on the fastener element of the slide fastener of the dust-proof tool may be a factor increasing the amount of dust falling into the dust-proof tool.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The dust-proof tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a dust-proof tool that protects a linear motion mechanism from dust, and includes at least one slide fastener and an adherend to which at least one slide fastener is attached. The at least one slide fastener includes a first fastener stringer including a first fastener tape and a plurality of first fastener elements attached to the first fastener tape, a second fastener stringer including a second fastener tape and a plurality of second fastener elements attached to the second fastener tape, and first and second sliders mechanically connected to a linear motion member of the linear motion mechanism and provided such that an opening between the first and second sliders is displaceable in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member of the linear motion mechanism. The first fastener tape has a first side edge portion folded inside the dust-proof tool so that the first fastener element is disposed inside the dust-proof tool, and the second fastener tape has a second side edge portion folded inside the dust-proof tool so that the second fastener element is disposed inside the dust-proof tool. The first and second side edge portions are disposed adjacent to each other when the first and second fastener elements are engaged to form a linear boundary line or slit on the outer surface of the dust-proof tool.

[0007] The dust-proof tool according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a dust-proof tool that protects a linear motion mechanism from dust, and includes at least one hidden slide fastener in which an opening between two sliders is displaceable in conjunction with the linear motion of a linear motion member of the linear motion mechanism, and an adherend to which at least one hidden slide fastener is attached so that a fastener element is disposed inside the dust-proof tool.

[0008] A linear motion device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a linear motion mechanism including at least one linear motion member, and a dust protector for protecting the linear motion mechanism from dust. The dust protector includes at least one slide fastener and an adherend to which the at least one slide fastener is attached. The at least one slide fastener includes a first fastener stringer including a first fastener tape and a plurality of first fastener elements attached to the first fastener tape, a second fastener stringer including a second fastener tape and a plurality of second fastener elements attached to the second fastener tape, and first and second sliders provided so that an opening between the first and second sliders is displaceable in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member. The linear motion device further includes a connecting device for mechanically connecting the first and second sliders to the linear motion member, the connecting device including a substrate mounted on the linear motion member and supporting the first and second sliders, an outer plate mounted on the substrate with the first and second sliders interposed therebetween, and a connector for connecting the substrate and the outer plate within an opening between the first and second sliders. The first fastener tape has a first side edge portion folded inside the dust protector so that the first fastener element is disposed inside the dust protector, and the second fastener tape has a second side edge portion folded inside the dust protector so that the second fastener element is disposed inside the dust protector. The first and second side edge portions are disposed adjacent to each other when the first and second fastener elements are engaged to form a linear boundary line or slit on the outer surface of the dust protector.

[0009] Each fastener element of the first and second fastener elements may be a resin piece including a base portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. The head portion may be thinner than the base portion. Each fastener element of the first and second fastener elements may have a covering portion that at least partially covers at least one of the cavities formed on both sides of the neck portion. The covering portion may be wider than the base portion. Each fastener element of the first and second fastener elements may be a resin piece containing a reinforcing material and / or metal-plated.

[0010] In at least one slide fastener, a lubricant can be selectively applied to the first and second fastener elements and / or the first and second sliders.

[0011] In some embodiments, each slider of the first and second sliders includes a post portion and an insertion portion provided on one end of the post portion and inserted between the first and second fastener tapes, the insertion portion being shaped narrower than the post portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insertion portion includes a base portion connected to one end of the post portion and a tapered portion extending taperingly from the base portion, the base portion having a first side surface facing the first fastener tape and a second side surface facing the second fastener tape, the first side surface and the second side surface being disposed within the maximum width of the post portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, each slider of the first and second sliders includes a bottom plate, a post portion erected at the center in the width direction of the bottom plate, a first side wall erected at a first side edge portion of the bottom plate, a second side wall erected at a second side edge portion of the bottom plate, an insertion portion provided on the post portion and inserted between the first and second fastener tapes, a first top plate provided on the first side wall, and a second top plate provided on the second side wall.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one slide fastener includes at least two slide fasteners, and the at least two slide fasteners are assigned to a common linear motion member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener element is disposed inside the dust protector, making it difficult for dust to accumulate directly above it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

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Figure 24

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, various embodiments and features will be described with reference to the drawings. A person skilled in the art can combine each embodiment and / or each feature without unnecessary explanation and can also understand the synergistic effect brought about by this combination. Duplicate explanations between embodiments are omitted in principle. The reference drawings are mainly for the purpose of describing the invention and are simplified for the convenience of drawing. Each feature is not only effective for the dust-proof device, linear motion mechanism and linear motion device disclosed in the present application, but is also understood as a universal feature applicable to various other dust-proof devices, linear motion mechanisms and linear motion devices not disclosed in this specification.

[0018] For the convenience of explanation, the directions are defined as follows. The linear motion direction coincides with the linear motion direction of the linear motion member of the linear motion mechanism. The width direction is perpendicular to the linear motion direction. The height / thickness direction is perpendicular to both the linear motion direction and the width direction. For the convenience of explanation, the height / thickness direction may coincide with the gravitational direction, the ground side may be called the lower side, and the sky side may be called the upper side. Different definitions can also be adopted in light of the following description.

[0019] The configuration of the linear motion device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the linear motion device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the linear motion device 1 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the linear motion device 1 taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. The linear motion device 1 includes a linear motion mechanism 2, a dust protector 4, and a connecting device 3. The linear motion mechanism 2 has a linear motion member 2a and a support member 2b that supports the linear motion of the linear motion member 2a. The dust protector 4 has a slide fastener 6 and an adherend 5 to which the slide fastener 6 is attached. The connecting device 3 includes a substrate 3a, an outer plate 3b, and a connector 3c that connects the substrate 3a and the outer plate 3b. Note that FIG. 1 selectively shows the linear motion mechanism 2, the slide fastener 6, and the connecting device 3 for facilitating the reader's understanding, and also omits the illustration of the fastener elements of the slide fastener 6. For convenience of illustration, the outer plate 3b is shown by a dotted line instead of a solid line.

[0020] The linear motion mechanism 2 is a support mechanism that supports the linear motion of an object to be supported (for example, any mechanical element that reciprocates (for example, a grinding tool)), such as a linear guide or a ball screw. In the illustrated case, the linear motion mechanism 2 is a linear guide, and a slider block (linear motion member 2a) is mounted on a rail (support member 2b) via rolling elements (balls B1, B2). The rail extends longitudinally along the linear motion direction LD (see FIG. 1) of the linear motion mechanism 2 and has first and second grooves G1, G2 on first and second side surfaces that extend in the same direction. The first and second grooves G1, G2 open on opposite sides in the width direction WL (see FIG. 1) of the linear motion mechanism 2 and receive the above-described balls B1, B2. The slider block has a main portion 2j that straddles the rail in the width direction WL, and a first sleeve portion 2p and a second sleeve portion 2q provided on both sides of the rail in the width direction WL. The first sleeve portion 2p extends downward from the first end of the main portion 2j and faces the first side surface of the rail. The second sleeve portion 2q extends downward from the second end of the main portion 2j and faces the second side surface of the rail. A third groove G3 that receives the ball B1 together with the first groove G1 is formed in the first sleeve portion 2p. A fourth groove G4 that receives the ball B2 together with the second groove G2 is formed in the second sleeve portion 2q. A plurality of balls B1 are rotatably held by the first groove and the third groove G1, G3. A plurality of balls B2 are rotatably held by the second groove and the fourth groove G2, G4. In some cases, the slider block includes a circulation path through which a plurality of balls circulate and / or a supply path for lubricating oil, and wear of the balls and the groove surfaces is suppressed.

[0021] In a dust environment, dust enters the gap of the linear motion mechanism 2 (for example, the gap between the slider block and the rail, the gap between the slider block and the ball, or the gap between the ball and the rail), which has one or more adverse effects on the linear motion mechanism 2. For example, the positioning accuracy of the slider block deteriorates, the sliding of the slider block becomes heavy, and / or the linear guide components are damaged. In one example, frictional heat is generated during the reciprocating motion of the slider block, causing the balls to wear, the straight-line accuracy of the slider block to decrease, and the need to replace the linear guide. The above-mentioned dust protector 4 is used for the purpose of protecting the linear motion mechanism 2 from dust to extend its service life. In light of this purpose, it is required that the dust protector 4 be sufficiently inexpensive compared to the cost of the linear motion mechanism 2. Note that the dust can be glass powder, metal powder (for example, iron powder), or plant powder (for example, wheat flour), ceramic powder, etc., but is not particularly limited.

[0022] The dust protector 4 is configured by attaching the slide fastener 6 to the adherend 5. Typically, both the slide fastener 6 and the adherend 5 appear on the outer surface of the dust protector 4. The slide fastener 6 is a so-called hidden slide fastener. The adherend 5 is typically a sheet-like member to which the slide fastener 6 is sewn or adhered, or a frame structure (housing) to which the slide fastener 6 is fixed. The sheet-like member is preferably made of a predetermined thickness of elastic material (elastomer or rubber) having flexibility and shape retention, but is not limited thereto. The structural frame is made of resin or metal and typically has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped skeleton that is long in the linear motion direction LD. Other materials and other structures can also be adopted as the adherend 5.

[0023] When the dust-proof member 4 has flexibility (for example, when the adherend 5 is a sheet-like member as described above), the linear motion device 1 preferably has a support structure for the dust-proof member 4. In the case shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the linear motion device 1 has a substrate 1a on which the linear motion mechanism 2 is mounted, and first and second stays S1, S2 (support structures) mounted on the substrate 1a on both sides of the linear motion mechanism 2 in the width direction WL. The first and second stays S1, S2 can contact the sheet-like member from the inside of the dust-proof member 4 and give tension to the sheet-like member. The dust-proof member 4 can also be detachably attached to the first and / or second stays S1, S2 (or other parts of the support mechanism) via a hook-and-loop fastener. Incidentally, the first and second stays S1, S2 include an L-shaped portion having a flat plate portion fixed on the substrate 1a and a wall portion standing upright from the flat plate portion. Typically, the wall portions are provided at a predetermined pitch with respect to the common flat plate portion. If the adherend 5 of the dust-proof member 4 is hard, the first and second stays can be omitted.

[0024] The mounting mode of the dust-proof member 4 in the linear motion device 1 is arbitrary. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet-like member is fixed to the first and second stays S1, S2, and the slide fastener 6 is positioned at a position higher than the linear motion mechanism 2, but it is not limited to this mode. The sheet-like member of the dust-proof member 4 can also be attached to a structure other than the linear motion device 1 (for example, a structure around the linear motion device 1). The adherend 5 of the dust-proof member 4 can also serve as a housing.

[0025] The above-mentioned slide fastener 6 includes a first fastener stringer 7m, a second fastener stringer 7n, and first and second sliders 10, 20. The first fastener stringer 7m includes a first fastener tape 8m and a plurality of first fastener elements 9m attached to the first fastener tape 8m. The second fastener stringer 7n includes a second fastener tape 8n and a plurality of second fastener elements 9n attached to the second fastener tape 8n. Details of the slide fastener 6 will be described later.

[0026] The connecting device 3 is provided to mechanically connect the first and second sliders 10 and 20 to the linear motion member 2a. The first and second sliders 10 and 20 are mechanically connected to the linear motion member 2a via the connecting device 3. Accordingly, an opening 6o (see FIGS. 1 and 3) between the first and second sliders 10 and 20 is displaced in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member 2a. Specifically, in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member 2a, the first and second sliders 10 and 20 linearly move together. Accordingly, the opening 6o is also displaced in the same direction (it goes without saying that the first and second sliders 10 and 20 are positioned on the linear motion member 2a). The opening 6o is in the non-engagement area of the first and second fastener stringers 7m and 7n, and the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n on both sides of the opening 6o in the width direction WL (see FIG. 1) are in a non-engaged state.

[0027] Specifically, when the linear motion member 2a moves forward (e.g., in the upper right diagonal direction in FIG. 1), the second slider 20 releases the engagement of the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n, and the first slider 10 engages the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n that were in a non-engaged state on both sides of the opening 6o. When the linear motion member 2a moves backward (e.g., in the lower left diagonal direction in FIG. 1), the first slider 10 releases the engagement of the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n, and the second slider 20 engages the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n that were in a non-engaged state on both sides of the opening 6o. As can be understood from the structure of the sliders described later, the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n are engaged and disengaged on the first slider 10 (similarly, on the second slider 20). Further, the opening 6o has an opening width defined between a first side edge portion 82m and a second side edge portion 82n described later. The opening 6o does not mean an empty space with nothing present, and as will be described later, an object such as a connector 3c can be arranged therein.

[0028] As described above, the connecting device 3 includes a substrate 3a, an outer plate 3b, and a connector 3c that connects the substrate 3a and the outer plate 3b. The substrate 3a is mounted on the linear motion member 2a and supports the first and second sliders 10 and 20. The substrate 3a is typically a metal plate having holding recesses for the first and second sliders 10 and 20 formed on its upper surface. The outer plate 3b is mounted on the substrate 3a with the first and second sliders 10 and 20 interposed therebetween, and typically has a support surface 3b1 for supporting an object to be supported. Of course, it is possible to attach another support substrate on the outer plate 3b. The connector 3c connects the substrate 3a and the outer plate 3b within the above-described opening 6o, and is a fastener for mechanical elements such as screws and bolts, for example. The connector 3c linearly moves in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member 2a and can abut against the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n on both sides of the opening 6o. Each fastener element can pivot obliquely downward by contact with the connector 3c, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0029] The first and second sliders 10 and 20 are sliders for a hidden slide fastener, and thus can engage or fit with the substrate 3a with sufficient depth and / or can reduce the gap between the outer plate 3b and the main surface of the first fastener tape 8m (the same applies to the gap between the outer plate 3b and the main surface of the second fastener tape 8n).

[0030] Hereinafter, the slide fastener 6 will be described in more detail without limitation with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a part of the slide fastener 6 in the vicinity of the first slider 10, but another part of the slide fastener 6 in the vicinity of the second slider 20 is similarly (specifically, mirror-symmetrically) configured. It should be understood that the following description is equally applicable to the second slider 20 as well.

[0031] The first fastener tape 8m includes a first tape main body 81m and a first side edge portion 82m that is folded inside the dust protector 4 so that the first fastener element 9m is disposed inside the dust protector 4. The first tape main body 81m typically appears on the outer surface of the dust protector 4, extends longitudinally in the linear motion direction LD, and is oriented to intersect or be orthogonal to the height / thickness direction HD. The first side edge portion 82m, like the first tape main body 81m, extends longitudinally in the linear motion direction LD, but is inside the dust protector 4 and does not appear on the outer surface of the dust protector 4 when the slide fastener 6 is viewed from the front (see FIG. 4). The first fastener element 9m is fixed to the first side edge portion 82m and disposed inside the dust protector 4. It is advisable to introduce a core string into the first side edge portion 82m to ensure sufficient mounting strength of the first fastener element 9m.

[0032] The description of the first fastener tape 8m also applies to the second fastener tape 8n in the same manner, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Here, the first tape main body 81m is read as the second tape main body 81n, the first side edge portion 82m is read as the second side edge portion 82n, and the first fastener element 9m is read as the second fastener element 9n.

[0033] The first fastener element 9m is preferably a resin piece including a base portion 91, a neck portion 92, and a head portion 93. The first side edge portion 82m (if any, the core string) is embedded in the base portion 91. When the first fastener element 9m is a resin piece, it is expected to exhibit higher durability in a dust environment than a metal element or a coiled element. One reason for this is that the head portion 93 needs to be considerably ground down before the fastener element becomes unable to engage. Also, in the case of a resin piece, the degree of freedom in molding is higher than that of a metal element or a coiled element, and the gap between the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n can be made smaller.

[0034] The first fastener element 9m is shaped symmetrically with respect to its center line L9. The neck portion 92 is narrower than the base portion 91 in the width direction of the fastener element. The head portion 93 is wider than the neck portion 92 in the width direction of the fastener element. Cavities SP1, SP2 are formed on both sides of the neck portion 92 according to the width differences of the base portion 91, the neck portion 92, and the head portion 93 in the width direction of the fastener element. The cavities SP1, SP2 are receiving spaces for receiving the head of the second fastener element 9n. Incidentally, the width direction of the fastener element is a direction orthogonal to the center line L9 and / or extends (e.g., parallelly) along the above-described linear motion direction LD.

[0035] Advantageously, the head portion 93 is thinner than the base portion 91 and can be about 1 / 2 of the thickness of the base portion 91. This reduces the engaging force between the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n, but the sliding resistance of the slider can be reduced. The head portion 93 has an upper surface 93a located below the upper surface of the base portion 91. In the illustrated example, the upper surface 93a is divided into a flat surface 93b and an inclined surface 93c, but it can also be entirely a flat surface (see FIGS. 7 and 8). A part of the upper surfaces of the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n (e.g., a part of the upper surface 93a of the head portion 93, a part of a reinforcing protrusion 95 described later, or the whole or a part of a covering portion 94 described later) can be visible through a slit L6 described later in the closed area (the area other than the opening 6o) of the slide fastener 6, but it can be made invisible or hardly visible based on the setting of the width of the slit L6. Therefore, the amount of dust deposited through the slit L6 in the closed area can be estimated to be small (at least compared to the cases of FIGS. 23 and 24).

[0036] More preferably, the resin piece of the first fastener element 9m contains a reinforcing material (such as a fiber reinforcing material like glass fiber or carbon fiber), and / or is metal-plated. If the fastener element is not reinforced with a reinforcing material or metal plating, due to the repeated opening and closing of the slide fastener 6 in response to the repeated linear movement of the linear movement member 2a in a dust environment, the fastener element and / or the fastener slider may wear out earlier and an engagement failure may occur. From the perspective of promoting the long life of the dust-proof device 4, it is advantageous to increase the mechanical strength of the fastener element itself.

[0037] A further description will be made mainly with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. First, for the first fastener tape 8m in detail, the first side edge portion 82m of the first fastener tape 8m can include a core portion 8c, an inclined portion 8d, and a hanging portion 8e. The core portion 8c is, for example, a portion where one or more cores are encapsulated within the bag woven portion of the first fastener tape 8m, but other configurations can also be adopted. The inclined portion 8d extends obliquely upward from the core portion 8c (on the side of the head portion 93). The hanging portion 8e extends along the vertical direction between the inclined portion 8d and the first tape main body portion 81m.

[0038] The first fastener element 9m has a covering portion 94 that at least partially covers at least one of the cavities SP1 and SP2 on both sides of the above-described neck portion 92. The gap generated when the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n are engaged is covered by the covering portion 94 to suppress the entry of dust, and / or the adhesion force of the first fastener element 9m to the first fastener tape 8m is increased.

[0039] The covering portion 94 is preferably located directly above the neck portion 92 and is wider than the neck portion 92, and more preferably is wider than the base portion 91 in the width direction of the fastener element. In the illustrated example, the covering portion 94 is a plate portion extending in the width direction of the fastener element. Further, the covering portion 94 is fixed to the core portion 8c and / or the inclined portion 8d and extends from the fixing position toward the head portion 93 side. One of the cavities SP1, SP2 is covered by one end of the plate portion in the width direction of the fastener element, and the other is covered by the other end of the plate portion in the same direction. The fixing of the first fastener tape 8m and the covering portion 94 is enhanced compared to the case where two covering portions are provided corresponding to the cavities SP1, SP2, and there is no deposition of dust between the two covering portions. The plate portion of the covering portion 94 is not limited to the rectangular shape as shown in the figure and can have other shapes.

[0040] When the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n engage with each other with a difference, their covering portions 94 will be alternately (in a zigzag pattern) arranged in the same direction. When the covering portion 94 is positioned closer to the base portion 91 than the position of the maximum width of the head portion 93 on the center line L9 of the fastener element, the collision between the covering portions 94 of the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n is avoided or suppressed.

[0041] The first fastener element 9m can have at least one reinforcing protrusion 95 formed on the upper surface 93a of the head portion 93. The reinforcing protrusion 95 compensates for the insufficient strength of the head portion 93 (especially the thin head portion 93) and promotes the delay of wear of the head portion 93. The shape of the reinforcing protrusion 95 is not limited to the triangular pyramid shape shown in the figure, and other shapes such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a semi-cylindrical shape can also be adopted. Preferably, the reinforcing protrusion 95 is provided on the center line L9, and interference with the covering portion 94 of the second fastener element 9n is avoided or reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing protrusion 95 has a height and / or width that gradually decreases as it extends in a direction away from the base portion 91, and strong contact with the second fastener tape 8n is avoided. In the illustrated example, the reinforcing protrusion 95 is connected to the inclined surface 93c described above, but this is not necessarily the case. The reinforcing protrusion 95 has a shape symmetric with respect to the center line L9, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0042] Additional protrusions 96 can also be provided on one or both sides of the reinforcing protrusion 95 in the width direction of the fastener element. The additional protrusions 96 are provided for reinforcing the head 93 in the same manner as the reinforcing protrusion 95 and / or for improving the positional stability in the height / thickness direction HD when the fastener elements 9m, 9n are engaged. The additional protrusions 96 can be formed at a height that does not contact the slider. The additional protrusions 96 have a shape different from that of the reinforcing protrusion 95, are formed lower than the reinforcing protrusion 95, and are optimally formed in a hemispherical shape as shown in the figure, but other shapes can also be adopted. When the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n are engaged, one of their additional protrusions 96 can be at least partially covered by the other's covering portion 94. The additional protrusions 96 are low-profile, avoiding strong collisions / strong contacts between the two. The additional protrusions 96 can also be connected to the reinforcing protrusion 95.

[0043] Typically, the first fastener element 9m is formed by injection molding and adheres to the first fastener tape 8m in the mold cavity. For the inclusion of a reinforcing material, it is advisable to supply a resin raw material in which the reinforcing material is dispersed to the injection device of the injection molding machine. Preferably, the resin piece is then metal-plated. For this purpose, a conductive material (which may also function as a reinforcing material) can be mixed into the resin piece. Additionally or alternatively, a conductive layer can be chemically formed on the surface of the resin piece and then electroplated or electroless plated. Other methods can also be adopted. The description of the first fastener element 9m also applies equally to the second fastener element 9n, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0044] In the hidden slide fastener 6, a coiled fastener element (a monofilament is spirally wound and engaging heads are formed on the monofilament at a predetermined pitch) is generally adopted. However, when using a sewing thread to fix the coiled fastener element to the fastener tape, there is a risk that the sewing thread may be damaged due to contact with dust and the resulting frictional heat. If the position of the fastener element on the fastener tape becomes unstable, the closing ability of the slide fastener 6 may decrease, or the smoothness of opening and closing may decrease, and there is a risk that the dustproof member 4 may need to be replaced early. For the purpose of avoiding such problems, it is advisable to adopt a resin piece as the fastener element. Different from the monofilament, since there is no continuity in the linear motion direction LD, the flexibility of the fastener tape is increased and the sliding resistance of the slider is also reduced. Incidentally, if a coiled fastener element is adopted, the lateral pulling strength of the slide fastener 6 can be increased, but in the linear motion device 1, the slide fastener 6 is not laterally pulled, and the actual benefit is small.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the structure of each of the first and second sliders 10 and 20 will be described. The slider is typically a metal product formed by die casting, but is not limited thereto, and may be a resin product formed by injection molding, similar to the fastener element (reinforcing materials and / or metal plating can also be adopted). Preferably, the slider is a die-cast slider plated with metal. The durability is enhanced by being coated with metal plating. In particular, it is advisable to plate the inner surface of the slider with metal. Although the moving space of the fastener element becomes slightly smaller by plating with metal, the actual benefit of improving durability outweighs this. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, there may be cases where the linear motion direction LD is defined as the front-rear direction, the direction toward the above-mentioned opening 6o in the linear motion direction LD is defined as "front", and the direction away from the above-mentioned opening 6o in the linear motion direction LD is defined as "rear".

[0046] The slider 10 includes a bottom plate 11, a column portion 12, a first side wall 16m, a second side wall 16n, an insertion portion 13, a first top plate 14, and a second top plate 15. The column portion 12 is erected at the center in the width direction of the bottom plate 11, and typically is erected at the front end portion of the bottom plate 11. The first side wall 16m is erected at the first side edge portion of the bottom plate 11. The second side wall 16n is erected at the second side edge portion of the bottom plate 11. The first side wall 16m and the second side wall 16n face each other in the width direction WL and limit the movement paths of the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n. Typically, the first side wall 16m and the second side wall 16n are provided behind the column portion 12 in the front-rear direction. The insertion portion 13 is provided on the upper end of the column portion 12 and is inserted between the first and second fastener tapes 8m, 8n. The insertion portion 13 can be a flat plate portion extending longitudinally on the center line CL of the slider. The first top plate 14 is provided on the upper end of the first side wall 16m and is inserted between the first tape main body portion 81m of the first fastener tape 8m and the first fastener element 9m. The second top plate 15 is provided on the upper end of the second side wall 16n and is inserted between the second tape main body portion 81n of the second fastener tape 8n and the second fastener element 9n. The insertion portion 13 appears on the outer surface of the dustproof member 4 (the outer surface of the slide fastener 6), but the first top plate 14 and the second top plate 15 do not appear.

[0047] The insertion portion 13 includes a base portion 13a connected to the upper end of the column portion 12 and a tapered portion 13b extending rearward in a tapered manner from the base portion 13a and facing the bottom plate 11. The base portion 13a is wider than the column portion 12 (in the width direction WL), and thus has a first side edge portion 13m protruding in the width direction WL from the first side surface 12p of the column portion 12 and facing the bottom plate 11, and a second side edge portion 13n protruding in the width direction WL from the second side surface 12q of the column portion 12 and facing the bottom plate 11. The postures of the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n are stabilized by these side edge portions 13m, 13n. The tapered portion 13b has a width that gradually decreases as it moves rearward from the base portion 13a.

[0048] FIG. 12 shows that with respect to the center line CL of the slider, the first side surface 13p of the base portion 13a is located farther away from the first side surface 12p of the column portion 12, and the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a is located farther away from the second side surface 12q of the column portion 12. Note that the first side surface 13p of the base portion 13a does not contact the first side edge portion 82m of the first fastener tape 8m. The second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a does not contact the second side edge portion 82n of the second fastener tape 8n. However, there is a risk that dust may flow into the space between the first side surface 13p and the first side edge portion 82m and be drawn in between them, causing damage. The same applies to the relationship between the second side surface 13q and the second side edge portion 82n.

[0049] The first top plate 14 has an outer end portion 14p connected to the upper end of the first side wall 16m and an inner end portion 14q closer to the center line CL of the slider. The second top plate 15 has an outer end portion 15p connected to the upper end of the second side wall 16n and an inner end portion 15q closer to the center line CL of the slider. The distance between the inner end portion 14q of the first top plate 14 and the inner end portion 15q of the second top plate 15 can gradually decrease in synchronization with the gradual decrease in the width of the tapered portion 13b. The distance between the inner end portion 14q of the first top plate 14 and the inner end portion 15q of the second top plate 15 can be substantially constant in a region behind a position slightly in front of the rear end of the tapered portion 13b. The first top plate 14 also projects in front of the first side wall 16m, and similarly, the second top plate 15 projects in front of the second side wall 16n, which can promote the stabilization of the postures of the fastener elements 9m, 9n.

[0050] A movement path for the first fastener tape 8m is formed between the insertion portion 13 and the first top plate 14, and a movement path for the second fastener tape 8n is formed between the insertion portion 13 and the second top plate 15. The insertion portion 13, the first top plate 14, and the second top plate 15 are typically arranged in the same plane. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 6, the inner end portion 14q of the first top plate 14 faces the first side edge portion 82m of the first fastener tape 8m with a space therebetween, and the inner end portion 15q of the second top plate 15 faces the second side edge portion 82n of the second fastener tape 8n with a space therebetween. This avoids or suppresses wear of the fastener tape.

[0051] The first and second sliders 10 and 20 are covered from above by the outer plate 3b. The outer plate 3b moves over the closed area (the area other than the opening 6o) of the slide fastener 6 where dust has accumulated in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear movement member 2a. Therefore, regardless of the presence of the outer plate 3b, dust enters the interiors of the first and second sliders 10 and 20.

[0052] As is apparent from the above description, the dust-proof device 4 according to the present embodiment includes a hidden slide fastener 6. Briefly, the first fastener tape 8m has a first side edge portion 82m folded inside the dust-proof device 4 so that the first fastener element 9m is disposed inside the dust-proof device 4, and the second fastener tape 8n has a second side edge portion 82n folded inside the dust-proof device 4 so that the second fastener element 9n is disposed inside the dust-proof device 4. Further, the first and second side edge portions 82m and 82n are disposed adjacent to each other when the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n are engaged to form a linear boundary line or slit L6 on the outer surface of the dust-proof device 4. According to this feature, the first and second fastener elements 9m and 9n are disposed inside the dust-proof device 4, and dust does not accumulate directly above them or at least hardly accumulates. Therefore, when the opening 6o is displaced in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear movement member 2a, it is possible to suppress dust from falling inside the dust-proof device 4. Further, it becomes possible to easily remove the dust accumulated in the closed area of the slide fastener 6. In this way, the reduction of the amount of dust falling into the dust-proof device 4 through the gap of the dust-proof device 4 is promoted. Additionally or alternatively, it becomes easier to clean the dust accumulated on the slide fastener 6. Although there is a possibility that dust may fall inside the dust-proof device 4 through the boundary line or slit L6, it is a small gap, and a reduction in the amount of dust falling is expected.

[0053] In the slide fastener 6, a lubricant (e.g., a fluorine-based lubricant, a silicon-based lubricant) may be selectively adhered to the first and second fastener elements 9m, 9n and / or the first and second sliders 10, 20. Thereby, the first and second sliders 10, 20 can slide more smoothly, and the degree to which the opening and closing of the slide fastener 6 becomes a load (resistance) against the linear movement of the linear movement member 2a is reduced. Preferably, the lubricant does not adhere to the outer surfaces of the tape main bodies 81m, 81n of the fastener tapes 8m, 8n. Thereby, it is avoided that the lubricant hinders the attachment operation of the slide fastener 6 to the adherend 5 or the connection operation of the dust protectors 4 to the sliders 10, 20 of the linear movement member 2a. The fastener elements 9m, 9n are arranged inside the dust protectors 4, and thus, the lubricant can be selectively adhered by means of a spray or the like. Regarding the sliders 10, 20, the lubricant can be adhered by immersing the whole thereof in a liquid of the lubricant, but it is not limited to this method.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, variations of the slider of the slide fastener 6 will be described. In the above description, the base portion 13a was wider than the column portion 12. Although this promotes the stabilization of the postures of the fastener elements 9m, 9n, there is a risk of contacting the fastener tapes 8m, 8n, and there is also a risk that the fastener tapes 8m, 8n will wear if dust enters between the base portion 13a and the fastener tapes 8m, 8n. To avoid or suppress this problem, in some cases, the insertion portion 13 and / or the base portion 13a are shaped to be narrower than the column portion 12. Preferably, when the maximum width W12 of the column portion 12 is W1 and the width of the base portion 13a (the distance between the first side surface 13p and the second side surface 13q) is W2, 0.7 < (W2 / W1) < 0.98 is satisfied. Thereby, the wear of the fastener tape is suppressed.

[0055] The first side surface 13p and the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a are arranged within the maximum width W12 of the column portion 12. Compared with what is shown in FIG. 9, the base portion 13a becomes longer in the linear motion direction LD, extends rearward from the column portion 12, and faces the bottom plate 11. In contrast, the taper portion 13b becomes shorter in the linear motion direction LD. The taper portion 13b is positioned rearward of the front ends of the side walls 16m and 16n in the linear motion direction LD.

[0056] Although not necessarily limited to this, the first side surface 13p and the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a are oriented parallel to the center line CL of the slider. There is a wider gap between the first side surface 13p of the base portion 13a and the first side edge portion 82m of the first fastener tape 8m than that shown in FIG. 4. There is also a wider gap between the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a and the second side edge portion 82n of the second fastener tape 8n than that shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, even if dust enters the gap between the base portion 13a and the fastener tape, wear of the fastener tape is suppressed.

[0057] FIG. 19 shows that the first side surface 13p of the base portion 13a is positioned closer to the center line CL of the slider than the first side surface 12p of the column portion 12, and the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a is positioned closer to the center line CL of the slider than the second side surface 12q of the column portion 12. Note that the upper surface of the column portion 12 is exposed between the first side surface 12p of the column portion 12 and the first side surface 13p of the base portion 13a. Similarly, the upper surface of the column portion 12 is exposed between the second side surface 12q of the column portion 12 and the second side surface 13q of the base portion 13a.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, variations of the dust protector 4 and the coupler 3c will be described. A plurality (two in the illustrated example) of slide fasteners 6 may be assigned to one linear motion member 2a. Thereby, in the width direction WL, the slide fastener 6 is positioned offset from the support member 2b (for example, a rail), and deposition of dust that has passed through the above-described boundary line or slit L6 of the slide fastener 6 on the support member 2b is suppressed.

[0059] For reference, when adopting a slide fastener 6' that is not a hidden slide fastener shown in FIG. 23, the metal element 900 is exposed on the outer surface of the dust protector 4, dust accumulates on the metal element 900, and dust also accumulates in the recess 910 between adjacent metal elements 900. Therefore, when opening and closing the slide fastener 6' in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear member 2a, dust will fall into the dust protector 4. In addition, there is a non-negligible gap between the engaged metal elements 900. Therefore, there is a risk that dust will fall into the interior of the dust protector 4 even in the closed area of the slide fastener 6'. When dust accumulates on the metal element 900 and enters the slider, the metal element 900 and the slider will be ground by the dust, resulting in poor engagement of the metal element 900 (this point has been verified by trial production).

[0060] When adopting the non-hidden slide fastener 6'' shown in FIG. 24, the coiled element 950 is provided inside the dust protector 4. Therefore, similar to the hidden slide fastener 6, the coiled element 950 is protected by the fastener tape. However, the sewing thread 960 that sews the coiled element 950 to the fastener tape is exposed. When the linear member 2a moves repeatedly, the outer plate 3b moves linearly repeatedly on the fastener tape. Therefore, there is a risk that the sewing thread 960 will be worn and cut due to physical contact with dust or frictional heat of the fastener tape, and there is a risk that the dust protector 4 will need to be replaced early.

[0061] Based on the above disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various changes to each embodiment and each feature. The reference signs incorporated in the claims are for reference purposes only and should not be used for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0062] 1: Linear drive device 2: Linear mechanism 2a: Linear member 2b: Support member 3: Connecting device 3a: Substrate 3b: Outer plate 3c: Connector 4: Dust-proof device 5: Adherend 6: Slide fastener 6o: Opening 7m: First fastener stringer 7n: Second fastener stringer 8m: First fastener tape 8n: Second fastener tape 9m: First fastener element 9n: Second fastener element 11: Bottom plate 12: Column part 13: Insertion part 14: First top plate 15: Second top plate 16m: First side wall 16n: Second side wall 10: First slider 20: Second slider

Claims

1. A dust protector (4) for protecting a linear motion mechanism (2) from dust, comprising: at least one slide fastener (6); a body (5) to which the at least one slide fastener (6) is attached; the at least one slide fastener (6) includes: a first fastener stringer (7m) including a first fastener tape (8m) and a plurality of first fastener elements (9m) attached to the first fastener tape (8m); a second fastener stringer (7n) including a second fastener tape (8n) and a plurality of second fastener elements (9n) attached to the second fastener tape (8n); first and second sliders (10, 20) mechanically connected to a linear motion member (2a) of the linear motion mechanism (2), the first and second sliders (10, 20) being provided such that an opening (6o) between the first and second sliders (10, 20) is displaceable in conjunction with the linear motion of the linear motion member (2a) of the linear motion mechanism (2); the first fastener tape (8m) has a first side edge portion (82m) folded inside the dust protector (4) such that the first fastener elements (9m) are disposed inside the dust protector (4), and the second fastener tape (8n) has a second side edge portion (82n) folded inside the dust protector (4) such that the second fastener elements (9n) are disposed inside the dust protector (4); the first and second side edge portions (82m, 82n) are disposed adjacent to each other when the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) are engaged to form a linear boundary line or slit (L6) on an outer surface of the dust protector (4).

2. The dust protector according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) is a resin piece including a base portion (91), a neck portion (92), and a head portion (93).

3. The dust protector according to claim 2, wherein the head portion (93) is thinner than the base portion (91).

4. The dust protector according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) has a covering portion (94) at least partially covering at least one of cavities (SP1, SP2) formed on both sides of the neck portion (92).

5. The dustproof device according to claim 4, wherein the covering portion (94) is wider than the base portion (91).

6. The dustproof device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) is a resin piece containing a reinforcing material and / or metal-plated.

7. The dustproof device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a lubricant is selectively adhered to the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) and / or the first and second sliders (10, 20) in the at least one slide fastener (6).

8. Each of the first and second sliders (10, 20) includes a column portion (12), and an insertion portion (13) provided on one end of the column portion (12) and inserted between the first and second fastener tapes (8m, 8n), and the insertion portion (13) is shaped narrower than the column portion (12). The dustproof device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The insertion portion (13) includes a base portion (13a) connected to one end of the column portion (12), and a tapered portion (13b) extending taperingly from the base portion (13a). The base portion (13a) has a first side surface (13p) facing the first fastener tape (8m) and a second side surface (13q) facing the second fastener tape (8n), and the first side surface (13p) and the second side surface (13q) are arranged within the maximum width (W12) of the column portion (12). The dustproof device according to claim 8.

10. Each of the first and second sliders (10, 20) includes a bottom plate (11), a column portion (12) erected at the center in the width direction of the bottom plate (11), a first side wall (16m) erected at the first side edge portion (82m) of the bottom plate (11), a second side wall (16n) erected at the second side edge portion (82n) of the bottom plate (11), an insertion portion (13) provided on the column portion (12) and inserted between the first and second fastener tapes (8m, 8n), a first top plate (14) provided on the first side wall (16m), and a second top plate (15) provided on the second side wall (16n). The dustproof device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The dust protector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least two slide fasteners (6) as the at least one slide fastener (6), wherein the at least two slide fasteners (6) are assigned to the common linear movement member (2a).

12. A dust protector (4) for protecting a linear movement mechanism (2) from dust, at least one concealed slide fastener (6) in which an opening (6o) between two sliders (10, 20) is displaceable in conjunction with the linear movement of a linear movement member (2a) of the linear movement mechanism (2), and a dust protector comprising an adherend (5) to which the at least one concealed slide fastener (6) is attached such that fastener elements (9m, 9n) are disposed inside the dust protector (4).

13. A linear movement mechanism protected by the dust protector (4) according to claim 1 or 12.

14. A linear movement mechanism (2) including at least one linear movement member (2a), a dust protector (4) for protecting the linear movement mechanism (2) from dust, including at least one slide fastener (6) and an adherend (5) to which the at least one slide fastener (6) is attached, the at least one slide fastener (6) including a first fastener stringer (7m) including a first fastener tape (8m) and a plurality of first fastener elements (9m) attached to the first fastener tape (8m), a second fastener stringer (7n) including a second fastener tape (8n) and a plurality of second fastener elements (9n) attached to the second fastener tape (8n), and first and second sliders (10, 20) provided such that an opening (6o) between the first and second sliders (10, 20) is displaceable in conjunction with the linear movement of the linear movement member (2a), a connecting device (3) for mechanically connecting the first and second sliders (10, 20) to the linear movement member (2a), the connecting device (3) including a substrate (3a) mounted on the linear movement member (2a) and supporting the first and second sliders (10, 20), an outer plate (3b) mounted on the substrate (3a) with the first and second sliders (10, 20) interposed therebetween, and a connector (3c) connecting the substrate (3a) and the outer plate (3b) within the opening (6o) between the first and second sliders (10, 20). The first fastener tape (8m) has a first side edge portion (82m) folded inside the dust protector (4) such that the first fastener element (9m) is disposed inside the dust protector (4), and the second fastener tape (8n) has a second side edge portion (82n) folded inside the dust protector (4) such that the second fastener element (9n) is disposed inside the dust protector (4). The first and second side edge portions (82m, 82n) are arranged adjacent to each other when the first and second fastener elements (9m, 9n) are engaged to form a linear boundary line or slit (L6) on the outer surface of the dust protector (4), which is a linear motion device.

Images