Linear Motion Guide Lubrication Cover for Easy Oil Member Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion guide units face challenges in easily replacing the lubricating oil retaining member without misaligning other parts, due to complex processes involving end seals and end caps.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating oil supply device configuration where the housing is fixed with a first fixing member and the cover is fixed with a second fixing member, allowing the cover to be removed without loosening the first fixing member, facilitating easy replacement of the lubricating oil retaining member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the lubricating member is replaced by loosening all fixing members (including first fixing members), then the lubricating member can be replaced, but misalignment of other parts (end cap, housing) occurs and the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing members are segmented into two types: first fixing members that secure the housing to the slider, and second fixing members that secure the cover to the housing. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed independently by loosening only the second fixing members, while the first fixing members remain tight to prevent misalignment of the housing and end cap.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end cap and housing are secured tightly with first fixing members, then misalignment is prevented, but the cover cannot be removed for lubricating member replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing members are divided into two functional groups: first fixing members (screws 81) that secure the housing to the slider and prevent misalignment, and second fixing members (screw 82) that secure the cover to the housing. This allows the cover to be removed by loosening only the second fixing members while the first fixing members remain tight, solving both the alignment and accessibility problems.
3Device complexity
If all components (end cap, housing, cover) are fixed as a single unit, then assembly is simple, but replacement of lubricating member requires loosening all fixing members causing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two independent levels: the housing is fixed to the slider with first fixing members, and the cover is fixed to the housing with second fixing members. This hierarchical segmentation allows maintenance operations to be performed at the cover level without affecting the housing-slder connection, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is extracted as a separate removable component from the housing assembly. By securing the cover with distinct second fixing members that can be independently loosened, the cover can be removed for lubricating member replacement without requiring disassembly of the entire housing-end cap assembly, simplifying the replacement process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the replacement process, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving maintainability by allowing the lubricating oil retaining member to be replaced without loosening the housing's fixing screws.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricating member retains lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the rail when the slider slides on the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A linear motion guide unit includes a rail, a slider slidable relative to the rail, and rolling elements rollable in a rolling groove formed with the rail and the slider. The slider has a lubricating oil supply device provided at least at one end face thereof. The lubricating oil supply device includes a lubricating member that retains lubricating oil and abuts against a raceway surface of the rail to supply the lubricating oil to the rail, a housing having front, rear, and bottom surfaces covering front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the lubricating member, with an upper surface of the housing being left open, and a cover that covers at least an upper surface of the lubricating member. The housing is fixed to the slider with a first fixing member. The cover is fixed to the housing with a second fixing member, without being fixed with the first fixing member.