Linear Guide Side Seal Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In linear guide devices, lubricant leakage and contamination of the ambient environment occur due to the deformation of flexible material partitions in the side seal spaces, leading to lubrication failure and seal lip degradation.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide device with a side seal configuration that includes a spacer plate and a seal member with a space forming depression portion, which suppresses the deformation of the side seal-side space, allowing lubricant to be moved back into the rolling element circulation passage and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two seal lips separated from each other in the movement direction are provided to hold leaked lubricant, then lubricant leakage is suppressed, but the lubricant cannot be returned to the loaded rolling channel causing lubrication failure over long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific reception space with particular geometric characteristics (open front side for mounting, closed rear side) that enables differentiated functionality. This space is positioned between the guide rail and the first seal lip, allowing it to serve as both a lubricant collection zone and a return path to the rolling channel, resolving the contradiction between preventing leakage and maintaining long-term lubrication.
2Reliability
If the wall face forming portion is made of flexible material to seal lubricant in spaces, then lubrication is maintained, but the flexible material deforms during slider movement causing lubricant leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into two distinct components: the rigid wall face forming portion that defines the reception space geometry and prevents deformation, and the flexible seal lip that performs the actual sealing action. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties - rigidity for dimensional stability and flexibility for sealing effectiveness - thereby preventing both lubrication failure and environmental contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception space acts as an intermediary between the loaded rolling channel and the external environment. It provides a transition zone where lubricant can be temporarily held and then returned to the rolling channel through the gap, mediating the flow of lubricant and preventing direct leakage to the ambient environment while maintaining continuous lubrication.
3Ease of operation
If a reception space is provided closer to the slider than the seal lip, then lubricant can be collected and returned to the rolling channel, but the space may deform during operation reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The reception space is designed with asymmetric geometry - the front side facing the guide rail is open to allow lubricant entry and return to the rolling channel, while the rear side is closed by the end cap to contain the space. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the space for its dual function of lubricant collection and return while the rigid wall face structure maintains shape stability during slider movement.
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 effectively prevents lubricant leakage and contamination, maintains lubrication, and reduces the frequency of lubricant supply, while also reducing manufacturing costs by using common parts for the spacer plate and seal plate body.
Implementation Method 1
the seal lip slides while being in contact with the outer surface of the guide rail including the rail-side rolling surface
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to move the lubricant extruded from the gap formed between the slider and the rail-side rolling surface into the side seal-side space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The linear guide device according to the embodiment includes a slider (4) to which a side seal (6) is attached, and a side seal-side space (52), and the deformation thereof in the movement direction of the slider is suppressed, The side seal (6) includes a seal lip (48) in contact with an outer surface including a rail-side rolling surface (10) of a guide rail in a slidably manner. The side seal-side space (52) is arranged to be closer to the slider (4) than the seal lip (48) and communicates with a gap (C) formed between the slider (4) and the rail-side rolling surface (10).