Robot Arm Reducer Sealing Structure for Lubricant Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 6-axis articulated robots face challenges in effectively sealing the space between the reducer output shaft and the casing, leading to lubricant leakage and potential interference with servo motors, which affects the robot's performance and size efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The robot design incorporates a first sealing member to seal the space between the output shaft and the casing, and a second sealing member to seal between the reducer output shaft and the casing end surface, with a lubricant agent supply hole extending radially to connect the exterior and a recessed portion, ensuring proper sealing and reducing the size of the reducer while maintaining lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used between the reducer output shaft and casing, then the structure is simple, but lubricant leakage occurs and servo motors are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into two separate sealing members: a first sealing member that seals between the output shaft and the casing inner wall, and a second sealing member that seals between the reducer output shaft end surface and the casing end surface. This segmentation allows each sealing member to focus on a specific sealing task, improving overall sealing effectiveness while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A lubricant agent supply hole is introduced as an intermediary element to supply lubricant to the recessed portion and ensure proper lubrication of the output shaft. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated lubrication path that works in conjunction with the dual sealing members, preventing lubricant leakage without requiring overly complex sealing arrangements
2Volume of moving object
If the reducer size is reduced, then size efficiency improves, but sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing approach transitions from relying solely on radial sealing to incorporating axial sealing as well. The second sealing member seals in the axial direction between the output shaft end surface and casing end surface, while the first sealing member handles radial sealing. This multi-dimensional sealing strategy allows for more compact reducer design without compromising sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the sealing function into two separate sealing members with distinct responsibilities, the design allows for optimized space utilization. Each sealing member can be designed with appropriate dimensions for its specific function, enabling compact overall reducer size while maintaining effective sealing
3Ease of operation
If lubricant is supplied to the recessed portion, then lubrication is improved, but lubricant leakage may occur if sealing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant agent supply hole acts as a controlled intermediary pathway that delivers lubricant to the recessed portion.配合 the dual sealing members, it ensures lubricant is supplied where needed while preventing uncontrolled leakage, resolving the contradiction between effective lubrication and leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into two members that work together to contain lubricant. The first sealing member prevents lubricant from leaking along the output shaft, while the second sealing member prevents leakage at the end surface, allowing effective lubrication of the recessed portion without harmful lubricant leakage
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 ensures effective sealing of the lubricant agent, reduces the size of the reducer, and minimizes the risk of lubricant leakage affecting the servo motor, enhancing the robot's performance and size efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing member sealing a space between the hole and an outer peripheral surface of the output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a second sealing member sealing a space between the other end surface of the casing and an end surface of the reducer output shaft
Implementation Method 3
a lubricant agent supply hole provided in the casing and extending in a substantially radial direction or in a radial direction of the reducer output shaft, the lubricant agent supply hole connecting an exterior of the casing with the recessed portion
Data Source
AI summary
A robot including, a motor attached to one end surface of a casing of an arm, a reducer output shaft attached to the other end surface of the casing by bolts, a hole provided in the casing, and through which the output shaft of the motor is inserted, a first sealing member sealing a space between the hole and the output shaft, a second sealing member sealing a space between the other end surface and the end surface of the reducer output shaft, a recessed portion provided on a side of the other end surface of the casing and recessed in a direction along the central axial line of the reducer output shaft; and a lubricant agent supply hole provided in the casing and extending in a substantially radial direction or in a radial direction of the reducer output shaft, the lubricant agent supply hole communicating to the recessed portion.