Dust preventing structure of guide unit

Abstract

This invention relates to a dust preventing structure of a guide unit comprising a track shaft and a sliding member engaging the track shaft via a plurality of rolling bodies such that it is capable of reciprocating in a length direction thereof. Elastic members in firm contact with the track shaft are overlaid in the length direction of the track shaft. A lubricant pocket forming member having a concave groove portion for forming a lubricant pocket constituted of the elastic members and filled with lubricant by a help of the surface of the track shaft as well is provided so as to achieve a smooth reciprocating motion of the sliding member with respect to the track shaft with less sliding friction. Particularly, under even a severe use condition in which use of coolant is required or dust, dirt, wooden pieces, cutting powder or the like falls on the guide unit, a smooth reciprocating motion of the sliding member with respect to the track shaft can be maintained in a long period.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit comprising a track shaft and a sliding member engaging said track shaft via a plurality of rolling bodies so that it is capable of reciprocating in a length direction thereof, wherein elastic members in firm contact with said track shaft are overlaid in the length direction of said track shaft.  
     
     
         2 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 1  wherein the elastic members hold lubricant.  
     
     
         3 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the elastic members are located at an end in a relative moving direction to the track shaft of said sliding member.  
     
     
         4 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit comprising a track shaft and a sliding member engaging said track shaft via a plurality of rolling bodies so that it is capable of reciprocating in a length direction thereof, said dust preventing structure further comprising a lubricant pocket forming member having a concave groove portion made of elastic material for forming a lubricant pocket filled with lubricant together with the surface of said track shaft.  
     
     
         5 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 4  wherein the lubricant pocket forming member has a lubricant supplying portion which is in firm contact with said track shaft holding lubricant for supplying lubricant to the surface of said track shaft upon use.  
     
     
         6 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 4  wherein the lubricant pocket forming member comprises a plurality of elastic members soaked with lubricant and constituting a lubricant supplying portion and a spacer member made of stiff material, interposed between the elastic members and forming a concave groove portion together with the elastic members.  
     
     
         7 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 5  wherein the lubricant pocket forming member comprises a plurality of elastic members soaked with lubricant and constituting a lubricant supplying portion and a spacer member made of stiff material, interposed between the elastic members and forming a concave groove portion together with the elastic members.  
     
     
         8 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 4  wherein lubricant to be loaded in the lubricant pocket is any one of grease, solid lubricant, gelatinous wax and solid wax for forming a lubricant film having an excellent anti-coolant performance.  
     
     
         9 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 5  wherein lubricant to be loaded in the lubricant pocket is any one of grease, solid lubricant, gelatinous wax and solid wax for forming a lubricant film having an excellent anti-coolant performance.  
     
     
         10 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to  claim 6  wherein lubricant to be loaded in the lubricant pocket is any one of grease, solid lubricant, gelatinous wax and solid wax for forming a lubricant film having an excellent anti-coolant performance.  
     
     
         11 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to any of claims  4 - 10  wherein the elastic members and the spacer members are overlaid in the length direction of said track shaft.  
     
     
         12 . A dust preventing structure of a guide unit according to any of claims  4 - 10  wherein the lubricant pocket forming member is disposed at an end in a relative moving direction to said track shaft of the sliding member.