초록 ▼

A spacer for a linear motion apparatus is to be interposed alternately between balls arranged in an endless circulation passage of the linear motion apparatus. The spacer has a body portion comprising spherical retaining surface portions formed for supporting the balls on both end portions thereof i

A spacer for a linear motion apparatus is to be interposed alternately between balls arranged in an endless circulation passage of the linear motion apparatus. The spacer has a body portion comprising spherical retaining surface portions formed for supporting the balls on both end portions thereof in an advancing direction of the spacer when moving in the endless circulation passage and a circumferential surface portion constituting an outer peripheral portion of the spherical retaining surface portions. The spherical retaining surface portion has a radius of curvature smaller than a diameter of the ball and the circumferential surface portion is provided with a groove extending in the circumferential direction thereof so that one of the spherical retaining surface portions is elastically deformable towards another one thereof. The spacer is preferably applicable to various kinds of linear motion apparatus. Further, rollers as rolling members may be utilized in place of the balls.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A spacer for a linear motion apparatus which is to be interposed between balls arranged in an endless circulation passage of the linear motion apparatus, said spacer having a body portion comprising spherical retaining surface portions formed for supporting the balls on both end portions thereof

1. A spacer for a linear motion apparatus which is to be interposed between balls arranged in an endless circulation passage of the linear motion apparatus, said spacer having a body portion comprising spherical retaining surface portions formed for supporting the balls on both end portions thereof in an advancing direction of the spacer when moving in the endless circulation passage and a circumferential surface portion constituting an outer peripheral portion of the spherical retaining surface portions, wherein said spherical retaining surface portion has a radius of curvature smaller than a diameter of the ball and said circumferential surface portion is provided with a groove extending in the circumferential direction thereof so that one of the spherical retaining surface portions is elastically deformable towards another one thereof in the advancing direction.