Patent ID: 7303335
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A linear-motion device comprising: a slider provided onto a guide rail relatively movably; and a plurality of rolling elements for causing the slider to move relatively in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail; whereby the slider comprising a slider block having rolling-element rolling grooves that oppose to rolling-element rolling grooves formed on the guide rail, and end caps that close both-end openings of the rolling-element rolling paths formed between the rolling-element rolling grooves on the slider block and the rolling-element rolling grooves on the guide rail, and rolling-element return paths for returning the rolling elements, which have rolled in the rolling-element rolling paths, are formed on the slider block, wherein the rolling-element return paths comprise a groove portion formed on a substantially planar portion of a top surface or an outer side surface of the slider block along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and which splits the top surface or outer side surface into two portions on opposite sides of the groove portion, and a cover member for covering the groove portion, wherein the groove portion has a curved portion for accommodating a portion of each of the plurality of rolling elements, wherein a guide plate is provided in a center portion of the groove portion in such a manner that at least two rolling-element return paths are formed in the groove portion.