Patent ID: 6533458
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A linear motion guide unit with a separator coupler, comprising a track rail, a slider movable with respect to the track rail and including therein a recirculating passage composed of a linear passage and a curvilinear passage connected to each other, the recirculating passage having incorporated with rolling elements, separators each interposed between any two adjoining rolling elements, and a coupler member connecting the separators to one another, the separator being made even in thickness at a zone over which a sliding contact point thereof with the associated rolling element changes place when the separator moves through the curvilinear passage, the coupler member being made in the form of a strip kept substantially constant in cross section throughout the overall length to bend uniformly with a fixed radius of curvature when moving in the curvilinear passage, and wherein the coupler member in the curvilinear passage travels along a desired curve having a radius of curvature, which is less than a radius of curvature of a locus of center of the rolling element, but larger than a radius of curvature of a locus of the sliding contact point of the separator with the associated rolling element, which will change place when the separator moves through the curvilinear passage.