Patent ID: 8511897

Claim:
A linear motion transmission apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft provided on its outer surface with a rolling groove; a slide block slidably mounted on the elongated shaft and formed with a rolling groove for cooperating with the rolling groove of the elongated shaft to form a load path, both ends of the load path are connected to both ends of a return path to form an endless circulation path; a plurality of rolling elements movably received in the endless circulation path to enable the slide block to slide along the elongated shaft; and a chain received in the endless circulation path and comprising two flexible links and a plurality of spacers, the spacers being equidistantly spaced apart and connected by the two flexible links, each two neighboring spacers defining a holding space for holding the rolling elements, the chain being characterized in that each of the spacers includes two arcuate retaining portions which are arranged in a staggered manner and a connecting portion connected between the retaining portions, the connecting portion is sheet shaped and flexible to provide flexibility between the arcuate retaining portions, the connecting portion is thinner than the two arcuate retaining portions.