Linear guide

Abstract

The invention discloses a linear guide (1) comprising: a first displacement element (2); a second displacement element (3) linearly movable in a linear direction (A) relative to the first displacement element (2); at least one first rolling element group (4a) arranged between the first displacement element (2) and the second displacement element (3) and comprising at least one rolling element (41) on which the first displacement element (2) and the second displacement element (3) can be moved relative to each other; and a cage (5) wherein the at least one rolling element (41) is provided in a retaining portion (52) overlapping the at least one rolling element (41) in the linear direction (A). In order to increase the accuracy and improve the response performance of the linear guide, the cage (5) comprises at least one uneven reinforcing structure (6) arranged in the holding portion (52) and comprising at least one recess (62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a linear guide, specifically, to a linear guide that uses a rolling element disposed between two displacement elements to cause the two displacement elements to move relative to each other along a linear direction. This linear guide can be a forced guide. Background Technology

[0002] For example, US Patent 5553946A discloses a linear guide comprising two displacement elements movable relative to each other in a linear direction. Between the two displacement elements, a plurality of rolling elements are arranged in the linear direction. The rolling elements are arranged in a cage. Furthermore, the cage includes a reinforcing structure designed as a thickened portion.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies can improve the stiffness of the cage, thereby improving the accuracy of the linear guide.

[0004] However, this reinforcement structure increases the weight of the cage, which in turn affects the cage's responsiveness.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a linear guide with high precision and fast response performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a linear guide having the features described in claim 1.

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides a linear guide comprising: a first displacement element; a second displacement element linearly movable relative to the first displacement element in a linear direction; at least one first rolling element group disposed between the first displacement element and the second displacement element, and including at least one rolling element thereon on which the first displacement element and the second displacement element are movable relative to each other; and a retainer wherein at least one rolling element is arranged in a retaining portion, the retaining portion overlapping the at least one rolling element in the linear direction.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the present invention is particularly distinctive in that the retainer includes at least one non-flat reinforcing structure, which is arranged at least partially in the retaining portion and includes at least one recess.

[0009] Therefore, the retainer is not designed as a flat plate of uniform thickness, but rather is not flat in at least certain regions of the retaining portion. This allows the retainer to be at least partially reinforced at the retaining portion compared to a flat plate shape. However, this non-flat reinforcement structure is not simply formed by thickening a continuous layer of material in the retaining portion. Instead, it includes recesses. Therefore, in a rectangular cross-section, perpendicular to the plane of relative motion along which the displacement element moves, it is not a solid profile. This means that reinforcement is achieved without excessively increasing weight. This contributes to a faster response of the linear guide when external loads induce linear motion.

[0010] Specifically, a non-flat reinforcing structure should be understood as a solid profile that is not a purely flat plate. Therefore, compared to a flat plate shape, this reinforcing structure can increase the geometric moment of inertia, thereby improving bending stiffness. Furthermore, the non-flat reinforcing structure can include a cross-sectional area larger than a plate-like reference cross-section, particularly in a cross-section perpendicular to the linear direction, wherein the thickness of the plate-like reference cross-section is the minimum wall thickness, preferably the maximum wall thickness, of the reinforcing structure, and its width is the width of the reinforcing structure extending parallel to the plane of relative motion. Therefore, this structure can improve both tensile stiffness and compressive stiffness (axial stiffness).

[0011] On the other hand, a recess can refer to a structure whose cross-section, especially the cross-section perpendicular to the linear direction, has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of a plate-like reference cross-section, wherein the thickness of the plate-like reference cross-section is the maximum dimension of the reinforcing structure in the direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion, and its width is the extension width of that maximum dimension in the direction parallel to the plane of relative motion (especially in the direction parallel to the plane of relative motion and perpendicular to the linear direction).

[0012] In addition, a recess can refer to a structure in which the maximum dimension of the reinforcing structure in the direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the reinforcing structure.

[0013] Specifically, the recess can be formed by a depression and / or a notch and / or a hole.

[0014] Specifically, the recess can be provided in a specific direction, especially in a direction parallel to the plane of relative motion, and more specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction and / or perpendicular to the plane of relative motion, between the materials of the reinforcing structure.

[0015] In particular, the recess in this article does not refer to a recess that functions to accommodate an element, such as a recess for holding a rolling element or a forced guiding element.

[0016] Specifically, the recess may contact or intersect with a plane of relative motion passing through the center point of the rolling element. Alternatively, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion, the recess may be positioned between the plane of relative motion and the apex of a protrusion and / or a relief, wherein the protrusion and / or a relief is configured to form a non-flat reinforcing structure.

[0017] The relative motion plane refers to the plane along which the first displacement element and the second displacement element can move relative to each other. The relative motion plane includes a linear direction. The relative motion plane is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first and second displacement elements, particularly perpendicular to the reference plane of the displacement elements, in which the two displacement elements are arranged opposite each other. The relative motion plane can also be a plane corresponding to the extension planes of a plurality of rolling elements. In other words, the relative motion plane of the extension planes can correspond to a plurality of receiving holes for receiving at least one rolling element, i.e., a plane perpendicular to the through direction of at least one receiving hole (for receiving at least one rolling element). The relative motion plane may pass through the center point of at least one rolling element and / or the receiving hole.

[0018] Preferably, the reinforcing structure has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

[0019] Therefore, the reinforcing structure can be easily molded. Thus, there is no need to thicken any material of the cage.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the reinforcing structure may at least partially include at least one recess and / or at least one notch.

[0021] Therefore, recesses can be provided on the surface of the cage. This helps to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0022] Preferably, at least one recess and / or at least one notch are provided on the side of the retainer facing the first displacement element and the side facing the second displacement element, preferably on both sides of the relative motion plane.

[0023] This reliably reduces the weight of the cage. At the same time, it can create a certain degree of symmetry, especially point symmetry.

[0024] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure may at least partially include at least one protrusion and / or at least one bulge.

[0025] This reliably increases the geometric moment of inertia. This implementation also helps to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0026] Preferably, at least one protrusion and / or at least one protrusion is provided on the side of the retainer facing the first displacement element and the side facing the second displacement element, preferably on both sides of the relative motion plane.

[0027] This can increase the geometric moment of inertia on both sides and create a certain degree of symmetry, especially point symmetry.

[0028] In addition, at least one recess and / or at least one notch may be provided on the side of the retainer facing the first displacement element, and at least one protrusion and / or at least one bulge may be provided on the side of the retainer facing the second displacement element.

[0029] This allows the recesses and / or notches, as well as the protrusions and / or protrusions, to be located on different sides of the cage, making it easier to manufacture. Specifically, it can be produced through a molding process. In particular, locating them on different sides allows the reinforcing structure to have a substantially uniform wall thickness.

[0030] Multiple protrusions / raises and / or multiple recesses / notches can preferably be spaced apart from each other in a regular manner in a specific direction. This specific direction can be parallel to the plane of relative motion, and in particular perpendicular to the linear direction. Specifically, this can be achieved on one side of the cage. Furthermore, according to the definition of the plane of relative motion, the direction parallel to the plane of relative motion can be the width direction of the cage, which is perpendicular to the arrangement direction / through direction and the linear direction.

[0031] Preferably, the protrusion / bulge is formed at least partially, preferably completely, overlapping the recess / notch in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction, preferably perpendicular to the plane of relative motion.

[0032] Therefore, by simultaneously forming protrusions and recesses, or bulges and notches, reinforcing structures can be manufactured with particularly high efficiency. In other words, the cage can be designed such that the protrusions / bulges are formed by forming recesses / notches. Specifically, the protrusions / bulges can be located on the side facing the first displacement element, and the recesses / notches can be located on the side facing the second displacement element. Here, the cage can also have a substantially uniform wall thickness. The direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion can be an arrangement direction / through direction.

[0033] In other words, in a direction parallel to the plane of relative motion (the width direction of the cage), the recess / notch on one side and the protrusion / bulge on the other side can be set in the same position.

[0034] Specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion, the apex of the protrusion and / or the raised portion on one side of the cage can overlap with the apex of the recess and / or the notch on the other side.

[0035] According to another aspect, the reinforcing structure may include a profile extruded along the main extension direction.

[0036] Therefore, the reinforcing structure can have a preferred orientation. In other words, the reinforcing structure can be anisotropic.

[0037] Preferably, the main extension direction extends parallel to the linear direction.

[0038] Specifically, the rolling element can be used to introduce loads parallel to the plane of relative motion, wherein the reinforcing structure extruded along a linear direction can improve the axial stiffness of the cage. It can also improve the bending stiffness.

[0039] According to another aspect, the reinforcing structure may be at least partially wavy.

[0040] Therefore, at least one convex and concave portion can be formed continuously. This helps simplify manufacturing. Multiple crests and / or troughs are preferably spaced regularly. Specifically, the wave shape is rounded on at least one side of the cage, preferably on both sides, i.e., it does not contain any sharp edges. This reduces stress concentration.

[0041] The wavy shape also facilitates the flow of lubricant in the rolling elements.

[0042] Alternatively, the reinforcing structure may at least partially be serrated.

[0043] This can also create serrated "peaks" and "valleys," thereby increasing stiffness. This shape is easy to form. The serrations may include sharp edges on at least one side of the cage. Furthermore, the serrations also facilitate lubricant flow.

[0044] According to another aspect, the linear guide may include a second rolling element group parallel to the first rolling element group in a linear direction, the first and second rolling element groups being arranged in a cage, specifically, the cage being generally U-shaped when viewed in the linear direction.

[0045] Therefore, a shared, integral cage can be provided for both rolling element groups. With this structure, the cage can be relatively large. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to increase stiffness while maintaining low weight. Furthermore, both rolling element groups can achieve high precision.

[0046] The rolling element group may be located on opposite sides of the first displacement element, and in particular, overlap in a direction perpendicular to the plane of relative motion.

[0047] Preferably, the reinforcing structure is located at least between the first rolling element group and the second rolling element group, particularly in at least one of the two legs of the U-shape.

[0048] This means that not only the retaining portion can be reinforced, but the area between the rolling element groups can also be reinforced. This further improves accuracy. In particular, high shape fidelity of the U-shape can be achieved.

[0049] According to another aspect, the reinforcing structure can be formed at least in part by a molding process, particularly bending and / or deep pressing.

[0050] This allows the reinforcing structure to be achieved through a molding process. Therefore, the reinforcing structure can be produced in a cost-effective manner.

[0051] According to another aspect, the cage may comprise metal, particularly steel, and is preferably made of steel.

[0052] This allows for high material stiffness in addition to reinforcement through geometry. Furthermore, the reinforcing structure can be designed in a cost-effective manner. The steel can be stainless steel; however, other types of steel are also conceivable.

[0053] According to another aspect, the reinforcing structure can be integral.

[0054] This reduces the number of parts. Specifically, the reinforcing structure can be integrated with the entire cage.

[0055] According to another aspect, the first displacement element and / or the second displacement element may include a groove, in which at least a first rolling element group is disposed.

[0056] This enables precise guidance of the rolling element. Furthermore, the cage can be positioned relatively close to the displacement element, which requires high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0057] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 The cross-section of the linear guide is shown; Figure 2 A perspective side view of the linear guide is shown, wherein the displacement element is omitted for better illustration; Figure 3A A cross-section of the cage profile is shown. Figure 3B A cross-section of another cage profile is shown; Figure 4 A side view of another variant of the cage portion is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A cross-section of a linear guide 1 perpendicular to the linear direction A is shown. The linear guide 1 includes a first displacement element 2 and a second displacement element 3, which are movable relative to each other along the linear direction A.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the first displacement element 2 may have a generally rectangular shape with a generally rectangular cross-section. This rectangular cross-section extends along the linear direction A.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the second displacement element 3 may have a generally U-shaped cross-section, which also extends along a linear direction A. Therefore, the second displacement element 3 may surround the first displacement element 2. The second displacement element 3 has a bottom segment 3a and two legs 3b and 3c, which extend at the two lateral ends of the bottom segment 3a at approximately right angles to the bottom segment 3a.

[0061] In the first displacement element 2, a V-shaped groove 21 extending along the linear direction A is formed on the opposite side, i.e., on the side facing the legs 3b and 3c. The groove 21 is recessed from a flat reference surface. The legs 3b and 3c of the second displacement element 3 face the first displacement element 2 in the width direction B. The width direction B is a direction extending perpendicular to the relative motion plane, wherein the first and second displacement elements can move relative to each other parallel to this relative motion plane. In other words, the width direction B is the direction in which displacement elements 2 and 3 are arranged opposite each other and overlap with the rolling element described later. The height direction C is perpendicular to the linear direction A and the width direction B.

[0062] The second displacement element 3 includes a corresponding V-shaped groove 31, wherein a groove 31 is provided on the side of each of the legs 3b and 3c facing the first displacement element 2, specifically, it is configured to be mirror-symmetrical with the groove 21. Each groove 31 is formed by recessing from a flat reference surface.

[0063] The grooves 21 and 31 are at the same height in the height direction C and overlap each other in the width direction B.

[0064] Between the first displacement element 2 and the second displacement element 3, a first rolling element group 4a and a second rolling element group 4b are provided along the width direction B.

[0065] The first rolling element group 4a is disposed in the groove 21 and the corresponding groove 31 facing the support leg 3b. The second rolling element group 4b is disposed in the groove 21 and the corresponding groove 31 facing the support leg 3c. Figure 2As shown, each group of rolling elements 4a and 4b includes a plurality of rolling elements 41, in particular the same number, which are preferably spaced apart from each other in a regular manner along the linear direction A. The rolling elements 41 are arranged between the displacement elements 2 and 3, particularly between the reference planes, along the arrangement direction (width direction B) in which the displacement elements 2 and 3 are arranged opposite each other.

[0066] As shown in the figure, the rolling element 41 can be designed as a cylindrical roller. In this embodiment, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 The axes of the cylindrical rollers rotate alternately by 90°. Each axis is tilted at 45° in a different direction relative to the plane of relative motion.

[0067] The first rolling element group 4a and the second rolling element group 4b are arranged in a common cage 5.

[0068] The cage 5 includes receiving holes 51 corresponding to the rolling elements 41, these receiving holes being preferably spaced regularly along a linear direction, and each receiving hole accommodating one rolling element 41. The receiving holes 51 and the rolling elements define an extending plane parallel to the height direction C and the linear direction A. This extending plane constitutes the relative motion plane. The receiving holes 51 penetrate the cage in the arrangement direction. In other words, the arrangement direction is parallel to the penetration direction and perpendicular to the relative motion plane.

[0069] The retainer 5 has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Figure 1 The retainer 5 includes a bottom section 5a and two legs 5b and 5c, which extend at approximately right angles to the two lateral ends of the bottom section 5a, wherein the transitions on both sides are rounded.

[0070] The bottom segment 5a is arranged approximately parallel to the bottom segment 3a of the second displacement element 3. It is positioned in the height direction C between the bottom segment 3a of the second displacement element 3 and the lower side of the first displacement element 2.

[0071] The legs 5b and 5c are respectively arranged in the width direction B between the corresponding legs 3b and 3c of the second displacement element 3 and the corresponding sides of the first displacement element 2 facing the legs. In other words, the retainer 5 can be located in the intermediate space between the first displacement element and the second displacement element. The retainer 5 is located outside the grooves 21 and 31.

[0072] The retainer 5 includes a retaining portion 52 within each of the legs 5b and 5c. The retaining portion 52 is a region that overlaps with the rolling element 41 along a linear direction.

[0073] The retainer 5 may be symmetrical with respect to a plane that extends through the middle of the bottom segment 5a and is parallel to the plane of relative motion.

[0074] Furthermore, the retainer 5 includes a non-flat reinforcing structure 6, which is at least partially located within the retaining portion 52. Specifically, as follows... Figure 3A As shown, the non-flat reinforced structure 6 here is wavy.

[0075] The non-flat reinforcing structure 6 is formed at least in the retaining portion 52, and particularly constitutes this portion. However, as shown, the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 may also extend across the entire legs 5b and 5c of the retainer 5. Even if not shown, the reinforcing structure 6 may extend across the entire retainer 5, i.e., also across the bottom section 5a. Therefore, the reinforcing structure 6 may also be provided between the rolling element groups 4a and 4b.

[0076] The non-flat reinforcing structure 6 can also be formed as a profile extending along a main extension direction, which in this embodiment is a linear direction A. It preferably extends across the entire extension of the retainer 5 in the linear direction, or at least across half of the entire extension of the retainer 5, preferably 80%.

[0077] In cross-section, the profile can be as follows Figure 3A As shown, the reinforcement structure 6 may include at least one protrusion 61, preferably multiple protrusions. The at least one protrusion 61 may be located within the retaining portion 52. As shown, the at least one protrusion 61 may be formed as a crest.

[0078] Furthermore, the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 includes at least one recess, preferably multiple recesses. As shown, the at least one recess can be formed by a depression 62, particularly a trough. Recesses also exist between adjacent peaks on the same side (e.g., the side facing the first displacement element) along the height direction C.

[0079] In this specification, if no distinction is made between convex portions, they are generally indicated by reference numeral 61; if no distinction is made between concave portions, they are generally indicated by reference numeral 62.

[0080] In this document, at least one recess and at least one protrusion 61 may be provided in the retaining portion 52, preferably multiple, for example, two or three. However, the non-flat reinforcing structure 6, i.e., the protrusion and the recess, may be connected to the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 in the retaining portion 52, especially continuously connected.

[0081] like Figure 3AAs shown, in the wavy profile, the convex and concave portions continuously engage. This change occurs at the relative motion plane 63. Therefore, the concave portion contacts the relative motion plane. In the width direction B, the concave portion (recess 62) is located between the relative motion plane 63 and the vertex of the convex portion 61. According to the above embodiment, the relative motion plane 63 can be defined, for example, passing through the center point of the rolling element 41 and / or the receiving hole 51.

[0082] It should be noted that, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The outline and Figure 1 It has been rotated 90°.

[0083] On both sides of the cage 5, namely the side facing the first displacement element 2 and the side facing the second displacement element 3, the protrusion 61 and the recess 62 are alternately arranged along the height direction C (the width direction of the cage 5) on one side (the side facing the first displacement element and the side facing the second displacement element). The protrusion 61 and the recess 62 overlap each other in the height direction C.

[0084] To distinguish the two sides of the cage, in Figure 3A In the diagram, one side is indicated by the subscript "A", and the other side is indicated by the subscript "B".

[0085] In the width direction B (the thickness direction of the retainer 5), the protrusions 61A and 62B overlap each other, as indicated by arrow OB. Specifically, this overlap is complete, resulting in a substantially uniform wall thickness. Specifically, the corresponding vertices overlap. The protrusions 61A and 61B are spaced apart or staggered in the height direction C (but do not overlap in the width direction B). The convexities 62A and 62B are spaced apart or staggered in the height direction C (but do not overlap in the width direction B). Reference Figure 3A It should be noted again that, in the direction parallel to the plane of motion (height direction C, perpendicular to the arrangement direction), the protrusion 61A on one side and the recess 62B on the other side are positioned substantially at the same location in the cross-section. Similarly, in the direction parallel to the plane of motion (height direction C), the protrusion 61B on the other side and the recess 62A on one side are positioned substantially at the same location.

[0086] As described above, the protrusion 61A on one side and the recess 62B on the other side overlap in the height direction C (the width direction of the cage), as shown by arrow OC. In other words, viewed from the height direction C, the protrusion 61A on one side surrounds the recess 62B on the other side.

[0087] Furthermore, each of the plurality of protrusions 61A / 61B provided on one side overlaps in the height direction. Specifically, when projected along the height direction C, their vertices coincide. Similarly, the plurality of recesses 62A / 62B provided on one side overlap in the height direction C. Specifically, when projected along the height direction C, their vertices coincide.

[0088] The protrusion 61A on one side and the recess 62B on the other side, as well as the protrusion 61B and the recess 62A, can be formed by a molding process, such as bending or deep pressing. This also applies to protrusions and notches.

[0089] The relative motion plane passing through the center point of the rolling element 41 is denoted by 63. A protrusion 61 and a recess 62 are formed on both sides of the relative motion plane 63. Specifically, a protrusion 61A is provided on one side of the relative motion plane 63, and a protrusion 61B is provided on the other side. A recess 62A is provided on the other side of the relative motion plane 63, while a recess 62B is provided on one side.

[0090] In other words, on one side of the retainer 5, the protrusion 61A engages with the recess 62A at the relative motion plane 63, and vice versa (inflection point). This also applies to both protrusions and recesses.

[0091] As shown in the figure, the vertices of the protrusions 61 and concave portions 62 can be evenly spaced along the height direction C (the width direction of the cage 5). Furthermore, the distance between each vertex and the relative motion plane 63 can be the same.

[0092] The distance between the vertex of the protrusion 61 and the relative motion plane 63 is preferably at least half the maximum width of the protrusion 61 (in the cage width direction). Preferably, the height of the protrusion 61 (the distance between the vertices) corresponds at least to the maximum width. This height may also be at least one-quarter of the width of the retaining portion 52 (in the cage width direction), preferably at least half.

[0093] Compared to the distance to the protrusion 61, the distance between the recess 62 (its apex) and the relative motion plane reduces the wall thickness of the reinforcing structure by one unit. The distance between the apex of the recess 62 and the relative motion plane 63 is preferably at least half the maximum width of the recess 62 (in the cage width direction). The distance between the recess 62 and the relative motion plane can be at least half the distance between the protrusion and the relative motion plane, preferably at least 80%.

[0094] In this document, at least one protrusion 61 may be provided on both sides of the relative motion plane 63, particularly in the retaining portion 52. The same applies to the recess 62, which may also be provided on both sides of the relative motion plane.

[0095] As shown in the figure, the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 can have a substantially uniform wall thickness. A uniform wall thickness can be ensured by providing a protrusion 61A on one side of the retainer and a recess 62B on the other side.

[0096] The non-flat reinforcing structure 6 is disposed between at least two receiving holes 51, preferably between all receiving holes 51. It may extend along linear direction A to the edge of the receiving hole 51 (i.e., the edge perpendicular to said linear direction A), or terminate at a short distance from the receiving hole 51, for example, one-third, preferably one-quarter, of the dimension of the receiving hole 51 in said linear direction. It may also extend across at least half, preferably 75%, of the length of the intermediate space between adjacent receiving holes 51 in said linear direction A.

[0097] The non-flat reinforcing structure can form the entire edge of the receiving hole 51. Therefore, the edge extending along the linear direction A can also be formed by a non-flat reinforcing structure 6.

[0098] The functions and effects of the present invention will now be described.

[0099] When an external load is applied, the first displacement element 2 and the second displacement element can move axially, i.e., in the linear direction A. The rolling element 41 can roll within the grooves 21 and 31. The cage 5 supports the rolling element 41.

[0100] The protrusion 61 of the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 strengthens the cage 5. This prevents excessive deformation of the cage 5 and ensures high precision of the linear guide.

[0101] In particular, compared to the rectangular reference cross-section, this strengthening effect is enhanced based on the increase in geometric moment of inertia and / or cross-sectional area. As shown in the figure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the entire retaining portion 52 is increased compared to the rectangular reference cross-section, wherein the wall thickness (thickness, in the width direction B) of the comparison cross-section on the retaining portion 52 (along the width direction of the retainer, which is the height direction C in this embodiment) is the same as the wall thickness of the non-flat reinforcing structure 6.

[0102] However, the inclusion of the recess 62 in the reinforcing structure prevents excessive weight increase. As shown, the recess allows the cross-sectional area in the retaining portion 52 to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the solid rectangular reference cross-section, which includes the width of the retaining portion 52 (or the width between two adjacent vertices on either side of the retainer) in the width direction (height direction C) of the retainer 5, and whose thickness (width direction B) is the maximum dimension of the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 in the direction perpendicular to the relative motion plane 63. The maximum dimension perpendicular to the relative motion plane is defined by the distance between the corresponding vertices on either side of the retainer 5 / relative motion plane 63.

[0103] The non-flat reinforcing structure 6 is formed such that the protrusion 61 and the concave portion 62 overlap in the direction perpendicular to the relative motion plane 63, i.e., the arrangement direction. Therefore, by simultaneously forming the concave portion 62, the protrusion 61 can be formed particularly easily. At the same time, a uniform wall thickness can be provided.

[0104] The wavy shape can be a sine curve. This makes it easier to manufacture.

[0105] The sides of the protrusion 61 and / or recess 62 may form an angle of at least 60°, preferably 80°, and more preferably 90° with the plane of relative motion (at the intersection with the plane of relative motion). This makes it particularly easy to increase the geometric moment of inertia. It also provides a larger area for connecting the rolling element 41.

[0106] The non-flat reinforcing structure 6 may be symmetrical with respect to the central plane of the retaining portion 52, wherein the central plane is perpendicular to the relative motion plane 63 and passes through the center point of the rolling element 41 and / or the receiving hole 51. For example, the central plane may be divided into a convex or concave portion at the center. Thus, uniform deformation can be achieved.

[0107] The reinforcing structure 6 is advantageously manufactured by bending. This simplifies the production process.

[0108] As shown in the figure, the reinforcing structure 6, preferably the entire cage 5, can be a single piece. This means that production can be further simplified.

[0109] The reinforcing structure 6, preferably the entire retainer 5, can be made of stainless steel.

[0110] The reinforcing structure 6, preferably the entire cage, can be designed as a sheet metal part.

[0111] Its wall thickness is at most 1 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.1 mm.

[0112] Now, its variant implementation methods will be described. Figure 3B The image shows a serrated profile rather than a wavy profile. Figure 3A In this embodiment, the protrusion 61 and the recess 62 are circular, while the protrusion 161 and the recess 162 may be formed with edges (sharp parts). Other embodiments correspond to... Figure 3A The implementation method is shown. A plane of relative motion 63 is also shown.

[0113] Furthermore, the recess need not be formed by a depression. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, at least in the retaining portion, along the width direction of the retainer 5 ( Figure 1In the height direction C), multiple protrusions 261 and notches 262 can be provided in the plate of the support leg 5c with the receiving hole 51. The notches 262 can overlap with the protrusions 261 in the thickness direction (perpendicular to the drawing plane), that is, in the arrangement direction / through direction. A portion of the protrusions 261 are formed on one side of the cage 5, for example, the side facing the first displacement element, and another portion of the protrusions 261 are formed on the other side.

[0114] Here, a substantially uniform wall thickness can also be provided by forming a protrusion on one side and a notch on the other. This can be achieved through a molding process in which the protrusion is formed simultaneously with the notch.

[0115] As shown in the figure, an alternative to the integral cage formed by connecting the two legs 5b and 5c via the bottom segment 5a is to provide two independent cages. These cages can be respectively positioned between the legs 3b and 3c of the second displacement element and the first displacement element 2. Furthermore, these cages can each include the aforementioned non-flat reinforcement structure.

[0116] Furthermore, the above embodiments are not limited to the U-shaped shape of the cage 5 and / or the second displacement element 3. For example, a cage that extends generally parallel to the plane of relative motion can be provided.

[0117] The rolling element group can also be basically arranged on a plane.

[0118] Alternatively, you can set up only one group of scrolling elements.

[0119] In summary, the reinforcing structure 6 includes a main extension direction (linear direction) along which it is extruded. However, as Figure 4 As shown, the non-flat reinforcing structure 6 can also be arranged two-dimensionally along the relative motion plane. Multiple protrusions and recesses, i.e., the protrusions and recesses, can be isotropic relative to the relative motion plane.

[0120] The cage can be forcibly guided. For this purpose, a forcibly guiding element, such as a gear, can be connected to the cage.

[0121] As an alternative to the cylindrical roller, balls with their axes aligned parallel to the plane of relative motion can be used as rolling elements.

Claims

1. Linear guide (1), comprising: - a first displacement element (2); - a second displacement element (3) linearly movable in a linear direction (A) relative to the first displacement element (2); - at least one first rolling element group (4a) arranged between the first displacement element (2) and the second displacement element (3) and comprising at least one rolling element (41), wherein the first displacement element (2) and the second displacement element (3) are relatively movable on the rolling element group; - a cage (5) in which at least one rolling element (41) is arranged in a holding portion (52) of the cage (5) which overlaps the at least one rolling element (41) in the linear direction (A); characterized in that: - the cage (5) comprises at least one non-planar reinforcing structure (6) which is at least partially arranged in the holding portion (52) and comprises at least one recess (62).

2. Linear guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the reinforcing structure (6) has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

3. Linear guide (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the reinforcing structure (6) at least partially comprises at least one recess (62, 162) and / or at least one concave indentation; - preferably, at least one recess (62, 162) and / or concave indentation is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the first displacement element (2) and on a side of the cage (5) facing the second displacement element (3).

4. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the reinforcing structure (6) at least partially comprises at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity; - preferably, at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the first displacement element (2) and on a side of the cage (5) facing the second displacement element (3).

5. Linear guide (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the reinforcing structure (6) at least partially comprises at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity; preferably, at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the first displacement element (2) and on a side of the cage (5) facing the second displacement element (3); and - at least one recess (62) and / or at least one concave indentation is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the first displacement element (2) and at least one protrusion (61) and / or at least one convexity is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the second displacement element (3), such that the reinforcing structure has a substantially uniform wall thickness.

6. Linear guide (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the reinforcing structure (6) at least partially comprises at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity; preferably, at least one protrusion (61, 161) and / or convexity is provided on a side of the cage (5) facing the first displacement element (2) and on a side of the cage (5) facing the second displacement element (3); and The protrusions (61, 161) and / or elevations are formed in a direction perpendicular to the linear direction (A), preferably at least partially perpendicular to the plane of relative movement (63), in particular completely overlapping the recesses (62, 162) and / or recessed notches, in particular the apex of the protrusions (61, 161) and / or elevations formed on one side of the cage (5) overlapping the apex of the recesses (62, 162) and / or recessed notches on the other side of the cage (5) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of relative movement (63).

7. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The reinforcing structure (6) comprises a profile extruded in a main extension direction (A), wherein the main extension direction extends along the linear direction (A).

8. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The reinforcing structure (6) is at least partially wave-shaped.

9. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The reinforcing structure (6) is zigzag-shaped.

10. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The linear guide (1) comprises a second group of rolling elements (4b) parallel to the first group of rolling elements (4a) along the linear direction (A); The first group of rolling elements (4a) and the second group of rolling elements (4b) are arranged in the cage (5), in particular the cage (5) is substantially U-shaped as seen in the linear direction (A).

11. Linear guide (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The reinforcing structure (6) is arranged at least between the first group of rolling elements (4a) and the second group of rolling elements (4b), in particular in at least one of the two legs (5b, 5c) of the U.

12. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The reinforcing structure (6) is at least partially formed by a forming process, in particular by bending and / or deep-drawing.

13. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The cage (5) comprises metal, in particular steel, and is preferably made of steel.

14. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The reinforcing structure (6) is a monolithic structure.

15. Linear guide (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The first displacement element (2) and / or the second displacement element (3) comprise a recess (21, 31), wherein at least the first group of rolling elements (4a) is arranged in the recess.

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