| 摘要 |
A linear motion bearing assembly is provided (98) and includes rolling element retainer structure (100), outer housing sleeves (106, 108), a plurality of load bearing plates (102) and plate retainer structure (110). The rolling element retainer structure of the bearing assembly can be either monolithically formed or, alternatively, assembled from multiple elements. At least a portion of axial tracks (118) are formed in the outer radial faces of the rolling element retainer structure with each track having a load bearing portion (120) providing access to a support shaft (112), rail or spline. An outer housing including a pair of sleeves are provided to encompass and protect the rolling element retainer structure and the rolling elements (114) contained therein. One or more of these components is preferably formed of an engineering plastic or ceramic. A plurality of non-metallic load bearing plates, preferably of the self-aligning type, are positioned within the outer housing and serve to receive and transmit loads from the rolling elements in the load bearing portion of the tracks. Non-metallic plate retainer structure is configured and positioned to directly receive and transmit loads from the load bearing plates to a carriage (not shown) into which the bearing assembly (98) is mounted. Alternatively, the load bearing plates and the plate retainer structure may be monolithically formed. The plate retainer structure may also be extended longitudinally to substantially enclose the exterior surface of the rolling element retainer structure. In this configuration, no separate outer housing structure is needed.
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