Linear ball bearing for precision instrument - has tracks formed by wires embedded in grooves in supporting rails

摘要

The linear ball bearing has two rails (1) each having a longitudinal recess (1a), the recess of the one rail confronting the recess of the other rail. Balls (5) contained in the recesses support the one rail for movement relative to the other. In at least one of the recesses the balls are supported on a pair of wires (2). The wires are supported in respective spaced apart grooves (1b) provided in the recess. the wires are of circular cross-section and a portion of the wire periphery projects from the groove to form a track at which the balls can find point contact support.