Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.

Koji Kanoh

Toshiaki Geka

A retainer for use in a linear motion rolling-contact bearing is provided. In a linear motion rolling-contact bearing, there is provided an endless passage including a load passage section, a return passage sections and a pair of connection passage sections connecting the corresponding ends of the load and return passage sections. The rolling members, balls or rollers, are provided in the endless passage and they move endlessly so as to provide a relative motion between a rail and a slider assembly. The return and connection passage sections are defined in the slider assembly, but the load passage section is defined between the rail and the slider assembly so that there is normally provided a retainer for retaining the rolling members in position when they pass through the load passage section. The retainer of the present invention basically includes a flat base portion formed with an elongated slot having a width larger than the maximum size of each of the rolling members used and a central retaining portion formed integrally with the flat base portion and having a generally U shape.

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Mino, Japan

Koji Kanoh