DE102007056858B4 - Two-piece return tube for a linear roller bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

Return tube (34) for the guide carriage (13) of a linear roller bearing (10), consisting of two identical half-shells (35) extending in a longitudinal direction (111), which together form a return channel (341) for the rolling elements (44) of the linear roller bearing (10 ) delimit, wherein the half-shells (35) rest against one another on joining surfaces (353) defining a joining plane (342) and locking means (351) are provided on the joining surfaces (353), which in counter-locking means (352) on the other half-shell (35) engage in such a way that a relative movement of the two half-shells (35) perpendicular to the joining plane (342) is prevented, characterized in that each locking means (351) is arranged symmetrically with respect to a mounting axis (343) for the associated counter-locking means (352), the mounting axis ( 343) lies in the joining plane (342) and is aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis (111).

Description

The invention relates to a return tube for the guide carriage of a linear roller bearing according to the preamble of claim 1, a corresponding guide carriage, a corresponding linear roller bearing and a method for the production thereof.

the DE 10 2005 007 011 A1 shows in 1 a return tube intended for use in a linear roller bearing. A linear roller bearing consists of a guide carriage which is movably supported on a guide rail via at least one endlessly revolving row of rolling elements. The channel in which the rolling elements rotate is defined by a support channel, which is defined by the rail track on the guide rail and the carriage track on the guide carriage, a return channel and two curved deflection channels that connect the two ends of the support channel and the return channel with one another in such a way that an endless circulation channel results formed. The return pipe mentioned is used here as a return channel in the guide carriage. This is particularly advantageous when rollers are used as rolling elements, because the return tube can have a rectangular return channel cross-section adapted to the rollers, and it can be easily installed in a circular bore that is easy to manufacture in the main body of the guide carriage.

According to the 2 the DE 10 2005 007 011 A1 the return pipe 10 consists of two identical half-shells 12 which abut one another at joining surfaces 14 . The flat joining surfaces lie in a common joining plane. Locking means 20 are provided on the joining surfaces, which engage in counter-locking means 18, which are also arranged on the joining surfaces. The locking means are designed as T-shaped extensions. The joining surface is provided on a flange 14 of the half-shell, which in turn has a lateral recess 18 as counter-locking means. The width of the recess corresponds to the width of the trunk of the T-shaped extension, so that the latter can reach behind the lateral recess. The locking and counter-locking means prevent a relative movement of the half-shells perpendicular to the plane of the joint. The engagement between the locking and counter-locking means is produced by a relative movement transverse to the longitudinal direction of the half-shells.

From the DE 102 27 689 A1 Another return tube is known in which snap hooks are provided as locking means.

The disadvantage of the return tubes mentioned is that the cross-sectional profile of the return channel must be symmetrical both to the joining plane and to a second central plane that is perpendicular to the joining plane, so that identical half-shells can be used.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. Accordingly, it is proposed that each locking means is arranged symmetrically with respect to a mounting axis for the associated counter-locking means, with the mounting axis lying in the joining plane and being aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis. During assembly, the two half-shells are rotated by 180° relative to one another about the assembly axis, so that locking means and counter-locking means come into engagement with one another. This assembly movement makes it possible for each half-shell to have any cross-sectional profile of the return channel. This cross-sectional profile is preferably constant over the entire length of the half-shell. Both half-shells together result in a cross-sectional profile that is symmetrical to the joining plane. The second symmetry condition mentioned above need not be fulfilled. Thus, it is easily possible to provide a return tube, for example for the roll holding elements according to 6 the DE 10 2006 056 087 A1 , which require an asymmetrical guide groove in the return channel, is suitable. The identical half shells are preferably manufactured in the same injection molding tool so that the tool costs are low.

Advantageous developments and improvements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The two ends of a half-shell can be designed symmetrically to the assembly axis, so that the return pipe consisting of the two half-shells is designed as a closed channel over the entire length. The ends are preferably designed in such a way that there are two essentially flat end faces of the return tube, so that the return tube can be installed between two end caps on the guide carriage without any problems.

The locking and counter-locking means can be designed in such a way that they can be brought into engagement with one another by a relative movement of the two half-shells directed in the longitudinal direction. This locking mechanism has the advantage that it is secured against opening regardless of the presence of rolling elements in the pipe. A return tube is usually clamped at the end faces in the guide carriage so that a relative movement of the half-shells in the longitudinal direction is prevented. At the same time, such locking means are easily under one maintenance of the above symmetry condition can be produced.

At least one locking means, preferably all locking means, can be formed by a hook with an extension arm aligned in the longitudinal direction, the counter-locking means being designed as an undercut recess in the joining surface, so that the hook can engage behind the recess. This locking or counter-locking means can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner in that the entire half-shell is designed in one piece as an injection-molded part. Post-processing of the injection molded part is not required.

The dimensions of the insertion opening of the undercut recess can be selected in such a way that the hook can be inserted into the joining plane in a direction perpendicular to it. As a result, the two half-shells can be brought into engagement with one another without any problems, because the hook can be moved as a whole through the insertion opening.

At least one flange can be provided on each of the half-shells, on which the joining surface is formed, the undercut recess being formed by a first opening in the flange. The corresponding half-shells can therefore be manufactured using a particularly simple and inexpensive injection molding tool that does not require separate slides to form the undercut.

The first breakthrough can be formed by a lateral recess in the flange, with hooks being arranged on both sides of the return channel, which engage in the associated lateral recesses in such a way that displacement of the half-shells transversely to the longitudinal direction is prevented. Due to the lateral recess, the return pipe can be made narrower because there is no lateral delimitation of the corresponding first opening. Accordingly, the locating hole for the return pipe in the guide carriage can be designed with a smaller diameter, as a result of which the guide carriage is less weakened in terms of its rigidity. Due to the arrangement of the hooks on both sides, the half-shells are nevertheless secured against relative displacement in both transverse directions.

The flanges can have at least one second opening, which is designed in such a way that the projected area of the arm of a hook lies within the second opening perpendicular to the joining plane. As a result, no separate slide is required in the injection molding tool to form the hook, making it simpler and more cost-effective. The entire hook can be shaped using a two-part tool that is opened in a direction perpendicular to the joining plane.

Extensions can be provided at both ends of at least one flange, which protrude beyond the end faces of the return tube, so that the extensions of the two half-shells together form end-side alignment projections. The return tube can be held particularly securely in the end caps of the guide carriage with the alignment extensions. Extensions are preferably provided on only one flange so that the one-sided alignment extensions simultaneously ensure that the return tubes are installed in the correct position. For this purpose, alignment recesses are provided in the deflection assemblies, in particular in the deflection plate, into which the alignment extensions engage. This is particularly important when the cross-sectional profile of the return channel is symmetrical only with respect to the joint plane.

• 1 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Führungswagens ohne Wälzkörper;
• 2 einen Querschnitt eines Linearwälzlagers mit dem Führungswagen gemäß 1;
• 2a einen Ausschnitt von 2 im Bereich der Tragkanäle;
• 3 die Endkappe, das Umlenkstück und die Stabilisierungsleiste im montierten Zustand;
• 4 eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung des Führungswagens im Bereich der Umlenkbaugruppe;
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Führungswagens von unten ohne Verschlusselement und Abstreiferbaugruppe;
• 6a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht der Endkappe;
• 6b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht der Endkappe;
• 7a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des Umlenkstücks;
• 7b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des Umlenkstücks;
• 8a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht der Umlenkplatte;
• 8b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht der Umlenkplatte;
• 8c eine perspektivische Teilansicht der Umlenkplatte im Bereich der Blende;
• 9a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des Verschlusselements;
• 9b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des Verschlusselements;
• 9c eine perspektivische Schnittansicht des Verschlusselements;
• 10a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht der Abstreiferbaugruppe;
• 10b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht der Abstreiferbaugruppe;
• 11a eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Halbschale des Rückführrohrs;
• 11b eine perspektivische Ansicht des Rückführrohrs;
• 12a einen Querschnitt der Schmierrinne der Umlenkplatte im nicht montierten Zustand;
• 12b einen Querschnitt der Schmierrinne der Umlenkplatte im montierten Zustand;
• 13 eine Rollenreihe mit Distanzelementen;
• 14 einen Querschnitt eines Linearwälzlagers mit einem Führungswagen gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;
• 14a einen Ausschnitt von 14 im Bereich eines Tragkanals;
• 15a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht des Umlenkstücks des Führungswagens gemäß 14;
• 15b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des Umlenkstücks;
• 16a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht der Umlenkplatte des Führungswagens gemäß 14;
• 16b eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht der Umlenkplatte;
• 17 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Dichtrahmens; und
• 18 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Führungswagens gemäß 14, bei dem die Abstreiferbaugruppe und die Verschlussplatte entfernt sind.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• 1 an exploded view of a first embodiment of the guide carriage according to the invention without rolling elements;
• 2 according to a cross section of a linear roller bearing with the carriage 1 ;
• 2a a section of 2 in the area of the support channels;
• 3 the end cap, the deflection piece and the stabilizing bar in the assembled state;
• 4 a perspective sectional view of the guide carriage in the area of the deflection assembly;
• 5 a perspective view of the guide carriage from below without the closure element and wiper assembly;
• 6a a first perspective view of the end cap;
• 6b a second perspective view of the end cap;
• 7a a first perspective view of the deflection piece;
• 7b a second perspective view of the deflection piece;
• 8a a first perspective view of the baffle;
• 8b a second perspective view of the baffle;
• 8c a perspective partial view of the deflection plate in the area of the aperture;
• 9a a first perspective view of the closure element;
• 9b a second perspective view of the closure element;
• 9c a perspective sectional view of the closure element;
• 10a a first perspective view of the wiper assembly;
• 10b a second perspective view of the wiper assembly;
• 11a a perspective view of a half-shell of the return tube;
• 11b a perspective view of the return pipe;
• 12a a cross section of the lubricating channel of the deflection plate in the unassembled state;
• 12b a cross section of the lubrication channel of the deflection plate in the assembled state;
• 13 a row of rollers with spacers;
• 14 a cross section of a linear roller bearing with a carriage according to a second embodiment;
• 14a a section of 14 in the area of a support channel;
• 15a a first perspective view of the deflection piece of the carriage according to FIG 14 ;
• 15b a second perspective view of the deflection piece;
• 16a a first perspective view of the deflection plate of the carriage according to FIG 14 ;
• 16b a second perspective view of the baffle;
• 17 a perspective view of the sealing frame; and
• 18 a perspective view of the carriage according to FIG 14 with the wiper assembly and closure plate removed.

1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a guide carriage 13 according to the invention. For the sake of clarity, the rolling bodies with the spacer elements have been omitted. The guide carriage includes a main body 14 which is made in one piece from bearing steel. The main body 14 is hardened in the area of the carriage tracks 142 . Alternatively, a main body 14 made of non-hardened steel can also be provided, in which case the carriage tracks are formed by separate track inserts made of hardened roller bearing steel.

A deflection assembly 21 is provided on each of the two end faces 141 of the main body 14 and thus on the end face 133 of the guide carriage, with both deflection assemblies being of essentially identical design. Each deflection assembly 21 comprises end caps 22, on the inside facing the main body 14 two identical deflection pieces 32 are inserted, which are covered by a deflection plate 25. The end cap 22, the deflection pieces 32 and the. Baffle plates 25 are formed to define a pair of intersecting inner and outer baffle channels.

The two deflection assemblies 21 are each completed by a closure element 29 and a wiper assembly 40 . Each deflection assembly 21 is secured to the main body 14 via the threaded bore 144 by two first bolts 17, the head 171 of which rests against the end cap 22. In addition, two second bolts 18 are provided which engage the threads 145 of the main body 14 , the second bolts 16 urging the wiper assembly 40 against the end cap 22 . A plurality of threaded sections are provided on the wiper assembly 40, into which threaded pins 19 are screwed in order to close the inlet openings of lubrication channels. Depending on requirements, the threaded pins can be replaced by grease nipples, for example.

Furthermore, four return pipes 34 are provided between the two deflection assemblies 21, which connect the inner and outer deflection channels mentioned with one another. The four return pipes 34 are each accommodated in a return bore 143 through the main body 14 .

In addition, between the two deflection assemblies 21 four longitudinal seals 38, 39 are clamped elastically stretched. The two upper longitudinal seals 39 are formed in one piece with a plate-like retaining element 391 in which an opening 392 is provided, into which a hook element on the end cap engages.

Finally, two identical stabilizing strips 16 with a constant cross-sectional profile are provided, which engage in rolling body guide projections 228 on the end cap.

2 shows the cross section of a linear roller bearing 10 in the form of a linear roller bearing 12 with the above guide carriage 13. 2a shows a section of 2 in the area of the Tragka näle 101. The linear roller bearing 12 comprises a guide rail 11 made of roller bearing steel, which is inductively hardened in the area of the four rail tracks 112. The guide rail 11 extends with a constant cross-sectional profile in a longitudinal direction 111, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. A cover plate 115 is provided on the top surface 113 of the guide rail 11, with which the fastening bores of the guide rail 11 are covered, so that there is a continuous flat contact surface for the front sealing lips of the guide carriage.

Four rows 44 of endlessly circulating rolling elements roll on the rail tracks 112, which roll simultaneously on the four carriage tracks 142 on the main body 14, the main body 14 enclosing the guide rail 11 in a U-shape. The carriage track 142 and the associated rail track 112 thus form a support channel 101. The rolling elements are designed as cylindrical rollers 45 made of hardened roller bearing steel, resulting in a first row of rollers 453, a second row of rollers 454, a third row of rollers 455 and a fourth row of rollers 456. Adjacent carriage or rail tracks 112, 142 are each arranged at an angle of 90° to one another, so that the linear roller bearing 10 can be loaded equally in all directions transverse to the longitudinal direction 111. The pressure lines 102, which are defined by the carriage or rail tracks 112, 142, have an O-shaped arrangement, so that the linear roller bearing has a high moment load capacity with respect to the longitudinal axis 111.

The four return tubes 34 with the return channels 341, in which the rollers 45 are returned, are also shown. The leading and the returning rollers 45 of an endless row of rolling elements are each aligned parallel to one another. The ends of the return channels 341 are connected to the ends of the associated support channels 101 via curved deflection channels in the deflection assemblies, so that an endless circulation channel 131 is formed.

2a shows the stabilizing bar 16, which engage with two separate webs 162 in an undercut groove 230 of the rolling body guide extension 228 of the end cap. The webs 162 and the undercut groove 230 are matched to one another in such a way that the stabilizing strip 16 can be snapped into the undercut groove 230 with elastic deformation of the webs 162 .

Two first guide surfaces 161 are provided on the stabilizing strip 16 and are in guiding engagement with the first end faces 451 of rollers 45 of two adjacent rows 44 of rolling elements. The second opposite end faces 452 of the rollers are in guiding engagement with second guiding surfaces 147 directly on the main body 14. The second guiding surface 147 is interrupted by a guiding groove 148 into which lateral guiding projections 201 of spacer elements 20 for the rollers 45 engage. The side surfaces 149 of two adjacent guide grooves 148 are made parallel so that they can be produced together with the adjacent main body contour with a single grinding wheel.

With the help of the spacer elements 20, the rollers are kept at a distance so that there is no metallic contact between the rotating rollers, which avoids noise. At the same time, the rollers are held in the guide carriage by the spacer elements, even when the guide carriage has been removed from the guide rail. The spacers are according to the DE 10 2006 056 087 A1 executed.

A third guide surface 231 is provided on rolling element guide extension 228 of the end cap, which, together with first guide surface 161 on stabilizing strip 161, forms a cross-sectional contour that is essentially symmetrical to the cross-sectional contour of second guide surface 147 with guide groove 148. Accordingly, the spacer elements 20 are also symmetrical. Consequently, a plurality of guide surfaces 163 are provided on the stabilizing strip 16, namely the first guide surface 162 and a side surface of the guide groove.

Also shown are the four longitudinal seals 37 that extend in the longitudinal direction and are in sealing engagement with the guide rail 11 . The longitudinal seals 37 have a relatively small cross-sectional area and are made of thermoplastic ether ester elastomer (TEEE, trade name “Hytrel”), which is why they are bendable on all sides. For stabilization, they are each accommodated in their own alignment groove 146 which is attached directly to the main body 14 .

3 shows the end cap 22, the deflection pieces 32 and the stabilizing strip 16 in the assembled state. It can be seen how the end cap 22 delimits an outer deflection channel 213 together with a deflection piece 32 . The outer deflection channel 213 leads in an arc to a lifting lug 227 on the end cap, which lifts the associated rollers off the rail track. The outer boundary surface 322 of the inner deflection channel 212 is provided on the inside of the deflection piece 32 and merges integrally into a lifting lug 323 on the deflection piece, so that the associated inner deflection channel 212 is arranged inside the outer deflection channel 213 . The inner deflection channel 212 is here completed by the baffle described below.

It can also be seen that the two deflection pieces are inserted anti-parallel into the end cap, i. H. the outer boundary surfaces 322 of the inner deflection channel 212 run parallel, with the associated lifting lugs 323 being provided at opposite ends of said boundary surfaces. In this way it is possible to use two identical deflection pieces in one end cap.

It can also be seen that the first guide surfaces 161 on the stabilizing strip 16 , interrupted by a gap 217 , merge into a corresponding first guide surface 326 on the deflection piece 32 . The deflection plate engages in this gap 217, resulting in uninterrupted guide contours for the spacer elements or rollers. In particular, the guide contours along the entire endless circulating channel are designed to be uninterrupted at all joints between the end cap 22, stabilizing strip 16, main body, return tube and deflection plate. 3 also shows that the abutting surface 216 between the end cap 22 and the deflection piece 32 is arranged in the bottom of the guide groove 215 in the deflection channel 211 .

4 shows a perspective view of the guide carriage 13 in the area of the deflection assembly 21, the guide carriage being cut open in such a way that the inlet openings 492 of the lubricating channel 491 and the supply valves 501 become visible.

A lubricating nipple 51 is screwed into the threaded section 411 of the protective plate 41 at the front inlet opening 494 of the lubricating channel 491 and serves as a lubricating connection 496 for supplying the lubricant (grease or oil). The lubricating nipple 51 is pressed against the end cap 22 in a lubricant-tight manner via the threaded section 411 . The sealing area 238 between grease nipple 51 and end cap 22 is this according to DE 10 2005 051 598 A1 executed. In this connection, the beading 419 of the fender 41 should be pointed out in order to create an area of increased thickness on the fender. This is necessary so that the threaded sections 411 have a sufficiently large length.

A supply valve 501 in the form of a check valve 502 is provided in the longitudinal direction immediately behind the grease nipple 51 . The check valve 501 is formed by a valve chamber 504 in the end cap 22, which is provided with an orifice 236 of the lubrication channel. The mouth opening 236 is covered by an elastically flexible wing 257 which is formed in one piece with the baffle plate 25 . So that the wing 257 can act as a spring 503 of the non-return valve, it was molded onto the deflection plate 25, which consists of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that it protrudes vertically and was bent by 90° when the deflection plate 25 was inserted into the end cap 22. If lubricant is now supplied under pressure via the lubricating nipple 51, the wing 257 will bend over and release the orifice 236. As soon as there is no more lubricating pressure, the orifice 236 is closed again by the wing 257 . At this point, reference should also be made to the preparation 248 for a fourth inlet opening 491 of the lubrication channel. This is designed in such a way that it can be easily opened with a pointed tool.

In the present case, the lateral inlet opening 493 of the lubricating channel is closed with a threaded pin 19, since it is not intended to be used in the present exemplary embodiment. However, it goes without saying that the lubricating nipple 51 can also be attached to the lateral inlet opening 493 of the lubricating channel, with the front inlet opening 494 being closed with a threaded pin. The non-return valve at the lateral inlet opening 493 is designed essentially identically to the non-return valve described above. The only thing that was omitted was the bending of the valve wing 257 by 90°. Due to the non-return valves, the threaded pin 19 could also be omitted without replacement, since the inlet openings 493, 494 are sealed tightly even without a threaded pin.

Next shows 4 some details of the sealing of the carriage. In particular, it can be seen how the plate-like retaining element 391 of the upper longitudinal seals rests against the contact surface 232 of the end cap, which is aligned parallel to the top surface of the guide rail. Here, the hook element 233 engages on the contact surface 232 in the opening 392 of the plate-like retaining element 233, so that the upper longitudinal seal can be stretched elastically clamped between the two end caps.

It is also shown how the sealing element 43 is molded onto the undercut recess 413 of the mudguard. In particular, reference should be made to the undercut of the recess 413 in the longitudinal direction in the form of a chamfer 422, which causes the sealing element 43 to be held in a form-fitting manner on the mudguard in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the sealing element 43 does not protrude beyond the inside 418 of the protective plate 41, so that the closure element 29 can be arranged directly adjacent to the protective plate 41. As a result, the first sealing lip 294 of the closure element 29 is arranged parallel to a third sealing lip 431 of the sealing element 43 . Here it says Sealing element 43 only in the vicinity of the guide rail over the end face 132 of the carriage.

In addition, in 4 shown that the first breakthrough 414 of the fender 41 is larger than the head 171 of the first bolt, so that the latter rests directly on the end cap. Since the protective plate 41 is only fitted after the first screw bolt, it is not necessary for the first screw bolt to be able to be passed through the first opening as a whole. In contrast, the second screw bolt 18 presses the protective plate 41 against the end cap 22.

5 Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the end cap 22 with all four longitudinal seals 37 mounted. At the end 382 of the lower longitudinal seal 38 there is a thickening 381 as a fastening means 371 which bears against an inclined holding surface 234 which acts as a counter-fastening means 372 . Both ends of the longitudinal seal are identical, with the cross-sectional profile (see 2 ) of the lower longitudinal seal 38 apart from the thickenings 381 is constant. Due to its tensile stress, the lower longitudinal seal 38 is pressed against the base of the alignment groove 239 (see Fig 6a) the end cap 22 urged.

The ends 393 of the two upper longitudinal seals 39 are designed in one piece with a common holding element 391 as a fastening means 371 that is held on the end cap 22 by a hook element 233 as a counter-fastening means 372 . The width of the hook element 240 is greater than 50% of the width 114 (see 2 ) of the top surface 113 of the guide rail. The cross-sectional profiles (see 2 ) of the upper longitudinal seals 39 are also constant apart from the common retaining elements 391.

5 12 also shows the head 171 of the first bolt abutting the end cap 22. FIG.

6a shows the end cap 22 in a perspective view from a side facing the main body. 6b shows the end cap from a side facing away from the main body. The end cap 22 is designed as an injection molded part made from the plastic polyoxymethylene (POM, trade name “Delrin”). The corresponding injection molding tool is designed in such a way that it essentially consists of two mold halves which are closed or opened in a direction which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing. In order to keep the distortion of the end cap as small as possible, a large number of material recesses 241 are provided, so that the wall thicknesses of the end cap are essentially the same everywhere.

The end cap 22 consists of a U-shaped base body 242, which has essentially the same cross-sectional profile as the main body, with a rolling element guide extension 228 protruding perpendicularly on both legs on its inner side 226 facing the main body. The outer boundary surfaces 243 of the outer deflection channel are also provided in this area, these being interrupted by the filling channel 237 for the rollers. A lifting lug 227 is provided on each of the limiting surfaces 243 at the rail-side end in order to lift the rolling elements off the rail track and transfer them to the outer deflection channel or vice versa. In 6a here the left lifting nose 227 is assigned to a lower rail track, while the right lifting nose 227 is assigned to an upper rail track.

In 6a also shows the lubricating recess 221 for receiving the insert described below. The base 222 of the lubricating recess is adapted to the insert in such a way that it bears against it in a lubricant-tight manner. In the middle of the base there is a groove 223 which, together with a matching groove on the insert, forms a lubricating channel with a circular cross-section. The two first side surfaces 224 of the lubricating recess 221 are designed essentially parallel to one another, with a slight incline being provided in order to be able to open the injection mold more easily. The same applies to the second side surfaces 225 of the lubricating recess, which are arranged essentially at right angles to the first side surfaces 224 .

The length of the rolling element guide extensions 228 is matched to the length of the main body and the thickness of the deflection plate in such a way that the end faces 229 of the rolling element guide extensions 228 of the two end caps of the guide carriage just touch, with the length tolerance being selected so that both end caps 22 always cover the entire surface rest against the baffle plate. The parallelism tolerance of the rolling body guide extensions 228 is set in such a way that they always bear against the main body with a small force. This will u. facilitates the assembly of the stabilizing bar in the undercut groove 230.

The alignment groove 239 already mentioned above for the lower longitudinal seal is provided at the end of the U-legs of the base body 242 . Furthermore, the two lateral inlet openings 493 and the front inlet openings 494 of the lubricating channel should be pointed out. In 6a is also the offset 497 of the lateral inlet opening 493 to flat contact surface 245 of the deflection plate can be seen, which makes the inclined portion 244 of the channel 223 on the base 222 of the lubrication recess 221 necessary. Finally, attention is drawn to the circular openings 246, 247 which receive the first and second bolts.

7a shows the deflection piece 32 in a perspective view from a side facing the main body. 7b shows the deflection piece 32 from a side facing away from the main body. The deflection piece 32 is also designed as an injection molded part and consists of the same plastic as the end cap. The deflection piece is designed in such a way that it can be produced with a two-part injection molding tool without a slide, which is opened in a direction which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing. Care was taken to ensure that the wall thicknesses of the entire component were essentially constant, so that there was no distortion during manufacture.

According to 7a the outer boundary surface 322 of the inner deflection channel is provided on the inside of the deflection piece, which is completed by the deflection plate. Said boundary surface transitions in one piece into a lifting lug 323, with which the rolling bodies are lifted off the rail track and transferred into the inner deflection channel or vice versa. To stiffen the lifting nose 323, a stiffening rib 324 is provided on each of its two edges.

Furthermore, a part of the guide groove for the lateral guide extensions of the spacer elements is provided on the deflection piece 32, namely the groove base 329 and the inclined side surface 330. The straight side surface 259 ( 8b) The guide groove is provided on the deflection plate described below, which runs in alignment with the side surface 332 of the material recess 331. The material recess 331 is necessary so that the wall thickness of the deflection piece 32 toward the inner boundary surface 321 of the outer deflection channel essentially corresponds to the other wall thicknesses.

In 7a the flat contact surface 328 can also be seen, with which the deflection piece rests on the rubber-elastic deflection plate. Since the end cap rests against the deflection plate under tension, the deflection piece 32 is pressed elastically against the end cap by the latter, whereby it rests against the contact surfaces 327 and is thus precisely aligned.

7b shows the inner boundary surface 321 of the outer deflection channel, which is completed by the end cap. Attention should be drawn to the flattening 333 with which the deflection piece rests against the end cap. The flattening 333 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing and is necessary so that no undercuts arise due to the guide groove for the spacer elements, which cannot be produced with the two-part injection molding tool mentioned. The deflection piece 32 rests with the inclined contact surface 334 on the rolling body guide extension of the end cap (see 3 ).

8a shows a perspective view of the baffle plate 25 from a side facing the main body. 8b shows the deflection plate 25 from a side facing away from the main body and thus towards the end cap. The deflection plate 25 is injection molded from thermoplastic ether ester elastomer (TEEE, trade name "Hytrel") using a two-part tool which is opened in the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing. In order to avoid slides in the tool mentioned, the deflection plate 25 was designed essentially without undercuts. The slight undercut in the area of the lubricating channel 270 can be produced without a slide due to the elasticity of the components.

The deflection plate 25 consists of a flat plate-like base body 260 which has essentially the same cross-sectional profile as the main body and has an essentially constant thickness. On this four circular centering projections 261 are provided in one piece, which engage in the return bores of the main body. A rolling element opening 262 is arranged within the centering projections 261, which, as shown in FIG 8c has the same cross-sectional profile as the return channel with guide groove in the associated return pipe and is arranged flush with it. To ensure the aligned position, centering recesses 263 are provided on the centering extensions, into which the return tubes engage, whereby their position is fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction. Alignment recesses 258 are also attached to the centering recesses, in which the alignment extensions of the return tube engage, so that the same is installed in the correct rotational position. Attention should also be drawn to the circular openings 264, 265 through which the first and second screw bolts pass.

8a 12 further shows the lubricating groove 270 which forms a portion of the lubricating channel 491 together with the end face of the main body. The lubricating channel 260 leads from a central opening 283 in the deflection plate 25 to four boundary surfaces 266, each of which bounds an endless circulation channel. The boundary surfaces 266 are provided in extension of the carriage track on the main body, so that a lubricant supply connection tion to the rolling elements is given. The lubricating channel 270 thus defines the discharge channels 285 which lead away from the central opening 283 . In the vicinity of each of the four boundary surfaces 266, a screen 253 is provided in the lubricating channel 270, which is described in more detail further below.

According to 8b two inner boundary surfaces 251, 252 of the inner deflection channels 212, 214 are provided on the deflection plate, which are completed by the deflection pieces. The boundary surfaces 251, 252 mentioned connect two of the boundary surfaces 266 mentioned above with corresponding rolling element openings 262. Extensions are provided on both sides of the boundary surfaces, which, as described above, engage in the deflection pieces and thus the straight side surfaces 259 of the guide groove for the lateral guide extensions of the spacer elements form.

8b FIG. 12 further shows the insert part 31 which is formed in one piece with the deflection plate 25. FIG. However, it is of course also possible to design the insert as a separate component. The insert 31 engages in the lubricating recess 221 (see 6a) of the end cap with the first and second side surfaces 317, 318 in register therewith. A channel 313 is provided on the end face 311 of the insert part 31 , which, together with a corresponding channel at the base of the lubricating recess in the end cap, forms a circular lubricating channel which defines the inflow channel 284 to the opening 283 . The remaining end face 312 next to the channel 313 lies in a lubricant-tight manner on the bottom of the lubrication recess in the end cap. The chute 313 includes two inclined sections 314, the angle of inclination 315 of which relative to the face of the main body is about 16°.

On the insert 31 are also the wings 257 of the non-return valves, which are shown with reference to FIG 4 have already been described. It should be noted that the 8b shows the middle wing 267 in the installed state, ie bent by 90°. In the production of the deflection plate 25, however, the central wing 267 is designed to be straight, so that it protrudes perpendicularly from the deflection plate 25 in order to avoid undercuts that require a complicated injection molding tool. Due to the soft rubber material of the deflection plate 25 and the small thickness of the middle wing 267, the elastic bending is easily possible. In the area of the middle wing 267 there is a thickening 316 on the insert part 31 in order to fasten the middle wing 267 on the deflection plate 25 and to create enough space for the central opening 283 .

8c shows a perspective partial view of the deflection plate 25 in the area of the screens 253. These each comprise two thin plates 256, which are separated by a passage opening 254. The passage opening 254 is designed as a narrow slot which is dimensioned in such a way that the lubricating oil provided forms a film between the two plates 256 due to its surface tension when the lubricating oil is not under pressure. The cross-sectional area of the passage opening 255 is therefore significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lubricating channel 270. Since the plates 256 consist of the same rubber-elastic material as the rest of the deflection plate 25 and because of their small thickness, they are deformable. When using grease as a lubricant, the plates 256 are bent over due to the high viscosity of the grease and release almost the entire lubrication channel. In order to prevent the plates 256 from colliding with the rolling bodies, the former must be arranged far enough away from the boundary surfaces 266 of the endless circulation channels.

The sealing extensions 271, which delimit the lubricating channel 270 on both sides, have an interruption 277 so that the plates 256 are not connected to the sealing extensions 271 and can move freely. In order to prevent lubricant from being able to escape from the lubricating channel 270 via the interruption 277 , a U-shaped partition 278 is provided around the interruption 277 .

9a shows a first perspective view of the closure element 29 from a side facing the end cap. 9b shows the closure element 29 from the side facing away from the end cap. 9c shows a perspective sectional view of the closure element 29. The closure element is produced as an injection molded component from thermoplastic ether ester elastomer (TEEE, trade name “Hytrel”).

The corresponding two-part injection mold is opened in one direction. which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing. Tool slides for forming undercuts are not required.

The closure element 29 consists of a support plate 291, which is essentially U-shaped, so that the first sealing lip 294 on the inner edge of the support plate 291 bears sealingly against the guide rail. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing lip is in 9c to recognize. It is constant over the entire length of the first seal and follows the outer contour specified by the guide rail. A plurality of recesses are provided on the outside of the support plate 291, namely a recess 298 in the region of the front entry opening of the lubrication channel, a recess 299 in the area of the first screw bolt and a recess 300 in the area of the second screw bolt, which create free space for the elements mentioned.

A second sealing lip 295 is provided at the two lower ends of the first sealing lip 294 and is attached to a longitudinal extension 296 which protrudes from the support plate 291 at right angles. The transverse contact surface 305 of the closure element 29, which rests against the end cap, ensures that the lower area of the first sealing lip 294 and the second sealing lips 293 rest against the guide rail with sufficient pretension. The longitudinal extension 296 with the second sealing lip 295 has the same cross-sectional shape as the lower longitudinal seal and continues this in alignment, so that the lower longitudinal seal between the first sealing lips 294 of the two front-side closure elements 29 is completely uninterrupted. Similar fourth sealing lips 301 are provided for the two upper longitudinal seals. However, these are only arranged in the area of the longitudinal extension of the first sealing lip 294 .

A total of four pressure knobs 302 are provided on the side of the closure element 29 facing the wiper assembly, which ensure that the closure element is pressed particularly firmly against the end cap at these points by the wiper assembly. So that a certain contact pressure is also present in the remaining area of the base plate, there are contact pressure recesses 303 on the side of the closure element opposite the contact pressure knobs 302, which create a space into which the volume of the contact pressure knobs 303 can be displaced. The dimensions of the pressing nubs 302 and the pressing recess 302 are matched to one another in such a way that the desired selective increase in the contact pressure is achieved by the wiper assembly. The cross-sectional shape of the pressure nubs 302 with the pressure recess is in 9c to recognize.

Reference should also be made to the insertion bevel 304 on the first sealing lip, which is provided so that the guide carriage can be pushed onto the guide rail with the cover plate without damaging the first sealing lip 301 . Details on the design of the lead-in bevel 304 are DE 10 2006 048 282 A1 refer to.

Two closure extensions 292 are provided on the support plate 291, which are adapted to the two separate filling openings of the end cap with essentially no gaps. The closure extensions 292 are cup-shaped; H. the closure extensions have a recess 297 on the side facing away from the end cap, so that the entire closure element 29 has essentially the same thickness everywhere, in order to avoid distortion during production. A wall section 293 of the outer deflection channel is provided on the end face of the closure extension 292 . This completes the outer wall surface of the outer deflection channel in the end cap, with essentially no gaps or steps being present at the transition points between the closure element and the end cap, so that the movement of the rolling elements is not disturbed.

10a shows a first perspective view of the wiper assembly 40 from a side facing the end cap. 10b Figure 4 shows the wiper assembly 40 from a side remote from the end cap. The wiper assembly 40 consists of a shroud 41 fabricated from a sheet of stainless steel by stamping and bending. For smaller quantities, the punching process can also be replaced by a laser cutting process. The mudguard 41 was overmoulded with a sealing element 43 made of thermoplastic ether ester elastomer (TEEE, trade name "Hytrel") by being placed in an injection mold in which cavities for forming the sealing element 43 are provided, which are filled with the elastomer mentioned.

The protective plate 41 has an essentially U-shaped base body 420, which is provided with threaded extensions 421 in the area of the lateral entry openings, which were produced by bending the originally flat sheet metal material by 90°. The fender 41 is sized to enclose the end cap with little play. A total of three threaded sections 411 are provided on the protective plate 41, which are associated with the two lateral openings and the front opening of the lubrication channel. To produce the threaded sections 411, the sheet metal was flared out in order to create areas of increased thickness 419. A thread was then cut into the areas 419 . Two first circular openings 414 for the first bolts and two second circular openings 416 for the second bolts are also provided on the fender. The second holes are chamfered so that the head of the second bolt does not protrude beyond the fender. The edge 415 of the first opening 414 was provided here directly adjacent to the edge 432 of the sealing element 43 . The second openings 416 are provided in a second, outer edge region 417 of the protective plate 41, on which the protective plate 41 is flat and in particular is not bent over.

The first, inner edge region 412 of the U-shaped base body 420 is designed essentially equidistant from the guide rail, with a large number of undercut recesses 413 being provided. The cross-sectional shape of the undercut recesses 413 was made with reference to FIG 4 already received. At this point, it should therefore only be pointed out that the undercut recesses 413 are distributed essentially uniformly over the entire length of the first edge region, with them having a circular shape. To save space, they are placed so that the edge 423 of the chamfer that forms the undercut just touches the edge of the fender 41.

The third sealing lip 431 of the sealing element 43 is designed identically to the first sealing lip of the closure element and is arranged parallel to it when the guide carriage is in the installed state. The edge 432 of the sealing element 43 was placed in such a way that the undercut recesses 413 are completely covered. The latter are filled with the elastomer in such a way that the inside 418 of the mudguard has a substantially flat surface in this area.

11a shows a perspective view of a half-shell 35 of the return pipe. 11b 12 shows a perspective view of a return tube 34 composed of two identical half-shells 35. FIG. The return pipe 34 defines a return channel 341, which has the same cross-sectional shape as the remaining endless circulation channel, i.e. an essentially rectangular basic shape, on whose two narrow sides asymmetrical guide grooves 346 are provided for the spacer elements, which have a straight and a sloping side surface 347, 348. A clearance 349 is provided on the broad side of the rectangular basic shape in the area of the joining plane 342 in order to prevent the roll run from being disturbed by a possible misalignment of the half-shells 35 . The cross-sectional shape mentioned is constant over the entire length of the return pipe 34 . The return tube 34 has two flat end faces 344 which abut the baffle. An alignment projection 345 protrudes in the longitudinal direction on one side of the flat end faces and engages in an alignment recess in the deflection plate so that the return tube 34 is always installed in the correct position, particularly with regard to the alignment of the asymmetrical guide grooves 346.

The return pipe 34 is formed by two identical half-shells 35, each of which has two flanges 358 with joining surfaces 353, the joining surfaces 353 defining a common joining plane 342 on which the two half-shells 35 come to rest. A flange 358 is provided with extensions 363 so that the extensions 363 of both half-shells 35 together form the alignment tabs 345 above. So that the two half-shells 35 can be joined starting from a parallel orientation to the return pipe, one half-shell 35 must be rotated by 180° about an assembly axis 343, i. this in 11a rear end 354a of one half-shell 35 comes with the in 11a front end 354b of the other half-shell 35 to cover. The mounting axis 343 lies in the joining plane 342 and is aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the linear roller bearing or perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the return tube. Accordingly, the two ends 354 of a half-shell 35 are designed symmetrically to the mounting axis 343 .

Locking means 351 and counter-locking means 352 are provided on the half-shells 35, with mutually associated locking and counter-locking means being arranged symmetrically with respect to the assembly axis 343, so that they engage during assembly. The locking means 351 are designed as hooks 356 which are aligned in the longitudinal direction. They engage in undercut recesses 355 as counter-locking means 352, which are designed as first openings 359 in the flanges 358, so that the hook 356 can reach behind the first openings. The first openings 359 are embodied as lateral recesses 360, the width 357 of which is selected such that the hook 356 can be inserted into the insertion opening formed in this way in a direction perpendicular to the joining plane 342. After the hooks 356 have been inserted into the lateral recesses 360, the grip is produced by a relative displacement of the two half-shells 35 in the longitudinal direction, so that the half-shells 35 can no longer be separated from one another transversely to the joining plane 342. Since the hooks 356 and the associated lateral recesses 360 are arranged on both sides of the return channel, displacement transverse to the longitudinal direction is ruled out.

The half shells 35 are injection molded from the same material as the end caps, using a two-part injection mold that is opened transversely to the joining plane 342 . The problem arises here that said hooks 356 form an undercut, which is usually produced with the aid of a slide in the injection mold. In order to avoid this, second openings 362 were provided, which are so large that the projected area of the arm 361 of the hook 356 lies within the second openings 362 perpendicularly to the joining plane 342 . The inner surface of the cantilever 361 of the hook 356 is thus through the second openings 362 out accessible through, the latter are also designed as lateral recesses.

Attention should also be drawn to the contact extension 364 on the outside of the half-shell 35. This ensures that the return tube 34 only rests against the return bore of the main body at a defined point, which ensures that the return tube fits closely to the contact extensions without the risk of tilting 364 and the flanges 358 adapted return bore can be installed.

12a shows a cross section of the lubricating channel 270 of the deflection plate 25 in the non-assembled state. 12b 14 shows the cross section of the lubricating groove 270 when mounted on the end face 141 of the main body 14. FIG. In both figures, the deflection plate 25 and the main body 14 are shown only schematically. The cross-sectional shape of the lubricating groove 270 is drawn to scale.

The lubricating channel 270 is accommodated in a receiving recess 280 of the deflection plate 25, the side walls 281 of which are aligned perpendicularly to the end face 141 of the main body 14, with the exception of a slight inclination for better demolding from the injection molding tool. Two sealing extensions 271 are provided within the receiving recess 280, which directly laterally delimit the lubricating channel 270, the cross-sectional shape of the lubricating channel 270 with the receiving recess 280 being symmetrical overall. The sealing extension 271 is already provided on the deflection plate 25 in a non-assembled state toward the lubricating channel 270 so that it is bent further during assembly, as can be seen in FIG 12a With 12b indicates. As a result, the sealing extension 271 bears against the end face 141 of the main body 14 with bending prestress. The entire arrangement is dimensioned such that the bending stresses in the sealing extension 271 remain below the yield point of the material of the sealing extension 271.

The angle of inclination 272 of the sealing extension in the unmounted, unbraced state is 75° relative to the joint surface 287 between the deflection plate 25 and the main body 14. The overhang 276 of the sealing extension 271 over the joint surface 287 in the unassembled, unbraced state is 14% of the height 274 of the sealing extension 271 The sealing extension 271 is wedge-shaped overall, with the width 273 of the base corresponding to 42% of the height 274 of the sealing extension 271 . The rounded tip 257 of the wedge-shaped sealing extension rests against the end face 141 of the main body 14 in the assembled state. The outside of the sealing extension 271 meets the side wall 281 of the receptacle at an acute angle 282, the apex 288 of the angle being rounded to avoid notch stresses.

13 shows the row 44 of rolling bodies, which are designed as rollers 45, as they are arranged in the endless circulation channels. Particular attention should be paid to the substantially rigid spacer elements 20, which each accommodate two adjacent rollers 45 in a rotatable manner, thereby preventing the rollers 45 from touching one another, with the generation of noise. The spacer elements 20 are provided with lateral guide projections 201 which engage in the guide grooves provided along the entire endless circulation channel. This ensures that the rollers are also held in the guide carriage when it is pulled off the guide rail. Incidentally, the spacer elements 20 according to the DE 10 2006 056 087 A1 executed.

In a second embodiment of the guide carriage, the spacer elements between the rollers were omitted. As a result, the guide grooves for the lateral guide extensions of the spacer elements along the endless circulation channel were omitted. This simplification makes it possible to design the return pipes of the first embodiment in one piece with the deflection pieces and the deflection plates, as a result of which costs can be saved. The stabilizing bar could also be dispensed with. So that the rollers are also held in the guide carriage in the second embodiment when the latter is removed from the guide rail, a sealing frame was provided which has corresponding roller holding projections. At the same time, the upper and lower longitudinal seals are formed in one piece on this sealing frame.

In order to avoid repetition, only the differences between the first and the second embodiment will be discussed below. Analogous parts are therefore in the 14 until 17 provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS 1 until 13 .

14 12 shows a cross section of a linear roller bearing 10b according to the second embodiment. 14a shows a section of 14 in the area of a support channel 101. It can be seen that no spacer elements are provided between the rollers 45, which is why no guide grooves for the spacer elements are provided either in the support channels 101 or in the return channels 341. Instead, the side surfaces of the endless circulation channel are designed to be flat.

The sealing frame 52 can also be seen. This lies with an essentially plate-like formed middle part 523 to the rolling body guide extensions 228 of the end cap. First rolling element holding projections 521 are provided on the central part, which enclose the cylindrical roller 45 at its edge radius 457 without touching the rail running track 112 on the guide rail 11 . The now missing stabilizing strip is replaced by pins 601 and holes 602 on the end faces of the rolling body guide extensions 228, with one pin 601 and one 602 hole being provided on each end cap so that two identical end caps can still be used. The bore 602 is precisely matched to the associated pin 601 here, so that the desired alignment effect is provided.

Two side parts 526 are also provided on the sealing frame 52, which are designed in one piece with the central part 523 (see FIG 17 ). On the side portions 526 are second roller holding projections 522 formed symmetrically to the first roller holding projections. At the same time, an upper and a lower longitudinal seal 524, 525 are provided on the side parts 526 of a sealing frame.

The side parts 526 are received in the adapted receiving recess 150 of the main body and are supported there against the pressing force of the longitudinal seals 524, 525 on the guide rail 11.

15a shows a perspective view of the deflection piece 32b of the second embodiment from a side facing the deflection plate. 15b shows the deflection piece from a side facing the end cap. The deflection piece 32b differs from the deflection piece 32 in that two U-shaped extension elements 325 are provided, which continue the inner boundary surface 321 of the outer deflection channel and the outer boundary surface 322 of the inner deflection channel in a straight line, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear roller bearing. Both extension elements 325 are of the same length and each extend over half the length of the main body. Centering extensions 603 are provided on the end face of the extension elements 325 and engage in corresponding centering recesses in the supplementary elements of the deflection plate. Alignment webs 605 are also provided on the extension elements 325 and lie against corresponding alignment webs of the supplementary elements of the deflection plate. The centering extensions 603 and the aligning webs 605 ensure that the four parts that form a return channel lie against one another essentially without any offsets or gaps, so that the rolling element run-off is not disturbed. As already mentioned, no provisions are made on the present deflection piece 32b to form a guide groove for spacer elements, although this would easily be possible in the present embodiment. For this purpose, only the corresponding contours of the first embodiment of the deflection piece 32 would also have to be provided in the area of the extension elements.

16a shows a perspective view of the baffle plate 25b from a side facing the main body. 16b shows the baffle plate 25b from the side facing away from the main body. The deflection plate 25b differs from the deflection plate 25 mainly in that four U-shaped supplementary elements 286 are provided, which supplement the extension elements of the deflection piece to form a return tube, so that a closed return channel with a substantially rectangular cross section adapted to the rollers is created. In particular, reference should be made to the already mentioned centering recesses 604 and the alignment webs 606 for aligning mutually associated extension elements and supplementary elements.

Another special feature can be seen in the rolling element breakthrough 262. This has a cutout 608 adapted to the above extension element, so that the deflection piece can be assembled with the deflection plate. A threading groove 607 is also provided in this area, which is adapted to the centering extension of the extension element, as a result of which the deflection piece can be threaded more easily into the rolling body passage 262 . Otherwise, the cross-sectional profile of the base body 260 of the deflection plate 25b has been adapted to the changed cross-sectional profile of the main body, particularly in the area of the longitudinal seals.

17 shows a perspective view of the sealing frame 52. It can be seen how the two side parts 526 are connected to the central part 523 via retaining webs 527 at the ends. The central part 523 is designed with a constant cross-sectional profile over the entire length of the sealing frame 52, which 14 can be seen. The side portions 526 also have a constant cross-sectional profile along the entire length of the sealing frame 52, with the exception that alignment grooves 528 are provided at the end, which engage corresponding alignment projections on the end cap.

18 shows a perspective view of the guide carriage 10b according to FIG 14 with the wiper assembly and closure plate removed. It can be seen how the connecting web 527 engages in adapted holding projections 609 which are provided in alignment with the lifting lugs 227, 323. The retaining projections 609 in this case have an undercut, so that a Snap connection between the end cap 22 and the sealing frame 52 is given.

Claims (13)

Return tube (34) for the guide carriage (13) of a linear roller bearing (10), consisting of two identical half-shells (35) extending in a longitudinal direction (111), which together form a return channel (341) for the rolling elements (44) of the linear roller bearing (10 ) delimit, wherein the half-shells (35) rest against one another on joint surfaces (353) defining a joint plane (342) and locking means (351) are provided on the joint surfaces (353), which in counter-locking means (352) on the other half-shell (35) engage in such a way that a relative movement of the two half-shells (35) perpendicular to the joining plane (342) is prevented, characterized in that each locking means (351) is arranged symmetrically with respect to a mounting axis (343) for the associated counter-locking means (352), the mounting axis ( 343) lies in the joining plane (342) and is aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis (111). return tube after claim 1 , characterized in that the two ends (354) of a half-shell (35) are designed symmetrically to the mounting axis (343). Return tube according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking and counter-locking means (351, 352) are designed such that they can be brought into engagement with one another by a relative movement of the two half-shells (35) directed in the longitudinal direction (111). return tube after claim 3 , characterized in that at least one locking means (351) is formed by a hook (356) with a cantilever (361) aligned in the longitudinal direction (111), the counter-locking means (352) being an undercut recess (355) in the joining surface (353) is formed so that the hook (356) can engage behind the recess (355). return tube after claim 4 , characterized in that the dimensions of the insertion opening (357) of the undercut recess (355) are selected such that the hook (356) can be inserted into the joining plane (342) in a direction perpendicular to the latter. return tube after claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that at least one flange (358) is provided on each of the half-shells (35), on which the joining surface (353) is formed, the undercut recess (355) extending from a first opening (359) in the flange (358 ) is formed. return tube after claim 6 , characterized in that the first opening (359) is formed by a lateral recess (360) in the flange (358), with hooks (356) being arranged on both sides of the return channel (341) which can be inserted into the associated lateral recesses ( 360) intervene to prevent the half-shells (35) from shifting transversely to the longitudinal direction (111). Return pipe after one of Claims 6 or 7 , characterized in that the flanges (358) have at least one second opening (362) which is designed in such a way that the projection surface of the arm (351) of a hook (356) is perpendicular to the joining plane (342) within the second opening (362) lies. Return pipe after one of Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that extensions (363) are provided at both ends of at least one flange (358) which protrude beyond the end faces (344) of the return pipe (34), so that the extensions (363) of the two half-shells (35) together end-face Form alignment projections (345). Guide carriage (13) for a linear roller bearing (10), which can be movably supported on the guide rail (11) of the linear roller bearing (10) via at least one row of rolling elements (44) rotating in an endless circulating channel, with a section of the endless circulating channel (131) being surrounded by a return tube (34) according to any one of the preceding claims. Guide carriage after claim 10 , characterized in that the guide carriage (13) comprises a main body (14) with return bores (143) extending in the direction of movement (111), deflection assemblies (21) being provided on the two end faces (141) of the main body (14), in which curved deflection channels (211) of the endless circulation channel (131) are provided and wherein a return pipe (34) after claim 9 is arranged in the return bores (143) in such a way that its alignment extensions (345) engage in alignment recesses (258) of the deflection assemblies (21). Linear roller bearing with a longitudinally (111) extending guide rail on which a guide carriage according to one of Claims 10 or 11 is supported for longitudinal movement. Method for producing a return tube according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the two half-shells (35) are injection molded from plastic with the same tool, they then being rotated about the assembly axis (343) relative to one another by 180° and brought into contact with their joining surfaces (353), whereupon the locking and the counter-locking means (351; 352) are engaged with each other.

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