NL2008521C2

NL2008521C2 - Guide, bearing means for a guide and method and parts for forming a guide or bearing means for a guide.

Info

Publication number: NL2008521C2
Application number: NL2008521A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Andreas Petronella Maria Stijns; Johannes Egbertus Gerardus Welten
Original assignee: Thomas Regout Internat B V
Priority date: 2012-03-22
Filing date: 2012-03-22
Publication date: 2013-09-25

Description

P97281NL00

Title: Guide, bearing means for a guide and method and parts for forming a guide or bearing means for a guide.

The invention relates to bearings for extension guides such as drawer guides, machines guides and the like. The invention further relates to a method for forming a bearing and to parts for forming the same.

Guides for drawers, machines or the like are commonly used for 5 guiding a sliding movement of one or more parts relative to one or more other parts, such as a drawer relative to a cabinet or a machine part relative to a machine frame. Such guides commonly comprise at least a first and second guide profile, having parallel longitudinal directions, one fitted at least partly inside the other. Bearing means are provided between two parallel guide 10 tracks formed between both profiles, such that the first profile can be carried by the second profile or vice versa through the bearing means.

In a first embodiment bearing means of such known guide can be formed by a ball bearing cage comprising two series of ball bearings, one of said series positioned in each of the guide tracks. The bearing cage is made of 15 metal sheet material and has a mid section extending between two ball holding portions, such that the mid section extends between two parallel central parts of the profiles extending between the guide tracks. Since mounting means such as screws or bolts have to be mounted through said central parts for mounting the respective profiles to the relevant elements they 20 have to carry, and since the cage has to pass said mounting means, these guides will have a relatively large thickness in the part formed by the central parts, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore in these embodiments the entire cage, including the ball holding portions, is made of the same thickness material. This means that for forming the ball holding 25 portions a relatively complicated and cumbersome folding has to be applied in order to be able to retain the bearing balls and provide for sufficient support 2 surface for each ball. In such embodiments the cage can be provided with stop elements on opposite longitudinal ends, which can cooperate with stopping means on one or both of the profiles, in order to limit longitudinal movements of the profiles relative to each other. These stops have the disadvantage that 5 they require space between the mid-sections of the guide profiles. In many guides mounting has to be performed by screwing a screw bolt through a midsection of an outer profile, which can only be done through an opening through at least one other profile and an intermediate ball bearing cage. Since these guides are used for different purposes, different mounting means and 10 positions are to be used, which means that a variety of bearing cages is necessary to accommodate these positions.

In a second embodiment bearing means for such known guides can be formed by ball bearing strips, one for each of said two guide tracks. These bearing strips each comprise a series of ball bearings. The strips can be made 15 of metal, comprising a series of openings for the ball bearings. The thickness of the material used can be such that the walls of the openings provide for sufficient support surface and retaining the balls. In another embodiment the strips can be made of folded sheet material, such as in the previously described cage. In many embodiments the strips can be made from extruded profiles, in 20 which then openings for the balls are created which has to be done in a separate, subsequent and costly procedure. Extrusion makes it difficult to provide for for example damping elements. Since the material does not extend between central portions of the profiles, between the tracks there is no risk of the bearing means coming into contact with mounting means extending 25 through a central section of one or both of said profiles.

For these known guides bearings are especially designed and manufactured.

The present disclosure discloses alternatives to the bearings for guides as described here above. The present disclosure has as an aim to 30 provide for bearings that are easy to manufacture and with relatively high 3 manufacturing flexibility. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a bearing and a guide which are relatively easy to manufacture and use.

At least one of the above mentioned and other aims can be achieved according to the present disclosure.

5 In an aspect the present invention can be embodied by a kit of parts for forming bearing means for a sliding rail such as a guide. The kit of parts can comprise at least a number of modules having a longitudinal direction, which modules comprise coupling elements for couphng modules to each other in said longitudinal direction. At least a number of said modules comprises 10 bearing elements, such as balls, wheels or rolls forming bearing surfaces, preferably at two opposite sides of the modules. Some modules can be included without such bearing elements.

A kit of parts can further comprise at least one bridge part and/or end modules, all provided with appropriate, compatible and interconnectable 15 coupling elements for coupling parts of the kit of parts to each other.

Such kit of parts provides for a modular system with which all kinds of bearings can be formed for guides, which bearings can for example have a general shape comparable to a known metal or plastic ball cage, or of a series of ball bearing strips. The modular system provides for the freedom to 20 configure many different bearings, for example differing in the overall length of the bearing, the number of balls, the availability and/or position of a bridge part relative to longitudinal ends, the number of bridge parts, the longitudinal ends of the bearing and other such features. This means that a kit of parts will allow the manufacture of bearings for a large variety of guides.

25 In a kit of parts modules can be provided without bearing elements and/or without openings for holding such bearing elements. These “closed modules” can for example be designed to be coupled between two other modules, either bearing element carrying modules and/or closed modules, bridge parts and/or end modules. By providing such closed modules, which can 30 have any length desired, the bearing elements can be positioned at appropriate 4 positions along the strip, spaced apart over larger distances. Closed modules may be less expensive to manufacture. Closed modules can provide for proper placement of a limited number of bearing elements only in positions where they are necessary.In an aspect the kit of parts can be designed such that the 5 modules, at least one bridge part and end modules comprise the same or compatible coupling elements for forming couplings between: a module and a module; a module and a bridge part; a bridge part and a bridge part; and/or 10 - a bridge part and an end module.

In an aspect a guide according to the disclosure can comprise at least a first and a second guide profile, each guide profile having a longitudinal direction, where the first guide profile extends at least partly within the second guide profile. The longitudinal direction of the guide profiles can be 15 parallel to each other, wherein on two opposite sides, parallel to the longitudinal directions, guide tracks are formed between wall parts of the first and second guide profiles. A ball guide strip can be included in each of the guide tracks, each guide strip comprising a strip having a longitudinal direction and a series of openings spaced apart in said longitudinal direction of 20 the strip, balls being provided in the openings which run on said wall parts forming the tracks. At least one bridge part can be provided between the two guide strips, connecting the guide strips such that they are substantially prevented from movement relative to each other. The guide strips can be assembled using modules from a kit of parts according to the disclosure. Any 25 bridge part or end module used can also be from such kit of parts.

By providing the at least one bridge part between the strips in a simple and advantageous manner longitudinal movement of the strips relative to each other can be prevented, avoiding damage to the bearing means and/or guide track and preventing compromising a possible sliding movement of the 30 profiles relative to each other.

5

Moreover, this enables easy mounting of the strips in the correct position.

The at least one bridge part or the bridge parts together preferably have a size, measured in the longitudinal direction of the guide, which is 5 smaller that the longitudinal length of the strips. Preferably the or each bridge part is spaced apart from either end of the strips.

In embodiments the strips or strip portions can be made of plastic, and can be made by injection moulding. In embodiments the bridge part or parts thereof can be made of plastic, and can be made by injection moulding. In 10 embodiments the strips or modules can be provided with openings for the bearing balls, wherein the openings can be provided with retaining portions for retaining the bearing halls in the strips or modules.

Some or all of the features described here above can be combined in an embodiment.

15 In an aspect a method according to the description can comprise the steps of forming a bearing means as a first and second guide strip with each a series of bearing balls, using modules of the kit of parts, which may or may not be interconnected by at least one bridge part. The bearing means may then be placed between the guide track forming portions of guide profiles, such that 20 one of the guide profiles extends at least partly in the other profile, wherein a bridge part, if available in the bearing means, can extend between central portions of the profiles. Preferably the bridge part is coupled to the guide strips. The guide strip modules and/or the bridge part can be made by moulding, especially injection moulding from plastic.

25 For a better understanding of the present disclosure embodiments of a guide and parts thereof, especially bearing means, and a method for forming the same will be described hereafter, with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows schematically in perspective view a guide according to the prior art, having a first, second and third guide profile and intermediate 30 first and second ball bearing cages; 6

Fig. 2A - C show schematically, in top view, frontal view and side view respectively an embodiment of a bearing means comprising two guide strips and a bridge part connecting the strips, the strips comprising modules; Fig. 3 in perspective view a bearing means of fig. 2 and 2A; 5 Fig. 4A - C shows a strip module in side view, top view and end view respectively;

Fig. 4D shows a strip module in cross section along the line D - D in fig. 4C;

Fig. 4E in perspective view a strip module without ball openings; 10 Fig. 5A - C shows a bridge part in side view, top view and end view respectively;

Fig. 6A - C an embodiment of a stop module in side view, top view and end view respectively;

Fig. 7 and 7A show schematically and partly broken away a guide 15 comprising a bearing mean, with alternative stop means;

Fig. 8 shows schematically and partly broken away an alternative embodiment of a guide with stop means;

Fig. 9 in end view part of a guide comprising bearing means and a closure; 20 Fig. 9A an end part of a bearing comprising a ring; and

Fig. 10 shown schematically in cross section part of a strip or strip module and a bridge portion connected thereto.

In this description schematically embodiments are shown of a kit of parts for forming a bearing means, a guide, parts thereof and methods for 25 forming the same, as well as of bearings as such, by way of example only.

These embodiments should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. In the embodiments shown or described the same or similar parts have the same or similar reference signs.

In this description embodiments are shown of guides and parts 30 thereof comprising at least two guide profiles, movable relative to each other in 7 a longitudinal sliding direction, which can slide relative to each other in one direction or two opposite directions. In embodiments of the present invention there can be more than two such guide profiles, for example three profiles, such that one of the profiles can be at least partly enclosed between two 5 further profiles, as shown in fig. 1, which can for example form an over-extendable guide. Such embodiments are considered also to have been disclosed herein, with bearing means according to the present invention between at least two of the guide profiles.

In this description a bearing means or bearing 12 can be referred to 10 as guide element, or a set of guide elements such as separate guide strips 13, either coupled or uncoupled. In this description the wording bearing and bearing means are interchangeable, unless specifically differentiated.

In this description substantially shall be understood as meaning that slight variations of given dimensions, sizes, shapes and positions or the 15 like are within the scope, such as variations and deviations of at least 20%, more specifically at least 10% and even more specifically at least 5%.

In the embodiments disclosed guide strips and/or bridge parts and/or parts thereof can be made partly or entirely of plastic, for example by injection moulding, extrusion injection moulding, injection compression moulding, by 20 machining or combinations thereof. In embodiments guide strips and/or bridge parts and/or parts thereof can be made partly or entirely of metal.

Profiles for guides according to the present disclosure can be made partly or entirely of metal or plastic. In embodiments the profiles can be made by forging, extrusion, machining, rolling or other techniques known to the 25 person skilled in the art, including combinations of such techniques.

Fig. 1 shows in exploded view a guide 100 known from the prior art. This guide 100 comprises a first guide profile 1, a second guide profile 2 and a third guide profile 3. A first ball bearing cage 4 and a second ball bearing cage 5 are provided, each made of sheet metal and folded or rolled into a 30 substantially U-shaped cross section, comprising two parallel ball bearing 8 holding portions 6 carrying balls 8 and connected by a mid section 7. The guide profiles 1, 2, 3 each have a longitudinal direction L between opposite ends, and can be nested, such that the second profile 2 is enclosed between the first and third profiles 1, 3. Between the first and second profile 1, 2 and between the 5 second and third profile 2, 3 tracks 9, 10 are formed, such that when the first cage 4 is enclosed between the first and second profile 1, 2, the balls 8 of said cage are run in the relevant tracks 9, whereas of the second cage 5 enclosed between the second and third profile 2, 3, the balls 8 run in the other tracks 10. Thus the profiles 1, 2, 3 are slidable relative to each other in said.

10 longitudinal direction L, in a known manner, between a fully retracted position and an extended position. Each cage 4, 5 has a mid section 7 extending between two central parts 11 of the profiles 1, 2 and 2, 3 extending between the guide tracks 9 and 10 respectively. As can be seen in these cages 4, 5 the thickness of the sheet material is the same overall, both in the ball bearing 15 holding portions 6 and the mid section 7. Obviously one of the cages 4, 5 and one of the guide profiles 1, 2, 3 can be omitted, or further such cages and profiles could be added.

In guides according to the present disclosure in stead of the cage, one of the cages or all of the cages a bearing means 12 according to this 20 disclosure can be used. In such bearing means 12 two ball strips 13 are used, which may or may not be interconnected by at least one bridge part 14. The bridge part 14 prevents the strips 13 from movement relative to each other, at least in longitudinal direction of the guide and preferably also against tilting movement.

25 In the present invention bearing means 12 are disclosed of modular design comprising at least stripmodules, which can be combined with one or more bridge portions and/or end modules. The modules and/or bridge portions are preferably interchangeable in position, such that virtually any configuration of bearing means can be provided with a limited number of 30 different parts. By using bridge portions having different widths, with the 9 same modules bearing can be provided for different widths of guides, the width being the size perpendicular to the direction of extension and retraction of the guide, between opposite tracks. Modules and/or bridge portions can be provided having different ball sizes. Bridge portions can be provided in any 5 longitudinal position. Modules can be used having different lengths, for example two or three lengths, making them relatively inexpensive and providing for flexibility in assembling different lengths of bearings, with different bridge positions.

Modules can be used having no bearing elements and/or no openings 10 for such bearing elements, which can be referred to as closed modules, which can be provided with compatible coupling means. These modules can be positionable between and coupelable to two of the other modules, such as bearing element bearing modules, a bearing element bearing module and a bridge element or a bearing element bearing module and an end module or any 15 one of these modules and another closed module. The closed modules can be used in positions where no bearing elements are necessary or even not desirable. Closed elements can be cheaper, can be more rigid, can be provided with additional supporting elements or other artifacts.

In general terms a guide 100 can comprise at least a first 1 and a 20 second guide profile 2, each guide profile 1, 2 having a longitudinal direction L, where the first guide profile 1 extends at least partly within the second guide profile 2. The longitudinal directions of the guide profiles are parallel to each other. On two opposite sides of the guide 100, parallel to the longitudinal directions L guide tracks 9 are formed between wall parts 20, 21 of the first 1 25 and second guide profiles 2.

According to the invention a ball guide strip 13 is included in each of the guide tracks 9. Each guide strip 13 comprises a strip having a longitudinal direction Ls and a series of openings 22 spaced apart in said longitudinal direction Ls of the strip 13, balls 8 being provided in the openings 22 which 30 run on said wall parts 20, 21 forming the tracks 9. At least one bridge part 14 10 may be provided between the two guide strips 13, connecting the guide strips 13 such that they are prevented from movement relative to each other.

In figs. 2 and 3 an embodiment of such bearing means 12 is shown, in different views. In this embodiment the strips 13 are formed from a number 5 of strip modules 15, and one bridge part 14. The strips 13 extend parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, the bridge part 14 having a main direction y substantially perpendicular thereto. The strip modifies 15 in each strip 13 are connected to each other, end to end, by appropriate coupling means 17. The bridge part 14 comprises a mid section 18 and two end parts 19 10 at opposite ends thereof. The end parts 19 are provided with couphng means 17 compatible with the couphng means 17 of the strip modules 15, such that such strip modules 15 can be coupled to the bridge part 14 through the couphng means 17 provided at the end parts 19. Effectively the end parts 19 of the bridge part 14 can form an integral part of the strips 13.

15 Each strip 13 can be provided at one or, preferably, both longitudinally opposite ends with an end module 23 forming a stop or buffer element. The end modules 23 can be provided with couphng means 17 which can be coupled to the compatible couphng means 17 of a strip module 15 or an end part 19 of a bridge part 14.

20 In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 each strip 13 comprises three strip modules 15, two end modifies 23 and an end part 19 of a bridge part 14.

In the embodiment shown two strip modules 15A are positioned to one side of the end part 19, and one strip module 15B to the opposite side of the end part 19. The strip modules 15A have two openings 22 each, comprising a bah 8, 25 whereas the strip module 15B has five such openings 22 with a bah 8 each. It wih be directly apparent that strip modules 15 could be provided having any number of openings 22, whereas they can be distributed in a strip 13 in any position and configuration, relative to each other and/or to one or more bridge parts 14, depending for example but not exclusively on available longitudinal 30 length in the relevant track 9, 10, the desired path of travel in said track 9, 10 11 and/or the load to be carried. Any such choice will be directly apparent to the person skilled in the art. In an embodiment a kit of parts 101 for forming a bearing means 12 of the present disclosure can comprise a number of strip modules 15, one or more bridge parts 14 and/or end modules 23, wherein the 5 number of strip modules 15 can comprise at least two different strip modules 15A, 15B, differing in the number of openings 22 holding or for holding balls 8, for example two and five openings respectively, as shown, such that different combinations of such modules 15A, B can lead to substantially any number of balls 8 in a strip 13. Obviously a kit 101 could also comprise only one type of 10 strip module 15 or more than two types. The modules 15, 14, 23 can differ in for example the number of balls, position of the balls, length, type of bearing means or other aspects.

Embodiments of strip modules 15, a bridge part 14 and end modules 23 shall be discussed in further detail and by way of example only, with 15 reference to fig. 4, 5 and 6.

Fig. 4 shows a strip module 15, which is preferably made of plastic or metal, for example by machining or injection moulding. Fig. 4E shows schematically a perspective view of a base shape of such module 15, without openings 22. The module 15 has a longitudinal axis Lm, which in use will be 20 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the guide and Ls of the strip 13 in which the module 15 will be integrated. In fig. 4 in the module 15 a first plane M and a second plane N are shown, perpendicular to each other and both comprising the longitudinal axis Lm. The module 15 comprises a mid portion 25 extending in the longitudinal direction Lm, which can have at least in part, 25 such as at opposite ends, a substantially circular cross section, and is provided with two ridges 26 extending along said mid portion 25 in longitudinal direction of the module at two opposite sides in the plane M, spaced apart from the plane N. In the embodiment of fig. 4 two openings 22 are provided, extending through the mid portion 25. Each opening has a substantially 12 circular cross section C having a central axis X, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plane M, and preferably in the plane N.

The cross section C is such that a ball 8 can be enclosed in said opening, in contact with or at close proximity of an inner part of the wall of the 5 opening 22, the ball extending at two opposite sides of the module 15, preferably in the plane N, as schematically shown in fig. 4D. In the embodiment shown between the longitudinal ends 27 of the module 15 the body, especially the mid section 25 of the module 15 can have slightly flattened sides, as shown in fig. 4, formed with ridges 26A extending between the 10 openings 22 and between each respective opening 22 and an adjacent longitudinal end 27 of the module, in the plane N.

The balls 8 can be placed freely in the openings 22, such that they are not positively retained and may fall out when the module 15 is lifted. In such embodiment the balls 8 will be retained in the openings 22 when the 15 bearing means 12 is placed appropriately in a guide, the balls 8 extending between walls 20, 21 forming a track 9. Preferably however each opening 22 is provided with retaining means 28 for retaining the ball 8 in the opening 22. In embodiments the retaining means can be formed by for example ridges of notches in said opening 22, allowing the ball 8 to be pressed into the opening 20 22 by elastic deformation of part of the module 15, especially of the said retaining means, such that after the ball 8 has passed into the opening the retaining means will at least regain its original form and thus enclose the ball within the opening 22. The retaining means obviously will have to allow the ball to rotate within the opening 22. In the embodiment shown the retaining 25 means 28 comprise two ridge shaped notches 29 in each opening, at diagonally opposed sides of the opening 22. As is shown in fig. 4D lower opening 22 the ball cannot leave the opening 22 without deforming at least one of the notches 29.

Preferably the retaining means 29 are formed such that they can 30 easily be injection moulded with the module 15. In the embodiment shown this 13 is achieved by the diagonal positioning of the notches, such that mould parts can be used forming the opening 22 and the retaining means, which can open and close in the direction of the axis X. Obviously other embodiments could be possible too for achieving the same or a similar result. The retaining means 5 are only shown by way of example in fig. 4.

At opposite longitudinal ends 27 of the module coupling means 17 are provided. In the embodiment shown they are designed as so called dove tail couplings, comprising male and female dove tail coupling elements 17A, 17B that can engage, preferably in a direction F enclosing an angle with the 10 longitudinal axis Lm, for example substantially perpendicular thereto, such that when a module is coupled in a strip 13 it cannot be pulled apart in the longitudinal direction Ls of the strip 13. In the embodiment shown each coupling means 17 comprises both a male dove tail element 17A and a female dove tail element 17B, at opposite sides of the plane M. The male element 17A 15 extends outward from a longitudinal end face 30 of the module 15, in a direction away from the opposite longitudinal end face 30, whereas the female element 17B extends inward from the end face 30, in the direction of the opposite longitudinal end face 30. The elements 17A, B are formed and positioned such that two modules 15 can be coupled by the coupling means 17 20 by sliding the elements 17A, B of the respective modules into each other in a direction F, for example perpendicular to the plane M. Thus a positive coupling is achieved. The elements 17A, B are preferably such that the sliding movement of the male elements 17A is stopped by a wall part 31 of the female elements 17B extending substantially in the plane M, leading to a proper 25 alignment of the modules 15. In a similar way the modules 15 can be coupled to similar coupling means 17 of end modules 23 and/or bridge parts 14, and/or end modules 23 to bridge parts 14.

In the embodiments shown a module 15 has a length D between the longitudinal end faces 30, whereas the distance between the axis X of two 30 adjacent openings 22 is indicated by Q. The distance between an end face 30 14 and the axis X of an opening 22 closest to said end face is indicated by W. In the embodiment shown the distance W is substantially equal to half the distance Q between two adjacent openings 22. This means that when two such modules are coupled by the coupling means 17 the distance V between two 5 openings 22 in the coupled modules 15 adjacent opposite sides of the engaging end faces 30 will be substantially the same as the distance Q between adjacent openings 22 in each of the modules 15, leading to a substantially even longitudinal distribution of balls 8 along the strip 13, at least in the parts thereof formed by the modules 15. In such embodiments the length D of a 10 module will be approximately the number of openings plus one times the distance Q. In ball bearing strips 13 according to this description all modules 15 can comprise balls 8. However, in embodiments some modules 15 could be free of openings 22 and/or balls 8, in order to for example provide for relatively long strips having balls 8 at appropriately spaced apart locations only. Ball 15 positions can therewith be chosen selectively depending on need or desire, whereas such strips 13 can be made relatively inexpensive.

Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, a bridge portion 14 for a bearing means 12, showing the mid section 18 and two end parts 19 at opposite ends thereof. The end parts 19 can have substantially the same cross section as the 20 modules 15 and have two opposite longitudinal ends faces 30, each provided with coupling means 17. The coupling means 17 are similar to or identical to the coupling means 17 of the modules 15 and are not further discussed here. Reference is made to the discussion of fig. 4 for further elucidation of the embodiment shown. Again a module 15, end module 23 and/or other bridge 25 part 14 can be coupled thereto by sliding the male and female coupling elements 17A, B of adjoining parts into each other.

The mid section 18 of a bridge part 14 can be shaped in accordance with the central parts of the guide profiles between which it has to be used. In the embodiment shown the mid section is coupled at opposite ends 32 to a 30 ridge portion 26 of a respective end part 19, whereas a middle portion 33 15 between said end parts is bent such that it extends substantially in or close to the plane N for example close to or at the axis of rotation of the bearing balls 8. The bridge portion 18 can be close to either one of the adjacent midsections 11, or even in contact therewith, especially when at least the bridge portion is 5 made of plastic. This can for example provide for extra space for parts of the mounting means, such as but not limited to heads of bolts. Obviously other shapes and profiles can be provided. The bridge part 14 can be made from for example plastic or metal and can for example be injection moulded. The bridge part 14 can have for example rounded or chamfered leading and trailing edges 10 34, in order to further facilitate smooth sliding of the profiles relative to each other and preventing collision of the bridge part 14 with further parts of the guide 100.

As discussed before the modules 15 and end parts 19 can have a width Zm at or near the plane N which is different from, especially larger than 15 the thickness Wm of the mid section 18 of the bridge part 14. The thickness

Zm can for example be at least twice the thickness Wm, for example more than three times, such as but not limited to five times or more. This means that the walls of openings 22 can provide for sufficient support and retaining of the balls 8, whereas the overall thickness Wg of the guide 100 at the position of the 20 mid section 11 and especially the distances between profiles 1, 2, 3 can be chosen relatively freely and can be kept relatively small and/or such that sufficient space can be provided for mounting means or parts thereof extending between such profiles 1, 2, 3, for example a bolt 60 extending through a slot 61 in a mid section 11, the bolt 60 being indicated by broken lines in Fig. 7 an 8.. 25 In the embodiment shown in fig. 5 each end part 19 comprises a number of indentations 33 in an outer face of the end part 19, in order to reduce material thickness and weight and especially prevent undesirable differences in thickness in the bridge portion, to avoid differences in shrinkage as much as possible, especially when made of plastic. In other embodiments 30 there may be one or more openings 22 for holding a bearing ball 8 in each end 16 part 19, similar to or identical to the openings in the modules 15, whereas the end part can be dimensioned such that the distance V between an axis of such opening 22 and adjacent openings 22 in modules 15 coupled to said end part 19 is again substantially the same as the distance Q between openings 22 in the 5 modules 15.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an end module 23. In this embodiment the end module 23 is designed as a stop or buffer block, which can run into a stop element 40 fixed in or formed in the track 9, 10 in which the relevant strip 13 runs as disclosed in fig. 7 and 8. The end module 23 can be 10 provided with coupling means 17 similar to or identical to the coupling means of the modules 15 and/or bridge parts 14. In the embodiment shown the coupling means 17 again comprise a male and female dove tail element 17A, 17B, especially as discussed here above. The end module 23 can be made of a material softer than the material of the strip modules 15 and the bridge part 15 14, for example an elastomeric material such as but not limited to a TPE, or rubber. In embodiments the end module can be made of foam material or can be made of different materials, for example by 2K moulding, in order to provide a rigid coupling means 17 and a flexible end face 36. In embodiments the end module 23 can be provide with a chamber or opening 35 extending 20 through the end module 23 in a direction enclosing an angle with the longitudinal direction Le, between an end face 36 and the coupling means 17, such that a frontal part 37 between the end face 36 and the chamber or opening 35 can flex under pressure exerted on the end face 36. A groove 38 or similar indentation can be provided in the end face 36, increasing the 25 flexibility of frontal part 37.

As is shown in for example fig. 6C, 7 and 9A especially, the end face 36 can have chamfered or rounded edge portions 39 which may be in close proximity of the track 9, 10 forming portions of the wall parts 20, 21 of the guide profiles 1, 2, 3. To this end the end surface 36 may have a shape similar 30 to that of the end surfaces 30 of the strip modules 13, but slightly larger.

17

During use when the profiles 1, 2 of the guide 100 are moved such that the end face 36 is the leading end of the strip 13, seen in the direction of travel of the bearing means 12, edges of the end face 36 will move along the surfaces of the track 9, 10, and could push any possible contamination forward, or at least out 5 of the running path of the balls 8 on the track surfaces, preventing damage to the balls and/or track, and preventing obstacles that would prevent the halls from rotating freely. The edge portions 39 can further enhance smooth running of the guide. The edge portions 39 moreover can prevent grease to be pushed away from said running path.

10 In embodiments the end module 23 can be provided with an element for cleaning the track, such as but not limited to a ring element extending around part of the end module 23, such as for example a felt ring, as is for example shown in fig. 9A, which during use will be in contact with the track surfaces or parts thereof. Such ring or similar element 63 can also be used for 15 greasing or oiling the track for example by at least partly saturating the element 63 with a lubricant such as oil or grease. In embodiments as for example shown in fig. 7, the end module 23 or any other module 15, 14 can be provided with one or more extensions such as elements 66 which are provided alongside the surface parts of the tracks forming portions 20, 21, such that 20 upon movement of the strip 13 along said trackparts, grease provided on said trackparts will be forced towards the part of the surface of the track on which the balls 8 run, improving greasing the contact area between the bearing balls 8 and the track 9, 10. These elements 66 can be combined with means for preventing contaminations to enter onto said contact area, such for example 25 but not limited to strips 45 as shown in fig. 9. In fig. 7 A an end module 23 is shown with elements 62, preferably on opposite sides, which scrapes along the surface parts of the tracks on which the bearing element 8 run, scraping off any contamination.

18

Alternatively of additionally the strip 45 as shown in fig. 9 can be combined with the element 63 such as the felt ring 63 as shown in fig. 9A and/or with the elements 62 as shown in fig. 7A.

In the embodiments shown elements 62 can be formed by ridges 5 extending along part of an outer surface of the end module 23. In other embodiments these elements can also be or alternatively be provided on other surfaces, such as of modules 15 and/or bridge elements 19.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an end module 23, again provided with coupling means 17 for coupling thereof to a strip module 15 or 10 bridge part 14, and a damper element 41. The damper element as such is known from the art, such as for example PowerStop® as manufactured by Zimmer, Germany, and can for example be a gas or fluid filled damper, having an cylinder 42 with a piston therein, and a stem 43 extending there from which is provided with a head 44 that can run against the stop element 40, 15 damping the impact of the movement of the guide. As is known in the art a spring may be provided for resetting the damper. Similarly, retraction mechanisms, holding mechanisms and the like as known in the art of guides may be used with a system of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows schematically part of a guide 100, especially of a track 20 9, 10 thereof with a strip 13, seen from a longitudinal end, wherein an open side 44 is shown of the track, between the guide profiles 1, 2. In fig. 9 the open side 44 faces upward. A closing strip 45 is provided on the strip 13, mounted in this embodiment on the ridge 26, for example clamped into a groove 49 along said ridge 26, which closes off the open side 44 above the strip 13, preventing 25 contamination to enter between the strip 13 and the track forming portion 20, 21 through said open side 44. The closing strip 45 can for example be made of plastic or metal. The strip 45 shields the bearing 12 from the environment especially when combined with sealing means at the ends of the strip 13 such as for example the rings 63 which can be made of felt, plastic rubber or 30 another suitable material. Such shielding prevents contamination of the 19 bearing and the tracks. In fig. 9 in broken fines groove 49 is indicated as a possible amendment for mounting the strip 45 or other elements.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of part of a bearing means 12 in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment the strips 13 can be formed in a 5 single piece or from modules 15 as discussed. The bridge part 14 can be provided with end parts 19 which can be inserted into slots in the strips 13 or modules 15 in stead of between strip modules 15, end modules 23 and/or further bridge part 14. In the embodiment shown a module 15 is provided with a slot 46 in a ridge 26, into which a substantially flat end part 19 of the bridge 10 part 14 is inserted. Alternatively the end part 19 can be provided with a clamping means, such as for example shown in the closing strip 45, to be clamped onto the ridge 26. To this end the ridge 26 can be provided with said longitudinal groove 49 or a series of groove portions longitudinally spaced apart, such that the clamping means can engage such groove. By using 15 longitudinally spaced apart groove portions, discrete positioning of the bridge part is possible, the bridge part being prevented from movement relative to the strip in longitudinal direction by separations between such groove portions. Alternatively, the end part 19 can be inserted into a slot 46A extending substantially parallel to the plane M, for example through ridge 26A, as 20 indicated in fig. 10 by broken fines. Moreover a bridge portion could otherwise be mounted to ball bearing strips, which may be formed from modules as described, which mounting can for example be achieved by welding , such as but not limited to ultrasonic welding, or by glue.

A kit of parts 101 according to the present invention can comprise 25 different strip modules 15, end modules 23 and bridge parts 14, such that various different combinations can be made into bearing means 12, including two or more bah bearing strips 13 without a connecting bridge part 14.

As indicated before, the present disclosure allows for a virtually unlimited number of different bearings 12 with a hmited number of different 30 parts which can themselves be relatively inexpensive. By way of example, by 20 providing a kit comprising modules with two and five balls, modules without balls, bridge portions and end portions, wherein at least two different ball sizes can be provided, a very large number of different types and sizes of guides could be provided with appropriate bearings, in an inexpensive way. By 5 providing bridge portions having different, sizes perpendicular to the strips 13, this can even further be enhanced. Moreover, a limited number of parts makes assembly less cumbersome and easier to automate.

A kit of parts of the present disclosure can provide for flexibility in for example length of a bearing, width of a bearing between guide strips, use of 10 one or more bridge portions, position of such bridge portion or portions, mounting openings or other mounting means, locks or other features on the guide, positioning and type of stops, such as hard or soft, damping, retraction and release, selective provision of balls or such bearing elements, cleaning and greasing of the tracks, providing closure means for the bearing means, such as 15 a closure strip and/or sealing means, continuous lubrication and easy repair or adaptation by replacement of one or more parts of a bearing.

The present invention is by no means limited to the specific embodiments described and disclosed in the drawings. Many amendments and variations are possible within the scope as defined by the claims, including 20 each and all combinations and permutations of embodiments and parts thereof as disclosed. For example end modifies 23 can be integrated with strip modules 15 or bridge parts 14, whereas the end modules can be provided with balls 8 too. Different strip modules can be added, for example free of openings 22 or balls 8, whereas one or more of the openings 22 can be free of a ball 8 and can 25 for example be used for different purposes, such as mounting a sensor, cleaning element, brake element, locking element or the like. In the embodiments shown strip modules 15 having two and five openings cq balls have been shown. It shall be clear that modules can be provided with any number of openings and/or balls. Moreover, balls can be distributed along the 30 strips 13 in a different manner, for example in an irregular pattern or at 21 different spacing or for example in two or more rows above or next to each other. In an alternative embodiment some or all modules 15 can be provided with one or more rolls, wheels or sliders in stead of or next to the or each ball 8. Also a bearing means according to the present invention can have more than 5 one bridge part 14. The coupling means can be designed differently, for example including but not limited top screw threads, clamping means, form or force closure means, ball and socket elements or the like key-lock systems for coupling modules in line.

These and various other amendments are possible and will be clear 10 to the skilled person based on the disclosure as given and general knowledge.

Claims

A parts set for forming bearing means for a slide rail such as a guide, comprising at least a number of modules with a longitudinal direction, which modules comprise coupling elements for coupling modules together in said longitudinal direction, wherein at least a number of said modules of bearing means for forming bearing surfaces.

2. Parts set according to claim 1, wherein the kit further comprises at least one bridge part having a middle section with a first direction and two end parts on opposite sides seen in said first direction, wherein the end parts are provided at two ends seen in a second direction , substantially perpendicular to the first direction, with coupling elements for coupling the end parts to at least one of said modules, such that two series of modules can be formed, coupled in a spaced apart, mainly in a parallel position, through said bridge part .

3. Parts set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the kit further comprises end modules which comprise coupling elements for coupling thereof to a module or a bridge part.

4. Parts set as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the modules have opposite longitudinal ends, wherein said longitudinal ends are provided with said coupling elements for coupling the modules together in said longitudinal direction or to coupling elements of a bridge part or an end module.

5. Parts set according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the modules, at least one bridge part and end modules comprise the same or compatible coupling elements for forming couplings between: a module and a module; a module and a bridge part; a bridge part and a bridge part; and / or a bridge part and an end module.

6. Parts set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means are designed for coupling the elements in a direction including an angle with the longitudinal direction of the modules, wherein 0 ° said angle <180 ° preferably an angle between 45 and 135 degrees, more preferably an angle that is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction.

7. Parts set, wherein the modules are essentially made by injection molding.

Bearing, in particular a ball cage, formed by a set of parts according to one of claims 1-7.

9. Bearing as claimed in claim 8, wherein two or more modules form one guide spot and a bridge part for coupling two guide strips or guide strip module forming a bearing, comprising two guide strips extending parallel to each other but spaced apart by said bridge part, said at least two modules each comprising at least one and preferably a series of balls in openings in the module, which preferably extend from said openings on two opposite sides of the modules or strips.

10. Guide comprising at least a first and second guide profile, wherein each guide profile has a longitudinal direction, the first guide profile extending at least partially within the second guide profile, the longitudinal directions of the guide profiles being parallel to each other, with two opposite sides parallel to the longitudinal directions guide tracks are formed between wall parts of the first and second guide profiles, wherein a ball guide strip is included in each of the guide tracks, each guide strip comprising a strip with a longitudinal direction and a series of openings spaced apart in said longitudinal direction of the strip, wherein balls are provided in the openings running on said wall parts forming the track, wherein preferably at least one bridge part is provided between the two guide strips, which connect the guide strips such that they are prevented with respect to to move, at least in a longitudinal direction of the strip, wherein the or each ball guide strip comprises at least a series of modules of a part set according to any one of claims 1-7.

11. Guide as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one bridge part extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second guide profile and is preferably connected to the guide strips in an apart position on opposite sides of said strip, preferably in a middle section of the strips, and is coupled to the strips by said coupling element.

12. Guide as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the guide strips have first and second opposite longitudinal ends, which form a stop for cooperating stop elements in said tracks for limiting the relative movement of the first and second guide profiles in said longitudinal direction.

13. Guide as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 10-12, wherein the strips or modules and / or the bridge part in openings therein comprise locking means for securing a ball in said opening extending from said module.

14. Guide as claimed in claims 10-13, wherein a strip is coupled to and extends along at least a part of the guide strip, which at least partially closes a guide track in which said strip extends.

15. Set of at least two guide strip modules and at least one bridge part, wherein the guide strip module and the bridge part comprise cooperating coupling means for coupling said at least two guide strip modules through said bridge part, the coupling means 5 being preferably designed to connect two or more to enable more guide strip modules for forming one guide strip and for coupling two guide strips or guide strip modules for forming bearing means, comprising two guide strips extending parallel to each other but spaced apart by said bridge part, said at least two modules each comprise at least one and preferably a series of balls in openings in the modules, which preferably extend from said opening on two opposite sides of the modules or strips.

Set according to claim 15, wherein the set comprises two series of modules 15, each series comprising at least two such modules, which are coupled to each other and / or to the bridge part, for forming bearing means for a guide.

17. Parts set comprising at least a number of ball bearing strip modules, at least one bridge part and a number of end modules, wherein the strip modules, bridge parts and end modules are provided with coupling means for coupling at least one strip module in a linear arrangement to at least one of: a end module; a strip module; and 25 - a bridge section.

A bearing for a guide, such as a drawer or a machine carriage, in particular a guide according to any one of claims 10-14, comprising at least two guide strips and bridge parts, wherein the bridge part couples the guide strips in an apart, parallel relationship, wherein the strips and the bridge parts are preferably made of separate parts.

19. Method of forming a bearing, wherein the bearing is assembled from at least two guide strips and at least one bridge part, which are connected to each other such that the guide strips are held in a parallel position, spaced apart by the bridge part, wherein the guide strips preferably comprise balls which are provided with openings in which they are secured by means of locking means.

The method of claim 19, wherein at least the guide strips are assembled from a series of strip modules.