Ball circulating unit for linear ball guidance

A ball circulating unit for a linear ball guidance device comprising:

• a cylindrical outer member;
• a cylindrical guiding rail concentrically positioned within said outer member;
• a multi-component cage member circumferentially positioned between said outer member and said guiding rail for providing movement between the two, said multi-component cage including a plurality of groups of inner segments, each of said groups including at least a first and second inner segment, and head pieces at ends of said first and second inner segments, a plurality of loops which include a plurality of balls are associated with said first and second segments and said head pieces, said loops having a carrying portion in which said balls project radially inwardly from said segments and rest against said guiding rail, said inner segments including a guide recess for said balls, a return portion with guide recesses for said balls and a deflecting portion, said return and carrying portions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis with deflecting portions connecting the two enabling the balls to continuously move about said loop in and out of contact with said guiding rail;
• and
• at least one web positioned between adjacent groups, said web including at least one guide recess such that said web forms part of said carrying portion between adjacent groups.