RECIRCULATION CROSSOVER INSERT AND LINEAR MOTION ASSEMBLY THEREWITH

摘要

A linear motion assembly and recirculation insert therefor is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having a through bore with an internal helical groove and a screw having an external helical groove. The external helical groove is radially aligned with the internal helical groove to define a plurality of ball raceways. A plurality of inserts is fixed within the bore of the ball nut. The inserts each have a central body fixed within a recessed pocket of the ball nut, with the body having a radially inwardly facing, generally s-shaped groove to route the balls between adjacent turns. A pair of legs extends in opposite directions from the central body, wherein the legs are sized for a clearance fit with the external helical groove. The legs merge with the central body over a smooth transition region that minimizes stress concentrations at the joint between the legs and central body.

主权项

1. A linear motion assembly, comprising:
a ball nut having a through bore extending between opposite ends, said through bore having an internal helical groove; a screw having an external helical groove, said screw extending through said through bore of said ball nut with said external helical groove being radially aligned with said internal helical groove to define a plurality of ball raceways; a plurality of balls disposed in said ball raceways, said balls having a ball diameter; and a plurality of crossover inserts fixed within said bore of said ball nut to recirculate said balls between adjacent turns of individual ball raceways, said crossover inserts each having a central body fixed within a recessed pocket of said ball nut and having a radially inwardly facing, generally s-shaped groove extending axially across said central body to route the balls between said adjacent turns, said crossover inserts further including a pair of legs extending outwardly from said central body in opposite directions from one another, wherein said legs are sized for a clearance fit with said external helical groove of the screw, said legs merging with the central body over a smooth transition region, wherein said transition region minimizes stress concentrations between said legs and said central body.