LINEAR ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF MINIMIZING AXIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SPINDLE

摘要

An actuator includes a motor (15) having a transmission worm (20) thereon. A transmission housing (22) surrounds the transmission worm (20). The transmission worm (20) engages a helical gear (24) to produce rotation of a leadscrew (26). A drive nut bracket (15) engages the leadscrew (14), whereby rotation of the leadscrew (14) produces linear movement of the drive nut bracket (15). The housing (22) has a bearing surface against which the leadscrew (26) locates, an opening through which the leadscrew (26) extends, and a housing end cap (42) installed across the opening. The housing end cap (42) urges the leadscrew (26) toward the bearing surface, such that axial play of the leadscrew (26) may be minimized by screwing the housing end cap (26) to a position where the leadscrew (26) optimally contacts the bearing surface.