Theoretical Study on New Mechanism for Converting Rotary Motion into Linear Motion

摘要

We have originated a mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion for a linear actuator. This mechanism is composed of a columnar-shaped rod, a holder member supported around the rod that is rotatable relative to the rod, and rollers supported for rotation on the holder member. The rod is comprised of a thread having a predetermined lead angle. The axial angle of each of the rollers relative to the axis of the rod is set to be almost equal to the lead angle of the thread of the rod. Each of the rollers is comprised of annular grooves, which mesh with the thread of the rod. If the holder member is rotated, the rod will move linearly. As the result of a theoretical study on the mechanism, the efficiency of the mechanism is expected to be equal to that of the ball screw mechanism, and its thrust will be larger.