What is the groove shape of a ball screw? What is a Gothic arch?
A ball screw is a mechanical element that functions by combining three elements: a "screw shaft," a "nut," and a "ball."
As shown in the figure, balls roll between the "screw shaft" and the "nut," allowing the screw shaft or the nut to rotate with a very small force.
The groove in which the balls roll is called the "screw groove" or "rolling surface," and the shape of this groove is not just a circular arc, but is called a "Gothic arch" shape.
Ball screw combination diagram
Thread groove model diagram
A Gothic arch is an arched structure made up of two overlapping arcs, and is often seen in pointed arches (arch gates) of Gothic churches, as seen in the photograph.
Gothic church (arch)
The reason why the groove shaft of a ball screw is a Gothic arch is because it is easier to adjust the ball screw clearance compared to a single arc, and it also makes it easier to turn the nut. Most general Ball Screws use a Gothic arch groove shape.
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