Rocker return liner for ball nut

Abstract

A ball nut and return liner assembly includes a ball nut having a tubular body having a longitudinal axis, the tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface, a plurality of arcuate grooves defined on the inner surface. A longitudinal slot is defined on the inner surface parallel to the longitudinal axis, interrupting the plurality of arcuate grooves, and forming a pocket for receiving the return liner, the longitudinal slot having first curved walls. The return liner is provided with a first surface having a plurality of S-shaped return grooves extending from the first side to the second side to cooperate with the plurality of arcuate grooves in the ball nut. The return liner is further provided with a second surface for fitting within the longitudinal slot within the ball nut, the second surface having second curved walls.

1 . A ball nut and return liner assembly comprising: 
 a ball nut having    a tubular body having a longitudinal axis, the tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface;    a plurality of arcuate grooves defined on the inner surface;    a longitudinal slot defined on the inner surface parallel to the longitudinal axis, interrupting the plurality of arcuate grooves, and forming a pocket for receiving the return liner, the longitudinal slot having first non-planar curved walls; and,    the return liner having    a first surface having a plurality of S-shaped return grooves defined thereon, the S-shaped return grooves extending from the first side to the second side to cooperate with the plurality of arcuate grooves in the ball nut;    a second surface for fitting within the longitudinal slot within the ball nut, the second surface having second non-planar curved walls; and wherein the return liner is unfixed and partially rockable within the longitudinal slot.    
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein a cross-section of the return liner is limited in contact to a cross-section of the longitudinal slot at two points.  
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein the two points exist approximately 45 degrees from either side of a line dividing the longitudinal slot longitudinally in half.  
   
   
       5 . (cancelled)