Experimental investigation of moving contact pattern in helical planetary gearboxes

Abstract

Planetary gear sets combine the characteristics of high-power density and compact design which are beneficial for a wide range of high-performance applications. Embedded in the efforts for resource efficiency and cost reduction, new challenges arise regarding a lightweight design. An accurate prediction of the load sharing on the individual planetary gears and especially of the load distribution of the meshing gears is of major importance. A uniform load distribution enables the design of the individual tooth meshes without load increases and oversizing. However, a varying load distribution has been observed in planetary gearboxes with respect to the rotation of the carrier which is caused by misaligned central shafts of the gearbox. This behavior is influenced by several factors, such as manufacturing and assembly deviations, the rigidity of shafts, housing and bearings, the number of planets, the quality of the gear wheels and the operating conditions. To determine the exact load distribution, detailed simulations or extensive experimental prototype tests are required. In an early design phase, these detailed boundary conditions are not yet defined and their effect on a moving contact pattern therefore cannot be reliably considered.Thus, in this paper an experimental investigation of the influencing factors on a varying load distribution with regard to the carrier rotation is presented. Based on experimental data recommendations for the design of planetary gearboxes are derived.