Spherical planetary ball transmissions: Geometrical synthesis

Abstract

The paper examines theoretical problems of the development of transmissions with intermediate engaged rolling bodies in which speed reduction and load transfer are made through interaction of main gear units with balls. The distinctive feature of this type of gears is the execution of working surfaces (running ways) of the main gear units on the spherical surfaces. The design of spherical transmission with the constant reduction ratio is developed. The principle of its work is based on interaction of rolling bodies with running way of drive shaft, working surfaces of stopped gear unit and meridional grooves of driven shaft. The running way and working surfaces are made along the harmonic curves closed on sphere. The parametrical equations of interacting spherical curves of several types are received. One of these curves is an inclined circle along which a ring groove on sphere is made. Theoretical principles are illustrated by examples of design of reducer unit.