Gear tooth chamfers for ring gears

Abstract

A bearing includes a bearing ring and a plurality of gear teeth, the bearing ring having an annular base and the plurality of gear teeth being integrally formed with the annular base. Each of the plurality of gear teeth includes a first tooth side surface extending generally radially from the annular base, a tooth top surface extending generally axially, and a chamfered surface located between the tooth top surface and the first tooth side surface. The chamfered surface includes a first arcuate portion having a first radius within a range of 0.1 to 0.15 times the gear module of the bearing ring. The first arcuate portion has a tangent point with the first tooth side surface. The chamfered surface has a length P extending radially between the tangent point and the tooth top surface, and P is within a range of 0.1 to 0.15 times the gear module of the bearing ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved gear tooth for a ring gear (i.e., a slewing gear) and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the gear tooth includes a chamfered or beveled surface having an arcuate surface adjacent to a side or flank surface of the gear tooth, and an angled edge located between the gear tooth's top surface and the chamfered surface. These features of the chamfered surface enable the ring gear to mesh with a pinion gear and rotate with the pinion gear while causing minimal or no damage to the pinion gear teeth. Background Art

[0002] Conventional gear teeth of a ring gear have chamfered surfaces with an angular edge located between the side surface of the gear tooth and the top surface of the gear tooth. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, chamfered surfaces 1, 2 on gear teeth 6 of ring gear 4 cause wear damage 3 to pinion 5. Damage 3 may occur where corner edge 1a of chamfered surface 1 strikes pinion 5 during gear 4 rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention eliminates the negative issues associated with the angled edges of the chamfered surfaces of gear teeth. More specifically, preferred embodiments of the present invention include a chamfered surface on the gear tooth and an angled edge, with the chamfered surface having an arcuate surface adjacent to the gear tooth's flank surface and the angled edge at the boundary between the chamfered surface and the tooth tip surface. As a result, the ring gear can mesh with the pinion gear and rotate with the pinion gear without causing damage to the pinion gear teeth and / or causing relatively minimal damage.

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention is a bearing comprising: a bearing ring including an annular base and a gear module m; a plurality of gear teeth connected to the annular base and circumferentially positioned around the annular base; and each of the plurality of gear teeth including a first tooth side surface extending from the annular base, a tooth top surface extending from the first tooth side surface, and a second surface located between the tooth top surface and the first tooth side surface, the second surface including a first arcuate surface having a first radius, the first radius being ≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m. Alternatively, the bearing may include a first tooth side surface tangent to the first arcuate surface and defining a tangent point.

[0005] In another aspect of the invention, the length P extends between the tangent point and an outer line, the outer line being coplanar with the tooth top surface, and the length P is ≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m. Furthermore, the length P measured perpendicular to the outer line to the tangent point may be ≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, each gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth further includes an angled edge located between the second surface and the tooth tip surface, and the first arcuate surface of the second surface abuts the first tooth side surface. Furthermore, an angle of approximately 135 degrees may exist between the second surface and the tooth tip surface. Additionally, each gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth may include a third surface located between the second surface and the tooth tip surface, and the third surface may be substantially linear.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention may include a second tooth side surface and a fourth surface, wherein the second tooth side surface extends from the annular base and the fourth surface is located between the second tooth side surface and the tooth top surface, wherein the fourth surface includes a second arc portion, and the second radius of the second arc portion is basically ( / substantially / approximately) equal to the first radius.

[0008] Additionally, the first tooth side surface may extend from the annular base in a substantially ( / essentially / generally) radial direction, and the tooth top surface may extend in a substantially ( / essentially / generally) axial direction.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is a gear tooth for a bearing, the bearing comprising an annular ring having an annular base and a gear module m. The gear tooth comprises: a first flank surface adjacent to and extending from the annular base; a second surface adjacent to and extending from the first flank surface; a first arcuate surface formed in the second surface, the first flank surface being tangent to the first arcuate surface at a tangent point; a tooth top surface adjacent to and extending from the second surface; and a length P extending from the tangent point to a line coplanar with the tooth top surface, wherein the length P is ≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m. Furthermore, the length P measured perpendicular to the external line to the tangent point may be ≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m.

[0010] In other aspects of the present invention, the first arcuate surface includes a first radius R, wherein the first radius R is greater than or equal to 0.1 m and less than or equal to 0.15 m. Furthermore, the tooth top surface and the second surface are adjacent and form an angled edge. Furthermore, the present invention may include an angle of approximately 135 degrees between the second surface and the tooth top surface.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the gear tooth may further include: a second tooth side surface extending from the annular base; a third surface adjacent to the second tooth side surface and the tooth top surface; and a second arcuate surface formed in the third surface. Furthermore, the second arcuate surface may include a second radius substantially equal to the first radius.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first tooth side surface extends substantially radially from the annular base, and the tooth tip surface extends substantially axially from the second surface.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a ring gear, the ring gear including at least one gear tooth having a chamfered surface. The method includes the following steps: providing a ring gear having an annular base, the at least one gear tooth extending substantially radially from the annular base, the at least one gear tooth including a first tooth flank surface extending substantially radially from the annular base and a tooth top surface extending substantially in an axial direction; determining a gear module m of the ring gear; and chamfering the at least one gear tooth such that a first chamfered surface is formed between the first tooth flank surface and the tooth top surface, and the first chamfered surface includes a first arcuate surface having a radius R, the length of the radius R being within a range of values ​​≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m.

[0014] The step of chamfering the at least one gear tooth may further include forming a first chamfered surface such that the first tooth flank surface is tangent to the first arcuate surface at a tangent point. Furthermore, the step of chamfering the at least one gear tooth may further include forming the first chamfered surface at a distance P measured between the tangent point and a line perpendicular to a line coplanar with the tooth top surface, the distance P being within a range of ≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention includes the steps of providing a pinion gear configured for use with a ring gear; and selecting a radius R from a range of values ​​≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m such that the ring gear is configured to mesh with the pinion gear.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention includes the steps of providing a pinion gear configured for use with a ring gear; and selecting the distance P from a range of values ​​≥ 0.1 m and ≤ 0.15 m such that the ring gear is configured to mesh with the pinion gear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, presently preferred embodiments are shown in the schematic drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a prior art gear tooth meshing with a pinion;

[0019] Figure 2 depicts a toroidal bearing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the gear teeth of a toroidal bearing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 Depicts Figure 3 Gear tooth profiles and / or cross-sectional views of gear teeth in;

[0022] Figure 5A Depicts Figure 4 Exploded view of the chamfered surface shown in FIG;

[0023] Figure 5B Depicts Figure 4 An exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a chamfered surface is shown in FIG;

[0024] Figure 6 depicts the interaction between the annular bearing and the pinion in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 7 is a flow chart of steps for manufacturing a ring gear according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "inward," "inwardly," and "outwardly," "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center of the element being described, respectively, and the specific meanings are apparent from the context of the specification. In addition, as used herein, the words "connected" and "coupled" are intended to include integrally formed components, direct connections between two different components (without any other components interposed between the two different components), and indirect connections between components (with one or more other components interposed between the components). The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0027] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, Figure 2 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an annular bearing 10, such as a slew bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 10 generally comprises an annular ring 14 surrounding a central opening or bore 15 and a central axis C. The annular ring 14 also comprises an annular base 12 and radially outwardly extending gear teeth 20 separated by regions 25 of the annular base 12. The gear teeth have chamfered surfaces 26 and 27.

[0028] In this embodiment, the gear teeth 20 are integrally formed with the annular base 12. It is also contemplated that the gear teeth 20 may be connected to the annular base 12 by other methods, such as welding. Additionally, other configurations of the positioning of the gear teeth 20 relative to the central axis C are contemplated. For example, the gear teeth 20 may extend in the axial direction or in both the axial and radial directions. Furthermore, the gear teeth 20 may be as Figure 3 extending radially inwardly as shown in Figure 2 , extending radially outwardly.

[0029] Figure 3 An exploded view of the gear tooth 20 is depicted. As shown, the chamfer surfaces 26 and 27, the side flank surface 28, and the top land surface 38 extend substantially across the entire width of the gear 10. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view or profile of a gear tooth 20 is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each gear tooth 20 has two side surfaces 28 that form the sides of the gear tooth and extend radially outward from the annular base 12 toward a tooth tip surface 38. The tooth tip surface 38 is a surface on the tip of the gear tooth 20 that extends substantially axially between the two tooth tip surfaces 28. The tooth tip surface 38 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to both the axial direction and the radial direction. Although the tooth tip surface 38 is shown as a generally flat surface, it may have other configurations, such as a curved surface or region. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the tooth side surface 28 is formed to be adjacent to the annular base and the chamfered surfaces 26, 27. Additionally, the tooth top surface 38 is formed to be adjacent to the chamfered surfaces 26, 27.

[0030] Chamfered or inclined surfaces 26, 27 extend between each of the tooth side surfaces 28 and the tooth tip surface 38, and the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 are formed differently near the tooth tip surface 38 and the tooth side surfaces 28. More specifically, the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 have arcuate or rounded surfaces 30, 32 adjacent to and contiguous with the tooth side surfaces 28. On the other hand, the connection between each of the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 and either end of the tooth tip surface 38 is angular and forms edges 34, 36. Figure 4 The pitch circle 24 of the gear is also shown by a dashed line extending through the middle of the gear teeth 20 .

[0031] Figure 4 The dashed circle 39 in FIG. 3 represents the area of ​​the gear tooth 20 that includes the chamfered surface 26 . Figure 5A 39 is an enlarged view of the area within the dashed circle 39, and even though the circle 39 is shown as surrounding the chamfered surface 26, the chamfered surface 27 is similarly formed. As shown, the arcuate surface 30 has a radius R and is a circumferential portion or arc of a circle 45 (shown by the dashed circle 45 having a radius R). The chamfered surface 26 may have a generally linear surface 49 located between the arcuate surface 30 and the tooth tip surface 38. The edge 34 is formed at the intersection of the linear surface 49 and the tooth tip surface 38, such that the linear surface 49 of the chamfered surface 26 extends radially inward from the outer line and the tooth tip surface 38 at an angle 48 of approximately 45 degrees, and an angle 51 of approximately 135 degrees exists between the linear surface 49 and the tooth tip surface 38.

[0032] The arcuate surface 30 and the tooth side surface 28 are contiguous and formed so that the tooth side surface 28 is tangent to the arcuate surface 30. The arcuate surface 30 and the tooth side surface 28 both meet at a tangent point 40.

[0033] In addition to the circle 45 indicated by the dotted line, Figure 5A Also included are a dashed outer line 42 and a boundary line 43, separated by a length or distance P extending in a radial direction. Outer line 42 extends in an axial direction relative to axis C and is coplanar with tooth tip surface 38. Boundary line 43 extends in an axial direction relative to axis C, is substantially parallel to outer line 42, and intersects tooth flank surface 28 at a tangent point 40 where arcuate surface 30 and tooth flank surface 28 meet. Length or distance P represents the distance between the tangent point and the tooth tip surface, and P is measured from a point on the tangent point or boundary line 43 to a point on outer line 42, such that P is substantially perpendicular to the outer line.

[0034] Figure 5B An alternative embodiment depicts an enlarged view of the area within the dashed circle 39. As shown, the surface 26 can be formed without the linear surface 49, and the arcuate surface 30 can be directly connected to the tooth tip surface 38 and the tooth side surface 28. In this embodiment, the boundary 34 between the arcuate surface 30 and the tooth tip surface can be generally rounded rather than angular.

[0035] To form the chamfered surfaces 26, 27, the distance P and radius R are determined relative to the gear module m of the bearing. As is known in the art, the gear module m of an annular bearing is equal to the ratio of the pitch diameter d to the number of gear teeth n. The range of values ​​for the distance P and radius R is calculated to be equal to or greater than 0.1 times the gear module m and less than or equal to 0.15 times the gear module m. In other words,

[0036] 0.1m≤P≤0.15m;

[0037] as well as

[0038] 0.1m≤R≤0.15m.

[0039] While various values ​​of P and R can be selected from the calculated ranges, in a preferred embodiment, specific values ​​of P and R are selected from the calculated ranges to achieve optimal engagement of the bearing 10 and the pinion 5. One method of selecting these values ​​includes using ISO formulas.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, when the gear teeth 20 are formed with Figure 3 and Figure 4, the bearing 10 can mesh with the pinion 5 without damaging the pinion 5. More specifically, the use of the arcuate surface 30 having a radius R and the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 having a radial length P prevents damage to the pinion 5.

[0041] The bearing 10 and the ring gear 20 may be made, in whole or in part, of various materials such as metals, metal compounds and / or alloys, plastics, natural and / or synthetic polymers, wood, ceramics, and the like.

[0042] Figure 7 One embodiment of a method for manufacturing a bearing 10 according to the present invention is depicted. First, in step 200, an annular bearing 10 (such as a slewing bearing made of a metal compound) having outwardly and substantially radially extending gear teeth 20 is provided. A pinion 5 configured for use with the bearing 10 may also be provided in step 200. Next, in step 210, the gear module m of the bearing 10 is determined by measuring the pitch diameter d, counting the number of gear teeth n, and dividing the pitch diameter d by the number of gear teeth n.

[0043] In step 220, the gear module m is used to calculate an acceptable range of values ​​for the length of radius R of arcuate surface 30, such that R is greater than or equal to 0.1 m and less than or equal to 0.15 m. In step 230, the gear module m is also used to calculate an acceptable range of values ​​for the length of P, such that P is greater than or equal to 0.1 m and less than or equal to 0.15 m.

[0044] In step 240, values ​​for the lengths of R and P are selected from the range of values ​​calculated in steps 220 and 230. Specific values ​​for R and P are selected so that optimal meshing of the bearing 10 with the pinion 5 can be achieved. ISO standards can be used when selecting the values ​​for R and P.

[0045] In step 250, chamfered surfaces 26, 27 are created in the gear teeth 20 of the annular bearing 10 provided in step 200. This can be performed using various machining techniques, such as grinding, milling, CNC machining, and deburring. Chamfered surfaces 26, 27 are formed to have arcuate surfaces 30, 32 adjacent to and abutting tooth flank surfaces 28, and tooth flank surfaces 28 are formed to be tangent to arcuate surfaces 30, 32, thereby forming tangent points 40. Additionally, arcuate surfaces 30, 32 are formed to have a radius R of the length selected in step 240.

[0046] Furthermore, the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 are formed so that each surface has a length P in the radial direction determined in step 240, the length P being measured perpendicular to the outer line 42 and extending to the tangent point 40. A linear surface 49 may be present between the arcuate surfaces 30, 32 and the tooth top surface 38 and the linear surface 49 abuts the arcuate surfaces 30, 32 and the tooth top surface 38. Additionally, the corner edges 34, 36 are formed where the linear surface 49 of the chamfered surfaces 26, 27 abuts the tooth top surface 38, with the chamfered surface (specifically, the linear surface 49) extending from the tooth top surface 38 at an angle of 45 degrees.

[0047] Alternatively, step 250 may include forming Figure 5B , the arcuate surface 30 is adjacent to and extends between the tooth side surface 28 and the tooth top surface 38. In this embodiment, there may be no corner edges 34, 36 between the tooth top surface 38 and the chamfered surfaces 26, 27.

[0048] While the preferred embodiment of manufacturing the ring gear 10 as described above includes machining the gear teeth 20 to form the necessary chamfered surfaces 26 , 27 , the ring gear 10 having the gear teeth 20 may be manufactured using other processes such as molding, casting, extrusion, and powder metallurgy.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the above embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as generally defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bearing comprising: Bearing ring, including annular base and gear module m ; a plurality of gear teeth connected to the annular base, the plurality of gear teeth being positioned circumferentially around the annular base; and Each of the plurality of gear teeth includes a first tooth side surface extending from the annular base, a tooth top surface extending from the first tooth side surface, and a second surface located between the tooth top surface and the first tooth side surface, wherein the second surface includes a first arcuate surface having a first radius, the first radius being ≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

2. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that The first tooth side surface is tangent to the first arcuate surface to define a tangent point.

3. The bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that A length P extends between the tangent point and an outer line, the outer line being coplanar with the tooth top surface, and the length P is ≥ 0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

4. The bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that The length P measured perpendicular to the external line to the tangent point is ≥ 0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

5. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that Each gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth further comprises: an angular edge located between the second surface and the tooth top surface; and The first arcuate surface of the second surface is adjacent to the first tooth side surface.

6. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that Each gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth further comprises: A third surface is located between the second surface and the tooth top surface, and the third surface is substantially linear.

7. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that Each gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth further comprises: a second tooth side surface and a fourth surface, the second tooth side surface extending from the annular base and the fourth surface being located between the second tooth side surface and the tooth top surface, The fourth surface includes a second arc-shaped portion, and a second radius of the second arc-shaped portion is substantially equal to the first radius.

8. The bearing according to claim 1, wherein: The first tooth side surface extends from the annular base in a substantially radial direction, and the tooth top surface extends in a substantially axial direction.

9. A gear tooth for a bearing, the bearing comprising a gear having an annular base and a gear module m annular ring, the gear teeth comprising: a first flank surface adjacent to and extending from the annular base; a second surface adjacent to and extending from the first flank surface; a first arcuate surface formed in the second surface, and the first tooth side surface is tangent to the first arcuate surface at a tangent point; a tooth top surface adjacent to and extending from the second surface; as well as The length P extends from the tangent point to a line coplanar with the tooth top surface, and the length P ≥ 0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

10. The gear tooth according to claim 9, wherein: The first arc surface has a first radius, and the first radius is ≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

11. The gear tooth according to claim 9, wherein: The tooth tip surface and the second surface abut and form an angle edge.

12. The gear tooth according to claim 9, wherein: The length P measured perpendicular to the external line to the tangent point is ≥ 0.1 m and ≤0.15 m .

13. The gear tooth according to claim 9, wherein: The gear teeth further include: a second flank surface extending from the annular base; a third surface adjacent to the second tooth side surface and the tooth top surface; and A second arc-shaped surface is formed in the third surface.

14. The gear tooth according to claim 13, wherein: The first arc surface has a first radius, and the first radius is ≥0.1 m and ≤0.15 m ; The second curved surface further includes: The second radius is substantially equal to the first radius.

15. The gear tooth according to claim 9, wherein: The first tooth side surface extends substantially radially from the annular base, and the tooth tip surface extends substantially axially from the second surface.

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