planetary gear sets

Abstract

A planetary gear set includes a planet shaft extending from a planet gear carrier into a bore in a planet gear. At least one set of bearing rollers can be received in the bore and can rotatably support the planet gear on the planet shaft. A first shaft thrust washer can extend between the planet gear carrier and the set of bearing rollers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a planetary gear set and a configuration of planetary gears for supporting the planetary gear set. background

[0002] US Patent No. 9,868,322 discloses an axle assembly having a planetary gear set.

[0003] Overview

[0004] In at least one embodiment, a planetary gear set is provided. The planetary gear set may include a planet gear carrier, planet gears, planet shafts, a first set of bearing rollers, and a first shaft thrust washer. The planet gears may define a bore and may rotate about a planet gear axis. The planet shaft may extend from the planet gear carrier into the bore. At least one set of bearing rollers may be received in the bore and may rotatably support the planet gear on the planet shaft. The first shaft thrust washer may extend between the planet gear carrier and the first set of bearing rollers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a wheel end assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2 - 2 showing the planetary gear set with the addition of the wheel assembly mounted to the wheel end assembly.

[0007] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the planetary gears used to support the planetary gear sets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0009] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a planetary gear set, and more particularly, to an arrangement for rotatably supporting one or more planet gears of a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set will be described primarily in the context of a wheel end assembly; however, it is contemplated that the planetary gear set and the arrangement for rotatably supporting the planet gears are not limited to wheel end assemblies and may also be applied to any planetary gear set in which the planet gears are rotatably supported on planet axles cantilevered from a planet gear carrier.

[0010] refer to Figure 1 , an example of a wheel end assembly 10 is shown. The wheel end assembly 10 can be provided for a vehicle, such as a truck, bus, farm equipment, mining equipment, military transport or armored vehicle, or cargo loading equipment for land, air, or marine vessels. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle can include a trailer for transporting cargo.

[0011] The wheel end assembly 10 can be configured to support a vehicle wheel and brake assembly. The wheel end assembly 10 can be disposed on or mounted to a structural member 12 and can be configured in a steerable configuration or a non-steerable configuration. In the steerable configuration, the wheel end assembly 10 can be mounted to a steerable structural member, such as a steering knuckle. In the non-steerable configuration, the wheel end assembly 10 can be mounted to a non-steerable structural member, such as a non-rotatable knuckle or an axle housing of an axle assembly. In at least one configuration and as described with reference to Figure 2 As best shown, the wheel end assembly 10 may include a main shaft 20 , a wheel hub 22 , at least one wheel bearing 24 , axle shafts 26 , a hub shell 28 , and a planetary gear set 30 .

[0012] The spindle 20 may extend along or about the axis 40 and may be configured to support a component of the wheel end assembly 10. The spindle 20 may be fixedly mounted to or fixedly positioned relative to the structural member 12. It is contemplated that the spindle 20 may be integrally formed with the structural member 12 rather than being a separate portion therefrom.

[0013] The wheel hub 22 (which may also be referred to as a wheel hub) can rotate relative to the spindle 20 about an axis 40. In addition, the wheel hub 22 can be configured to facilitate mounting at least one wheel 50, which can support a tire 52. The wheel hub 22 can be operatively connected to the half shaft 26 via the planetary gear set 30. A portion of the brake assembly, such as a brake drum or brake rotor, can be fixedly mounted to the wheel hub 22.

[0014] At least one wheel bearing 24 can be disposed on the spindle 20 and can rotatably support the wheel hub 22. In the illustrated configuration, two wheel bearings 24 are shown. The wheel bearings 24 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the wheel bearings 24 can include a plurality of rolling elements (such as balls or rollers) that can be disposed between an inner race and an outer race. The inner race can extend around and be disposed on the surface of the spindle 20. The outer race can engage the wheel hub 22 and can extend around the inner race.

[0015] The half-shaft 26 can provide torque to the wheel end assembly 10. For example, the half-shaft 26 can be operatively connected to a vehicle driveline component (such as a differential or a vehicle power source) at a first end and can be coupled to or operatively connected to the planetary gear set 30 at a second end. In at least one embodiment, the half-shaft 26, or a portion thereof, can extend along the axis 40. For example, the half-shaft 26, or a portion thereof, can extend through a hole in the main shaft 20 and can be operatively connected to the planetary gear set 30. It is also contemplated that the half-shaft 26 can be configured for use with an independent suspension system and can have multiple shaft segments and / or joints that can facilitate relative movement between the first end and the wheel end assembly 10.

[0016] The hub shell 28 can be fixedly mounted to the wheel hub 22. As such, the hub shell 28 and the wheel hub 22 can rotate together relative to the main shaft 20 about the axis 40. The hub shell 28 can extend around and at least partially receive the main shaft 20, the wheel hub 22, the wheel bearing 24, the planetary gear set 30, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The planetary gear set 30 can transmit torque between the half shaft 26 and the wheel hub 22. The planetary gear set 30 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the planetary gear set 30 can include a sun gear 60, a planetary ring gear 62, a planetary gear carrier 64, at least one planet shaft 66, and at least one planet gear 68.

[0018] The sun gear 60 can be positioned adjacent the center of the planetary gear set 30. For example, the sun gear 60 can extend along or about the axis 40. In at least one configuration, the sun gear 60 can have a sun gear bore, sun gear splines, and a gear portion.

[0019] The sun gear bore may extend along axis 40 and may be centered about the axis.

[0020] The sun gear splines can help couple the sun gear 60 to another component, such as the axle shaft 26. For example, the sun gear splines can have a set of spline teeth that can mate or mesh with spline teeth on the axle shaft 26 to inhibit rotation of the sun gear 60 relative to the axle shaft 26. It is also contemplated that the sun gear bore, the sun gear splines, or both can be omitted and that the sun gear 60 can be integrally formed with the shaft or can be coupled to the shaft in another manner, such as by welding, fasteners, an interference fit, etc.

[0021] The gear portion may include a set of teeth that may face away from the axis 40. The set of teeth may be arranged about the axis 40 and may be configured to mate or mesh with corresponding teeth of the planet gears 68.

[0022] The planetary ring gear 62 can be configured as a ring that can extend about the axis 40. The planetary ring gear 62 can receive the planetary gears 68 and can surround these planetary gears. The planetary ring gear 62 can include a set of planetary ring teeth that can extend toward the axis 40 and can mate or mesh with the teeth of the planetary gears 68. In the configuration shown, the planetary ring gear 62 is fixedly positioned relative to the main shaft 20 and does not rotate about the axis 40; however, it is contemplated that the planetary ring gear 62 can be rotatable in other configurations or applications. For example, the planetary gear set 30 can be configured so that the sun gear 60 or the planet gear carrier 64 is grounded instead of the planetary ring gear 62. It is also contemplated that the sun gear 60, the planetary ring gear 62, or the planet gear carrier 64 can be the input or output of the planetary gear set 30.

[0023] A planet gear carrier 64 (also referred to as a planet carrier) can help support the planet gears 68. In at least one configuration, the planet gear carrier 64 can rotate about the axis 40. In the configuration shown, the planet gear carrier 64 can be part of the hub shell 28 or can be fixedly positioned relative to the hub shell 28.

[0024] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a portion of the planetary gear carrier 64 can be disposed within the holes of the planetary gears 68. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the planet gear carrier 64 can define a protrusion 70 that can extend within the bores of the planet gears 68. The protrusion 70 can extend partially or continuously around a planet gear carrier bore 72 that can be provided for the planet gear carrier 64. The planet gear carrier bore 72 can receive the planet shaft 66.

[0025] Planet shafts 66 (also referred to as planet pinion shafts) can extend from planet gear carrier 64 into bores in planet gears 68. Planet shafts 66 can be cantilevered from planet gear carrier 64 or supported at one end by planet gear carrier 64. This configuration can simplify the geometry of planet gear carrier 64 and increase the power density of planet gear carrier 64. Planet shafts 66 do not need to protrude from the open ends of the bores in planet gears 68, which can help reduce the axial length of planetary gear set 30.

[0026] The planet shafts 66 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the planet shafts 66 can have a cylindrical configuration and can extend along the planet shaft axis 80. The planet shafts 66 can be fixedly positioned relative to the planet gear carrier 64. For example, the planet shafts 66 can be integrally formed with the planet gear carrier 64, in which case the planet gear carrier aperture 72 can be omitted, or the planet shafts 66 can be provided as a separate component from the planet gear carrier 64. If the planet shafts 66 are provided as a separate component, the planet shafts 66 can be coupled to the planet gear carrier 64 in any suitable manner, such as by an interference fit, mating threads, fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.

[0027] In at least one configuration, a planet shaft groove 82 can be provided for the planet shaft 66. The planet shaft groove 82 can extend from the outer circumferential surface of the planet shaft 66 toward the planet shaft axis 80 and can surround or partially surround the planet shaft axis 80. The planet shaft groove 82 can receive a shaft retainer, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0028] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , at least one planet gear 68 may be rotatably disposed between the sun gear 60 and the planetary ring gear 62. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, two planet gears 68 are visible, but it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of planet gears 68 may be provided. Each planet gear 68 (also referred to as a planet pinion or planetary drive pinion) can rotate about a different planet gear axis 100. Planet gear axis 100 (also referred to as a planetary drive pinion axis) can extend generally parallel to axis 40 and can be coaxially disposed with planet axle axis 80. Each planet gear 68 can define a bore 102 and can have a set of teeth 104. Additionally, the planet gears 68 can define one or more planetary grooves 106.

[0029] The hole 102 may be a through hole that may extend through the planet gear 68. The hole 102 may surround and be spaced apart from the planet shaft 66 and the planet shaft axis 80. Additionally, the hole 102 may surround and be spaced apart from the protrusion 70 extending from the planet gear carrier 64.

[0030] The set of teeth 104 can be positioned opposite the hole 102. The set of teeth 104 can mesh with the teeth of the gear portion of the sun gear 60 and the planetary gear ring teeth of the planetary gear ring 62. For clarity, Figure 3 and Figure 4 These teeth are omitted.

[0031] One or more planetary grooves 106 may be provided for the planetary gears 68. Figure 3 In the configuration shown, two planetary grooves 106 are provided which may be spaced apart from each other. Figure 4, a single planet groove 106 is provided. The planet groove 106 can extend from the inner circumferential surface of the planet gear 68, which can define the bore 102, in a direction that can extend away from the planet shaft axis 80 and toward the set of teeth 104. The planet groove 106 can surround or partially surround the planet shaft axis 80. The planet groove 106 can receive a planet retainer, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , shows two configurations for rotatably supporting planet gears 68 on planet shafts 66. Generally speaking, each configuration can include at least one set of bearing rollers that can rotatably support the planet gears 68 on the corresponding planet shaft 66. Additionally, a combination of thrust washers and retainers can be provided. Thrust washers positioned near the planet shafts 66 can be referred to as shaft thrust washers. Similarly, retainers positioned near the planet shafts 66 can be referred to as shaft retainers. Thrust washers positioned near the planet gears 68 can be referred to as planetary thrust washers. Similarly, retainers positioned near the planet gears 68 can be referred to as planetary retainers.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 , shows a first configuration for rotatably supporting the planet gears 68. This configuration includes a set of bearing rollers, which may be referred to as a first set of bearing rollers 110. A first shaft thrust washer 120, a second shaft thrust washer 122, and a shaft retainer 124 may be associated with the planet shaft 66. A first planet thrust washer 130, a second planet thrust washer 132, a first planet retainer 134, and a second planet retainer 136 may be associated with the planet gears 68.

[0034] A first set of bearing rollers 110 can rotatably support the planet gears 68 on the planet shafts 66. The first set of bearing rollers 110 can be received within the bores 102 of the planet gears 68 and can be arranged around the planet shafts 66. For example, the bearing rollers 110 can extend from the outer circumference of the planet shafts 66 to the inner circumferential surface of the planet gears 68. Furthermore, the bearing rollers 110 can be axially positioned between the first and second shaft thrust washers 120, 122, and between the first and second planetary thrust washers 130, 132. The bearing rollers 110 can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated configuration, each bearing roller 110 has a cylindrical configuration with a diameter smaller than its length. Each bearing roller 110 can have a first end and a second end. The first end can face the planet gear carrier 64. The second end can be positioned opposite the first end and face away from the planet gear carrier 64.

[0035] A first shaft thrust washer 120 can be received within a bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The first shaft thrust washer 120 can extend between the planet gear carrier 64 and the first set of bearing rollers 110. For example, the first shaft thrust washer 120 can be axially positioned between the protrusion 70 of the planet gear carrier 64 and the first ends of the bearing rollers 110. Furthermore, the first shaft thrust washer 120 can contact the protrusion 70 and the first ends of the bearing rollers 110. The first shaft thrust washer 120 can surround the planet shaft 66 and can engage the planet shaft. It is contemplated that a plurality of first shaft thrust washers 120 can be provided. For example, two or more adjacent first shaft thrust washers 120 can be provided instead of a single first shaft thrust washer 120. Other thrust washers can also be provided in single or multiple arrangements.

[0036] The second shaft thrust washer 122 can be received within the bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The second shaft thrust washer 122 can extend between the first set of bearing rollers 110 and the shaft retainer 124. For example, the second shaft thrust washer 122 can be axially positioned between the bearing rollers 110 and the shaft retainer 124 and can contact the second ends of the bearing rollers 110 and the shaft retainer 124. The second shaft thrust washer 122 can surround the planet axle 66 and can engage the planet axle.

[0037] The shaft retainer 124 can be received within the bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The shaft retainer 124 can engage the second shaft thrust washer 122 and the planet shaft 66 to limit axial movement of the second shaft thrust washer 122 and the first set of bearing rollers 110 relative to the planet shaft 66. The shaft retainer 124 can protrude from the planet shaft 66 in a direction extending away from the planet shaft axis 80 and can have any suitable configuration. For example, the shaft retainer 124 can be configured as a clip or a snap ring that can be partially received in the planet shaft groove 82 of the planet shaft 66 and can protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the planet shaft 66 to engage the second shaft thrust washer 122.

[0038] The first planetary thrust washer 130 can be received within the bore 102 in the planetary gear 68. As such, the first planetary thrust washer 130 can surround the planetary shaft 66. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can extend between the first planetary retainer 134 and the first set of bearing rollers 110. For example, the first planetary thrust washer 130 can be axially positioned between the first planetary retainer 134 and the first ends of the bearing rollers 110 and can contact the first planetary retainer and the first ends of the bearing rollers. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can engage the inner circumferential surface of the planetary gear 68. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can surround the first shaft thrust washer 120, but can be spaced apart therefrom.

[0039] The second planetary thrust washer 132 can be received within the bore 102 in the planetary gear 68. As such, the second planetary thrust washer 132 can surround the planetary shaft 66. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can extend between the second planetary retainer 136 and the bearing rollers 110. For example, the second planetary thrust washer 132 can be axially positioned between the second planetary retainer 136 and the second ends of the bearing rollers 110 and can contact the second planetary retainer and the second ends of the bearing rollers. Accordingly, the first set of bearing rollers 110 can be axially positioned between the first planetary thrust washer 130 and the second planetary thrust washer 132. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can engage the inner circumferential surface of the planetary gear 68. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can surround the second shaft thrust washer 122, but can be spaced apart therefrom.

[0040] The first planet retainer 134 can be received within the bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The first planet retainer 134 can engage the first planet thrust washer 130 and the planet gear 68 to limit axial movement of the first set of bearing rollers 110 and the first planet thrust washer 130 relative to the planet gear 68. The first planet retainer 134 can protrude from the planet gear 68 in a direction extending toward the planet shaft axis 80 and can have any suitable configuration. For example, the first planet retainer 134 can be configured as a clip or snap ring that can be partially received in the first planet groove 106 of the planet gear 68 and can protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the planet gear 68 to engage the first planet thrust washer 130. In at least one configuration, the first planet retainer 134 can surround the protrusion 70 of the planet gear carrier 64 but can be spaced apart therefrom.

[0041] The second planet retainer 136 can be received within the bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The second planet retainer 136 can engage the second planet thrust washer 132 and the planet gear 68 to limit axial movement of the second planet thrust washer 132 and the first set of bearing rollers 110 relative to the planet gear 68. The second planet retainer 136 can protrude from the planet gear 68 in a direction extending toward the planet shaft axis 80 and can have any suitable configuration. For example, the second planet retainer 136 can be configured as a clip or snap ring that can be partially received in the second planet groove 106 of the planet gear 68 and can protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the planet gear 68 to engage the second planet thrust washer 132. In at least one configuration, the second planet retainer 136 can surround the shaft retainer 124 but can be spaced apart therefrom.

[0042] refer to Figure 4, shows a second configuration for rotatably supporting the planet gears 68. This configuration includes two sets of bearing rollers, which may be referred to as a first set of bearing rollers 110 and a second set of bearing rollers 112. A first shaft thrust washer 120, a second shaft thrust washer 122, and a shaft retainer 124 may be associated with the planet shaft 66. A first planet thrust washer 130, a second planet thrust washer 132, and a first planet retainer 134 may be associated with the planet gears 68.

[0043] A first set of bearing rollers 110 can rotatably support the planet gears 68 on the planet shafts 66. The first set of bearing rollers 110 can be received within the bores 102 of the planet gears 68 and can be arranged around the planet shafts 66. For example, the bearing rollers 110 can extend from the outer circumference of the planet shafts 66 to the inner circumferential surface of the planet gears 68. Furthermore, the bearing rollers 110 can be axially positioned between the first shaft thrust washer 120 and the first planetary thrust washer 130. The bearing rollers 110 can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated configuration, each bearing roller 110 has a cylindrical configuration with a diameter smaller than its length. Each bearing roller 110 can have a first end and a second end. The first end can face the planet gear carrier 64. The second end can be positioned opposite the first end and face away from the planet gear carrier 64.

[0044] A second set of bearing rollers 112 may also rotatably support the planet gears 68 on the planet shafts 66 . The second set of bearing rollers 112 may be spaced apart from the first set of bearing rollers 110 . The second set of bearing rollers 112 may be received within the bores 102 of the planet gears 68 and may be arranged around the planet shafts 66 . For example, the bearing rollers 112 may extend from the outer circumference of the planet shafts 66 to the inner circumferential surface of the planet gears 68 . Furthermore, the bearing rollers 112 may be axially positioned between the second shaft thrust washer 122 and the second planet thrust washer 132 . The bearing rollers 112 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the first set of bearing rollers 110 and the second set of bearing rollers 112 may have the same configuration. Each bearing roller 112 may have a first end and a second end. The first end may face the planet gear carrier 64 . The second end may be located opposite the first end and may face away from the planet gear carrier 64 .

[0045] The first shaft thrust washer 120 may have the same configuration as described above.

[0046] The second shaft thrust washer 122 can have the same configuration as described above, except that the second shaft thrust washer 122 can engage the second set of bearing rollers 112. The second shaft thrust washer 122 can extend between the second set of bearing rollers 112 and the shaft retainer 124. For example, the second shaft thrust washer 122 can be axially positioned between the second ends of the bearing rollers 112 and the shaft retainer 124 and can contact the second ends of the bearing rollers and the shaft retainer.

[0047] The shaft retainer 124 may have the same configuration as described above. However, the shaft retainer 124 may engage the second shaft thrust washer 122 and the planet shaft 66 to limit axial movement of the second shaft thrust washer 122 and the second set of bearing rollers 112 relative to the planet shaft 66.

[0048] As previously described, the first planetary thrust washer 130 can be received within the bore 102 in the planetary gear 68 and can surround the planetary shaft 66. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can extend between the first planetary retainer 134 and the first set of bearing rollers 110. For example, the first planetary thrust washer 130 can be axially positioned between the first planetary retainer 134 and the second ends of the bearing rollers 110 and can contact the first planetary retainer and the second ends of the bearing rollers. Thus, the first set of bearing rollers 110 can be axially positioned between the first shaft thrust washer 120 and the first planetary thrust washer 130. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can engage the inner circumferential surface of the planetary gear 68. The first planetary thrust washer 130 can surround the planetary shaft 66, but may not surround the first shaft thrust washer 120.

[0049] As previously described, the second planetary thrust washer 132 can be received within the bore 102 and can surround the planetary axle 66. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can extend between the first planetary retainer 134 and the second set of bearing rollers 112. For example, the second planetary thrust washer 132 can be axially positioned between the first planetary retainer 134 and the first end of the second set of bearing rollers 112 and can contact the first planetary retainer and the first end of the second set of bearing rollers. Accordingly, the second set of bearing rollers 112 can be axially positioned between the second planetary thrust washer 132 and the second shaft thrust washer 122. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can engage the inner circumferential surface of the planetary gear 68. The second planetary thrust washer 132 can surround the planetary axle 66, but may not surround the second shaft thrust washer 122.

[0050] As described above, the first planet retainer 134 can be received within the bore 102 in the planet gear 68. The first planet retainer 134 can engage the first planet thrust washer 130, the second planet thrust washer 132, and the planet gear 68 to limit axial movement of the first planet thrust washer 130, the second planet thrust washer 132, the first set of bearing rollers 110, and the second set of bearing rollers 112 relative to the planet gear 68. For example, the first planet retainer 134 can extend axially from the first planet thrust washer 130 to the second planet thrust washer 132. As described above, the first planet retainer 134 can protrude from the planet gear 68 in a direction extending toward the planet shaft axis 80 and can have any suitable configuration.

[0051] The present invention can allow planetary gears to be rotatably supported on cantilevered planet pins without the need for custom-made or special-ordered roller bearing assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the planetary gear carrier can help establish or control the axial positioning of one or more sets of bearing rollers, which can help eliminate the need for additional retaining rings or other components. The present invention can also help provide a more axially compact planetary gear set, which can reduce packaging space, weight, and associated costs.

[0052] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the terms used in this specification are illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the features of various implemented embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A planetary gear set comprising: Planetary gear carrier; a planet gear defining a bore and rotatable about a planet gear axis; a planet shaft extending from the planet gear carrier into the bore; a first set of bearing rollers received within the bores and rotatably supporting the planet gears on the planet shafts; and a first shaft thrust washer extending between the planet gear carrier and the first set of bearing rollers, Wherein, the planet gear carrier is partially arranged in the hole in the planet gear.

2. The planetary gear set according to claim 1, wherein: The first shaft thrust washer is in contact with the planet gear carrier and the first set of bearing rollers.

3. The planetary gear set according to claim 1, wherein: The first shaft thrust washer surrounds the planet shaft.

4. The planetary gear set of claim 1 , further comprising a second shaft thrust washer surrounding the planet shaft and engaging the first set of bearing rollers, wherein The first set of bearing rollers is axially positioned between the first shaft thrust washer and the second shaft thrust washer.

5. The planetary gear set according to claim 4, wherein: A shaft retainer engages the second shaft thrust washer and the planet shaft to limit axial movement of the second shaft thrust washer and the first set of bearing rollers relative to the planet shaft.

6. The planetary gear set of claim 1 further comprising a first planetary thrust washer disposed in said bore and engaged with said planetary gears and said first set of bearing rollers.

7. The planetary gear set according to claim 6, wherein: The first planetary thrust washer surrounds the first shaft thrust washer.

8. The planetary gear set according to claim 6, wherein: A first planet retainer is disposed in the bore and engages the first planet thrust washer and the planet gear to restrict axial movement of the first set of bearing rollers and the first planet thrust washer relative to the planet gear.

9. The planetary gear set of claim 6, further comprising a second planetary thrust washer disposed in the bore, surrounding the planet shaft and engaging the first set of bearing rollers, wherein The first set of bearing rollers is axially positioned between the first and second planetary thrust washers.

10. The planetary gear set according to claim 9, wherein: The second planet thrust washer surrounds a second shaft thrust washer that surrounds the planet shaft and engages the first set of bearing rollers, wherein the first set of bearing rollers is axially positioned between the first and second shaft thrust washers.

11. The planetary gear set according to claim 10, wherein: A second planet retainer is disposed in the bore and engages the second planet thrust washer and the planet gear to limit axial movement of the first set of bearing rollers and the second planet thrust washer relative to the planet gear.

12. The planetary gear set according to claim 11, wherein: The second planet retainer surrounds a shaft retainer that engages the second shaft thrust washer and the planet shaft to restrict axial movement of the second shaft thrust washer and the first set of bearing rollers relative to the planet shaft.

13. The planetary gear set of claim 1 , further comprising a second set of bearing rollers received in said bores and rotatably supporting said planet gears on said planet shafts, wherein The second set of bearing rollers is spaced apart from the first set of bearing rollers.

14. The planetary gear set of claim 13, further comprising a second shaft thrust washer surrounding the planet shaft and engaging the second set of bearing rollers, wherein The second set of bearing rollers is positioned axially between the first set of bearing rollers and the second shaft thrust washer.

15. The planetary gear set according to claim 14, wherein: A shaft retainer engages the second shaft thrust washer and the planet shaft to limit axial movement of the second shaft thrust washer and the second set of bearing rollers relative to the planet shaft.

16. The planetary gear set of claim 14, further comprising a first planetary thrust washer disposed in the bore and engaged with the planetary gears and the first set of bearing rollers, wherein The first set of bearing rollers is axially positioned between the first shaft thrust washer and the first planetary thrust washer.

17. The planetary gear set of claim 16, further comprising a second planetary thrust washer disposed in the bore and engaged with the planetary gears and the second set of bearing rollers, wherein The second set of bearing rollers is axially positioned between the second shaft thrust washer and the second planetary thrust washer.

18. The planetary gear set of claim 17, further comprising a first planet retainer disposed in the bore and engaged with the first planet thrust washer, the second planet thrust washer, and the planet gears to limit axial movement of the first planet thrust washer and the second planet thrust washer relative to the planet gears.

19. The planetary gear set of claim 1 , further comprising a sun gear and a planetary ring gear, the sun gear being rotatable about the axis with the half shaft, the planetary ring gear being coupled to the planetary carrier, the planetary carrier being rotatable with the wheel hub, wherein This set of planetary gears meshes with the sun gear and the planetary ring gear.

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