Planetary gear device

Abstract

The invention relates to a planetary gear device with transmission housing parts, wherein at least one of the transmission housing parts has an internal toothing which is aligned with the rotational axis of the planetary gear device, the transmission housing parts each having at least one engagement region which each has a connection face which surrounds the rotational axis and is at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis and a stop face which is axially spaced apart from the connection face, surrounds the rotational axis and is at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, wherein the connection face of a first transmission housing part is welded to the connection face of a second transmission housing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a planetary gear assembly with a transmission housing. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, planetary gear devices with bolted connection interfaces between transmission housing components are well known.

[0003] Furthermore, in the prior art, the welded or bonded interfaces between components of planetary gear sets are also well known.

[0004] However, existing technologies still have shortcomings in terms of workload, manufacturing, cost, and strength. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an improved planetary gear mechanism compared to existing technologies. In particular, it aims to provide a modularly constructed planetary gear mechanism that enables modular combination and connection of different transmission housing components.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the planetary gear assembly according to claim 1 and the method for connecting the first transmission housing of the planetary gear assembly and the second transmission housing of the planetary gear assembly according to the appended claims.

[0007] The first aspect relates to a planetary gear device with a transmission housing, wherein at least one of the transmission housings has an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear device, each transmission housing has at least one engagement region, each engagement region having a connecting surface surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a stop surface axially spaced from the connecting surface, surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein the connecting surface of the first transmission housing is welded to the connecting surface of the second transmission housing.

[0008] Another aspect relates to a method for connecting a first transmission housing and a second transmission housing of a planetary gear assembly, wherein the first transmission housing has an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly and a first engagement region, and the second transmission housing has a second engagement region, wherein the engagement regions are configured in a stepped shape, and the first and / or second engagement regions have weld protrusions. The method includes: aligning the first and second transmission housings to each other, thereby interleaving the first and second engagement regions; and welding the first engagement region of the first transmission housing to the second engagement region of the second transmission housing using a resistance welding method.

[0009] Another aspect relates to a planetary gear mechanism having a first transmission housing and a second transmission housing interconnected by the typical method described herein.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, any list containing "or" below refers to "and / or".

[0011] In a typical embodiment, a planetary gear assembly includes at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least eight transmission housing members. At least one of these transmission housing members has an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. Typically, a planetary gear assembly has one, two, or three transmission housing members, each with an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. The number of transmission housing members with internal teeth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly typically corresponds to the number of gear stages in the planetary gear assembly. For example, a two-stage planetary gear assembly has two transmission housing members, each with an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. A typical planetary gear assembly has one, two, or three gear stages. Typically, the internal tooth of the at least one transmission housing member meshes with a planetary gear in the planetary gear assembly. In a typical embodiment, the wall thickness of the at least one transmission housing member with internal teeth is at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 15% of the outer radius of the transmission housing member. In a typical embodiment, the wall thickness of the at least one transmission housing member with internal teeth is a maximum of 20%, a maximum of 25%, or a maximum of 30% of the outer radius of the transmission housing member. Preferably, the wall thickness of the at least one transmission housing member with internal teeth is a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 25%. This advantageously allows for a small outer diameter of the transmission housing, thereby achieving a small outer diameter of the planetary gear unit. Typically, the transmission housing members are designed as hollow shafts. The transmission housing members generally have the same outer diameter, and in particular, the outer contours of the transmission housing members are arranged flush with each other.

[0012] In a typical embodiment, the transmission housing includes a drive flange, a bearing flange, or an adapter plate. In some embodiments, the drive flange and adapter plate are designed as a single unit, particularly as a conversion flange. Advantageously, the adapter plate designed according to one of the embodiments described herein can realize a customized or variable adapter plate for connecting the planetary gear unit to the motor, while other transmission housing components remain standardized. In some embodiments, the adapter plate is a universal adapter plate. In some embodiments, the adapter plate is not welded to the transmission housing, but rather connected to it, particularly by bolts. Typically, the perforated disc for bolting the adapter plate (particularly the motor adapter plate) is independent of the arrangement of the transmission housing. In particular, welding the transmission housing advantageously allows for the separation of the connection between the perforated disc for bolting the adapter plate and the transmission housing.

[0013] In a typical implementation, the transmission housing is made of metal. Specifically, the metal includes non-alloy steel, alloy steel (e.g., stainless steel), cast materials, or powder metal. Typically, the transmission housing, particularly one with an internal tooth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear unit, is manufactured by cutting or initial forming (particularly by additive manufacturing or powder metallurgy) or forming (e.g., by cold extrusion).

[0014] The transmission housing component has at least one engagement region. Typically, the transmission housing component has a maximum of two engagement regions. In particular, the transmission housing component has one or two engagement regions, wherein in a typical embodiment, the planetary gear device has both transmission housing components with one engagement region and transmission housing components with two engagement regions. Especially in a typical embodiment, two transmission housing components each have one engagement region, while the remaining transmission housing components each have two engagement regions.

[0015] Typically, the engagement areas of the transmission housing components are spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis of the planetary gear unit. In particular, one engagement area is located on the side of the transmission housing component facing the drive unit, and the other engagement area is located on the side of the transmission housing component facing the output unit.

[0016] Typically, the at least one transmission housing with internal teeth has two engagement regions. In particular, the at least one transmission housing with internal teeth has one engagement region arranged on the side of the transmission housing facing the drive device and another engagement region arranged on the side of the transmission housing facing the output device.

[0017] The mating regions each have a connecting surface surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and a stop surface axially spaced from the connecting surface, surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The expression "at least substantially perpendicular" typically includes a deviation of a maximum of 10°, 30°, or 45° from the vertical plane. Typically, the expression "at least substantially perpendicular" may also include vertical alignment, or only vertical alignment.

[0018] The connecting surfaces and stop surfaces are typically configured such that the mating areas of the first transmission housing component and the mating areas of the other transmission housing component are alternately connected. In particular, the mating areas are typically configured in a stepped shape.

[0019] In a typical implementation, the connecting surface and the stop surface are substantially parallel to each other. Normally, the connecting surface and the stop surface do not intersect.

[0020] In a typical embodiment, the stop surfaces of the welded transmission housing components abut against each other. In particular, the stop surfaces are not joined together, and especially not welded together. The stop surfaces advantageously define the position of the transmission housing components within the planetary gear assembly—particularly along the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. Before welding the joint surfaces, the transmission housing components can typically be slid along the stop surfaces or parallel to the stop surfaces and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly, particularly for positioning or centering.

[0021] In a typical embodiment, the welded joint surfaces are arranged radially within the corresponding stop surfaces. In another embodiment, the welded joint surfaces are arranged radially outside the corresponding stop surfaces. Specifically, the welded joint surfaces and the corresponding stop surfaces do not significantly overlap radially. In particular, the welded joint surfaces overlap the corresponding stop surfaces radially by a maximum of 5% or 10% of the corresponding radial dimension.

[0022] Typically, the weld connecting the first and second connecting surfaces is arranged within a contour of the planetary gear assembly, particularly within a contour of the transmission housing. This advantageously protects the weld from external mechanical influences, especially preventing damage to the outer surface of the housing due to weld beads on the upper part of the weld. In embodiments, the weld is located on the outer side. Typically, the weld extends at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. Typically, the radial dimension of the weld is greater than its axial dimension. Typically, the weld is designed to substantially surround the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly.

[0023] In a typical implementation, the engagement area includes a centering surface. This centering surface is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. Typically, the centering surface is at least generally perpendicular to the corresponding stop surface or the corresponding connecting surface. Typically, the centering surface and the stop surface contact each other at their respective edges. Typically, the centering surface and the connecting surface contact each other at their respective edges. In other words, the centering surface is typically arranged between the stop surface and the connecting surface. In an implementation, the centering surface has a protrusion or projection. Typically, the centering surface is constructed to be insulating, particularly to prevent leakage current, for example, through a non-conductive coating or intermediate component.

[0024] Typically, the connecting surfaces of the first and second transmission housing components are welded together by resistance welding (particularly by capacitive discharge welding) and, for example, by resistance projection welding. Advantageously, resistance welding allows for low energy consumption, short processing time, and simple process control. The resistance welding method advantageously makes it possible to weld the connecting surfaces within the contour of the transmission housing components, particularly avoiding exposed weld seams. Advantageously, the resistance welding method allows for simultaneous material fusion beyond the connecting surfaces, particularly beyond the entire perimeter, thereby reducing dimensional and shape changes during the welding process.

[0025] Typically, at least one connecting surface of the first transmission housing member or one connecting surface of the second transmission housing member—especially before the welding process—has a welding protrusion. In particular, both the connecting surfaces of the first and second transmission housing members to be welded to the connecting surface of the first transmission housing member have welding protrusions. Typically, at least one of the welding protrusions is configured to surround the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly, particularly configured as annular. In a typical embodiment, the width of the welding protrusion on the first connecting surface differs from the width of the welding protrusion on the second connecting surface. Specifically, one of the welding protrusions is at least 2, 3, or 4 times wider than the other. For example, one of the welding protrusions has a width of 0.4 mm, while the other has a width of 1.4 mm.

[0026] In a typical implementation, the height of the weld protrusion on the first connecting surface differs from the height of the weld protrusion on the second connecting surface. Specifically, the wider weld protrusion has a smaller height, and vice versa. Typically, the height of one weld protrusion corresponds to a maximum of 60% of the height of the other weld protrusion.

[0027] In other words, one of the mating surfaces has a ring buckle, while the other has a gegen buckle. This advantageously ensures the necessary welding temperatures on both mating surfaces, ensures better melting and hardening, reduces or optimizes the kerbgeometrie, and thus produces a better, more durable welded joint. Typically, planetary gear assemblies—especially in the mating surface area—have free space for accommodating excess material.

[0028] In a typical implementation, the transmission housing component has electrode contact surfaces, particularly for electrical contact with the housing component. These electrode contact surfaces are typically in conductive contact with the connection surface, especially with weld protrusions. Typically, the electrode contact surfaces are spatially arranged near the connection surface. This advantageously ensures a short current path between the electrode contact surfaces and the connection surface and can improve the efficiency of the welding process. Typically, the electrode contact surfaces are designed to ensure high conductivity.

[0029] Typically, transmission housing components have force contact surfaces, particularly for accommodating axial forces acting on the transmission housing components during welding. In a typical implementation, the force contact surface also serves as the electrode contact surface.

[0030] In a typical implementation, the flat annular surface on the end face of the transmission housing is used as both the electrode contact surface and the force contact surface. In another implementation, the cylindrical outer surface of the transmission housing is used as the electrode contact surface, and the end face is used as the force contact surface.

[0031] Typically, before welding, the first transmission housing component and the second transmission housing component of the planetary gear assembly are aligned with each other. Specifically, the housing components are aligned such that the first engagement area of ​​the first transmission housing component and the second engagement area of ​​the second transmission housing component are staggered. In particular, the alignment of the transmission housing components may include radial alignment. Typically, before welding, the positional deviation of the transmission housing components is influenced by aligning the components via the centering surface of the transmission housing components (especially as backlash-free precision centering) or by applying tools or centering devices (especially as backlash-based pre-centering).

[0032] Typically, a method for connecting a first transmission housing member to a second transmission housing member includes contacting a first electrode contact surface of the first transmission housing member with a first electrode and contacting a second electrode contact surface of the second transmission housing member with a second electrode. Typically, the first and second electrodes are connected to a power supply system. This power supply system is particularly suitable for providing current that melts at least partially the weld protrusion.

[0033] Furthermore, the method also includes welding a first engagement region of the first transmission housing member to a second engagement region of the second transmission housing member. This welding specifically includes introducing an electric current into the joint surface, particularly into a weld protrusion, and applying mechanical force to at least one of the transmission housing members.

[0034] Typically, welding involves applying a first mechanical force to a first force-contact surface of the first transmission housing member and a second mechanical force to a second force-contact surface of the second transmission housing member. Typically, the force vectors of the first and second mechanical forces are substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly. Typically, the force vectors of the first and second mechanical forces are substantially opposite to each other.

[0035] Typically, at least one additional housing component with an additional engagement area is provided, which is welded to a first engagement area of ​​a first transmission housing component, a second engagement area of ​​a second transmission housing component, or an additional engagement area of ​​another transmission housing component. The welding of the transmission housing components is usually performed step-by-step, wherein two transmission housing components are always welded together. Alternatively, three or more transmission housing components are assembled and welded together in a single welding process.

[0036] This invention enables the realization of a planetary gear mechanism based on modular, simple, and structurally clear combined components. The use of standardized engagement areas, particularly with standardized geometry, makes it possible to construct a large number of different transmission combinations from a small number of basic transmission elements, thereby leveraging, for example, economies of scale. In this case, the manufacturing of the transmission elements employs open technology; in other words, the connection of the transmission elements is independent of the manufacturing method of those elements, and particularly independent of the manufacturing method of the transmission housing components.

[0037] Welding of the connecting surfaces eliminates preparation steps, such as cleaning and pretreatment of the connecting surfaces, making it possible to combine a wide variety of materials and standardize the process flow for connecting transmission housing components, without being affected by the specific transmission elements of the planetary transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the planetary gear device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a part;

[0041] Figure 3a This is a longitudinal sectional view of the planetary gear device of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3b This is a longitudinal sectional view of the planetary gear device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Typical embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. More precisely, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims. In this description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts in different drawings and for different embodiments to make the description clearer. However, this does not mean that the corresponding parts of the invention are limited to the variations shown in these embodiments. For clarity, some features already described in conjunction with other drawings will not be repeated. Some features repeatedly shown in a drawing are labeled only once with reference numerals.

[0044] Figure 1 A planetary gear assembly 100 of the present invention with transmission housing parts 1, 5, and 7 is shown. The planetary gear assembly 100 has a transmission housing part 1 with internal teeth 11 aligned with the rotation axis 150 of the planetary gear assembly 100. Figure 1 The planetary gear assembly 100 shown is designed as a single-stage unit, having a transmission housing 1 with internal teeth 11 aligned with the rotation axis 150 of the planetary gear assembly 100. The internal teeth 11 mesh with planetary gears 12 of the planetary gear assembly 100. The transmission housing 1 with the internal teeth 11 aligned with the rotation axis 150 of the planetary gear assembly 100 is connected to a drive flange 3. Specifically, the drive flange 3 is welded to the transmission housing 1. The transmission housing 1 with the internal teeth 11 aligned with the rotation axis 150 of the planetary gear assembly 100 is connected to a bearing flange 7. Specifically, the bearing flange 7 is welded to the transmission housing 1. The transmission housing 1 has two engagement areas. The engagement area that interlocks with the engagement area of ​​the bearing flange 7 is marked with the symbol A, and... Figure 2 The details are shown in the text, in which Figure 2 The diagram shows the structural arrangement before the welding process. The joint area is constructed in a basically stepped shape.

[0045] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Detail A before welding the transmission housing 1 to the bearing flange 7. The transmission housing 1 has a stepped or S-shaped engagement area. The engagement area of ​​the transmission housing 1 includes a connecting surface 20a that surrounds and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The connecting surface 20a has a welding protrusion 28a. The welding protrusion 28a is arranged radially at approximately the center of the connecting surface 20a. In addition, the engagement area of ​​the transmission housing 1 also includes a stop surface 24a, which is arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation outside the connecting surface 20a. The stop surface 24a is substantially parallel to the connecting surface 20a, particularly in its basic geometric shape. Furthermore, the engagement area of ​​the transmission housing 1 also includes a centering surface 22a. The centering surface 22a is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly and at least substantially perpendicular to the stop surface 24a and the connecting surface 20a. The centering surface 22a has a protrusion 29, specifically for centering the transmission housing 1.

[0046] The bearing flange 7 also has a stepped or S-shaped mating area. The basic geometry of the mating area of ​​the bearing flange 7 is configured to be opposite to that of the mating area of ​​the transmission housing 1. In particular, the mating areas of the bearing flange 7 and the transmission housing 1 are interleaved. The mating area of ​​the bearing flange 7 has a connecting surface 20b. This connecting surface 20b is substantially parallel to the connecting surface 20a of the transmission housing 1 after being positioned in the assembled state and during welding preparation. The connecting surface 20b of the bearing flange has a welding protrusion 28b. The connecting surfaces 20a and 20b are substantially opposite to each other. Figure 2 In the process, the welding protrusion 28b is higher than the welding protrusion 28a, but the welding protrusion 28a has a wider platform at its top. The connecting surface 20b has a groove 21b, which is arranged closer to the axis of rotation than the welding protrusion 28b, for accommodating material during welding. The mating area of ​​the bearing flange 7 also has a centering surface 22b. This centering surface 22b is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly and at least substantially perpendicular to the stop surface 24b and the connecting surface 20b. An additional space for accommodating welding material is arranged in the transition region from the connecting surfaces 20a, 20b to the centering surfaces 22a, 22b. Furthermore, the mating area of ​​the bearing flange 7 also has a stop surface 24b. This stop surface 24b is arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation, outside the connecting surface 20b. The stop surface 24b is substantially parallel to the connecting surface 20b, particularly in its basic geometric shape. The stop surface 24b is arranged substantially parallel to the stop surface 24a of the transmission housing 1. Figure 2 The details of the engagement area shown in the figures can be applied to all engagement areas shown in the other figures. In particular, all engagement areas of the planetary gear assembly are generally constructed identically to advantageously enable modularity of the planetary gear assembly.

[0047] Figure 3a and 3b A two-stage planetary gear assembly 100 is shown. Specifically, the planetary gear assembly 100 includes two transmission housing members 1 and 5, each having an internal tooth portion aligned with the rotation axis of the planetary gear assembly. The two transmission housing members 1 and 5 with internal teeth are shown in... Figure 2 They are interconnected via joining areas as shown in the diagram. Figure 3a In this configuration, the gear assembly 100 has a transition plate 33 welded to the drive flange 3. This transition plate 33 specifically has a... Figure 2 The engagement area is shown in the diagram. Therefore, the adapter plate 33 is part of the modular system of the planetary gear assembly 100. The drive flange 3 has two engagement areas, which are... Figure 2 The joint area shown in the figure is similar.

[0048] exist Figure 3b In the planetary gear assembly 100, there is an adapter plate 33 bolted to the drive flange 3. The drive flange 3 specifically has a receiving space for accommodating fastening bolts 34.

Claims

1. A planetary gear assembly (100) with transmission housing components (1, 3, 5, 7), wherein At least one (1) of the transmission housing has an internal tooth (11) aligned with the rotation axis (150) of the planetary gear assembly. The transmission device housing components each have at least one engagement area. The mating regions each have a connecting surface (20a, 20b) surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and a stop surface (24a, 24b) axially spaced from the connecting surface, surrounding and at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and wherein... The connecting surfaces of the first transmission device housing and the second transmission device housing are welded together.

2. The planetary gear device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting surface of the first transmission device housing and the connecting surface of the second transmission device housing are welded together by resistance projection welding.

3. The planetary gear device according to claim 2, wherein the resistance projection weld connection is mainly formed by welding protrusions (28a, 28b) arranged on the connecting surface of the first transmission device housing and the connecting surface of the second transmission device housing.

4. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop surfaces are in close contact with each other.

5. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the welded connecting surface is arranged radially closer to the inside than the corresponding stop surface of the corresponding engagement region.

6. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least three transmission housing components are provided.

7. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one transmission housing member with internal teeth has two engagement areas.

8. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement region respectively includes a centering surface (22a, 22b) arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

9. The planetary gear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld connecting the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface extends at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly.

10. The planetary gear device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission housing comprises a drive flange (3), a bearing flange (7), and / or an adapter plate (33).

11. A method for connecting a first transmission housing member and a second transmission housing member of a planetary gear assembly, wherein the first transmission housing member has internal teeth aligned with the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly and a first engagement region, and the second transmission housing member has a second engagement region, wherein the engagement regions are configured in a stepped shape, and the first engagement region and / or the second engagement region have weld protrusions, the method comprising: Align the first transmission device housing component with the second transmission device housing component to make the first engagement area and the second engagement area interlocked; and The first joint area of ​​the first transmission device housing component and the second joint area of ​​the second transmission device housing component are welded together using resistance welding.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein The first and second joint areas each have a contact surface and an axially spaced stop surface. The connecting surface and the stop surface are respectively arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly; The connecting surface of the first joint area of ​​the first transmission device housing component and the connecting surface of the second joint area of ​​the second transmission device housing component are welded together. Furthermore, the stop surfaces of the first transmission device housing and the second transmission device housing are in close contact with each other.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein at least one of the weld protrusions is configured to surround the axis of rotation of the planetary gear assembly.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: Make the first electrode contact surface of the first transmission device housing part contact the first electrode; Make the second electrode contact surface of the second transmission device housing part contact the second electrode.

15. A planetary gear assembly having a first transmission housing and a second transmission housing interconnected by the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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