A backlash compensation mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to an innovative backlash compensation mechanism using a disc spring preload mechanism and spherical joint technology to eliminate undesired gaps in gear systems. In particular, the invention relates to a backlash compensation mechanism including a spherical joint (40) that eliminates mechanical constraints arising from angular movement of a flexible gear (30) caused by backlash, in the direction of force applied by a disc spring (60) and a preload spacer (70).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A BACKLASH COMPENSATION MECHANISM

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to an innovative backlash compensation mechanism that utilizes a disc spring preload mechanism and spherical joint technology to eliminate undesired backlash in gear systems.

[0005] In particular, the invention relates to a backlash compensation mechanism that includes a spherical joint, which prevents mechanical restrictions arising from the angular displacements of the flexible gear due to backlash, in the direction of the force applied via a disc spring and preload spacer.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Gear systems are complex assemblies designed to transmit mechanical motion efficiently, but unwanted gaps (backlash) can occur during the interaction of gears. These gaps usually result from tolerance errors in gear manufacturing, misalignment during assembly, or wear and deformation occurring over time. Additionally, temperature fluctuations and material properties may also affect the compatibility between gears and lead to the formation of backlash. Such backlash not only reduces the efficiency of gears but also causes problems such as vibration, noise, and wear, adversely affecting the overall performance. Therefore, high precision in the design and manufacturing of gear systems is of great importance.

[0008] Tolerance errors are a common issue in the current art. In the manufacturing of gear systems, several tolerances may create backlash due to improper engagement between the teeth. These errors reduce the efficiency of the system and may, overtime, lead towear or other mechanical problems. The accumulation of tolerance errors may negatively affect the operation of gear systems and result in critical malfunctions.

[0009] Assembly problems are also a significant concern in current applications. Carelessness or technical errors during the assembly process can lead to misalignment between gears. This prevents proper meshing and contributes to backlash. A lack of maintenance after assembly may cause these issues to remain undetected, eventually leading to more serious failures over time.

[0010] Wear and material fatigue are also prevalent issues in the current technique. Gear assemblies are composed of continuously moving parts that undergo wear and fatigue with usage. Depending on material quality and working conditions, thinning or deformation of the teeth may occur, negatively affecting gear efficiency and contributing further to noise and vibration problems. Such wear contributes to overall performance deterioration by increasing backlash.

[0011] Factors such as heat and thermal contraction also pose challenges in the current art. Gear systems are prone to heating under working conditions, which causes material expansion. When different materials are used, differences in thermal expansion may lead to misalignments and create localized backlash, reducing system reliability and causing failures and lower performance.

[0012] Economic costs in current gear systems pose another critical problem. Backlash and wear in gear systems increase the need for frequent maintenance and repair, which adds to operating budgets. Continuous replacements and adjustments make cost control harder and thus create additional financial strain for businesses. These costs become even more prominent under heavy-duty operating conditions.

[0013] Although a patent application numbered CN218761332U titled "Flexible closed transmission structure with backlash compensation function" exists in the current art,the design presented therein features non-centered holes through which the guiding part of the disc springs passes. As a result, mechanical constraints arise when larger backlash compensation is required.

[0014] In conclusion, the above-cited problems in the current art necessitate the development of a reliable and applicable backlash compensation mechanism in order to eliminate the associated risks, as current solutions remain inadequate in the relevant technical field.

[0015] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to an innovative backlash compensation mechanism developed to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and to provide new advantages to the related technical field by eliminating undesired backlash in gear systems.

[0017] The main objective of the invention is to increase the efficiency of gear systems. Thanks to the disc spring preload mechanism and the spherical joint technology, gaps between the gears are effectively eliminated. This results in smoother and more balanced operation of the system. The elimination of backlash improves the performance of the power transmission system by minimizing energy losses and increasing overall efficiency.

[0018] Another important objective of the invention is to reduce maintenance and repair costs. Conventional backlash compensation methods often require frequent servicing. However, this invention minimizes the need for maintenance by ensuring less wear on the gear system and allowing longer operational life, providing an economic advantage by reducing repair and replacement costs for businesses.

[0019] A further objective of the invention is to increase system flexibility. Due to the use of spherical joint technology, no mechanical restrictions occur on the angular movementsof the gears. This allows the system to accommodate higher loads and operate under diverse working conditions. Thanks to its flexible structure, the invention can easily be integrated into various industrial applications and is compatible with gears of different sizes.

[0020] Another aim of the invention is to increase mechanical reliability. Effectively eliminating backlash in gear systems enhances overall system reliability. This mechanism improves alignment between gears, reducing the risk of failure. Accordingly, more reliable and longer-lasting gear systems are created, which can improve the competitive edge of businesses.

[0021] An additional objective of the invention is to simplify manufacturing processes. This mechanism offers greater design simplicity and less complexity in the manufacturing of gear systems. The simplification reduces production times, lowers manufacturing costs, and simultaneously improves product quality by minimizing errors, thereby achieving an optimal cost-benefit balance.

[0022] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all its advantages will be better understood from the figures provided below and the detailed description written with reference to these figures. Hence, the evaluation must be made taking into account these figures and the detailed description.

[0023] DRAWINGS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE INVENTION

[0024] FIGURE 1: A drawing showing the backlash compensation mechanism of the invention.

[0025] FIGURE 2: A top view of the backlash compensation mechanism of the invention.

[0026] FIGURE 3: A sectional view of the backlash compensation mechanism of the invention.REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0027] 10. Shaft

[0028] 20. Fixed Gear

[0029] 30. Flexible Gear

[0030] 40. Spherical Joint

[0031] 50. Shaft (Pin)

[0032] 60. Disc Spring

[0033] 70. Preload Spacer

[0034] 80. Nut

[0035] 90. Shaft Holder

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the backlash compensation mechanism are explained purely for the purpose of better understanding the invention, and without having any limiting effect.

[0038] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the backlash compensation mechanism and its components associated with the invention in detail. In the invention, the aim is to eliminate the backlash between the sector gear and the ring gear through a pinion gear by applying a calculated preload using disc springs (60). Through the preload spacer (70) and nut (80) located behind the disc springs (60), a predetermined gap, such as 4 mm, can easily be set for adjusting the preload force.

[0039] This mechanism works in conjunction with the movement capacity provided by the flexible gear (30), effectively eliminating backlash. Also, a spherical joint (40) isintegrated to eliminate mechanical constraints that may result from angular displacements of the flexible gear (30).

[0040] In the invention, the gear shaft (10) transfers motion from the motor and delivers it to the flexible gear (30) via the fixed gear (20). The flexible gear (30) is designed to eliminate backlash and has the same gear properties as the fixed gear (20). It is a component capable of rotating around the axis of the fixed gear (20) to compensate for backlash. This feature enhances the movement capacity of the flexible gear (30), positively affecting the overall system performance.

[0041] In the invention, while the spherical joint (40) is connected to the fixed gear (20), the shaft holder (90) is connected to the flexible gear (30). The spherical joint (40) and the shaft holder (90) are connected to one another by being compressed via a shaft (50) and nut (80). A disc spring (60) and preload spacer (70) are aligned on this shaft (50). By generating a force using the disc spring (60) and preload spacer (70), a torque is applied which enables slight rotational motion around the center of the fixed gear (20). As the disc spring (60) is tightened via the nut (80), it contributes more force. The preload spacer (70) adjusts the preload force depending on whether its thickness is increased or decreased.

[0042] If a fixed shaft holder (90) were present on the fixed gear (20) and the flexible gear (30), their axes would not align due to backlash. However, the spherical joint (40) in the invention eliminates mechanical restrictions arising from the angular movement of the flexible gear (30). Any mechanical limitation (e.g., when rotated by 4 degrees, the center of the spherical shaft rotates as well, so no jamming or collision occurs) is thus avoided. This feature enables the system to achieve both high angular displacement and high preload force capacity.The protection scope of this application is defined in the CLAIMS section below and should not be limited to the examples described herein, which are provided strictly for illustrative purposes. It is evident that one skilled in the art can realize variations of the invention based on the disclosed novelty or adapt the system to different fields built for similar purposes within the relevant technical domain.

Claims

CLAIMS1- The invention relates to an innovative backlash compensation mechanism used to eliminate undesired gaps in gear systems, characterized in that; it includes a spherical joint (40) that prevents mechanical restrictions arising from the angular movements of the flexible gear (30) caused by backlash, in the direction of the force applied by a disc spring (60) and a preload spacer (70).2- The backlash compensation mechanism according to Claim 1, characterized in that; it includes a preload spacer (70) that allows the adjustment of the preload force depending on whether its thickness is decreased or increased.

Images