Gear dimensions are determined in accordance with their specifications, such as Module (m), Number of teeth (z), Pressureangle (α), and Profile shift coefficient (x). This section introduces the dimension calculations for spur gears, helical gears, gear rack, bevel gears, screw gears, and worm gear pairs. Calculations of external dimensions (eg. Tip diameter) are necessary for processing the gear blanks. Tooth dimensionssuch as root diameter or tooth depth are considered when gear cutting.

4.1 Spur Gears

Spur Gears are the simplest type of gear. The calculations for spur gears are also simple and they are used as the basisfor the calculations for other types of gears. This section introduces calculation methods of standard spur gears, profileshifted spur gears, and linear racks. The standard spur gear is a non-profile-shifted spur gear.

(1) Standard Spur Gear
Figure 4.1 shows the meshing of standard spur gears. The meshing of standard spur gears means the reference circlesof two gears contact and roll with each other. The calculation formulas are in Table 4.1.

Fig. 4.1 The Meshing of Standard Spur Gears
Fig. 4.1 The Meshing of Standard Spur Gears
( α=20°, z1=12, z2=24, x1=x2=0 )

Table 4.1 Calculations for Standard Spur Gears
No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1ModulemSet Value3
2Reference Pressure Angleα20 deg
3Number of Teethz1224
4Center Distancea(z1 + z2) m / 2NOTE154.000
5Reference Diameterdzm36.00072.000
6Base Diameterdbd cos α33.82967.658
7Addendumha1.00m3.0003.000
8Tooth Depthh2.25m6.7506.750
9Tip Diameterdad + 2m42.00078.000
10Root Diameterdfd – 2.5m28.50064.500

NOTE 1 : The subscripts 1 and 2 of z1 and z2 denote pinion and gear

All calculated values in Table 4.1 are based upon given module m and number of teeth (z1 and z2). If instead, the modulem, center distance a and speed ratio i are given, then the number of teeth, z1 and z2, would be calculated using theformulas as shown in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 The Calculations for Number of Teeth
No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1ModulemSet Value3
2Center Distancea54.000
3Speed Ratioi1.25
4Sum of No. of Teethz1 + z22a / m36
5Number of Teethzz1 + z2 / i + 1i (z1 + z2) / i + 11620

Note, that the number of teeth will probably not be integer values when using the formulas in Table 4.2. In this case,it will be necessary to resort to profile shifting or to employ helical gears to obtain as near a transmission ratioas possible.

(2) Profile Shifted Spur Gear
Figure 4.2 shows the meshing of a pair of profile shifted gears. The key items in profile shifted gears are the operating(working) pitch diameters (dw) and the working (operating) pressure angle (αw). These values are obtainable from themodified center distance and the following formulas :

formula 4.1

In the meshing of profile shifted gears, it is the operating pitch circle that is in contact and roll on each other thatportrays gear action. Table 4.3 presents the calculations where the profile shift coefficient has been set at x1 and x2 at the beginning. This calculation is based on the idea that the amount of the tip and root clearance should be 0.25m.

Fig. 4.2 The Meshing of Profile Shifted Gears
Fig. 4.2 The Meshing of Profile Shifted Gears
( α=20°, z1=12, z2=24, x1=+0.6, x2=+0.36 )

Table 4.3 The Calculations for Profile Shifted Spur Gears (1)
No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1ModulemSet Value3
2Reference Pressure Angleα20 deg
3Number of Teethz1224
4Profile Shift CoefficientX0.60.36
5Involute αwinv αw2 tan α (x1 + x2 / z1 + z2) + inv α0.034316
6Working Pressure AngleαwFind from Involute Function Table26.0886 deg
7Center Distance
Modification Coefficient
yz1 + z2 / 2 (cos α / cos αw - 1)0.83329
8Center Distancea(z1 + z2 / 2 + y) m56.4999
9Reference Diameterdzm36.00072.000
10Base Diameterdbd cos α33.828967.6579
11Working Pitch Diameterdwdb / cos αw37.66775.333
12Addendumha1
ha2
( 1 + y – x2 ) m
( 1 + y – x1 ) m
4.4203.700
13Tooth Depthh{2.25 + y – ( x1 + x2 )}m6.370
14Tip Diameterdad + 2ha44.84079.400
15Root Diameterdfda – 2h32.10066.660

A standard spur gear is, according to Table 4.3, a profile shifted gear with 0 coefficient of shift; that is , x1=x2=0.

Table 4.4 is the inverse formula of items from 4 to 8 of Table 4.3.

Table 4.4 The Calculations for Profile Shifted Spur Gears (2)
No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1Center DistanceaSet Value56.4999
2Center Distance
Modification Coefficient
yTable 4.4 The Calculations for Profile Shifted Spur Gears (2) 20.8333
3Working Pressure AngleαwTable 4.4 The Calculations for Profile Shifted Spur Gears (2) 326.0886 deg
4Sum of Profile Shift
Coefficient
x1 + x2Table 4.4 The Calculations for Profile Shifted Spur Gears (2) 40.9600
5Profile Shift Coefficientx0.60000.3600

There are several theories concerning how to distribute the sum of profile shift coefficient (x1 + x2) into pinion (x1)and gear (x2) separately. BSS (British) and DIN (German) standards are the most often used. In the example above, the12 tooth pinion was given sufficient correction to preventundercut, and the residual profile shift was given to the mating gear.

(3) Rack and Spur Gear
Table 4.5 presents the method for calculating the mesh of a rack and spur gear.
Figure 4.3 (1) shows the the meshing of standard gear and a rack. In this mesh, the reference circle of the gear touchesthe pitch line of the rack.

Figure 4.3 (2) shows a profile shifted spur gear, with positive correction xm, meshed with a rack. The spur gear hasa larger pitch radius than standard, by the amount xm. Also, the pitch line of the rack has shifted outward by the amount xm.
Table 4.5 presents the calculation of a meshed profile shifted spur gear and rack. If the profile shift coefficient x1 is 0, then it is the case of a standard gear meshed with the rack.

Table 4.5 The calculations of dimensions of a profile shifted spur gear and a rack
No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Spur gearRack
1ModulemSet Value3
2Reference pressure anglea20 deg
3Number of teethz12
4Profile shift coefficientx0.6
5Height of pitch lineH32.000
6Working pressure angleαw20 deg
7Mounting distanceaTable 4.5 The calculations of dimensions of a profile shifted spur gear and a rack51.800
8Reference diameterdzm36.000
9Base diameterdbd cos α33.829
10Working pitch diameterdw5 1036.000
11Addendumham ( 1 + x )4.8003.000
12Tooth depthh2.25m6.750
13Tip diameterdad + 2ha45.600
14Root diameterdfda – 2h32.100

One rotation of the spur gear will displace the rack l one circumferential length of the gear’s reference circle,per the formula :
formula 4.2

The rack displacement, l, is not changed in any way by the profile shifting. Equation (4.2) remains applicable for anyamount of profile shift.

Fig. 4.3 (1) The meshing of standard spur gear and rack
Fig. 4.3 (1) The meshing of standard spur gear and rack
( α=20°, z1=12, x1=0 )
Fig. 4.3 (2) The meshing of profile shifted spur gear and rack
Fig. 4.3 (2) The meshing of profile shifted spur gear and rack
( α=20°, z1=12, x1=+ 0.6 )

4.2 Internal Gears

Internal Gears are composed of a cylindrical shaped gear having teeth inside a circular ring. Gear teeth of the internalgear mesh with the teeth space of a spur gear. Spur gears have a convex shaped tooth profile and internal gears havereentrant shaped tooth profile; this characteristic is opposite of Internal gears. Here are the calculations for thedimensions of internal gears and their interference.

(1) Internal Gear Calculations
Figure 4.4 presents the mesh of an internal gear and external gear. Of vital importance is the working pitch diameters(dw) and working pressure angle (αw). They can be derived from center distance (a) and Equations (4.3).

formula 4.3

Table 4.6 shows the calculation steps. It will become a standard gear calculation if x1=x2=0.

Fig.4.4 The meshing of internal gear and external gear
Fig.4.4 The meshing of internal gear and external gear
( α=20°, z1=16, z2=24, x1=x2=+0.5 )

Table 4.6 The calculations of a profile shifted internal gear and external gear (1)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
External gear (1)Internal gear (2)
1ModulemSet Value3
2Reference pressure angleα20 deg
3Number of teethz1624
4Profile shift coefficientx0+ 0.516
5Involute function αwinv αwTable 4.6 The calculations of a profile shifted internal gear and external gear (1) 50.061857
6Working pressure angleαwFind from involute Function Table31.321258 deg
7Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.6 The calculations of a profile shifted internal gear and external gear (1) 70.4000
8Center distanceaTable 4.6 The calculations of a profile shifted internal gear and external gear (1) 813.2
9Reference diameterdzm48.00072.000
10Base diameterdbd cos α45.10567.658
11Working pitch diameterdwTable 4.6 The calculations of a profile shifted internal gear and external gear (1) 1152.799879.1997
12Addendumha1
ha2
( 1 + x1 ) m
( 1 – x2 ) m
3.0001.452
13Tooth depthh2.25m6.75
14Tip diameterda1
da2
d1 + 2ha1
d2 – 2ha2
54.00069.096
15Root diameterdf1
df2
da1 + 2h
da2+ 2h
40.50082.596

If the center distance (a) is given, x1 and x2 would be obtained from the inverse calculation from item 4 to item 8 ofTable 4.6. These inverse formulas are in Table 4.7.

Table 4.7 The calculations of profile shifted internal gear and external gear (2)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
External gear (1)Internal gear (2)
1Center distanceaSet Value13.1683
2Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.7 The calculations of profile shifted internal gear and external gear (2) 20.38943
3Working pressure angleαwTable 4.7 The calculations of profile shifted internal gear and external gear (2) 331.0937 deg
4Difference of profile shift
coefficients
X2 – X1Table 4.7 The calculations of profile shifted internal gear and external gear (2) 40.5
5Profile shift coefficientX00.5

Pinion cutters are often used in cutting internal gears and external gears. The actual value of tooth depth and rootdiameter, after cutting, will be slightly different from the calculation. That is because the cutter has a profile shiftcoefficient. In order to get a correct tooth profile, the profile shift coefficient of cutter should be taken into consideration.

(2) Interference In Internal Gears
Three different types of interference can occur with internal gears: (a) Involute Interference, (b) Trochoid Interference,and (c) Trimming Interference.

(a) Involute Interference
This occurs between the dedendum of the external gear and the addendum of the internal gear. It is prevalent when thenumber of teeth of the external gear is small. Involute interference can be avoided by the conditions cited below :

formula 4.4

Where αa2 is the pressure angle at a tip of the internal gear tooth.

formula 4.5
αw:working pressure angle
formula 4.6

Equation (4.5) is true only if the tip diameter of the internal gear is bigger than thebase circle :

formula 4.7

For a standard internal gear, where α=20° , Equation (4.7) is valid only if the number of teeth is z2 > 34.

(b) Trochoid Interference
This refers to an interference occurring at the addendum of the external gear and the dedendum of the internal gearduring recess tooth action. It tends to happen when the difference between the numbers of teeth of the two gears issmall. Equation (4.8) presents the condition for avoiding trochoidal interference.

formula 4.8
Here
formula 4.9
where αa1 is the pressure angle of the spur gear tooth tip:
formula 4.10

In the meshing of an external gear and a standard internal gear α=20° , trochoid interference is avoided if the differenceof the number of teeth, z2 – z1, is larger than 9.

(c) Trimming Interference
This occurs in the radial direction in that it prevents pulling the gears apart. Thus, the mesh must be assembled bysliding the gears together with an axial motion. It tends to happen when the numbers of teeth of the two gears are veryclose. Equation (4.11) indicates how to prevent this type of interference.

formula 4.11
Here
formula 4.12

This type of interference can occur in the process of cutting an internal gear with a pinion cutter. Should that happen,there is danger of breaking the tooling. Table 4.8 (1) shows the limit for the pinion cutter to prevent trimming interferencewhen cutting a standard internal gear, with pressure angle α0=20°, and no profile shift, i.e., x0=0.

Table 4.8 (1) The limit to prevent an internal gear from trimming interference
α0=20°, x0=x2=0
z01516171819202122242527
z23434353637383940424345
z028303132333435384042
z246484950515253565860
z0444850566064668096100
z26266687478828498114118

There will be an involute interference between the internal gear and the pinion cutter if the number of teeth of thepinion cutter ranges from 15 to 22 (z0=15 to 22). Table 4.8(2) shows the limit for a profile shifted pinion cutterto prevent trimming interference while cutting a standard internal gear. The correction (x0) is the magnitude of shiftwhich was assumed to be: x0=0.0075z0 + 0.05.

Table 4.8 (2) The limit to prevent an internal gear from trimming interference

α0=20°, x2=0
z0151617181920212224252728303132333435384042444850566064668096100
x00.16250.170.17750.1850.19250.20.20750.2150.230.23750.25250.260.2750.28250.290.29750.3050.31250.3350.350.3650.380.410.4250.470.50.530.5450.650.770.8
z236383940414243454748505254555658596064666871767886909598115136141

There will be an involute interference between the internal gear and the pinion cutter if the number of teeth of thepinion cutter ranges from 15 to 19 (z0=15 to 19).

Fig.4.5 Involute interference and trochoid interference
Fig.4.5 Involute interference and trochoid interference

Fig.4.6 Trimming interference
Fig.4.6 Trimming interference

4.3 Helical Gears

A helical gear such as shown in Figure 4.7 is a cylindrical gear in which the teeth flank are helicoid. The helix anglein reference cylinder is β, and the displacement of one rotation is the lead, pz.

The tooth profile of a helical gear is aninvolute curve from an axial view, or in the plane perpendicular to the axis. The helical gear has two kinds of tooth profiles – oneis based on a normal system, the other is based on a transverse system.

Pitch measured perpendicular to teeth is called normal pitch, pn.
And pn divided by π is then a normal module, mn.

formula 4.13

The tooth profile of a helical gear with applied normal module,
mn, and normal pressure angle αn belongs to a normal system.

In the axial view, the pitch on the reference is called the transverse pitch, pt . And pt divided by π is the transversemodule, mt.

formula 4.14

These transverse module mt and transverse pressure angle αt at are the basic configuration of transverse system helicalgear.
In the normal system, helical gears can be cut by the same gearhob if module mn and pressure angle at are constant, no matter what the value of helix angle β.

It is not that simple in the transverse system. The gear hob design must be altered in accordance with the changing ofhelix angle β, even when the module mt and the pressure angle at are the same.
Obviously, the manufacturing of helical gears is easier with the normal system than with the transverse system in theplane perpendicular to the axis.

When meshing helical gears, they must have the same helix angle but with opposite hands.

Fig.4.7 Fundamental relationship of a helical gear (Right hand)
Fig.4.7 Fundamental relationship of a helical gear (Right-hand)

(1) Normal System Helical Gear
In the normal system, the calculation of a profile shifted helical gear, the working pitch diameter dw and transverseworking pressure angle αwt is done per Equations (4.15). That is because meshing of the helical gears in the transverseplane is just like spur gears and the calculation is similar.

formula 4.15

Table 4.9 shows the calculation of profile shifted helical gears in the normal system. If normal profile shift coefficientsxn1, xn2 are zero, they become standard gears.

Table 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion(1)Gear(2)
1Normal modulemnSet Value3
2Normal pressure angleαn20 deg
3Reference cylinder helix angleβ30 deg
4Number of teeth & helical handz12 (L)60 (R)
5Normal coefficient of profile shiftxn+ 0.098090
6Transverse pressure angleαtTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 622.79588 deg
7Involute function αwtinv αwtTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 70.023405
8Transverse working pressure angleαwtFind from involute Function Table23.1126 deg
9Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 90.09744
10Center distanceaTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 10125.000
11Reference diameterdTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 1141.569207.846
12Base diameterdbd cos αt38.322191.611
13Working pitch diameterdwTable 4.9 The calculations of a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (1) 1341.667208.333
14Addendumha1
ha2
( 1 + y – xn2 ) mn
( 1 + y – xn1 ) mn
3.2922.998
15Tooth depthh{2.25 + y – ( Xn1 + Xn2 )}mn6.748
16Tip diameterdad + 2ha48.153213.842
17Root diameterdfda – 2h34.657200.346

If center distance, α, is given, the normal profile shift coefficients xn1 and xn2 can be calculated from Table 4.10.These are the inverse equations from items 5 to 10 of Table 4.9.

Table 4.10 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (2)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1Center distanceaSet Value125
2Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.10 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (2) 20.097447
3Transverse working
pressure angle
αwtTable 4.10 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (2) 323.1126 deg
4Sum of profile shift
coefficient
xn1 + xn2Table 4.10 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the normal system (2) 40.09809
5Normal profile shift coefficientxn0.098090

The transformation from a normal system to a transverse system is accomplished by the following equations :

formula 4.16

(2) Transverse System Helical Gear
Table 4.11 shows the calculation of profile shifted helical gears in a transverse system. They become standard if xt1=xt2=0.

Table 4.11 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (1)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion(1)Gear(2)
1Transverse modulemtSet Value3
2Transverse pressure angleαt20 deg
3Reference cylinder helix angleβ30 deg
4Number of teeth & helical handz12 (L)60 (R)
5Transverse profile shift coefficientxt0.344620
6Involute function αwtinv αwtTable 4.11 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (1) 60.0183886
7Transverse working pressure angleαwtFind from Involute Function Table21.3975 deg
8Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.11 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (1) 80.33333
9Center distanceaTable 4.11 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (1) 9109.0000
10Reference diameterdzmt36.000180.000
11Base diameterdbd cos αt33.8289169.1447
12Working pitch diameterdwTable 4.11 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (1) 1236.3333181.6667
13Addendumha1
ha2
( 1 + y – xt2 ) mt
( 1 + y – xt1 ) mt
4.0002.966
14Tooth depthh{2.25 + y – ( Xt1 + Xt2 )}mt6.716
15Tip diameterdad + 2ha44.000185.932
16Root diameterdfda – 2h30.568172.500

Table 4.12 presents the inverse calculation of item 5 to 9 of Table 4.11.

Table 4.12 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (2)

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1Center distanceaSet Value109
2Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.12 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (2) 20.33333
3Transverse working
pressure angle
αwtTable 4.12 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (2) 321.39752 deg
4Sum of profile shift
coefficient
xt1 + xt2Table 4.12 The calculations for a profile shifted helical gear in the transverse system (2) 40.34462
5Transverse profile shift coefficientxt0.344620

The transformation from a transverse to a normal system is described by the following equations :

formula 4.17

(3) Helical Rack
Viewed in the transverse plane, the meshing of a helical rack and gear is the same as a spur gear and rack. Table 4.13presents the calculation examples for a mated helical rack with normal module and normal pressure angle. Similarily,Table 4.14 presents examples for a helical rack in the transverse system (i.e., perpendicular to gear axis).

Table 4.13 The calculations for a helical rack in the normal system

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
PinionRack
1Normal modulemnSet Value2.5
2Normal pressure angleαn20 deg
3Reference cylinder helix angleβ10 deg 57’49”
4Number of teeth & helical handz20 (R)– (L)
5Normal profile shift coefficientxn0
6Pitch line heightH27.5
7Transverse pressure angleαtTable 4.13 The calculations for a helical rack in the normal system 720.34160 deg
8Mounting distanceaTable 4.13 The calculations for a helical rack in the normal system 852.965
9Reference diameterdTable 4.13 The calculations for a helical rack in the normal system 950.92956
10Base diameterdbd cos αt47.75343
11Addendumhamn ( 1 + Xn )2.5002.500
12Tooth depthh2.25mn5.625
13Tip diameterdad + 2ha55.929
14Root diameterdf
da – 2h44.679

The formulas of a standard helical rack are similar to those of Table 4.14 with only the normal profile shift coefficientxn=0.
To mesh a helical gear to a helical rack, they must have the same helix angle but with opposite hands.

The displacement of the helical rack, l, for one rotation of the mating gear is the product of the transverse pitch andnumber of teeth.

formula 4.18

According to the equations of Table 4.13, let transverse pitch pt=8 mm and displacement l=160 mm. The transversepitch and the displacement could be resolved into integers, if the helix angle were chosen properly.

Table 4.14 The calculations for a helical rack in the transverse system

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
PinionRack
1Transverse modulemtSet Value2.5
2Transverse pressure angleαt20 deg
3Reference cylinder helix angleβ10 deg 57’49”
4Number of teeth & helical handz20 (R)– (L)
5Transverse profile shift coefficientxt0
6Pitch line heightH27.5
7Mounting distanceaTable 4.14 The calculations for a helical rack in the transverse system 752.500
8Reference diameterdzmt50.000
9Base diameterdbd cos αt46.98463
10Addendumhamt ( 1 + Xt )2.5002.500
11Tooth depthh2.25mt5.625
12Tip diameterdad + 2ha55.000
13Root diameterdfda – 2h43.750

In the meshing of transverse system helical rack and helical gear, the movement, l, for one turn of the helical gearis the transverse pitch multiplied by the number of teeth.

formula 4.19

4.4 Bevel Gears

Bevel gears, whose pitch surfaces are cones, are used to drive intersecting axes. Bevel gears are classified accordingto their type of the tooth forms into Straight Bevel Gear, Spiral Bevel Gear, Zerol Bevel Gear, Skew Bevel Gear etc.The meshing of bevel gears means the pitch cone of two gears contact and roll with each other. Let z1 and z2 be pinionand gear tooth numbers; shaft angle Σ ; and reference cone angles δ1 and δ2 ; then:

Fig. 4.8 The reference cone angle of bevel gear
Fig. 4.8 The reference cone angle of bevel gear

formula 4.20

Generally, a shaft angle Σ=90° is most used. Other angles (Figure 4.8) are sometimes used. Then, it is called “bevelgear in nonright angle drive”. The 90° case is called “bevel gear in right angle drive”. When Σ=90°, Equation (4.20)becomes :

formula 4.21

Miter gears are bevel gears with Σ=90° and z1=z2. Their transmission ratio z2 / z1=1.

Figure 4.9 depicts the meshing of bevel gears. The meshing must be considered in pairs. It is because the reference coneangles δ1 and δ2 are restricted by the gear ratio z2 / z1. In the facial view, which is normal to the contact line ofpitch cones, the meshing of bevel gears appears to be similar to the meshing of spur gears.

Fig. 4.9 The meshing of bevel gears
Fig. 4.9 The meshing of bevel gears

(1) Gleason Straight Bevel Gears
A straight bevel gear is a simple form of bevel gear having straight teeth which, if extended inward, would come togetherat the intersection of the shaft axes. Straight bevel gears can be grouped into the Gleason type and the standard type.
In this section, we discuss the Gleason straight bevel gear. The Gleason Company defines the tooth profile as: toothdepth h=2.188m; tip and root clearance c=0.188m; and working depth hw=2.000m.

The characteristics are :

** Design specified profile shifted gears
In the Gleason system, the pinion is positive shifted and the gear is negative shifted. The reason is to distributethe proper strength between the two gears. Miter gears, thus, do not need any shift.
** The tip and root clearance is designed to be parallel
The face cone of the blank is turned parallel to the root cone of the mate in order to eliminate possible fillet interferenceat the small end of the teeth.

Fig. 4.10 Dimensions and angles of bevel gears
Fig. 4.10 Dimensions and angles of bevel gears

Table 4.15 shows the minimum number of the teeth to prevent undercut in the Gleason system at the shaft angle Σ=90.°

Table 4.15 The minimum numbers of teeth to prevent undercut
Table 4.15 The minimum numbers of teeth to prevent undercut

Table 4.16 presents equations for designing straight bevel gears in the Gleason system. The meanings of the dimensionsand angles are shown in Figure 4.10 above. All the equations in Table 4.16 can also be applied to bevel gears with anyshaft angle.
The straight bevel gear with crowning in the Gleason system is called a Coniflex gear. It is manufactured by a specialGleason “Coniflex” machine. It can successfully eliminate poor tooth contact due to improper mounting and assembly.

Tale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the Gleason system

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion(1)Gear(2)
1Shaft angleΣSet Value90 deg
2Modulem3
3Reference pressure angleα20 deg
4Number of teethz2040
5Reference diameterdzm60120
6Reference cone angleδ1

δ2

Tale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 626.56505 deg63.43495 deg
7Cone distanceRTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 767.08204
8FacewidthbIt should not exceed R / 322
9Addendumha1

ha2

Tale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 94.0351.965
10Dedendumhf2.188m – ha2.5294.599
11Dedendum angleθftan^-1(hf / R )2.15903 deg3.92194 deg
12Addendum angleθa1
θa2
θf2
θf1
3.92194 deg2.15903 deg
13Tip angleδaσ + θa30.48699 deg65.59398 deg
14Root angleδfσ – θf24.40602 deg59.51301 deg
15Tip diameterdad + 2ha cos σ67.2180121.7575
16Pitch apex to crownXR cos σ – ha sin σ58.195528.2425
17Axial facewidthXbTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 1719.00299.0969
18Inner tip diameterdiTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 1844.842581.6609

The first characteristic of a Gleason Straight Bevel Gear that it is a profile shifted tooth. From Figure 4.11, we cansee the tooth profile of Gleason Straight Bevel Gear and the same of Standard Straight Bevel Gear.

Fig. 4.11 The tooth profile of straight bevel gears
Fig. 4.11 The tooth profile of straight bevel gears

(2) Standard Straight Bevel Gears
A bevel gear with no profile shifted tooth is a standard straight bevel gear. The are also referred to as Klingelnbergbevel gears. The applicable equations are in Table 4.17.

Table 4.17 The calculations for a standard straight bevel gears

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion(1)Gear(2)
1Shaft angleΣSet Value90 deg
2Modulem3
3Reference pressure angleα20 deg
4Number of teethz2040
5Reference diameterdzm60120
6Reference cone angleδ1

δ2

Tale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 626.56505 deg63.43495 deg
7Cone distanceRTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 767.08204
8FacewidthbIt should not exceed R / 322
9Addendumha1

ha2

Tale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 94.0351.965
10Dedendumhf2.188m – ha2.5294.599
11Dedendum angleθftan^-1(hf / R )2.15903 deg3.92194 deg
12Addendum angleθa1
θa2
θf2
θf1
3.92194 deg2.15903 deg
13Tip angleδaσ + θa30.48699 deg65.59398 deg
14Root angleδfσ – θf24.40602 deg59.51301 deg
15Tip diameterdad + 2ha cos σ67.2180121.7575
16Pitch apex to crownXR cos σ – ha sin σ58.195528.2425
17Axial facewidthXbTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 1719.00299.0969
18Inner tip diameterdiTale 4.16 The calculations of straight bevel gears of the gleason system 1844.842581.6609

These equations can also be applied to bevel gear sets with other than 90° shaft angles.

(3) Gleason Spiral Bevel Gears
A spiral bevel gear is one with a spiral tooth flank as in Figure 4.12. The spiral is generally consistent with thecurve of a cutter with the diameter dc. The spiral angle β is the angle between a generatrix element of the pitch coneand the tooth flank. The spiral angle just at the tooth flank center is called the mean spiral angle βm. In practice,the term spiral angle refers to the mean spiral angle.

Fig.4.12 Spiral Bevel Gear (Left hand)
Fig.4.12 Spiral Bevel Gear (Left-hand)

All equations in Table 4.20 are specific to the manufacturing method of Spread Blade or of Single Side from Gleason.If a gear is not cut per the Gleason system, the equations will be different from these.

The tooth profile of a Gleason spiral bevel gear shown here has the tooth depth h=1.888m; tip and root clearance c=0.188m; and working depth hw=1.700m. These Gleason spiral bevel gears belong to a stub gear system. This is applicableto gears with modules m > 2.1.

Table 4.18 shows the minimum number of teeth to avoid undercut in the Gleason system with shaft angle Σ=90° and pressureangle αn=20°.

Table 4.18 The minimum numbers of teeth to prevent undercut β=35°
Table 4.18 The minimum numbers of teeth to prevent undercut

If the number of teeth is less than 12, Table 4.19 is used to determine the gear sizes.

Table 4.19 Dimentions for pinions with number of teeth less than 12

Number of teeth in pinion z167891011
Number of teeth in gear z234 and higher33 and higher32 and higher31 and higher30 and higher29 and higher
Working depth hw1.5001.5601.6101.6501.6801.695
Tooth depth h1.6661.7331.7881.8321.8651.882
Gear addendum ha20.2150.2700.3250.3800.4350.490
Pinion addendum ha11.2851.2901.2851.2701.2451.205
Tooth thickness of gear s2300.9110.9570.9750.9971.0231.053
400.8030.8180.8370.8600.8880.948
50-0.7570.7770.8280.8840.946
60--0.7770.8280.8830.945
Normal pressure angle αn20°
Spiral angle β35° - 40°
Shaft angle ∑90°
NOTE: All values in the table are based on m=1

Table 4.20 shows the calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system

Table 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gesr (2)
1Shaft angleSet Value90 deg
2Modulem3
3Normal pressure angleαn20 deg
4Mean spiral angleβm35 deg
5Number of teeth and spiral handz20 (L)40 (R)
6Transverse pressure angleαtTable 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 623.95680
7Reference diameterdzm60120
8Reference cone angleσ1

σ2

Table 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 826.56505
deg
63.43495
deg
9Cone distanceRTable 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 967.08204
10FacewidthbIt should be less than 0.3R or 10m20
11Addendumha1

ha2

Table 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 113.42751.6725
12Dedendumhf1.888m – ha2.23653.9915
13Dedendum angleθftan^-1( hf / R )1.90952
deg
3.40519
deg
14Addendum angleθa1
θa2
θf2
θf1
29.97024
deg
1.90952
deg
15Tip angleσaσ + θa29.97024
deg
65.34447
deg
16Root angleσfσ – θf24.65553
deg
60.02976
deg
17Tip diameterdad + 2ha cos σ66.1313121.4959
18Pitch apex to crownXR cos σ – ha sin σ58.467228.5041
19Axial facewidthXbTable 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 1917.35658.3479
20Inner tip diameterdiTable 4.20 The calculations for spiral bevel gears in the Gleason system 2046.114085.1224

All equations in Table 4.20 are also applicable to Gleason bevel gears with any shaft angle. A spiral bevel gear setrequires matching of hands; left-hand and right-hand as a pair.

(4) Gleason Zerol Bevel Gears
When the spiral angle bm=0, the bevel gear is called a Zerol bevel gear. The calculation equations of Table 4.16for Gleason straight bevel gears are applicable. They also should take care again of the rule of hands; left and rightof a pair must be matched. Figure 4.13 is a left-hand Zerol bevel gear.

Fig. 4.13 Left-hand zerol bevel gear
Fig. 4.13 Left hand zerol bevel gear

4.5 Screw Gears

Screw gearing includes various types of gears used to drive nonparallel and nonintersecting shafts where the teeth ofone or both members of the pair are of screw form. Figure 4.14 shows the meshing of screw gears. Two screw gears canonly mesh together under the conditions that normal modules (mn1) and (mn2) and normal pressure angles (αn1, αn2) arethe same.

Fig.4.14 Screw gears of nonparallel and nonintersecting axes
Fig.4.14 Screw gears of nonparallel and nonintersecting axes

Let a pair of screw gears have the shaft angle Σ and helix angles β1 and β2 :

formula 4.22

If the screw gears were profile shifted, the meshing would become a little more complex. Let βw1, βw2 represent the working pitch cylinder ;

formula 4.23

Table 4.21 presents equations for a profile shifted screw gear pair. When the normal profile shift coefficients xn1=xn2=0, the equations and calculations are the same as for standard gears.

Table 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Pinion (1)Gear (2)
1Normal modulemnSet Value3
2Normal pressure angleαn20 deg
3Reference cylinder helix angleβ20 deg30 deg
4Number of teeth & helical handz15 (R)24 (R)
5Normal profile shift coefficientxn0.40.2
6Number of teeth of an
Equivalent spur gear
zvTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 618.077336.9504
7Transverse pressure angleαtTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 721.1728
deg
22.7959
deg
8Involute function αwninv αwnTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 80.0228415
9Normal working pressure angleαwnFind from involute function table22.9338 deg
10Transverse working
pressure angle
αwnTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 1024.2404
deg
26.0386
deg
11Center distance
modification coefficient
yTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 110.55977
12Center distanceaTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 1267.1925
13Reference diameterdTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 1347.888083.1384
14Base diameterdbd cos αt44.655376.6445
15Working pitch diameterdw1

dw2

Table 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 1549.115585.2695
16Working helix angleβwTable 4.21 The equations for a screw gear pair on nonparallel and Nonintersecting axes in the normal system 1620.4706
deg
30.6319
deg
17Shaft angleβw1 + βw2 or βw1 – βw251.1025 deg
18Addendumha1
ha2
( 1 + y – xn2 ) mn
( 1 + y – xn1 ) mn
4.07933.4793
19Tooth depthh{2.25 + y – ( xn1 + xn2 )}mn6.6293
20Tip diameterdad + 2ha56.046690.0970
21Root diameterdfda – 2h42.788076.8384

Standard screw gears have relations as follows:

dw1=d1
dw2=d2
βw1=β1
βw2=β2
(4.24)

Appendix – What is screw gear ?

This article is reproduced with the permission.
Masao Kubota,Haguruma Nyumon, Tokyo : Ohmsha, Ltd., 1963.

The screw gear (or crossed helical gear) in pic 5.1 is a type of gear whose two axes are neither parallel nor crossed(skew gears), and whose pitch surface consists of two cylindrical surfaces circumscribing at one point on the shortestdistance between the two axes. The screw gear is a point contact gear which consists of obliquely meshed helical gearswhose sum or difference of torsion angle of tooth traces is equal to the included angle of the two axes.

screw_gears
Pic 5.1 Screw gear

Background of screw gear

In Pic 5.2, the point P at one point on the shortest distance between two axes is calledpitch point, where two cylinders with radius R1 or R2 whose axes I and II constitute the center distance A and included angle circumscribe at the point P.

Assuming that the two cylinders are reference curved surfaces for making gear teeth, and the gears mesh at the pitchpoint P and its neighborhood. In order that both tooth flanks make contact at the point P to transmit motion, theyneed to share the normal line, and the velocity component of the both gears in the direction of normal line of thetooth flanks need to be equal. Therefore, at the point P, the direction of the tooth traces should be same, and thevelocity component of the both gears at right angle to the tooth traces should be equal. More specifically, as in Pic5.2, the direction of the vertical line from the point P toward the directions of the vectors of gear speed V1 and V2 at the point P equals to the velocity component of both gears (Vn), and the right angle (TT) to this direction at the point P becomes the tooth trace’s direction at the pointP. The velocity components of V1 and V2 are not equal in the direction TT. That is to say, there is a slide in the direction of the tooth trace.

Screw gear’s background
Pic 5.2 Screw gear’s background

Assuming that there is a helical rack, which has the tooth trace in the direction TT and its tangential plane of both pitch cylinders at the point P is the pitch plane. When it moves with a velocity of Vn, the curve formed on each gear as an envelope surface of the rack tooth flank becomes the tooth flank of bothgears. When the tooth flank of the helical rack is plane, the tooth flank of both gears becomes an involute helicoid.It is an involute screw gear, and its normal section is an involute tooth profile.

The simultaneous contact line of the tooth flank of each gear and rack is the trace of a foot of a perpendicular fromthe arbitrary point on each pitch cylinder’s bus to the rack tooth surface through the pitch point P (it becomes astraight line for involute screw gear). Both traces cross at the foot of a perpendicular from the pitch point P tothe rack tooth profile. (See Pic 5.3 (a) NA and NB) Therefore, both tooth profiles point-contact at that point.

The trace of the contact point is generally the curve through the pitch point P. As for the involute screw gear, thetrace of the contact point becomes a straight line W which passes through the pitch point P, because the plane of therack tooth profile moves parallel. The line is calledaction line (see Pic 5.3), the crossing line of tangential planes of base cylinders of gears, and it is alsothe fixed line contacts with both base cylinders. Same as normal gears, the angular velocity ratio is equal to thereciprocal ratio of the number of teeth, and the normal plane module should be equal for both gears.

Mesh-of involute screw gears

Pic 5.3 Mesh of involute screw gear
Left Picture – Contact of screw gear’s flank
(1) Action line
Right Picture – Relation of base cylinders, action line, tangential plane, tooth trace of screw gear
(2) Base cylinder of gear I
(3) Screw line orthogonal to tooth trace
(4) Action line
(5) Base cylinder of gear II
(6) Screw line orthogonal to tooth trace

Suppose that the helical angle of the tooth trace is β1 and β2, the normal plane module of helical rack is mn, and the number of teeth of each gear is z1 and z2, the radius of pitch cylinders R1 and R2 are :

R1=z1mn / 2cosβ1, R2=z2mn / 2cosβ2

Then, R1 + R2=A, β1 + β2=β

Therefore, 2A / mn=z1 / cosβ1 + z2 / cos(β – β1)

For example, when A, β, z1, z2 and mn are given, β1 and β2 are defined by the preceding formula. However, β1>0, β2>0 in the preceding picture.β1 and β2could be 0 or negative number. In fact, β=90° in many cases. When β=90°, to minimize center distance, setdA / dβ1=0 and obtain
One of formula of screw gears

Application of screw gear

As screw gears are point-contact, the contact stress at the contact point is large and lubricant film is easy to becomethinner and as a result, the gears easily wear out. Therefore, the screw gears are not suitable for transmitting largepower. On the other hand, the gears mesh smoothly and easy to do cut adjustment, so frequently used for transmissionmechanism between skew shafts whose center distance is in the middle. In addition, it is well known that the meshingrelation of cutter and machined gear at gear shaving is similar to screw gears. The meshing relation of hob and gearsto be cut is also similar to screw gears.

When one of screw gears (driven gear) is a rack gear, they can line-contact and transmit heavy load. They may be usedfor the table drive of a planning machine. The rack type shaving cutter can be used, too.

Only the curve which goes on each tooth flank diagonally through the pitch point is useful for meshing of tooth flankof screw gears, and therefore the working face width is limited. However, enlarging the face width a little and enablingthe gears to move toward the axis will avoid excessive local wear, and lengthens the life of the entire gear.

4.6 Cylindrical Worm Gear Pair

Cylindrical worms may be considered cylindrical type gears with screw threads. Generally, the mesh has a 90° shaft angle.The number of threads in the worm is equivalent to the number of teeth in a gear of a screw type gear mesh. Thus, aonethread worm is equivalent to a one-tooth gear; and two-threads equivalent to two-teeth, etc. Referring to Figure4.15, for a reference cylinder lead angle γ, measured on the pitch cylinder, each rotation of the worm makes the threadadvance one lead pz.

There are four worm tooth profiles in JIS B 1723-1977, as defined below.
Type I : The tooth profile is trapezoidal on the axial plane.
Type II : The tooth profile is trapezoid on the plane normal to the space.
Type III : The tooth profile which is obtained by inclining the axis of the milling or grinding, of which cutter shapeis trapezoidal on the cutter axis, by the lead angle to the worm axis.
Type IV : The tooth profile is of involute curve on the plane of rotation.

KHK stock worm gear products are all Type III. Worm profiles (Fig 4.15). The cutting tool used to process worm gearsis called a single-cutter that has a single-edged blade. The cutting of worm gears is done with worm cutting machine.Because the worm mesh couples nonparallel and nonintersecting axes, the axial plane of worm does not correspond withthe axial plane of worm wheel. The axial plane of worm corresponds with the transverse plane of worm wheel. The transverseplane of worm corresponds with the axial plane of worm wheel. The common plane of the worm and worm wheel is the normalplane. Using the normal module, mn, is most popular. Then, an ordinary hob can be used to cut the worm wheel.
Fig. 4.15 Cutting Grinding for Type III Worm
Fig. 4.15 Cutting – Grinding for Type III Worm

Table 4.22 presents the relationships among worm and worm wheel with regard to axial plane, transverse plane, normalplane, module, pressure angle, pitch and lead.

Fig. 4.16 Cylindrical worm (Right hand)

Fig. 4.16 Cylindrical worm (Right-hand)

Table 4.22 The relations of cross sections of worm gear pairs

Worm
Axial planeNormal planeTransverse plane
Table 4.22 The relations of cross sections of worm gear pairs 1Table 4.22 The relations of cross sections of worm gear pairs 2Table 4.22 The relations of cross sections of worm gear pairs 3
Transverse planeNormal planeAxial plane
Worm wheel

Reference to Figure 4.16 can help the understanding of the relationships in Table 4.22. They are similar to the relationsin Formulas (4.16) and (4.17) in that the helix angle β be substituted by (90 deg – γ). We can consider thata worm with lead angle γ is almost the same as a helical gear with helix angle (90 deg – γ).

(1) Axial Module Worm Gear Pair
Table 4.23 presents the equations, for dimensions shown in Figure 4.16, for worm gears with axial module, mx, andnormal pressure angle αn=20°.

Fig. 4.17 Dimentions of cylindrical worm gear pair
Fig. 4.17 Dimentions of cylindrical worm gear pair

Table 4.23 The calculations for an axial module system worm gear pair

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Worm (1)Wheel (2)
1Axial modulemxSet Value3
2Normal pressure angle( αn )( 20 deg )
3No. of threads,
no. of teeth
zDouble Thread (R)30 (R)
4Coefficient of Profile shiftzt20
5Reference diameterd1
d2
( Qmx) NOTE1
z2mx
44.00090.000
6Reference cylinder lead
angle
γTable 4.23 The calculations for an axial module system worm gear pair 67.76517 deg
7Center distanceaTable 4.23 The calculations for an axial module system worm gear pair 767.000
8Addendumha1
ha2
1.00 mx
( 1.00 + xt2 ) mx
3.0003.000
9Tooth depthh2.25 mx6.750
10Tip diameterda1
da2
d1 + 2ha1
d2 + 2ha2 + mx NOTE2
50.00099.000
11Throat diameterdtd2 + 2ha296.000
12Throat surface radiusriTable 4.23 The calculations for an axial module system worm gear pair 1219.000
13Root diameterdf1
df2
da1 – 2h
dt – 2h
36.50082.500

NOTE 1.
Diameter factor, Q, means reference diameter of worm, d1, over axial module, mx.
Q=d1 / mx
NOTE 2.
There are several calculation methods of worm wheel tip diameter da2 besides those in Table 4.25.
NOTE 3.
The facewidth of worm, b1, would be sufficient if: b1=πmx (4.5 + 0.02z2)
NOTE 4.
Effective facewidth of worm wheel bw=Table 4.23 NOTE 4
So the actual facewidth of b2 ≧ bw + 1.5mx would be enough.

(2) Normal Module System Worm Gear Pair
The equations for normal module system worm gears are based on a normal module, mn, and normal pressure angle, αn=20°. See Table 4.24.

Table 4.24 The calculations for a normal module system worm gear pair

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
Worm (1)Wheel (2)
1Normal modulemnSet Value3
2Normal pressure angleαn( 20 deg )
3No. of threads,
No. of teeth
zDouble (R)30 (R)
4Reference diameter of wormd144.000
5Normal profile shift coefficientxn2– 0.1414
6Reference cylinder lead
angle
γTable 4.24 The calculations for a normal module system worm gear pair 67.83748 deg
7Reference diameter of
worm wheel
d2Table 4.24 The calculations for a normal module system worm gear pair 790.8486
8Center distanceaTable 4.24 The calculations for a normal module system worm gear pair 867.000
9Addendumha1
ha2
1.00 mn
( 1.00 + xn2 ) mn
3.0002.5758
10Tooth depthh2.25 mn6.75
11Tip diameterda1
da2
d1 + 2ha1
dt2 + 2ha1 + mn
50.00099.000
12Throat diameterdtd2 + 2ha296.000
13Throat surface radiusriTable 4.24 The calculations for a normal module system worm gear pair 1319.000
14Root diameterdf1
df2
da1 – 2h
dt – 2h
36.50082.500

NOTE : All notes are the same as those of Table 4.23.

(3) Crowning of the Tooth
Crowning is critically important to worm gears. Not only can it eliminate abnormal tooth contact due to incorrectassembly, but it also provides for the forming of an oil film, which enhances the lubrication effect of the mesh. Thiscan favorably impact endurance and transmission efficiency of the worm mesh. There are four methods of crowning wormgear pair :

(a) Cut Worm Wheel with a Hob Cutter of Greater Reference Diameter than the Worm.
A crownless worm wheel results when it is made by using a hob that has an identical pitch diameter as that of theworm. This crownless worm wheel is very difficult to assemble correctly. Proper tooth contact and a complete oil filmare usually not possible.
However, it is relatively easy to obtain a crowned worm wheel by cutting it with a hob whose reference diameter isslightly larger than that of the worm.

This is shown in Figure 4.18. This creates teeth contact in the center region with space for oil film formation.

Fig.4.18 The method of using a greater diameter hob
Fig.4.18 The method of using a greater diameter hob

(b) Recut With Hob Center Position Adjustment.
The first step is to cut the worm wheel at standard center distance. This results in no crowning. Then the worm wheelis finished with the same hob by recutting with the hob axis shifted parallel to the worm wheel axis by ±Δh. This resultsin a crowning effect, shown in Figure 4.19.

Fig.4.19 Offsetting up or down
Fig.4.19 Offsetting up or down

(c) Hob Axis Inclining Δθ From Standard Position.
In standard cutting, the hob axis is oriented at the proper angle to the worm wheel axis. After that, the hob axisis shifted slightly left and then right, Δθ, in a plane parallel to the worm wheel axis, to cut a crown effect on theworm wheel tooth.

This is shown in Figure 4.20. Only method (a) is popular. Methods (b) and (c) are seldom used.

Fig. 4.20 Inclining right or left
Fig. 4.20 Inclining right or left

(d) Use a Worm with a Larger Pressure Angle than the Worm Wheel.
This is a very complex method, both theoretically and practically. Usually, the crowning is done to the worm wheel,but in this method the modification is on the worm. That is, to change the pressure angle and pitch of the worm withoutchanging base pitch, in accordance with the relationships shown in Equations 4.25 :
formula 4.25

In order to raise the pressure angle from before change, αwx, to after change, αx , it is necessary to increase theaxial pitch, pwx, to a new value, px, per Equation (4.25). The amount of crowning is represented as the space betweenthe worm and worm wheel at the meshing point A in Figure 4.22. This amount may be approximated by the following equation:

formula 4.26
Where
d1 : Reference diameter of worm
k : Factor from Table 4.25 and Figure 4.21

Table 4.25 The value of factor k
Table 4.25 The value of factor k

Fig. 4.21 The value of factor (k)
Axial pressure angle αx
Fig. 4.21 The value of factor (k)

Table 4.26 shows an example of calculating worm crowning.

Table 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning

No.ItemSymbolFormulaExample
1Axial modulemwx

NOTE:
This is the data before crowning.

3
2Normal pressure angleαwn20 deg
3Number of threads of wormz12
4Reference diameter
of worm
d144.000
5Reference cylinder
lead angle
γwTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 57.765166 deg
6Axial pressure angleαwxTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 620.170236 deg
7Axial pitchPwxπmwx9.424778
8LeadPwZπmwx z118.849556
9Amount of
crowning
CRIt should be determined by considering the size of tooth contact.0.04
10FactorkFrom Table 4.260.41
* After crowning
11Axial pitchPxTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 119.466573
12Axial pressure angleαxTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 1220.847973 deg
13Axial modulemxTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 133.013304
14Reference cylinder
lead angle
γTable 4.26 The calculations for worm crowning 147.799179 deg
15Normal pressure angleαntan^-1(tanαx cos γ)20.671494 deg
16LeadPzπmx z118.933146 deg

(4) Self-Locking Of Worm Gear Pairs
Self-locking is a unique characteristic of worm meshes that can be put to advantage. It is the feature that a wormcannot be driven by the worm wheel. It is very useful in the design of some equipment, such as lifting, in that thedrive can stop at any position without concern that it can slip in reverse. However, in some situations it can be detrimentalif the system requires reverse sensitivity, such as a servomechanism.

Self-locking does not occur in all worm meshes, since it requires special conditions as outlined here. In this analysis,only the driving force acting upon the tooth surfaces is considered without any regard to losses due to bearing friction,lubricant agitation, etc. The governing conditions are as follows :

Let Ft1=tangential driving force of worm

Then,
Ft1=Fn (cos αn sin γ – μ cos γ) (4.27)
If Ft1 > 0 then there is no self-locking effect at all. Therefore,
Ft1 ≤ 0 is the critical limit of self-locking.

Let αn in Equation (4.27) be 20°, then the condition:
Ft1 ≤ 0 will become :
(cos 20° sing – mcosg) ≤ 0

Figure 4.22 shows the critical limit of self-locking for lead angle g and coefficient of friction m. Practically, itis very hard to assess the exact value of coefficient of friction μ. Further, the bearing loss, lubricant agitationloss, etc. can add many side effects. Therefore, it is not easy to establish precise self-locking conditions.
However, it is true that the smaller the lead angle γ, the more likely the self-locking condition will occur.

Fig.4.22 Position A is the point of determining crowning amount
Fig.4.22 Position A is the point of determining crowning amount

Fig. 4.23 The critical limit of self locking of lead angle g and coefficient of friction m
Fig. 4.23 The critical limit of self-locking of lead angle g and coefficient of friction m

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