Analysis of General Characteristics of Transmission Error of Gears With Convex Modification of Tooth Flank Form Considering Elastic Deformation Under Load

The vibration/noise of power transmission gears is a serious problem for vehicles including automobiles, and therefore many studies on gear vibration have been reported. These studies, however, were carried out by investigation using numerical simulations in which gears with specific dimensions and tooth flank modifications under specific loading were considered. Therefore, the general characteristics of the transmission error of gears have not been clarified theoretically. In this report, a general model for the tooth meshing of gears is proposed; in which a quasi-infinite elastic model composed of springs with stiffness peculiar to the gear is incorporated. The transmission error of gears is formulated by theoretical equations. An investigation on the factors affecting the general characteristics of transmission error is accomplished using the formulated equations. The qualitative characteristic of the transmission error of gears with convex tooth flank form deviation is determined by the actual contact ratio and qualitative elements of gears, i.e., tooth flank form deviation and the distribution of stiffness. Even if the amplitude of torque, the amount of tooth flank form deviation, and other quantitative elements are not determined, the qualitative characteristic of transmission error can be derived. The peak-to-peak value of transmission error increases proportionately to the amount of tooth flank form deviation.