Increasing the operational parameters of worm gears

Abstract

An analysis of factors that reduce the operational parameters of worm gearboxes has been carried out. Equations for calculating the efficiency of a worm gear, contact pressure, and the residual service life are given. It is shown that the friction angle and friction coefficient depend on the material of the worm and wheel teeth, the roughness of the working surfaces of the worm pair matings, the quality of the lubrication, and the sliding speed. Significant contact pressures and friction losses in meshing lead to heat generation, a decrease in efficiency and service life of the worm gear. To produce a worm gear with a maximum radius of a conjugate globoid-cylindrical pair with an involute profile, it is proposed to use rotational turning of the globoid worm turns with a multi-blade forcedly rotating tool, and the wheel teeth with a hob cutter. A nickel antifriction solid lubricating coating containing carbon nanotubes has increased hardness and resistance to abrasion. A method for manufacturing a ZT-type worm gear is proposed, as well as methods that reduce contact stresses and the coefficient of friction during operation of a mating worm pair to increase the service life of worm gears.