Methods and apparatus for minimizing backlash in a planetary gear mechanism
US7121973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2001/2881
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A planetary gear system includes a planetary gear assembly having a first planetary gear, a second planetary gear rotatable relative to the first planetary gear, and a torquing mechanism. The torquing mechanism generates a torsional spring force of the planetary gear assembly to cause the first planetary gear to rotate along a first direction and the second planetary gear to rotate along a second direction, opposite to the first direction. As a result, the teeth of the first planetary gear contact teeth of a corresponding first stationary ring gear and the teeth of the second planetary gear contact teeth of a corresponding second stationary ring gear. The torquing mechanism, along with the configuration of the planetary gear assembly, minimizes or eliminates the presence of gaps between the contacting teeth of the planetary assembly and the stationary gear rings and minimizes backlash within the planetary gear system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.