Gear geometry as a function of the production method: Proposal of invo-planar bevel gears for good productivity with 5X-machine

Abstract

In the frame of the activity of the JSME RC-268 committee, a new bevel gear, i.e., the Invo-Planar bevel gear, is developed, the tooth flank of the wheel of which is a plane or whose transverse tooth profile is a straight line. The cutting/grinding time for this bevel wheel can be more than 10 times shorter than the working time for a conventional bevel gear wheel, when it is cut with a 5-axis machining center, because it cuts or grinds the tooth flank through one path of tool movement. The finished tooth flank is far smoother than the curved tooth flank manufactured through many paths of the cutting blades of the tool. The production rate of the mating pinion with a 5-axis machining center is the same as that of a conventional bevel pinion. Some experiences in the production and quality assessment of product gears, and a performance survey of this new bevel gear, are introduced to promote discussion.