EFFECTS OF THE HOB CUTTER REGRINDING AND SETTING ON ZE-TYPE WORM GEARMANUFACTURE

A mathematical model for a ZE-type worm gear set is proposed. The char acteristics of a ZE-type worm gear cut with an oversize hob cutter are investigated. Bearing contacts and kinematic errors in the ZE-type wo rm gear set due to regrinding of oversize hob cutters are also studied . Bearing contacts in the worm gear set were obtained using surface se paration topology techniques and tooth contact analysis. It was found that bearing contact locations are sensitive to the hob cutter setting angle and setting distance. Kinematic error minimization was achieved modifying worm normal tooth angle. By applying the optimization theor em and computer simulation programs, optimum hob cutter settings and w orm normal tooth angle were determined to improve bearing contact loca tion and minimize the worm gear set kinematic errors. A numerical exam ple is given to demonstrate the results of the investigation. The deve loped computer-aided manufacture program has successfully been applied to the worm gear manufacture and hob cutter design. Copyright (C) 199 6.