Investigation of the impact of cycloidal gear pin tooth wear on transmission error in precision planetary cycloidal reducers

Abstract

In light of the alteration pattern of transmission error following wear of a cycloid gear and needle tooth, this study employs the precision planetary cycloidal 80E reducer as an example. Theoretical deduction and simulation analysis of the change in transmission error were conducted, relying on the Archard wear model and an error model. Utilizing the principles of Archard wear theory and error theory, a functional relationship between wear duration and transmission error is deduced. Subsequently, a dynamic simulation of the 3D model is executed using ADAMS software, and the simulation results are processed with MATLAB software. A comparative and analytical examination is conducted between the theoretical curve and the simulation curve of transmission error to explore the influence of the cycloid gear and needle tooth wear on transmission error. Finally, the precision of the simulation results is further confirmed through experimental validation. The findings revealed that the transmission error curve gradually increased during the initial wear of the cycloid gear and the needle tooth, with the rate of increase increasing proportionally with wear duration. By comparing the theoretical calculations, simulation outcomes, and experimental results, the validity and accuracy of the transmission error calculations grounded in Archard wear theory and error theory are confirmed. This research provides a theoretical basis for accurately predicting the survival of precision planetary cycloidal reducers throughout the lifespan.