Power losses of worm gear pairs

Abstract

In this paper are presented the power losses and sources of their occurrence in worm gear boxes. These are the losses that occur in the coupling of worm teeth and worm gear, losses in bearings, seals and oil churning power losses in the transmission. When the operation of worm gearing is characterized by line contact of coupled elements which is accompanied by significant sliding, the highest value have the power losses in the worm and worm gear coupling compared to other losses in gearing. Among other things, in the paper also presents the expressions that are used for calculation of individual power losses and efficiency of the gearing. The size of the losses primarily depends on the type of coupled material and geometry of worm pair, circumferential velocity (input rotational speed), the type and viscosity of lubricating oil, load, worm shape, and temperature and so on. The paper also deals with the influence of different factors on power losses and efficiency. As the efficiency of the worm pair is significantly lower compared to other types of gear pairs, the appropriate combination of geometric parameters and materials of worm and worm gear, lubrication and working conditions can significantly affect its increase.