FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to planetary gear systems and more particularly, embodiments of the invention relates to a washer for a planetary gear system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A planetary gear generally refers to a cluster of gears, in which there are one or more outer gears in one plane and grouped around each other. Planetary gears are also referred to as Epicyclic gears. The cluster of gears is mounted on a ratotable carrier which rotates relative to the central or sun gear.

The gear system also incorporates the use of an outer ring gear which meshes with the planet gears. Normally, a plurality of retaining portions is provided on the circumference of the carrier for receiving the planetary gears.

These planetary gears are normally mounted on the retaining portions through a rigid support. The rigid support is likely to wear during the rotation of the planetary gears, due to friction, thereby disrupting the smooth rotation of the planetary gears. Hence, there is a need for a system that reduces the friction caused by the movement of the planetary gears around the carrier.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages / drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a planetary gear system which would be able to reduce the friction caused by the movement of the planetary gears around a carrier.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a planetary gear arrangement along with washers according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG.2 illustrates a washer and the related arrangement within the planetary gear system according to an embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one of the aspects of the present invention there is provided an improved planetary gear system, said system comprising:

(i) a carrier means having a substantially circular profile defining a circumference at edge of said profile said carrier means comprises plurality of retaining portions on said circumference;

(ii) plurality of planetary gears mounted on said circumference such that said each planetary gear means being received on said each retaining portion of said carrier means; and

(iii) plurality of washer means wherein said each washer means fits substantially into each retaining portion of said carrier and rotatably coupled with said each planetary gear means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to planetary gear systems having washers for the planetary gear system.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention there is provided an improved planetary gear system. The system comprises a carrier means substantially having circular profile with a circular circumference where the carrier means comprises plurality of retaining portion on the circumference of the carrier means , plurality of planetary gears mounted on circumference of the carrier means such that each planetary gear means being received on each retaining portion of the carrier means and plurality of washer means where each washer means fits substantially into each retaining portion of the carrier and rotatably coupled with each planetary gear means.

The each washer means is added on each face of the planetary gear means to retain the needle bearings with the planetary gears.

The washer means are with higher hardness to avoid the damages of the same during the operation of the planetary gear where the washer means are replaceable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention provide a washer assembly for a planetary gear arrangement. FIG.1 shows a planetary gear arrangement/system 100 along with washers 101 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The planetary gear arrangement 100 comprises of a plurality of planetary gears 103 mounted on the circumference of a carrier 104. Each of the planetary gear 103 is received in a retaining portion provided on the circumference of the carrier 104.

Further, each of the planetary gear 103 is provided with a washer 101 that fits into the retaining portion of the carrier 104 and is rotatably coupled with the planetary gear 103. Washers 101 are added on each face of the Planetary Gears 103 to retain the needle bearings 105 with the planetary gears 103.

In one embodiment of the invention, washers 101 with the higher hardness are used to avoid the damages of the retaining portion of the Carrier means during the operation of the planetary gear 103. The Washers 101 further reduce the contact of the planetary gear 103 with the cast surface during the rotation.

These washers 101 will reduce the cost of repair of the Planetary system 100, as the scope of service will be limited to the replacement of low cost washers( when compared with the Planetary casting)

FIG.2 shows a washer along with the cross section of the planetary arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

ADVANTAGES:

The following are the changes incorporated to improve the durability & the performance of the planetary system of the Two Speed axle.

Washers are added on each face of the Planetary Gears to retain the needle bearings with the planetary gears.

Washers can be used with the higher hardness to avoid the damages of the same during the usage.

The Washers will avoid the contact of the needle bearings to the casting surface & will also ensure no damages to the cast surface during the rotation.

Minimum of one number of Washers needs to used on the each flat face of the planetary gear.

These washers will help to retain the smooth rotation of the Planetary gears for a long time.

These washers will reduce the cost of repair of the Planetary system, as the scope of service will be limited to the replacement of low cost washers (when compared with the Planetary casting)

WE CLAIM

1. An improved planetary gear system, said system comprising :

(i) a carrier means having a substantially circular profile defining a circumference at edge of said profile said carrier means comprises plurality of retaining portions on said circumference;

(ii) plurality of planetary gears mounted on said circumference such that said each planetary gear means being received on said each retaining portion of said carrier means ; and

(iii) plurality of washer means wherein said each washer means fits substantially into each retaining portion of said carrier and rotatably coupled with said each planetary gear means.

2. System as claimed in claim 1 wherein said each washer means is added on face of each of the planetary gear means to retain the needle bearings with the planetary gears.

3. System as claimed in claim 1 wherein said washer means optionally having higher hardness adapted to avoid the damages of the same during the operation of the planetary gear.

4. System as claimed in claim 1 wherein said washer means are replaceable.

5. An improved planetary gear system as herein substantially described and illustrated with the accompanying drawings.