Influence of the meshing clearance on the performance of conjugate helical surfaces

Meshing clearance is significant in both the manufacturing and operating practice of products applying conjugate helical surfaces. Based on the clearance-caused rotation angle of the return stroke for different meshing clearance, the influence of the meshing clearance on the performance of conjugate helical surfaces, such as conjugation interaction, contact area, continuity of the contact line, noise level and smooth running, etc., is explored in depth in this paper. It is concluded that the meshing clearance should be so designed that the resulting clearance-caused rotation angle of the return stroke is as uniform as possible.