Harmonic Drive gears are commonly used in space mechanisms. However, lubrication is a critical aspect for proper, effective performance. This paper describes the principle of operation, explains the key parameters that define gear performance and discusses the nature of the various tribological interfaces to be found within HD gears and which call for effective lubrication. Test data are presented on a compact type of harmonic Drive, type CSD 20, that has a reduction ratio of 160:1. Two such HD gears have been lubricated with two space greases namely Maplub SH050a (a grease containing Nye 2001 oil and PTFE) and Maplub PF100a (a grease containing Z25 oil and PTFE). These units have been subjected to thermal-vacuum testing during which measurements were made of input torque, efficiency, break-out torque and no-load back-driving torque. The dependency of these parameters on output load, rotational speed and temperature have been quantified. The work identifies the interface between the wave generator's outer race and the inside surface of the flexspline as the most tribologically demanding and highlights the importance of achieving effective lubrication in this area.
Space lubrication and performance of harmonic Drive gears
2005
8 Seiten
Conference paper
English
Space lubrification and performance of harmonic drive gears
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