Contact characteristics of conical involute gears with crossed axes

Based on the theory of gearing and the gear generating mechanism, this study investigates the contact characteristics of conical involute gear pairs with crossed axes. The meshing model with a reference rack as intermedium is established and tooth contact analysis (TCA) is performed to examine the meshing and bearing contact of the conical involute gear pairs composed of a pinion and a gear. Using the contact line of reference rack tooth surface, the path of contact is confirmed, and the calculation formula of principal direction, relative curvature, path of contact and ellipse of contact are derived. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate computational results and test gears are made for tooth-bearing tests. The conclusion verifies that the theory is applicable.