Assembly accuracy prediction method of planetary gear train considering bolt-bearing-shaft-gear coupling effects

Planetary gear train (PGT) is a complex transmission system composed of gears, shafts, bearings and bolted joints, of which the assembly accuracy affects the transmission accuracy and dynamic behavior. In this paper, a new assembly accuracy prediction method is proposed for PGT considering gear-shaft-bearing-bolt coupling effects. The new method is formulated by establishing three models for bolt assembly, shaft error motion and assembly accuracy (transmission error) of PGT. The model for bolt assembly is an original FE-analytical model to analyze the bolt assembly effect on elastic deformation of bearing cap, which is developed by finite element (FE) method and analytical method for addressing the elastic effect of bearing cap and elastic interaction between bolts. The models for shaft error motion and assembly accuracy are performed by the three-dimensional contact analysis with errors and preload of bearing cap based on analytical method and kinematic geometry relationship. Combining the three models, the assembly accuracy can be predicted by simulations. The simulations indicate that the proper bolt assembly parameters can alleviate the influence of manufacturing errors on assembly accuracy. The assembly accuracy tests of PGT are conducted. The results well agree with the simulations’, and the assembly accuracy is improved by the proper bolt assembly parameters.