VARIABLE-ANGLE GEAR SYSTEM

摘要

A pair of distinctive spherical gears transmits rotary motion between two shafts, while allowing the angle between the shafts to vary (e.g., by even more than 40 DEG ) continuously during operation. The term "spherical" is used to distinguish these distinctive gears from conventional "cylindrical" (spur and helical) and "conical" (bevel and hypoid) gears. Several forms of spherical gear teeth are specifically detailed and applied in designs appropriate for automotive constant-velocity joints.