Meshing theory of axial arc tooth profile cylindrical worm drive

In this paper, the axial arc tooth profile cylindrical worm drive is proposed, whose worm is cut by turning tool. Due to the simple processing equipment, short manufacturing time and low cost, this kind of worm can replace the cylindrical worm ground by grinding wheel under some conditions. The meshing theory of the worm drive is founded comprehensively. Moreover, a movable orthogonal frame is established on the non-orthogonal parametric curves net helical surface. Based on the founded meshing theory, the simulating study on the meshing quality of the worm drive is performed systematically. The numerical outcome shows that the meshing quality of this worm drive is quite favorable, and the condition of forming lubricating oil film is excellent. The working orthogonal clearance of the turning tool is decreased with the increase of the worm thread number, which must be a positive value in the process of worm cutting. This explains that the number of the worm thread is ≤4