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Planetary Gear Set, Function

Fig 1: Planetary Gear Set, Function (1 Of 5)
G00354458Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Operation 

The ring gear (1) and sun gear (3) elements of a planetary gear system are alternately driven and braked by the actuating elements of the multi-plate clutch and multiple-disc brake. The planet gears (2) can turn on the internal gearing of the ring gear (1) and on the external gearing of the sun gear (3). This allows for a variety of gear ratios and the reversal of the rotation direction without the need for moving gear wheels or shift collars.

The torque and speed are converted corresponding to the lever ratios or the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven to the driving gears and is known as the gear ratio i. The overall ratio of a number of planetary gear sets connected in series is obtained by multiplying the partial ratios. When two components of the planetary gear set are locked together, the planetary gear set is locked and turns as a closed unit.

Advantages Of A Planetary Gear Set: 

The Following Basic Ratio Possibilities Can Be Realized 

    • Sun gear locked.
    • Ring gear driving.
    • Planet gears driven.
    • Relatively low step-down ratio.
    Fig 2: Planetary Gear Set, Function (2 Of 5)
    G00354459Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
    • Hollow gear locked.
    • Sun gear driving.
    • Planet gears driven.
    • Relatively high step-down ratio.
    Fig 3: Planetary Gear Set, Function (3 Of 5)
    G00354460Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
  1. Locking two elements together so that the planetary gear set turns as a unit, produces a direct power transmission (i =1).
    Fig 4: Planetary Gear Set, Function (4 Of 5)
    G00354461Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
    • Planetary carrier locked.
    • Sun gear driving.
    • Ring gear driven.
    • Direction reversal and step-down ratio.
    Fig 5: Planetary Gear Set, Function (5 Of 5)
    G00354462Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.