Method and apparatus for lapping gears

Abstract

A method for lapping the gears of a gear set as well as a gear lapping system. The gear set generally includes a first gear in meshed engagement with a second gear, each of the first and second gears having a plurality of gear teeth each with drive and coast flank surfaces. The method includes the steps of lapping the gear set by rotating the first gear in a first direction while the first gear is in mesh with the second gear. The method further includes sensing the vibrations occurring in the gear mesh during rotation and controlling the step of lapping based on the sensed vibrations. The gear lapping system includes an automated lapping machine that is adapted to lap the gear set including a ring gear and a pinion gear. The automated lapping machine is adapted to lap the gear set by rotating at least one of the ring and pinion gears while in mesh, in the presence of a lapping compound, and while translating the gear mesh back and forth across the gear flank surfaces for a plurality of cycles. A vibration sensor is operably coupled to the automated lapping machine and senses the amplitude of vibration and energy occurring in the gear mesh during each of the plurality of cycles. This sensor produces a vibration output signal that is proportional to the amplitude of the vibration energy. An automated controller is adapted to receive the vibration output signal as well as to calculate and transmit a control command signal to the automated lapping machine based on the amplitude of the vibration energy.