Studies on meshing clearance of thread pairs of planetary roller screw mechanism in different directions

The helix surface model of planetary roller screw mechanism (PRSM) is established by utilizing the parametric equations of space surface according to the structural features of screw, roller and nut. The helix surface model of PRSM is improved in consideration of the PRSM assembly relationship. The normal vector equations of helix surfaces are obtained based on the helix surface model. The meshing clearance models of PRSM in axial, radial and circumferential directions are built considering the movement direction of parts utilizing surface meshing conditions. The influence of structural parameters on the meshing clearance of PRSM is also analyzed. The results show that the meshing points between the roller and the screw in three directions are not in the middle diameter. The meshing points in the three directions of the roller and the nut are in the middle diameter of the roller. The pitch, tooth angle and tooth thickness of the thread all have an influence on the meshing clearance of PRSM. Only by increasing the tooth thickness of the thread can the meshing clearance in the three directions be reduced at the same time. The pitch and tooth angle should be selected properly to meet the practical requirements.