Anti-backlash mechanism for generating train of gear cutting machine

Abstract

The invention overcomes undesirable backlash effects in gear generators which cut gears by climb milling (i.e., with cutter blades rotating in the same direction as the work), these undesirable backlash effects being initiated by the intermittent cutting torques that tend to move the work momentarily ahead of the generating drive train as each blade is in the cut. Instead of a conventional spindle brake to oppose the cutting torques, an auxiliary motor in proximity to the work spindle end of the generating train applies torque to the train in the same direction as it is being driven by the main drive motor, and in the same direction as the cutting torques, thereby maintaining tightness in that portion of generating train which controls work spindle rotation by keeping the train gears with their "coasting" sides in contact rather than trying to keep their "driving" sides in contact.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.