Reaction carrier assembly having zero relative pin deflection

Abstract

A reaction carrier assembly that provides zero relative planetary gear support-pin deflection in order to prolong the useful life of the planetary gear set within which the reaction carrier assembly is incorporated. The improved carrier assembly includes a spider and a base portion, such that when a torsional load is applied to the assembly, at least those parts from which the planet gear support pin is supported will deflect equally, thereby effecting zero relative pin deflection. The base portion has an annular flange with a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth extending radially outwardly selectively to receive the reactive force. The flange also has annularly spaced first ears that extend radially inwardly and are provided with a receiving bore. The first ears alternate with leg-engaging faces that are disposed radially outwardly with respect to the first ears. The spider portion has a deck with a plurality of peripherally spaced legs that extend substantially parallel to the central axis to be connected to the leg-engaging faces. A plurality of peripherally spaced second ears extend radially outwardly of the deck in alternating relation with the legs. Each second ear is provided with a receiving bore that is disposed in register with a receiving bore in the first ears to receive a planet gear support pin therein. A transitional offset extends between each first and second ear and the member from which the ears are supported. Fillets or recesses are provided between each ear and the successively adjacent structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.