A Dynamic Simulation of Cam Actuated Robotized Gearbox

Abstract

In this paper a simulation of the cam actuator of a robotized gearbox is presented. The actuator is a barrel cam which moves a pin according to a prescribed motion law. The model of contact, between cam and follower, is based on a finite elements approach of the theory of beam on continuous elastic foundation, modified by the authors to include the effect of shear on the deformation and dynamic effects. The foundation modulus is computed using Hertz theory taking also into account the change of principal curvature values during the relative motion between cam and follower. This model has been embodied in a complete gear shifting simulation in order to compare the effects on contact forces, wear actions and shifting time of different cam profiles.