pinion and crown wheel
Noun: A pinion and crown wheel is a specific type of gear arrangement where two gears, a small pinion and a larger crown wheel, mesh together at an angle, typically a right angle (90 degrees). This mechanism is used to change the direction of rotational motion and transmit power between shafts that are not parallel.
This term is a compound noun used to describe a complete mechanical assembly. It is primarily used in technical, engineering, and automotive contexts. - It functions as the subject or object in a sentence. - It is often discussed in relation to its function within a differential or other transmission systems.
- The pinion and crown wheel is a crucial component in a car's rear axle differential.
- To change the final drive ratio, mechanics often replace the pinion and crown wheel set.
- Proper alignment of the pinion and crown wheel is essential for quiet operation and long service life.
- Engineering Design: In design specifications, the pinion and crown wheel is defined by its gear ratio, module, and spiral angle (e.g., hypoid gears).
- Maintenance: The term is used in repair manuals, e.g., "Adjusting the backlash on the pinion and crown wheel."
- Ring and pinion: A very common synonym, especially in North American automotive terminology.
- Crown wheel and pinion: An alternative word order with the same meaning.
- Hypoid gear set: A more advanced and specific type of pinion and crown wheel where the axes do not intersect, commonly used in modern rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Bevel gear set: A broader category that includes the pinion and crown wheel, where the gears have conical shapes to mesh at an angle.
- Ring and pinion
- Final drive gears
- Differential gear set (when referring to the entire assembly including the differential case)
The term "pinion and crown wheel" is highly specific to mechanical engineering. The individual words have other meanings: - Pinion alone can also mean: 1) A bird's wing feather, 2) To restrain or bind someone's arms. - Crown wheel alone can refer to a horizontal wheel, such as in a crown gear or escape wheel of a clock. However, when combined as "pinion and crown wheel", it refers exclusively to the paired gear mechanism.
- gears that mesh at an angle