Introduction to planetary gearbox

Introduction to planetary gearbox

Planetary reducers are widely used in various industrial machinery to achieve high efficiency and stability. Before delving into deeper applications, we need to know the construction of mechanical components within planetary reducers.

What is a planetary gearbox?

A planetary gearbox is a gearbox in which the input shaft and output shaft are arranged coaxially. The planetary gearbox is used to transmit large torque (known as torque density) in a compact form.

The variable speed drum of a bicycle is a great example of a planetary gear structure. How to obtain such great power in such a small gear? For a three speed drum, a single-stage planetary gear system is used, while for a five speed drum, a two-stage planetary gear system is used. Each planetary gearbox system has a deceleration state, a direct connection state, and an acceleration mode.

From a mathematical perspective, the small reduction ratio is 3:1, and the large reduction ratio is 10:1. When the reduction ratio is less than 3, the sun gear becomes too large relative to the planet gears. When the reduction ratio is greater than 10, the sun gear will become too small and the torque will decrease. These reduction ratios are usually values, which are integers.

Where are planetary gearboxes generally used?

To increase the torque of the robot

Reduce the speed of the drum in the printing machine

For precise positioning

Used for packaging reusable products in packaging machines

What are the advantages of planetary gearboxes in power transmission

The typical efficiency loss in planetary gearbox layout is only 3% per stage, ensuring that most of the energy is effectively input and transmitted through the gearbox instead of being wasted on mechanical losses inside the gearbox. The efficiency is better than harmonics and can exceed 90% in some cases.

What to pay attention to when purchasing a planetary gearbox

What are the purchase criteria for planetary gearboxes? It largely depends on the specific usage scenario of the gearbox. The selection, torque, backlash, transmission ratio, etc. must be correct. Secondly, corrosion resistance, noise level, design, delivery time, price, global supply, and after-sales service are also important. Please feel free to contact us at any time, and we will reply as soon as possible and provide a formulated quotation. APEX has a fast delivery time, so you never have to worry about delays.

Oil or grease used as a lubricant in planetary gearboxes

Even if the manufacturing and assembly of the planetary reducer is more accurate, there are always rolling and sliding surfaces inside. In order to ensure good gear operation and prevent wear, this is why every reducer contains a lubricant, whether it is oil, grease or synthetic gel. The lubricant usually also provides cooling and reduces noise and vibration. Apex uses a special lubricant from Nye Lubricants, which is a special gel.

6 arguments on the combination of planetary gearbox and servo motor

1. The torque is distributed to three planetary gears, so at the same size, the torque is almost three times that of a "regular" gearbox.

2. Low back clearance

3. Compact structure, resulting in low moment of inertia

4. High efficiency

5. Closed system

6. The ratio of each stage is between 3:1 and 10:1