Mode of function: Like the solar system.Planetary gears function as their name implies: At their center is a sun gear driven by the motor. This transmits its rotational movement to three satellite-like‘planet gears’ that comprise one gear stage. They are arranged on the bearing bolts of a planetary carrier. The last planet carrier is rigidly mounted to the output shaft, enabling it to transmit power to the output end. The outside circumference of the planet gears rotate inside an internally splined transmission housing, known as the ring gear or annulus.
CHARACTERISTICS
High torque capacity in a compact package – Due to the load sharing of several planet gears, planetary gear reducers can handle the same torque that a larger parallel axis gear set can take. Although planetary gear sets will likely have more components than a parallel axis gear set, the smaller-size-for-equivalent-torque planetary reducer will be less expensive.
High efficiency – A single stage of planetary gears will likely be over 95 percent efficient.
High reduction ratios – Ratios as high as 11:1 can be achieved in a single planetary gear stage whereas it is difficult to achieve much higher than 5:1 in a single parallel axis stage. However, it is impossible for planetary sets to achieve a ratio much under 3:1 due to geometric interferences. A parallel shaft set is not limited on low ratios as they can be as far down as 1:1 (idler gear).
High torsional stiffness – Since the sun gear will likely contact multiple planet gears, the torsional stiffness, or resistance to elastic deformation, is higher in a planetary gear set than parallel axis gear set.
Lubrication flexibility – Planetary gear sets may be lubricated with either oil or grease. The gears within a planetary set prevent grease from escaping, unlike standard spur gear sets, and constantly redistribute the lubrication allowing for many different mounting orientations.
Integrated housing option – The ring gear in a planetary set may be designed such that it is also the outer housing for the entire gearbox. Reducing the number of components reduces assembly time and part cost adding to the bottom line.
Coaxial alignment & Direction of Rotation – The output shaft on a planetary gear set is “coaxially-aligned” with the motor shaft meaning they share the same axis. The planetary output shaft also rotates in the same direction as the motor whereas the output shaft on a single-stage parallel axis gear set rotates opposite of the motor direction. If an offset of the output shaft is desired, a parallel axis gear set may be added to the planetary set, or a full parallel axis gear set may be used.
Thermal capacity – since the size of a planetary gear reducer is smaller than that of an equal torque capacity parallel axis unit, the thermal capacity will likely not be as high on the planetary gear reducer—making this type of reducer a good fit in intermittent duty applications. Planetary gear reducers can still run continuously, but measures may have to be taken to prevent the gearbox from overheating.
APPLICATIONS
●Construction equipment
●Food & beverage mixers
●Material handling equipment
●Medical devices
●Packaging equipment
●Power tools
●Vehicle transmissions
●Wind generation
Planetary gear reducers have many positive features and advantages over other types of gear reducers. Contact Twirl Motor today and ask about planetary gearmotors for your integrated motion solution.
