This article discusses general-purpose speed reducers used in industrial applications, which reduce speed, increase torque, and improve load capacity, not the main reduction gears used in automobiles. The article primarily focuses on the functions of this type of general-purpose speed reducer.
The speed reducer is a precision-machined design of split-flow and co-axial reducers. It consists of a speed-increasing device, a compound transmission device, and various types of motors. Speed reducers are used for precise angular transmission and are characterized by low energy consumption and superior performance. The main features of a speed reducer include a reverse self-locking function, a large reduction ratio, and input and output shafts that are not on the same axis or plane. However, they are generally larger in size, have lower transmission efficiency and precision, but a more compact structure, smaller backlash, higher precision, longer service life, and can achieve a very high rated output torque.
What types of speed reducers are there?
Speed reducers can be classified into gear reducers, worm gear reducers, and planetary gear reducers. They can also be classified into single-stage and multi-stage reducers according to the number of transmission stages. Most of them are used in the machinery industry, industrial applications, and common household appliances.
Speed reducers are found in the transmission systems of various machines, from ships, automobiles, and locomotives in transportation vehicles, to heavy construction machinery, processing machines, and automated production equipment in the machinery industry. Their applications range from high-power transmission to low-load, precise angular transmission. In industrial applications, speed reducers both reduce speed and increase torque.
The function of a speed reducer
A speed reducer increases output torque while reducing speed. It also reduces the load's inertia. This speed reduction and torque increase function is generally used in low-speed, high-torque transmission equipment. A frequency converter reduces the motor speed to drive the speed reduction transmission device. The main function of a speed reducer is to reduce output speed, increase torque, and enhance load capacity, thereby achieving the ideal transmission effect and meeting operational requirements. Additionally, speed reducers also have the following functions:
1. While reducing speed, increase output torque. The torque output ratio is calculated by multiplying the motor output by the reduction ratio, but care must be taken not to exceed the rated torque of the reducer.
2. Deceleration reduces the load's inertia, and the reduction in inertia is equal to the square of the deceleration ratio.
Functions of various speed reducers
Common speed reducers include helical gear reducers (including parallel shaft helical gear reducers, worm gear reducers, bevel gear reducers, etc.), planetary gear reducers, cycloidal pinwheel reducers, worm gear reducers, planetary friction mechanical continuously variable transmissions, and so on.
1. Helical gear reducer
Helical gear reducers are novel speed reduction transmission devices. Adopting an advanced design concept of modular combination, they feature small size, light weight, high torque transmission, smooth starting, and finely graded transmission ratios. They can be connected in any configuration and have various installation positions selected according to user requirements.
2. Planetary gear reducer
Planetary gear reducers, also known as planetary reducers or servo reducers, are widely used in transmission systems for servo motors, stepper motors, and DC motors due to their advantages such as small size, high transmission efficiency, wide reduction range, and high precision. Their primary function is to reduce speed, increase torque, and lower the load/motor moment of inertia ratio while ensuring precise transmission.
3. Cycloidal pinwheel reducer
Cycloidal pinwheel reducers utilize cycloidal pin gear meshing and planetary transmission principles, hence they are also commonly called planetary cycloidal reducers. Their superior smooth structure can replace ordinary cylindrical gear reducers and worm gear reducers in many situations. Therefore, planetary cycloidal pinwheel reducers are widely used in various industries and fields and are generally welcomed by users.
4. Worm Gear Reducer
A worm gear reducer is a power transmission mechanism that uses a gear speed converter to reduce the rotational speed of a motor to a desired speed while obtaining a larger torque. Reducers are widely used in mechanisms for transmitting power and motion.
5. Planetary continuously variable transmission
A planetary friction-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) mainly consists of a pressing drive mechanism, a friction transmission mechanism, and a speed control mechanism. The tapered drive wheel and pressure plate are pressed together by a set of disc springs, and the input shaft is keyed to the drive wheel, forming the pressing drive mechanism. Planetary CVTs have strong versatility and can be combined with various types of reducers to achieve low-speed, high-torque speed changes.
The text explains that common speed reducers include helical gear reducers, planetary gear reducers, cycloidal pinwheel reducers, worm gear reducers, and planetary continuously variable transmissions, and their main function is to reduce output speed, increase torque, and improve load capacity.
