Gear Box

The textbook says: Gearboxes are systems for converting and translating motion. The designer says: bearings for industrial gearboxes are a means of supporting the torque and speeds of the drive end to the required turning moments and speeds of the engine – according to the individual and specific operating processes. And what does the engineer say from experience? Above all, bearings for modern industrial drive systems face the most demanding and most versatile requirements. Features, including sufficient availability, long life, economy and best combination features of weight and performance, are only a few examples out of many.

Just as versatile as their functions

To achieve the desired torque and speed, a certain degree of fatigue strength and life needs to be guaranteed for all components. In addition, sufficient cooling and noise levels need to be achieved for maximum performance. These features have always been fundamental for gear operation. Considering the various areas of application, the number of gear types is increasing, as are the demands for smooth gear operation.

For example, environmental conditions (such as contamination, water and shock loads) affect bearing performance, as do specific operation modes, such as stop-start mode or stand-by operation. The inherent operating requirements for precision gears, such as employed in press printing machines, vary from those employed in wind generator plants, which require a high degree of maintenance free operation.

Hypoid bevel gears The larger-sized pinion which is part of this hypoid  bevel gear integrating an offset pinion shaft,  facilitates lower peripheral force while the turning  moment (torque) remains constant. The offset axis  provides for higher strength of pinion support in both  directions. Low noise generation is a further advantage.  However, a disadvantage is increased friction due to  additional sliding motion.
Worm gear A particular advantage is translating motion in a single  stage. In most cases the axis of worm and worm gear  intersect below 90°, provided there is sufficiently high  clearance between the axes. During operation vibration  is absorbed to a high degree and noise generation  during operation is low. However, the high friction  reduces the degree of efficiency. This gear is usually  employed in combination with a globoid gear with  cylindrical worm made from steel, because these  can be subjected to tempering and grinding.
Planet gear Utilizing planetary wheels with internal gears,  epicyclic gearboxes have significant advantages over other gearbox types. Volume and weight are reduced. Due to low rolling speed and low sliding speed within the tooth system, noise generation can also be reduced. An increased degree of efficiency can be achieved due to the fact that part of the energy is translated to the coupling performance –  these advantages often compensate for increased  maintenance.
Spur gear Parallel axis gears generally fall into two main types –  Spur gears and Helical gears. While spur gears have the  advantage of ease of manufacture and accuracy,  smooth operation and high load capacity are achieved  through helical gears (albeit with the need to react the  thrust loads). Double helical gears constitute a sub-type  with increased load capacity and larger face width.
Bevel gear There are three types of design depending on tooth  traced characteristics. If spur gearing is used, tooth  engagement cangenerate noise. Although Helical  bevel gears also use straight tooth profiles, they  have reduced noise levels, due to improved mesh  characteristics. The third type of design employs  spiral bevel gears and curved tooth bevel gears. This  type of design operates at the lowest noise levels.

Gearbox is an important equipment in industry. The rotating gear is inseparable from the support of the bearing. High quality bearings can bring efficient power conversion to gearbox.