Why is gear transmission so important?

Gear transmission is a commonly used mechanical transmission method, which transmits power and changes the speed through the meshing between two or more gears. The power transmitted can reach hundreds of thousands of kilowatts and the peripheral speed can reach 200m/s. Compared with other transmission forms such as belt transmission, chain transmission, hydraulic transmission, etc., gear transmission has many types and is widely used in many fields. It is the "hidden champion" in the transmission field.

So what are the characteristics and advantages of gear transmission? Why is gear transmission so important?

(1) Main characteristics of gear transmission

a. High efficiency

Among commonly used mechanical transmissions, gear transmission has the highest efficiency. For example, the efficiency of a primary cylindrical gear transmission can reach 99%. This is very important for high-power transmissions, because even if the efficiency is only increased by 1%, it has great economic significance.

b. Compact structure

Under the same operating conditions, the space required for gear transmission is generally smaller.

c. Reliable operation and long service life

Gear transmissions that are properly designed and manufactured, used and maintained well are very reliable and can last up to 10 to 20 years, which is unmatched by other mechanical transmissions. This is especially important for vehicles and machines working in mines.

d. Stable transmission ratio

Stable transmission ratio is often a basic requirement for transmission performance. Gear transmission is widely used because of this feature.

(2) Gear transmission form

Gear transmission can be made into open, semi-open and closed types.

In agricultural machinery, construction machinery and simple mechanical equipment, some gear transmissions have no dust cover or housing, and the gears are completely exposed to the outside. This is called open gear transmission. This type of transmission is not only easy to be invaded by foreign debris, but also poorly lubricated, so the working conditions are not good, and the gear teeth are also easy to wear, so it is only suitable for low-speed transmission.

The gear transmission is equipped with a simple protective cover, and sometimes the large gear is partially immersed in the oil pool, which is called a semi-open gear transmission. Although its working conditions have improved, it still cannot strictly prevent the intrusion of foreign debris, and the lubrication conditions are not the best.

The gear transmission used in automobiles, machine tools, aircraft engines, etc. is installed in a precisely machined and tightly sealed box (casing), which is called a closed gear transmission (gearbox). Compared with open or semi-open gears, it has the best lubrication and protection conditions and is often used in important occasions.

(3) Why is gear transmission called the “hidden champion” in the transmission field?

Gear transmission is widely used in various fields, from automobiles, machine tools to household appliances, toys, etc. Gears can be found in almost all mechanical equipment. Gear transmission is also a basic component in many industries such as industrial automation, automobile manufacturing, aerospace, medical equipment, etc.

Gear transmission is often hidden behind various mechanical equipment, so it is usually not well known to people outside the mechanical transmission industry. However, it is undeniable that gear transmission has been silently playing a role in various mechanical equipment, playing an extremely important role and supporting the operation of the entire industrial system.

With the advancement of material science and the optimization of design methods, the technology of gear transmission is still improving. In the future, gear transmission will aim at compactness, modularity, standardization, low vibration, low noise and other development directions, and adopt more wear-resistant materials, optimize gear design to reduce noise and improve efficiency, etc., to play a greater role in the field of mechanical transmission.(Author: SGR,Angie Zhang)

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