DE
EN
Knowledge Center
Planetary Gearbox
Questions about technology? Here are the solutions!
What are planetary gearboxes?
Version: 04.12.2024
Available for immediate delivery
Gearboxes + electric motors
Precision and quality directly from the manufacturer of planetary gearboxes.
Precision, efficiency, and versatility in a compact design.
Welcome to our Knowledge Center for Planetary Gearboxes! As a manufacturer of planetary gearboxes, we provide top-quality products, customized solutions, and extensive expertise. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about these high-precision, high-performance gearbox types, specifically designed for use with electric motors. From their functionality and technical advantages to various applications, we offer comprehensive information to help you find the optimal solution for your needs.
The operating principle of planetary gearboxes.
Operating principle of servo gearboxes (planetary gearboxes)
A planetary gearbox is a highly advanced and versatile type of gearbox, renowned for its exceptional design and efficiency. The name "planetary gearbox" is derived from its operating principle, which resembles the orbital motion of our solar system. Its design and functionality enable smooth power transmission and a compact structure, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, especially in precise and high-performance machinery.
Basic structure of a planetary gearbox
The main components of a planetary gearbox are:
Sun gear
The sun gear is located at the center of the system and is directly driven by the motor. It is the central gear that initiates the rotational motion within the gearbox system.
Planet gears
Several smaller gears arranged around the sun gear are called planet gears. They roll simultaneously on both the sun gear and the ring gear. The number and size of the planet gears affect the gear ratios and the distribution of power.
Ring gear
The ring gear is an internally toothed gear that encloses the planet gears. It serves as a boundary and takes on part of the power transmission, depending on the type of application.
Planet carrier
The planet carrier connects the planet gears and transmits the resulting force to the output shaft. Typically, the planet carrier is the point at which the gearbox's torque is available.
How does a planetary gearbox work?
The function of a planetary gearbox is based on the interaction of the components mentioned above:
Here’s how it works:
- Drive: The electric motor drives the sun gear, which initiates the rotational motion in the gearbox.
- Power transmission through planet gears: The planet gears roll simultaneously on the sun gear and the ring gear. This ensures the power is evenly distributed, and the loads within the gearbox are optimally balanced.
- Torque and gear ratio: An increase in speed is only possible by driving the output shaft (reverse operation). In normal operation, however, the speed is always reduced while the torque is increased.
- Synchronized motion: Since the planet gears run synchronously and all components mesh optimally, the motion is highly precise, low in vibration, and efficient.
Little powerhouses
Advantages of planetary gearboxes
Even power distribution
The symmetrical arrangement of the planet gears reduces localized stresses and ensures an even load distribution throughout the gearbox. This even power distribution allows for higher power density, resulting in a more compact design compared to, for example, spur gearboxes.
High gear ratios
By combining the sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear, high gear ratios can be achieved even in compact sizes.
Compact design
Since the planet gears operate in a closed unit, planetary gearboxes are particularly space-saving and ideal for applications with limited installation space.
Versatility
Planetary gearboxes can be designed in various configurations depending on the requirements.
Robustness and durability
The design is built for high loads, ensuring that planetary gearboxes provide long service life even under demanding conditions.
High efficiency in a compact design
Planetary gearboxes offer high efficiency, even in a compact design. Through even load distribution and low friction losses, energy is optimally utilized, increasing power density and minimizing energy losses.
Why Ruhrgetriebe?
“As a renowned manufacturer of gear motors, we have been developing and producing drive components for all industrial sectors since 1953. Always innovative, we continuously expand our portfolio to provide optimal, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions.”
Team Ruhrgetriebe
Efficient drive technology with pre-configured modular components: fast implementation, high cost-effectiveness, and maintenance-free gearboxes.
With our preconfigured basic modular elements, you can realise your drive technology particularly quickly. We have designed the modules for the planetary gearboxes based on our many years of experience. In this way, you get a solution for most applications that is economically and technically very well thought-out. Another advantage is that we can guarantee short delivery times for the basic elements.
We use lifetime lubrication for our gearboxes. Therefore, maintenance can be dispensed with during their entire service life.
