Question 1

What Is a Planetary Gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Which millennium-old tech basics are some of the most innovative technological breakthroughs of the moment? Robotics, 3D printing, and new modes of transportation have one thing in common: often, they are driven by a planetary gearbox.

As suppliers of planetary gearboxes, of course, we know all the ins and outs, but what if you encounter this technology for the first time? We have decided to explain it clearly for everyone – in this article, we discuss the basics of planetary gearboxes.

Planetary gearboxes are a gearbox with the input shaft and output shaft aligned. Planetary gearboxes are used to transfer the greatest torque in the most compact form known as torque density. The acceleration hub of a bicycle is a great example of a planetary-wheel mechanism: have you ever wondered how you can get so much power & efficiency in such a small hub? For three-speed hubs, a one-stage planetary gear system is used; for five-speed hubs, a 2-stage.

Each planetary gear system has a reduction position, direct coupling, and acceleration mode. In mathematical terms, the smallest reduction ratio is 3:1; the largest is 10:1. At a ratio of less than 3, the sun gears become much larger than the planet gear.

Question 2

Why Is It Named a Planetary Gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Planetary gearboxes got their name because of how the different gears move together. In planetary gearboxes, we see sun gear gears, satellite ring gears, and two or more planetary gears. Normally, the sun-gear operates and thus moves the planetary gear locked in the planet carrier and forms the output shaft. Satellite gear has a fixed position with respect to the outside world.

It looks very similar to our planet's Solar System, and that's where the name comes from. What helped is that ancient gear constructions were widely used in astrology for mapping & following our celestial bodies. So it was not such a bigs step.

In practice, we often speak from the point of view of the use of planetary gearboxes for industrial automation. That's why we call sun gear the input shaft, planet gears and carrier as the output shaft, and satellite gear or ring gear as housing.

Question 3

Possibilities of Planetary Gearboxes:

Accepted Answer

It is possible to realize different speeds & to turn directions with the same construction. This can be achieved, for example, by reversing the gearbox, which offers the following possibilities:

Question 4

How Does a Planetary Gearbox Work?

Accepted Answer

Planetary gearboxes, also known as an epicyclic gearbox, is one of the most interesting types of gearbox available within speed control. They are often used in automotive as an important part of automatic transmissions.

A planetary gearbox is a type of gearbox where both the input and output have the same center of rotation. This means that the centers of the input gear rotate around the center of the output gear, and the input & output shafts are aligned.

The one-of-a-kind gearbox meets all modeling concepts of servo applications, offering a comparatively longer performance life with fewer maintenance needs once - Planetary Gearbox. This is because planetary gearboxes provide great torque transmission with suitable stiffness and low noise in a footprint that is more compact than other device forms.

The arrangement of gears can be compared to our Milky Way, where the planets revolve around the Sun, hence the name "planetary gearbox." As discussed earlier, there is a "sun" gear in the middle of the planetary gearbox – also offered as the central gear. It is always the input part.

Around the outsides, there are two or more "planetary" components - or external gears. Around the planetary parts, there is a ring component that connects the formation. The planetary gears are connected to a carrier which in turn is connected to the output shaft.

The design of a planetary gearbox is relatively simple, consisting of a central sun gear, an outer ring also known as an inner gear because its teeth are turned inward, a carrier, and a planetary gear. The spinning occurs as a result of input power to the sun gear.

Question 5

Selecting a Planetary Gearbox:

Accepted Answer

These are important to keep in mind when selecting a planetary gearbox for your application;
Required specifications - torque, reactance, ratio, etc. of the application must be taken into account.

Environment: – ​​Some environments can leave a gearbox exposed to dust, dirt, or moisture, so it is important to consider this factor and choose the right safety gearbox.

Space: - Planetary gearboxes are available in a variety of sizes; smaller gearboxes can be used if limited space is available.

Question 6

Types of Planetary Gearbox:

Accepted Answer

#1. Wheel Drive
#2. Shaft Output
#3. Spindle Output

Question 7

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Planetary Gearbox?

Accepted Answer

Planetary gearboxes have some drawbacks and disadvantages. Their complexity in modeling and production makes them a more expensive method than other gearbox forms. And precise manufacturing is of utmost importance for these devices.

If one planetary gear is placed closers to the sun gear than the other, there may be some imbalance in the planetary gears, leading to increased wear and failure. In addition, the compact footprint of planetary gears results in high heat dissipation, so applications that perform at very high velocities or experience sustained performance may require cooling.

Once a "normal," in other words, the inline planetary gearbox is employed, the motor and driving parts must conform to each other, although constructors offer right angle models that incorporate other gear sets that are supplied. There are always bevel gears with helical teeth to do.

Question 8

Planetary Gearboxes from Heason:

Accepted Answer

Our planetary gearboxes come from our suppliers. Micron; we are a major distributor of their products within the UK. We have teams of experts to assist you with your selection and give you expert advice on which planetary gearbox would be best suited for your application. We can supply a complete Micron Planetary Gearbox with a ready mount system to match your motor.

We can also supply pre-assembled and tested gearboxes and motors. Browse our full range of planetary gearboxes, with seven different types available, each suited to different conditions and applications. Please contacts us for more information about our planetary gearboxes or to discuss your application.

Sr.No.	Driven sides	Solid world	To be driven sides	Results
1	Input shafts	Housing	Output shaft	Reduction
2	Input shafts	Output shaft	Housing	Reverse movement + Delay
3	Output shafts	Input shaft	Housing	Delay
4	Output shafts	Housing	Input shafts	Acceleration
5	Housing	Output shaft	Input shafts	Reverse movement + Acceleration
6	Housing	Input shaft	Output shafts	Delay
7	In- and output shaft	N.A.	Housing	1:01

What Is a Planetary Gearbox? | Why Is It Named a Planetary Gearbox | Possibilities of Planetary Gearboxes | Types of Planetary Gearbox