Ovoid gearboxes combine spur and planetary gear stages

Paul Boughton

Rotalink has combined spur and planetary gear stages within the industry-standard ovoid gearbox for a potential output torque increase of at least 400 per cent. The new gearboxes, available in three model sizes, are the result of an intensive and ongoing design initiative carried out by Rotalink that takes its lead from advances in polymer materials technology and production techniques, and offers further benefits of higher power-to-weight ratios, reduced installation volumes and quieter operation.

All three new gearbox lines will enable higher torque or reduced gearbox size for existing customer applications and pave the way for next generation miniature powertrain systems across all industries

The new Rotalink gearboxes are known as; the 330 series - a form-fit mounting replacement for the conventional 'standard' industrial ovoid gearbox with a vastly improved 13Nm peak holding torque; the 360 series - a slightly larger model with a high 28Nm peak torque in a gearbox case that measures just 95mm x 60mm x 31.5mm deep; and the completely new 310 is Rotalink's smallest ovoid design and mounts within a volume of just 45mm x 29mm x 20mm deep, yet it boasts a 2.6Nm holding torque for a 10,000 hour life.

A wide range of ratios is available, typically from 24:1 to 3200:1, depending on the model size, with maximum output speeds between 300 to 400rpm. All include a zinc-plated pressed steel gearbox case and cover with four-point mounting for durability. Spur gears run on fixed steel spindles leading to the final planetary output stage with precision ball bearings supporting the stainless steel output shaft, which is available as a standard flatted design or can be customised.

For the 310 series, Rotalink also offers all-spur gear versions and different levels of advanced gear materials, with a choice of plain or ball bearings. These options de-rate the maximum torque and performance capability but maintain flexibility through the range that enables keen pricing to be offered for less demanding applications. The new 330 and 360 series are also available with different levels of gear materials and a choice of bearings

All gearboxes are designed for fast and straightforward interfacing with Rotalink's comprehensive range of DC, AC and stepping motors, along with single- and dual-channel feedback encoders that are fitted directly between the motor/gearbox assemblies. This allows the use of off-the-shelf single-output shaft motors and helps to reduce product costs and development timescales.

Rotalink's holistic approach to miniature power transmission also includes current-limiting boards that are useful in DC motor applications to limit torque, and complete motion controls such as Red Drive, which allows straightforward drive and control with an easy-to-use graphical programming language that requires no previous programming or motion control knowledge. Along with special output shafts and wiring/connector options, customised designs from Rotalink can include ancillary products such as output gears, leadscrew output shafts, pulleys, clutches and brakes.

For more information, visit www.rotalink.com

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