Second, the earth gear bearings have to play an active part in torque transfer. Planetary systems split the torque insight from the sun gear amongst the planet gears, which transfer torque to a planet carrier connected to the gearbox output. The bearings that support the planets on the carrier need to bear the entire brunt of that torque transfer.

Or, in extreme cases, they could select angular get in touch with or tapered roller bearings, both which are made to withstand axial loads.
In planetary gearboxes, however, it’s much more difficult to design around these axial forces for just two related reasons. 1st, there is typically hardly any space in a planetary gearbox to incorporate the type of bulky bearings that can tolerate high axial forces.

The existence of axial forces makes things very different for the bearings that support helical gears. But it is important to make a distinction between fixed-axis and planetary gearboxes. In fixed-axis gearboxes, the additional axial forces total little more than a hassle. Gearbox designers will often upsize the bearings to support the additional forces.

Since they don’t need to withstand any axial forces, spur gear bearings perform just a supporting part in the functioning of the gearbox. The bearings should just support the rotating equipment shafts, but they do not play an active role in torque transfer.

Helical Gears Place Greater Demand on Bearings

Perspective our online Helical Gearbox gallery.