Gear Technology Magazine
www.geartechnology.com/articles/23155

alpha gear’s Right Angle Gear Reducer Designed for High Reduction Ratios

April 22, 2006
alpha’s TPK+ dual technology gear reducer is a two-stage right-angle gearhead for servo applications featuring a robot flange according to ISO 9409 (without a pin). It is equipped on the output side with the alpha TP+ planetary gearhead. The focus of TPK+ is on power density, notably in the torque, the torsional stiffness and the torsional backlash. A precise, helical-toothed planetary gearhead stage is mounted at the TPK+ output. Optimized helical gearing not only assures the high power density, positioning accuracy and stiffness typical of planetary gearheads, but also facilitates smooth running. Because of the hypoid gearset at the input (up to i=10 in a single stage), there are numerous applications in which a two-stage gearhead can take the place of a three-stage bevel-planetary gearhead. Added to this, TPK+ offers high continuous speeds and up to 200% more torque than bevel gearheads, according to the company’s press release. Like the other right-angle gearheads in the alpha family, TPK+ is integrated in the cymex sizing software application. Cymex allows various drive solutions with different geometries, powers, moments of inertia, etc., to be identified with a few simple mouse clicks. In addition to the gearhead selection process, cymex also optimizes the other drivetrain components, including the motor and the machine elements at the gearhead output. Additional features of the TPK+: キ Smaller sizes owing to the powerful planetary stage. キ One-third the weight of servo worm gearheads with similar torque. キ Simplified design work. TPK+ can replace cam mechanisms or combinations of several gearhead stages/timing belts because of the low torsional backlash. キ A wide range of reduction ratios because only two gearhead stages are needed instead of three. キ Superior torsional and tilting stiffness is reflected in the increased precision of dynamic processes and the resulting higher productivity. キ Higher travel speeds free from irritating vibrations. キ TPK+ can optionally be supplied with alpha’s rack-and-pinion system.