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齿轮箱和谐波减速器

Precision reducers that match motor speed and torque to the load, from planetary to zero-backlash strain-wave gearing. Tell us the application and we'll specify the right product, and the parts around it, for your machine.

齿轮箱和谐波减速器
Written by the Specify Motion engineering team · Last reviewed

In short:Use a planetary gearbox for most servo axes from about 3:1 to 100:1, strain-wave gearing for compact zero-backlash joints at 30:1 to 160:1 or more, and cycloidal where shock loads and stiffness dominate. Size on the duty-cycle torques the manufacturer defines, not just the rated torque.

What a precision gearbox does

A gearbox between a servo or stepper motor and its load does three jobs. It multiplies torque, so a smaller motor can drive the load. It reduces speed to what the load needs. And it divides the load inertia seen by the motor by the square of the ratio, which makes the axis easier to control.

The cost is backlash, compliance, friction losses and extra inertia. Choosing a gearbox for a motion axis is mostly about how much of each you can accept for the torque, ratio and space you have.

Gearbox types compared

TypeTypical ratio per stageBacklashEfficiencyBest for
Planetary (inline)3:1 to 10:1Standard grades several arcmin; precision grades down to about 1 arcminAbout 97% one stage, 95% two stageGeneral servo axes, high stiffness per size
Strain-wave (harmonic)About 30:1 to 160:1Zero at the mesh; lost motion under 1 arcminVaries widely with speed, torque and temperatureRobot joints, compact high-ratio, hollow shaft
CycloidalUp to about 185:1About 1 arcmin or lessUp to about 85% (RV-N)Heavy, shock-loaded joints and positioners
Spiral bevel (right-angle)Low single stage; combined with planetary up to about 200:1Typically 10–30 arcmin in plain bevel setsUp to about 98% per meshRight-angle layouts, short envelope
WormHigh single stageVaries widelyLow, falling with ratioLow-duty right-angle drives, holding

Figures are drawn from the Design World gearbox guide, Beckhoff AG3210 data, Harmonic Drive CSG-2A data and Nabtesco RV-N data listed in the sources. Individual series vary.

Planetary gearboxes

Planetary gearheads are the default for servo motors. Load is shared between several planets, giving high torque and stiffness in a short, coaxial package. Beckhoff’s AG3210 data, for example, quotes 97% efficiency for one stage and 95% for two, with standard backlash of up to 8 and 10 arcmin respectively (Beckhoff). Precision ranges go much lower: Apex AD/ADR and Wanshsin WSH offer backlash classes around 1 to 1.5 arcmin in single stage. Apex AB/ABR is a lower-backlash general-purpose range, and Harmonic Drive HPG uses a flexible internal gear to hold backlash low over life. For AGV wheels, rotating-housing designs such as Apex GL let the wheel mount directly on the gearbox.

Strain-wave (harmonic) gearing

An elliptical wave generator flexes a thin toothed cup (the flexspline) inside a rigid ring (the circular spline) that has two more teeth. Each turn of the wave generator moves the flexspline by two teeth, which is why single-stage ratios are so high. Harmonic Drive states that up to 30% of teeth are engaged at once (Harmonic Drive). Harmonic Drive is a trademark of Harmonic Drive LLC; strain-wave gearing is the generic term.

Component sets such as Harmonic Drive CSG, Harmonic Drive SHG and LeaderDrive LCS/LCSG are built into your own housing. Hollow-shaft units such as LeaderDrive LHS/LHSG pass cables through the centre. For CSG-2A, Harmonic Drive quotes lost motion and hysteresis loss under 1 arcmin, transmission accuracy under 1–1.5 arcmin depending on size, and repeatability under ±0.1 arcmin (CSG-2A data).

Cycloidal reducers

Cycloidal reducers drive lobed discs around pins. Many contact points share the load, giving high shock capacity and stiffness. Nabtesco’s RV-N range allows acceleration torque of 2.5 times rated and emergency-stop torque of five times rated, with lost motion under 1 arcmin on most sizes and efficiency up to 85% (Nabtesco). They tend to be the heaviest option for a given rated torque but cope best with collisions and heavy payloads.

Spiral bevel and right-angle planetary

Right-angle units fold the motor alongside the machine. Most precision servo versions add a spiral bevel stage to a planetary, for example Wanshsin WSHR and Apex AER/ADR. Spiral bevel meshes run at up to about 98% efficiency (Design World). For rotary tables, hollow-platform reducers such as Wanshsin WTN combine gearing with a crossed roller output bearing.

Worm gearboxes

Worms give a high ratio in one right-angle stage and can resist back-driving, but sliding contact means more heat and lower efficiency. Boston Gear’s engineering data estimates efficiency from lead angle and friction, and notes that self-locking may be expected below about 5° lead angle and back-driving above about 11°, without guarantee (Boston Gear). They are rarely the first choice on dynamic servo axes.

How to select and size a gearbox

1. Choose the ratio

Ratio = motor speed at full load speed ÷ required output speed, then check torque: output torque ≈ motor torque × ratio × efficiency. Also check the inertia ratio. Reflected load inertia = J_load / i². Most servo sizing aims for a load-to-motor inertia ratio of 10:1 or less (Motion Control Tips).

Worked example: a rotary table needs 60 rpm and 40 Nm, with 0.5 kg·m² inertia. A 3,000 rpm servo gives a ratio of 50:1. Motor torque ≈ 40 / (50 × 0.9) ≈ 0.9 Nm before acceleration. Reflected inertia = 0.5 / 2,500 = 0.0002 kg·m² (2 kg·cm²), which suits a motor with rotor inertia around 0.2 kg·cm² or more. At 50:1 you could use a two-stage planetary or a single-stage strain-wave gear; the choice comes down to backlash, stiffness and envelope.

2. Check the torque definitions

Precision gearbox catalogues usually give several torque limits rather than one rating:

  • Rated (nominal) torque: the continuous reference for life. Harmonic Drive notes it is used for life calculation, not for dimensioning the gear.
  • Repeatable peak / acceleration torque: the limit during normal acceleration and braking, sometimes at a stated maximum cycles per hour.
  • Momentary / emergency-stop torque: for collisions or E-stops only, often limited to a set number of events over the gearbox life.

Check every torque in your cycle against the right limit. Servo motors can produce several times their rated torque, so an E-stop or a tuning error can exceed the gearbox’s peak limit. Limit drive current if necessary.

3. Check life and average torque

For strain-wave gears, life is governed by the wave generator bearing. Harmonic Drive gives L50 = Ln × (rated input speed ÷ average input speed) × (rated torque ÷ average torque)³, with Ln = 50,000 h for CSG. Planetary catalogues quote a service life at rated torque and speed. Either way, life falls steeply as average torque rises.

4. Backlash, lost motion and stiffness

Backlash matters when the load reverses. Stiffness matters for positioning under load and for servo bandwidth. Torsional wind-up = torque ÷ stiffness: a gearbox at 20 Nm/arcmin carrying 100 Nm twists 5 arcmin, which can be more than its backlash. Strain-wave stiffness is non-linear, with lower stiffness at low torque (Harmonic Drive’s K1, K2 and K3 regions), so use the region that matches your working torque.

5. Service factors, shock and duty

General-purpose gear drives use service factors for shock, start frequency and running hours. Precision servo gearboxes usually deal with this through the acceleration and emergency torque limits above. Either way, describe the load honestly: start-stops per hour, reversals, shock and hours per day.

6. Input speed, temperature and mounting

Check maximum and average input speed, as these drive heat and life. Check the motor adaptor fits your motor’s shaft and pilot, and the output bearing’s tilting moment and radial capacity against the load. An integrated output bearing often removes a separate bearing from the design.

For a deeper comparison, read harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal.

Common mistakes

  • Sizing on rated torque alone. Acceleration and E-stop peaks are often the limiting case.
  • Confusing zero backlash with zero error. Stiffness and transmission accuracy still matter.
  • Too high a ratio. The motor runs out of speed and the gearbox’s own inertia dominates.
  • Relying on worm self-locking. Fit a brake where holding is safety-related.
  • Ignoring output bearing loads. Pulleys, pinions and overhung tables load the output bearing as well as the gears.
  • Not limiting motor current. A servo can exceed the gearbox’s momentary limit in a crash.

What to send an engineer for a quote

  • Motor make, model, flange and shaft (or the motor you plan to use)
  • Required output speed and torque profile, including acceleration and E-stop torques
  • Load inertia, start-stops per hour, hours per day and expected life
  • Allowable backlash, lost motion and stiffness
  • Inline or right-angle, hollow shaft, and envelope limits
  • Output loads: radial, axial and tilting moment
  • Environment: temperature, IP rating, washdown, mounting orientation

Add these to the spec builder below and our specialist engineering and supply partners will propose a matched gearbox, or a frameless motor and gear combination where integration makes more sense.

指南

Where gearboxes and harmonic drives are used

What we need to know to specify gearboxes and harmonic drives

These are the questions an applications engineer works through first. Approximate answers are fine: ranges narrow the options quickly, and we confirm the details with you.

  • Type: Harmonic / strain wave, Planetary, Spiral bevel, Not sure
  • Ratio: Under 10:1, 10–50:1, 50–100:1, Over 100:1
  • Backlash: Zero / under 1 arcmin, Under 3 arcmin, Standard
  • Output torque: Under 20 Nm, 20–100 Nm, 100–500 Nm, Over 500 Nm

We also ask about the environment (washdown, outdoor, subsea, ATEX, vacuum, shock and EMC), annual quantities and timescale, because these decide whether a standard, modified or custom design is the best fit.

124 series compared

Series from 30 manufacturers, grouped by type. Figures are the highest published for each series. Open a series for the full specification and, for brands outside our supply network, the alternatives that meet or exceed it.

Planetary gearbox (42)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
APEX DynamicsP-II / P-IIR459 Nm—1,000:1
APEX DynamicsAD / ADR / ADS———
APEX DynamicsGL / GLS——90:1
APEX DynamicsAB / ABR———
WanshsinWSH2,400 Nm7,200 Nm100:1
WanshsinWTH2,050 Nm6,150 Nm100:1
WanshsinWAE———
WanshsinWVRB———
WanshsinWTN———
WanshsinWPL / WPF——100:1
FAULHABERGPT planetary gearheads18 Nm—1,437:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha SP+—5,700 Nm100:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha TP+—22,000 Nm302.5:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha XP+—3,840 Nm100:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha RP+—10,450 Nm220:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha NP (incl. NPR / NPS / NTP)—800 Nm100:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha CP—800 Nm100:1
WITTENSTEIN alphaalpha LP+ / LPB+—305 Nm100:1
maxonGPX70 Nm87.5 Nm1,526:1
Harmonic DriveHPG Harmonic Planetary gearheads850 Nm4,500 Nm50:1
Harmonic DriveHPN Harmonic Planetary value series562 Nm1,265 Nm50:1
Lenzeg7x0-P planetary gearboxes———
STOBERP planetary gearboxes——100:1
STOBERPH planetary gearboxes——100:1
STOBERPHQ planetary gearboxes——600:1
SEW-EURODRIVEPxG planetary servo gear units (P5.G, P6.G, P7.G)—6,150 Nm1,000:1
NeugartPLE economy planetary gearbox680 Nm1,280 Nm512:1
NeugartPLN precision planetary gearbox900 Nm2,880 Nm100:1
NeugartPSNpro helical precision planetary gearbox1,530 Nm2,210 Nm100:1
NeugartWPLE economy right-angle planetary gearbox220 Nm415 Nm512:1
NeugartPLFE economy planetary gearbox with flange output220 Nm415 Nm100:1
BonfiglioliTQ in-line precision planetary gearboxes800 Nm—100:1
BonfiglioliTQK right-angle precision planetary gearboxes800 Nm—100:1
BonfiglioliTQF flange-output precision planetary gearboxes800 Nm——
BonfiglioliLC in-line precision planetary gearboxes450 Nm—100:1
BonfiglioliMP precision planetary gearboxes1,000 Nm——
NidecABLE VRB——100:1
NidecABLE VRL——100:1
NidecABLE VRS——100:1
NidecABLE VRT——100:1
PortescapR22 planetary gearhead0.6 Nm2 Nm1,090:1
PortescapR22HT planetary gearhead3.7 Nm4.2 Nm850.3:1

Integrated robot joint actuator (30)

BrandSeriesPeak torqueRated torqueSpeed
CubeMarsAK Series120 Nm48 Nm800 rpm
CubeMarsAKE Series170 Nm55 Nm330 rpm
MYACTUATORRMD-X V4450 Nm——
MYACTUATORRMD-X V2/V3 (earlier models)discontinued———
UnitreeGO-M8010-623.7 Nm—286 rpm
UnitreeB1-16 waterproof joint140 Nm——
UnitreeBionic joint motor IM6014 (N6014B)34.4 Nm—517 rpm
UnitreeA1 joint motor33.5 Nm—200 rpm
igusReBeL gearbox (robolink)20 Nm15 Nm10 rpm
RobStrideRobStride 02 (RS02)17 Nm6 Nm410 rpm
RobStrideRobStride 03 (RS03)60 Nm20 Nm200 rpm
DaMiaoDM-J4310-2EC18 Nm5.2 Nm—
DaMiaoDM-J6216-2EC (P and L versions)45 Nm10 Nm—
DaMiaoDM-J8009P-2EC40 Nm20 Nm—
DaMiaoDM-J8520P-2EC176 Nm50 Nm—
SteadyWinGIM Series———
SteadyWinTT Series60.07 Nm13 Nm307.8 rpm
SteadyWinWGG Series (exoskeleton motors)24.78 Nm10.2 Nm390 rpm
HEBI RoboticsT-Series80 Nm40 Nm118 rpm
HEBI RoboticsR-Series80 Nm40 Nm118 rpm
HEBI RoboticsH-Series280 Nm140 Nm100 rpm
HEBI RoboticsX-Serieslegacy38 Nm16 Nm90 rpm
SynapticonACTILINK-JP411 Nm137 Nm70 rpm
Laifual DriveDC low-voltage joint modules———
MAB RoboticsMA-p planetary actuators18 Nm9 Nm603 rpm
MAB RoboticsMA-D direct-drive actuators2.9 Nm1 Nm2,390 rpm
HighTorqueHTDW servo joint modules60 Nm10 Nm—
HighTorqueHTPU ultra-thin joint modules50 Nm20 Nm60 rpm
HighTorqueHTCP joint modules—4 Nm—
HighTorqueHTPW-7507—4 Nm—

Strain-wave (harmonic) gear (16)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
LeaderDriveLCS / LCSG——500:1
LeaderDriveLHS / LHSG——500:1
LeaderDriveLCD——500:1
LeaderDriveLHD——500:1
Harmonic DriveCSF-2A component sets3,550 Nm15,500 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveCSG-2A component sets1,236 Nm6,175 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveCSD-2A component sets329 Nm1,440 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveSHF-2A component sets745 Nm3,430 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveSHG-2A component sets1,236 Nm6,175 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveSHD-2SH gear units185 Nm700 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveCPU-M / CPU-H / CPU-S gear units—1,840 Nm160:1
Harmonic DriveCPL-2A component sets—372 Nm160:1
NidecFLEXWAVE strain wave reducers——160:1
Laifual DriveFSS (FS standard)294 Nm647 Nm160:1
Laifual DriveFSG (FS high-torque)382 Nm841 Nm160:1
Laifual DriveFSD (FS ultra-thin)96 Nm—100:1

Harmonic actuator (14)

BrandSeriesPeak torqueRated torqueSpeed
Motion Control ProductsMAH800 Nm557 Nm125 rpm
Motion Control ProductsMAT800 Nm557 Nm102 rpm
Motion Control ProductsMGM459 Nm267 Nm108 rpm
Motion Control ProductsMGU762 Nm557 Nm68 rpm
Harmonic DriveFHA-C hollow-shaft servo actuators820 Nm—96 rpm
Harmonic DriveSHA-SG hollow-shaft servo actuators3,419 Nm1,236 Nm509.1 rpm
Harmonic DriveSHA-CG hollow-shaft servo actuators841 Nm382 Nm120 rpm
Harmonic DriveRSF servo actuators (17A/20A/25A/32A)330 Nm98 Nm—
Harmonic DriveLPA low-profile actuator with integrated servo drive57 Nm16.9 Nm88.2 rpm
MYACTUATORRH Series———
SpineaDriveSpin DSH hollow-shaft actuators—420 Nm—
SpineaDriveSpin DS standard actuators—460 Nm—
Laifual DriveAC high-voltage joint modules———
MAB RoboticsMA-H harmonic actuators———

Cycloidal gearbox (14)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
NabtescoRV-N cycloidal gear component sets28,000 Nm70,000 Nm316.71:1
NabtescoRV-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gear component sets11,760 Nm29,400 Nm42.84:1
NabtescoRD-C hollow-shaft cycloidal gearboxes3,136 Nm7,840 Nm258:1
NabtescoNeco and Neco HT cycloidal gearboxes9,000 Nm22,500 Nm313:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo A-Series (F1, F2, F3, FC types)—7,610 Nm179:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo C-Series—6,278 Nm119:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo DA-Series—4,000 Nm119:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo UA-Series—30,000 Nm283:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo T-Series—11,000 Nm171:1
Sumitomo Drive TechnologiesFine Cyclo W-Series—10,000 Nm87:1
SpineaTwinSpin T series2,940 Nm7,350 Nm191:1
SpineaTwinSpin E series1,250 Nm3,125 Nm169:1
SpineaTwinSpin H series (hollow shaft)2,750 Nm—125:1
SpineaTwinSpin M series18 Nm36 Nm63:1

Spiral bevel gearbox (6)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
WanshsinWSHR1,400 Nm4,200 Nm200:1
WanshsinWTHR2,050 Nm6,150 Nm200:1
WanshsinWAER——200:1
WanshsinWADR——200:1
WanshsinWVRBR2,000 Nm—200:1
NidecABLE EVS——100:1

Stainless planetary gearbox (1)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
APEX DynamicsAE / AER / AES / AESR——200:1

Worm gearbox (1)

BrandSeriesRated torquePeak torqueRatio (max)
Motion Control ProductsMCP2 / MCP4 worm wheel gearbox——60:1

Summarised from manufacturers' published data. Always confirm against the current datasheet; an engineer will check the fit before recommending anything.

品牌

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a harmonic drive and a planetary gearbox?

A strain-wave (harmonic) gear uses an elliptical wave generator to flex a thin toothed cup inside a rigid ring with two more teeth, giving ratios of roughly 30:1 to 160:1 in one stage with no backlash at the mesh. A planetary gearbox uses a sun, planets and ring gear, typically 3:1 to 10:1 per stage, with higher stiffness and efficiency but some backlash. Harmonic Drive is a trademark of Harmonic Drive LLC; strain-wave gearing is the generic term.

Is backlash the same as torsional stiffness?

No. Backlash is free play: the angle the output can move with no torque applied, caused by clearance between teeth. Torsional stiffness is how much the gearbox twists under load, in Nm per arcminute. A strain-wave gear can have zero backlash but still wind up under torque because the flexspline is elastic. For positioning accuracy under load, you need both figures, and lost motion, which combines them near zero torque.

When should I use a cycloidal reducer?

Use a cycloidal reducer on heavily loaded, shock-prone axes such as robot bases, positioners and heavy rotary tables. Lobed discs share load across many contact points, so these reducers tolerate high overloads. Nabtesco's RV-N range, for example, allows emergency-stop torque of five times rated torque and has lost motion under 1 arcmin. They are generally larger and heavier than strain-wave gears of similar rated torque.

Are worm gearboxes self-locking?

Sometimes, but do not rely on it. Boston Gear advises that worm sets with lead angles below about 5° may be expected to self-lock, and that back-driving can be expected above about 11°, with no guarantee either way. Vibration can make a nominally self-locking worm creep. If holding the load is a safety function, fit a brake. Worm efficiency is also lower than planetary or bevel gearing because of sliding contact.

What gearbox ratio should I choose for a servo motor?

Start from the speed and torque the load needs, then choose a ratio that keeps the motor near its rated speed at full load speed and brings the load-to-motor inertia ratio near 10:1 or lower. Reflected inertia falls with the square of the ratio, so even 3:1 cuts it by nine times. Too high a ratio wastes motor speed and adds gearbox inertia; too low leaves the axis hard to tune.

What is a service factor for a gearbox?

A service factor is a multiplier applied to the application torque, or a derating of the gearbox rating, to account for shock, start-stop frequency and daily running hours. Precision servo gearbox makers usually express this through separate torque limits instead: a rated torque, a maximum acceleration torque at a stated cycles per hour, and an emergency-stop torque allowed a limited number of times. Always check which method a catalogue uses.

Sources

  1. Harmonic Drive technology: how strain wave gearing works (Harmonic Drive LLC)
  2. CSG-2A component sets engineering data (Harmonic Drive SE)
  3. RV-N precision reduction gears (Nabtesco Precision Europe)
  4. AG3210 planetary gear unit technical data (Beckhoff)
  5. Motion Design Guide: Gearboxes (Design World)
  6. Worms and worm gears engineering information (Boston Gear)
  7. How do I determine what gear ratio I need for my servo system? (Motion Control Tips)

Figures are summarised from the sources above and from manufacturers' published data on the date shown. Always confirm against the current datasheet for your exact part.

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