Industrial Robot Harmonic Drive Gear Strain Wave Gear Zero Backlash
For Precision Motion Control
The harmonic drive gear, also known as a strain wave gear, is a
type of gear mechanism used in industrial robots for precision
motion control, compact design, and high gear reduction ratios.
Here's an overview of the harmonic drive gear and its applications
in industrial robots:
Principle of Operation: A harmonic drive gear consists of three
main components: a circular spline, a flexspline, and a wave
generator. The flexspline, which has internal teeth, is preloaded
against the circular spline, which has external teeth. The wave
generator is connected to the input shaft and deforms the
flexspline, causing it to engage with the circular spline. This
deformation creates a wave-like motion that transfers torque from
the input to the output.
High Gear Reduction Ratio: Harmonic drive gears provide high gear
reduction ratios in a compact design. The reduction ratio is
determined by the number of teeth on the flexspline and the
circular spline. This makes them suitable for applications in
industrial robots that require high torque output and precise
motion control.
Zero Backlash: Harmonic drive gears are known for their
zero-backlash operation. The preloading of the flexspline against
the circular spline ensures direct and immediate response to input
motion without any clearance or backlash. This characteristic is
crucial for applications that demand accurate positioning and
repeatability.
High Precision and Repeatability: The zero-backlash nature of
harmonic drive gears allows for precise and repeatable motion
control. This makes them suitable for tasks such as pick-and-place
operations, assembly, and other high-precision applications in
industrial robots.
Compact Design: Harmonic drive gears offer a compact and
lightweight design compared to other gear systems with similar gear
reduction ratios. This compactness is valuable in industrial robots
where space and weight constraints are critical considerations.
High Torque Transmission: Harmonic drive gears can transmit high
torque due to the large contact area between the flexspline and the
circular spline. This makes them suitable for applications in
industrial robots that require high force output and torque
transmission, such as lifting heavy loads or exerting significant
pressure.
Smooth Operation: Harmonic drive gears provide smooth and
continuous motion due to the wave-like engagement between the
flexspline and the circular spline. This smooth operation minimizes
vibration and noise, enhancing the overall performance of the
robot.
It's important to note that harmonic drive gears require careful
engineering and assembly to maintain their precision and
performance. Additionally, they may have lower efficiency compared
to other gear types, and their complex construction can make them
more expensive. Therefore, harmonic drive gears are typically used
in specific applications within industrial robots where their
unique characteristics are advantageous, rather than for all
mechanical functions within the robot's overall system.
Product | Industrial Robot Harmonic Drive Gear |
Service | Customized |
Transmission Efficiency | 65.0-96.0 |
Teeth Accuracy Grade | ISO 6-7 Grade |
Module (M) | ≤4 |