Types of Gear Box

Different Types of Gear Box, their Applications &
Utilization
A gearbox consists of a means of transmitting mechanical torque between two shafts
with structural support between them. Normally it is contained within a casing which
would provide the structural support and also have containment and safety functions.
Most gearboxes are designed for speed reduction though some may be suitable for
speed increasing duties. Some types are not suitable for reverse driving and the system
may require the prevention of 'over-running'.
Shafts are usually provided with a means of accepting and delivering torque in the
form of a keyway or splines suitable for connecting to a coupling or to another unit.
Shafts will have a limited protrusion from the casing.
Figure 3 Typical Features of a Gearbox Casing

Figure 3 shows typical features of a gearbox CASING which performs several
functions:
structural support of the shaft bearings and hence the gear loadings;
transfer of torque reaction to supporting structure or further drive element;
containment of lubricant and exclusion of foreign matter;
provision of safety and noise barrier;

dissipation of heat generated by friction;
unitisation of assembly, thus aiding testing, installation, and maintenance;
enhancement of visual qualities;
Following shows the shaft orientations available for the gearbox types covered
in this Guide.
PARALLEL SHAFTS
SPUR
HELICAL
EPICYCLIC
PERPENDICULAR SHAFTS
BEVEL
WORM
SPIROID
SKEWED SHAFTS
CROSSED HELICAL
1. Spur
Spur gearboxes contain spur gears which have teeth cut

parallel to the shaft axis and are only suitable for parallel
shaft applications. However they facilitate the arrangement
of a sliding gear ratio change. Input and output shafts may
be arranged on the same side of the casing or opposite
sides. For concentric input and output shafts an internal
'layshaft' is needed.
2. Helical
Helical gearboxes have many characteristics which are

identical to spur boxes, but as a result of tooth form their
performance is enhanced in terms of power, speed ratio
and peripheral speed. Their mechanical efficiency is
marginally inferior due to a greater sliding contact at the
gear tooth faces but this is rarely a problem. They are not
suitable for a sliding gear change.
3. Epicyclic
Epicyclic gearboxes are a versatile arrangement of spur or

helical gears in which the input and output shafts are
concentric and either shaft or the casing may be
constrained to be the stationary element, the torque being
transmitted between the other two. The three main
elements are thus a 'sun' gear, a 'ring' gear and a number
of 'planet' gears meshing with both.
Wide ranges of speed ratio are obtainable from a given set
of elements and very large reductions result from
compounding stages. They tend to have high power/weight
and power/bulk ratios and are available for a wide range of
powers.
4. Bevel
Bevel gearboxes are used for drives where shafts are not
parallel but whose axes intersect. The most common
intersection angle is 90 but other angles are possible. A
right angle drive with a 1:1 speed ratio is sometimes called
a 'mitre' box.
5. Worm
Worm gearboxes allow high ratios of speed reduction within

a single stage coupled with non-parallel, non-intersecting
shafts. Reverse drive is not normally permissible and under
some circumstances positive locking of reverse drive
results.
6. Spiroid
Spiroid gearboxes perform a similar function to worm boxes

but the gears have characteristics which combine those of
the bevel and worm gears. High powers and speed ratios
are possible and mechanical efficiencies higher than worm
boxes for equivalent ratios.
Harmonic drives consist of a gearbox which allows two gears with a large number of
teeth to rotate such that a third element rotates according to the difference between the
numbers of teeth on the gears.
Torque capacity is high in relation to bulk and weight, speed ratios range between
60:1 and 250:1 and mechanical efficiency between 70% and 85%. Backlash is very
small and can be totally eliminated with special units.

Types of Gear Box

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Types of Gear Box

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Different Types of Gear Box, their Applications &

Figure 3 Typical Features of a Gearbox Casing

provision of safety and noise barrier;

Spur gearboxes contain spur gears which have teeth cut

Helical gearboxes have many characteristics which are

Epicyclic gearboxes are a versatile arrangement of spur or

Worm gearboxes allow high ratios of speed reduction within

Spiroid gearboxes perform a similar function to worm boxes

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