Helical

Types of helical

Helical refers to something spiral-shaped. The helical gear transfer motion by sliding contact between gears' teeth. The helical gear's tooth is inclined with an angle to the axis, like a cylinder wrapping around. The contact of helical gears is gradual and continuous, which can bear higher loads and run more smoothly and quietly than straight gears.

• Single helical gear:

  Generally, gears are used in machines and equipment.

• Double helical gear:

  It has teeth in the left and right helices. The left and right teeth are symmetrically arranged, and the two teeth groups are closely combined. The double helical gear can increase efficiency by increasing the number of teeth meshing simultaneously. Their load-carrying capacity is also doubled when compared to helical gears of the same size, making double helical gears suitable for heavy load and high-precision applications.

• Opposite helical gear:

  The opposite helical gears are left-handed and right-handed. They can mesh with each other and transfer motion and torque between them.

• Long-axis helical gear:

  The long-axis helical gear's basically long and narrow, which is suitable for connecting and transmitting torques and motions between two axes that are spaced apart.

• Short-axis helical gear:

  It makes the gear compact and is suitable for used in the product that needs compact design.

• Floating helical gear:

  The gear is installed by fixed with axle and post in the equipment. The floating gear is limited, but it can move freely, which helps reduce the gear-tooth load, allows compensating for the axial misalignment of gears, and decreases wear.

Specifications and maintenance of helical

Specifications

• Material: High-quality carbon steel is often used for the helical tooth of the gear, and surface hardening technology may be applied to enhance the strength and durability of the gear. The gear shaft may use alloy steel or stainless steel, depending on the application environment and load requirements.
• Tooth profile: Helical gears can have different tooth profiles, such as rounded teeth or straight teeth. Rounded teeth profiles can help helical gears run more smoothly and more unified force distribution.
• Tooth Number: Helical gears usually have more than two teeth, which can include two to three axes of gears, etc. Generally, the more the teeth, the greater the contact area, which can help helical gears transmit power more steadily.
• Module: Helical gears' modules represent the size of the teeth, which affects the gear's size and transmission performance. Depending on the use requirement, helical gears may have different modules, for example, 1.5, 2, and so on.
• Angle: The angle of helical gears will affect the overlap of the teeth when using them together. Higher angles may provide more contact and higher transmission efficiency.
• Coat: Helical gears can be made in different coatings to prevent wear and damage during use, such as anti-wear coatings, anti-corrosion coatings, etc.

Maintenance

• Lubrication: Regularly add lubricants to ensure the gears are properly lubricated. Clean the old grease and apply new grease to keep the grease fresh and effective.
• Clean: Cleaning the gear surface periodically to remove dirt and grease can prevent dirt from scratch or damaging the gear. When cleaning, ensure that the appropriate cleaning agents and tools are used to avoid damaging the gear.
• Wear inspection: Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage to the helical gears, such as tooth wear, tooth breaking, etc. If problems are found, they should be repaired and replaced in time to avoid further damage to the equipment.
• Alignment and adjustment: For helical gears that are part of complex transmission systems, it is essential to keep their alignment and adjustment in good condition. Periodically check the alignment of helical gears so that they are properly aligned, which helps ensure even force, smooth operation, and reduce the possibility of gear wear.
• Environmental control: For helical gears located in harsh environments, such as high temperature, high humidity, etc., pay attention to the protection of helical gears. Use suitable protective covers and moisture-proof devices to avoid the adverse effects of environmental factors on gears.
• Important traumatic gear repair: is especially important for the maintenance of transmission system. Pay attention to the maintenance of helical gears in time and role of helical gear repair and service, which can contribute to the long-term stability and reliability of the entire system.

Usage scenarios of helical gears

Because of their advantages of smooth engagement and load-sharing capacity, helical gears are widely used in various industries and applications.

• Automotive industry:

  Helical gears are commonly used in automotive applications, including transmissions, differentials, and power steering gear systems. Their smooth engagement and load-sharing capability allow helical gears to provide quiet operation and handle high torque.

• Machinery and equipment:

  Helical gears are extensively used in various machinery and equipment. They are often found in mechanical transmission systems, reducers, and cranes. Helical gears offer high torque capacity, stable transmission, and low noise.

• Aerospace and aviation:

  In aerospace and aviation fields, helical gears are widely used in equipment such as aircraft transmission systems, satellite steering mechanisms, and space shuttles. These applications often operate under extreme conditions, which require great precision and reliability from their components; helical gear's higher transmission efficiency and lower noise make it ideal for this use purpose.

• Conveyor equipment:

  Conveyor equipment is prevalent in industrial production lines and logistics systems. It serves as an essential link between various working procedures to realize the transportation of materials and products. Moreover, the stability of a conveyor's operation directly affects production efficiency. Thus, high load-bearing capacity, shock absorption ability, and low noise emission must be taken into account when choosing conveyor machines. Helical gears not only have these features but also possess high transmission efficiency, making them widely used in conveyor equipment.

How to choose helical

When choosing helical gears for a specific purpose, people should consider the following factors to make the right decision.

• Load capacity and torque transmission: Buyers should choose the helical gear that will support the weight and torque of their machinery. They can do this by calculating the load capacity and the torque of the machine or equipment that the gear will be used for. Once they understand the load and torque requirements, they can now select helical gears with the appropriate size and tooth design that will support the gear's functioning.
• Gear material and surface treatment: The gear's material and surface treatment will affect its performance and durability. Buyers should consider the operating environment and choose the helical gear with a material and surface treatment, suitable for their machine's working conditions.
• Fit with other components: A helical gear will mesh properly with other gears if it has the same module and pressure angle. Also, the gear will fit perfectly on the shaft if it has the appropriate bore size and keyway configuration. Therefore, users should ensure that the helical gear they select will fit and mesh well with other components of their machine or device.
• Reliability and maintenance: To choose a reliable helical gear, buyers should consider the manufacturer's reputation and the product's reliability. They can choose gears that have received positive feedback from other users. Additionally, they should select a gear that is easy to maintain and service.

Q1: What are the benefits of using helical gears?

A1: There are many advantages of helical gears, such as improved load capacity, smoother transmission, improved efficiency, and flexible design.

Q2: Can helical gears be used in high-speed applications?

A2: Yes, helical gears can be used in high-speed applications. However, it is crucial to choose the proper material and design to avoid potential failure.

Q3: Are there any recent trends in helical gear technology?

A3: Some trends in helical gear technology are the use of advanced materials, computer-aided design (CAD), and smart gear systems.

Q4: Can helical gears be used in robots?

A4: Robots helical gears are commonly used in robots. They help to transmit motion in different parts of the robot, such as the arm and joint.