The New GL Series servo gearbox from Apex Dynamics is designed as a gear reducer for servo driven automated guided vehicles.

Warehouse automation has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade.  A stock retrieval system is no longer a simple out and back operation.  With the advent of industry 4.0, systems have become more intelligent, and with that intelligence, more efficient.  Automated guided carts have become an integral part of that solution that employ precisely tuned computer controlled motors to drive them with speed, efficiency and with agility.

Nothing compares to a servo motor for accomplishing these goals.  The servo motor, however, needs a little help to get the job done.  Generally speaking, the servo motor runs better at higher rpms than a wheel would normally move.  They also lack the torque to move larger masses.

Throw a gearbox in the mix, and you rectify all the shortcomings of the motor.  The gearbox (aka reducer) decreases the rpm of the motor and increases the torque, allowing it to move larger masses.  The gearbox also enables the motor to control the load more efficiently, allowing for faster acceleration without loss of traction or balance.

The gearbox, however cannot be a run-of-the-mill variety.  It must have very little backlash (lost motion when reversion direction) and be rigid enough in torsion to transmit the motor torque without losing energy to material windup.

GL Series Servo Gearbox for AGV Applications

This is where the planetary design shines.  Multiple gear contact points increase torque density and rigidity of the package.  Increasing the number of engagement points also increases accuracy (lower backlash) and smoothness.  Add to that, a helical cut gearset and torque capability, accuracy and smoothness increase further.

The new Apex Dynamics GL series gearbox is designed for such applications.  Helical, hardened planetary gearing provides all the benefits described above in a unique design.  Typical planetary designs have a pinion gear driving rotating planet gears, attached to a rotating carrier with and output shaft, with the internal gear fixed.  The GL design fixes the shaft/carrier, which in turn, creates a moving internal gear.  The internal gear is directly machined in to the outer housing of the gearbox.  This rotating housing is now the ideal mounting feature to attach a drive wheel.

GL Series: AGV Gearbox with drive wheel

Using the gearbox housing as the drive element pushes it into the wheel.  A significant portion of the gearbox is absorbed by the wheel, freeing up space in the interior of the cart or vehicle.  It comes as no surprise that real estate in these applications is at a premium, considering the electronics and power supply and additional automation features that may be incorporated to the vehicle.

GLS Input Shaft AGV Gearbox

The GL is also available with a shaft input, the GLS, which allows the motor to be relocated or be oriented in the opposite direction with a belt and pulley connection.

Link to GL Series Data