Hub City HERA Hypoid Gearing: High Efficiency, Small Footprint

Right Angle Gearing Options

The primary choices for right angle gearing are worm and bevel, which is sometimes combined with helical gearing. The type of gearbox used depends on application, cost and efficiency. For ratios below 5:1, single-reduction bevel gearboxes are available, but these rarely meet the ratio needs of a conveyor. Above 5:1 ratios, designs using worm gears are simpler. A single reduction worm gear box can give the user ratios from 5:1 to 60:1 with fewer bearings and moving parts. This makes the cost lower than other types of right angle gearboxes. At larger torque ratings, worm gearing can become less cost-effective.

HERA: The Creative Replacement

The Hub City HERA uses a combination of helical and hypoid bevel gearing to achieve a ratio range similar to single reduction worm gears. The compact hypoid bevel gearing allows a gearbox design that is physically smaller than similarly-rated worm gearboxes.

This allows a very creative approach to gearbox replacement management. For example, the HERA size 35 has the same mounting dimensions as a 1.75” center distance worm gearbox, with a much higher torque rating. The higher torque rating will provide a longer life in the same application. With adapter kits, the HERA 35 can also replace worm gearboxes with 2.06” center distance with equivalent torque rating.

With this approach, the four HERA sizes available can be used to replace 11 worm gearbox center distances ranging from 1.75” to 6”, offering longer life where ratings are higher. This allows potential for a significant reduction in complexity and inventory, as well as the potential for reduced replacement cost.