Kulmapyörä

Kulmapyörä, often translated as "angle gear" or "bevel gear," is a mechanical component used to transmit rotary motion between two shafts that are not parallel, typically at a 90-degree angle. It consists of a pair of gears with teeth cut at an angle, usually cones or hyperboloids. The most common type is the bevel gear, which has teeth that taper towards the apex of a cone. When two meshing bevel gears rotate, they transfer the torque and speed from one shaft to another, changing the direction of rotation.

The primary function of a kulmapyörä is to redirect power. This is essential in applications where a motor or driving mechanism is positioned at a different orientation than the driven component. Examples include automotive differentials, where power is transmitted from the driveshaft to the axles at an angle, and in various industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and even in hand tools like drills and screwdrivers where compactness and directional changes are necessary.

Kulmapyörät come in various forms, including straight-tooth bevel gears, spiral bevel gears, and hypoid gears. Spiral bevel gears offer smoother and quieter operation due to the curved teeth, while hypoid gears allow the shafts to be offset, providing more design flexibility. The efficiency of a kulmapyörä depends on factors like gear design, tooth precision, lubrication, and the load it transmits. Proper meshing and alignment are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.