Zahnräder

Zahnräder, also known as gears, are mechanical components designed to transmit torque and rotation between two or more other components. They are typically circular disks with teeth cut into their outer edge or face. These teeth mesh with the teeth of another gear, creating a positive engagement that allows for controlled motion transfer. The fundamental principle behind gears is the conversion of rotational motion into rotational motion, often with a change in speed and torque.

The primary function of a gear is to alter the speed and torque of a rotating shaft. When a smaller gear drives a larger gear, the speed decreases while the torque increases. Conversely, when a larger gear drives a smaller gear, the speed increases, and the torque decreases. This gear ratio is determined by the number of teeth on each gear. Gears are essential in a vast array of mechanical systems, from simple clockwork mechanisms to complex automotive transmissions and industrial machinery.

There are many types of gears, each suited for different applications. Spur gears are the most common, with teeth cut parallel to the axis of rotation and used for parallel shafts. Helical gears have teeth cut at an angle, allowing for smoother and quieter operation and capable of transmitting motion between parallel or non-parallel shafts. Bevel gears are used to transmit motion between intersecting shafts, typically at a 90-degree angle. Worm gears consist of a screw-like worm meshing with a gear wheel, providing a large speed reduction and a high torque multiplication, often used for lifting mechanisms or steering systems. The design and selection of gears depend heavily on factors such as the required speed ratio, torque, operating environment, and noise considerations.