Traction Drives from Nidec Shimpo

Traction Drive
The Ring-cone mechanical variable speed drive was one of the first technologies developed during NIDEC-SHIMPO’s storied past. Although the demand for mechanical variable speed drives has decreased over time, NIDEC-SHIMPO has been able to leverage the internal “traction drive” power train into more modern high-precision motion control applications for OEMs. NIDEC-SHIMPO has a few different series of traction drive utilizing different differential design (traditional cone-cam mechanism, planetary roller system, etc.).

The Traction Drive mechanism produces smooth rotation and eliminates speed irregularity due to the high frequency vibration inherent in gear transmission. This is how the traction drive provides high rotational accuracy with low noise. Transmission through either cones or planet rollers being contacted under pressure allows the system to eliminate backlash when paired with full closed loop control. This allows the differential to approach zero backlash and achieve extremely high positional accuracy. The traction drive technology, in summary, provides many benefits over your tradition planetary gearbox;
  • Capable of handling higher input (>6,000 rpm, no problem) and output speeds
  • Exceptionally smooth rotation for better speed control
  • Higher reduction ratios in the 1st stage
  • Variable speed output
  • Much lower backlash (to the arc-sec)

Leveraging the full capabilities of the NIDEC Group motor portfolio, SHIMPO can supply a complete integrated drive package – traction drive, motor, sensors, encoders, etc. – depending on what is required for the application. For example Nidec Shimpo VGMR Series (planetary roller style) is an integrated drive assembly is a very popular solution for high speed color printer applications. The VGMR can provide the following performance benefits within this type of application;
  • Speed variation: Negligible single color pitch irregularity (at single frequency) less than 0.1% rms
  • Precise position control by dual sensor control – Achieves less than 10μm on different drum sizes
  • High reduction ratio: Reductions as low as 30:1 in 1 stage
  • Requires no routine maintenance during the service life of the assembly
  • Minimal footprint: Space savings – < 65mm Square at 0.3Nm of output torque
  • Low power & heat generation : Highly efficient BLDC Motor integrated with Traction drive
  • Low noise & vibration : Noise from Gear & Motor is less than 50dB (A scale・30cm)


Nidec Shimpo Traction Drives Advantages

  • Negligible Transmission Error
    • Smooth rolling contact allows for negligible transmission error
    • Eliminates speed irregularity inherent in gear transmissions
    • Great fit in application where the angular velocity ratio is important
  • Minimal Noise Generated
    • Removal of the gear mesh minimizes noise and vibration
    • The noise generated will be in the 40–50 dB-A range
    • In comparison to gear transmissions which generally fall in the 60–80 dB-A range

 

Download Nidec Shimpo Traction Drive Brochure


Talk to one of our experts today at (855) 737-4716, or fill out our online form to learn more.


Motion Control and Automation
A lesson for me is that I need to involve you earlier in the program.

You were tireless in your support and it will not be forgotten!

Valin Was There For Us
When we needed technical assistance and applications support, Valin was there for us. Their knowledgeable engineers saved us an invaluable amount of time, helping us get up and running quickly. We are very happy with their services.