The most commonly used lubrication method for gearboxes is splash lubrication (oil bath lubrication), followed by forced circulation oil lubrication, while grease lubrication is only used in specific low-speed scenarios.
Main lubrication methods and characteristics
Splash lubrication (oil bath lubrication)
Working principle: Some gears in the gearbox are immersed in the oil pool, and the lubricating oil is splashed onto other parts through rotation.
Applicable scenarios: medium and low-speed gearboxes (tangential speed ≥ 3 m/s), suitable for designs such as helical gears, spur gears, and bevel gears.
Precautions:
Excessive immersion depth of gears will cause "stirring effect" and increase energy consumption;
The oil level and oil quality need to be checked regularly, and the maintenance cycle is usually shorter than the manufacturer's recommendation.
Forced circulation oil lubrication
Subdivision method: including oil mist lubrication, spray lubrication, and oil droplet lubrication, and the lubricating oil is accurately delivered through an external system.
Applicable scenarios: high-speed or high-load gearboxes (such as industrial heavy equipment).
Advantages: Good cooling effect, and can lubricate key contact surfaces (such as gear meshing, bearing rolling elements) in a targeted manner.
Grease lubrication
Applicable scenarios: low speed, intermittent operation or occasions where frequent maintenance is not possible.
Limitations: poor cooling capacity, prone to power loss due to excessive use, not suitable for continuous heavy loads.
Principles of lubricant selection
Oil lubrication needs to consider indicators such as viscosity, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. Oil bath lubrication is often used in conjunction with a circulation system;
Grease lubrication needs to strictly control the amount used. Too little will aggravate wear, and too much will increase operating resistance.
Note: The specific lubrication method needs to be selected in combination with the gearbox design parameters, operating environment and manufacturer's recommendations.
