Flexible Bearings for Harmonic Reducers

Flexible rolling bearings utilize the controlled elastic deformation of flexible elements to transmit motion and power. Their characteristics include a large reduction ratio with a wide application range, high precision, low backlash, high load capacity, high efficiency, compact size, light weight, smooth transmission, low noise, and the ability to transmit motion into sealed spaces.

A harmonic drive transmission consists of three basic components: a wave generator, a flexspline, a circular spline, and a flexible bearing. Among these, the flexible bearing is a core component—the transmission achieves the high reduction ratio performance requirements through the elastic deformation of the bearing.

During operation, the inner ring of the flexible bearing is mounted on an elliptical cam and subjected to cyclic stress loads. The outer ring is mounted on the flexspline and undergoes elastic deformation as the cam rotates, experiencing not only cyclic stress loads but also alternating stress loads.

TKR Flexible Bearings

Flexible bearings primarily withstand alternating stress. Due to their relatively thin wall thickness, they undergo a certain degree of deformation when mating with the cam. The inner ring, outer ring, and rolling elements are all made of high-carbon chromium bearing steel, and the cage is a one-piece nylon cage.