The influence of the cycloid disc bearing type on the cycloidal speed reducer efficiency

The robotics industry has experienced a rapid expansion in the last decade. As a result, the market of speed reducers with high gear ratios, high precision and a compact design is growing rapidly. In addition to these characteristics, it is very important for gear trains to have high efficiency. Because of their compact design, cycloidal speed reducers are not exposed to axial forces, which is their important characteristic. This means that radial bearings can be used in their supports. The bearing type has significant effects not only on the design and dimensions of the cycloid speed reducer but also on its efficiency. In this paper, an analysis of power losses for different types of rolling bearings of a cycloid disc has been performed. At the end of the paper, concrete conclusions are presented as well as directions for future research.