File and folder references
Different use cases may make it necessary to reference additional files or folders in a REXS model. Examples include assembly FE and CAD data, or additional files for describing the gears, such as a GDE file or Klingelnberg neutral data files. References are made using corresponding attributes (e.g., "folder" or "gde_file"). In general, the following applies for these references:
References can include relative or absolute paths
The reference level for relative paths is always the REXS *.xml file (*.rexs file)
Note
To avoid problems when transferring REXS models, .rexsz is the recommended format for referencing other files (see next section).
Absolute paths significantly affect the transferability of a REXS model, as the recipient must have access to the same folder structure used by the sender.
REXS .zip files (.rexsz)
The .rexsz format can be used to save the standard .rexs XML file and other related data (files, folders) together as a single .zip archive. References within the .rexsz file must always use relative paths.
Therefore, either a single .rexs (XML) file or a .rexsz (ZIP) file to can be used to represent a REXS model.
Referencing FE and CAD files
For details on referencing FE and CAD files, see Assembly Groups.
Referencing GDE files
The Gear Data Exchange (GDE) format is an established interface format for gear data (see VDI/VDE 2610). An associated GDE file can be specified to supplement the description of a cylindrical gear in the REXS model. GDE files are referenced using the "gde_file" attribute of the cylindrical_gear/ring_gear.
Note
The GDE file may only include one gear
The following additional information is required for positioning gears in REXS :
Position and orientation of the gear (Coordinate System)
Orientation of the reference side ("datum_face_orientation" attribute)
There is some overlap between the parameters in REXS and GDE. Each application must determine how to manage this and check the consistency of the information, if necessary.
Referencing Klingelnberg neutral data files
The Klingelnberg neutral data format is an established interface for the geometry and manufacturing parameters of bevel gears. An associated Klingelnberg neutral data file can be specified to supplement the description of a bevel gear in the REXS model. Klingelnberg neutral data files can be referenced using the "klingelnberg_neutral_data_file" attribute of the bevel_gear.
Note
If the model includes multiple bevel gear stages, the file path must include a unique folder name.
Additional information required for positioning gears in REXS:
POSE of the gear (position and orientation of the in the local coordinate system)
Orientation of the cone tip ("bevel_cone_orientation" attribute)
There is some overlap between the REXS parameters and the Klingelnberg neutral data. Each application must determine how to manage this and check the consistency of the information, if necessary.
Alternatively, or additionally, a so-called Klingelnberg 3D neutral data file can be used. This includes the flanks of the bevel gear as a 3D point cloud. Klingelnberg 3D neutral data files are referenced using the "klingelnberg_3d_neutral_data_file" attribute of the bevel_gear.
Note
If the model includes multiple bevel gear stages, the file path must include a unique folder name.
The neutral data file must also be specified in the "klingelnberg_neutral_data_file“ attribute (abbreviated if necessary).