Detailed explanation of the structure, characteristics, and applications of split spherical bearings

Feb 29, 2024

Spherical bearings are a special type of bearing whose design allows the bearing to rotate and tilt in multiple directions, allowing for complex mechanical movements. Among them, split spherical plain bearings, a special kind of spherical plain bearings, have their unique structure and characteristics and are widely used in various industrial equipment. This article comprehensively explains split spherical plain bearings, including their structure, characteristics, and applications.

1. Split the structure of spherical bearings

Split spherical plain bearings mainly comprise inner rings, outer rings, sliding contact surfaces, seals, lubrication holes, and grooves.

The biggest feature of split spherical plain bearings is their applicability; that is, the bearings can be split into multiple parts within a certain range to facilitate installation and disassembly. This design eliminates the need to dismantle the entire equipment when repairing and replacing bearings, greatly reducing maintenance costs and time.

2. Analyze the characteristics of spherical plain bearings

Multi-directional movement capability: The split spherical plain bearing design allows it to rotate and tilt in multiple directions to adapt to complex mechanical movement needs. This characteristic makes it widely used in many devices that require multi-degree-of-freedom motion.

High load-bearing capacity: Because the split spherical plain bearings use high-strength, high-wear-resistant materials, they have extremely high load-bearing capacity. It allows it to withstand heavy loads while maintaining good operating performance.

Good self-lubricating properties: The rolling elements of split spherical plain bearings are usually made of self-lubricating materials, so adding additional lubricant in practical applications is unnecessary. This feature not only reduces maintenance costs but also reduces possible environmental pollution caused by lubricant leakage.

Long life: Because split spherical plain bearings have excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating properties, they have a long service life in practical applications. At the same time, its divisible design also facilitates maintenance and replacement, further extending the service life of the bearing.

Wide range of applications: Split spherical plain bearings are suitable for various equipment and occasions that require multiple degrees of freedom of movement, such as robot joints, engineering machinery, aerospace equipment, etc. Split spherical plain bearings can operate in harsh environments due to their unique structure and adaptability.

This picture shows the split spherical bearing SGE220-430-UK designed and customized by FV engineers according to the customer's application location and technical requirements. It perfectly meets the customer's various requirements for size and load.

3. Application of split spherical bearings

Split spherical plain bearings are widely used in many industrial fields. The following are some of the main application areas of split spherical plain bearings:

Automobile industry: In automobiles, split spherical plain bearings are used in key parts such as engines, transmissions, steering systems, and suspension systems. They bear and distribute the loads within these components while allowing relative movement between components, ensuring smooth operation and handling of the car.

Aerospace: In the aerospace field, split spherical plain bearings are used in components such as engines, hydraulic systems, and parachute systems. Since these systems are often required to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures and complex motion requirements, the flexibility and durability of split spherical plain bearings make them an ideal choice.

Industrial machinery: In industrial machinery, split spherical bearings are widely used in transmission systems, hydraulic systems, robotic arms, and other components. They provide stable support and flexible rotation and swing functions, allowing the machine to complete various tasks efficiently and accurately.

Rolling Mills and Other Heavy Machinery: Split spherical plain bearings are also commonly used in heavy machinery such as rolling mills, excavators, loaders, etc. In this equipment, the bearings must withstand huge loads and vibrations, and the special design of split spherical plain bearings enables them to adapt to these harsh working environments.

Papermaking machinery: In papermaking machinery, split spherical plain bearings are used in key parts such as reels, cutting machines, and calendars. They provide stable support and a flexible rotational swing function, ensuring the smooth progress of the paper production process.

The picture above shows a spherical plain bearing with only the outer ring split. FV can customize spherical plain bearings with both outer and inner rings split for customers.

To sum up, split spherical plain bearings, as a special type of spherical plain bearings, have multi-directional movement capability, high load-bearing capacity, good self-lubricating properties, long life, and a wide range of applications. Its application in robotics, engineering machinery, aerospace equipment, and other fields demonstrates its strong practical application value and broad development prospects. With the advancement of science and technology and industry development, split spherical plain bearings will play their unique role in more fields and promote the innovation and development of related industries