Outer spherical bearings, as the name suggests, are characterized by the fact that the outer surface of the bearing presents a spherical shape. This design allows the bearing to automatically adjust its position when subjected to load to adapt to misalignment between the shaft and the bearing seat. In addition, the spherical contact design of the outer spherical bearing also provides a larger contact area, thereby dispersing the load and improving the bearing's load-bearing capacity.

During operation, the outer spherical bearing supports and guides the rotating parts through the contact between its spherical surface and the bearing seat. When the shaft is subjected to external forces, the bearing can automatically adjust its position, maintain good contact with the shaft, and thus ensure the stable operation of the mechanical system.   

Model code

The characteristic of spherical ball bearings is that the outer diameter surface of the outer ring is spherical, which can be matched into the corresponding concave spherical surface of the bearing seat to play a centering role. It is mainly used to withstand radial and axial combined loads mainly based on radial loads, and is generally not suitable for bearing axial loads alone.

The codes for top thread outer spherical ball bearings are UC200 series (light series), UC300 series (heavy series), and deformation product UB (SB) 200 series. The codes for tapered outer spherical ball bearings are UK200 series and UK300 series, and the codes for eccentric sleeve outer spherical ball bearings are UEL200 series, UEL300 series, and SA200 series.

Installation techniques for spherical bearings

Spherical bearings are composed of basic components such as inner and outer rings, steel balls, retainers, and sealing rings. The size of the axial clearance plays a crucial role in the normal operation of the bearing. When installing and operating the bearing, attention must be paid to adjusting the axial clearance, and if necessary, pre interference installation can be used to increase the rigidity of the bearing.

Before installing the outer spherical bearing, the fixing pin of the bearing sleeve should be removed, and the surface of the shaft neck should be polished smooth and clean without dust. During installation, lubricating oil should be applied to the mating surface between the bearing seat and the bearing. The bolts that fix the bearing seat should not be tightened yet. The bearing sleeve should be able to rotate inside the bearing seat, and the bearing itself should be automatically aligned before tightening the bearing seat bolts.

1、 Installation and accuracy of bearings

Ensure that the shaft and bearing seat have sufficient stiffness

Ensure the concentricity of the bearing seat hole

2、 Configuration of bearings

The problem of bearing configuration refers to how many bearing supports should be used for a shaft system, how to support them, and how to configure them. There are three commonly used bearing configuration schemes:

1. ★ Double fulcrums fixed in one direction each

One fulcrum is fixed in both directions, while the other fulcrum swims

One fulcrum is fixed in both directions to withstand axial force, while the other end swims. Suitable for long axes with significant temperature changes.

2. One fulcrum is fixed in both directions, while the other fulcrum moves

3. End play support

3、 Axial tightening of rolling bearings

Axial tightening of rolling bearings refers to tightening the inner or outer ring of the bearing relative to the shaft or bearing seat

4、 Assembly and disassembly of bearings

Outer ring: The disassembly height or screw hole should be left.

5、 Adjustment of bearing clearance and position of parts on the shaft

Clearance: The gap between the rolling element and the inner and outer raceways in a rolling bearing.

Radial clearance: The amount of movement of one seat ring from one extreme position to another extreme position along the radial direction while the other seat ring remains stationary.

Axial clearance: The amount of movement that occurs when one seat ring remains stationary and the other seat ring moves axially from one extreme position to another extreme position.

1. Adjustment of bearing clearance:

Adjustment of the position of parts on the shaft

Purpose: To ensure that the parts on the shaft have accurate working positions.

For example: bevel gear transmission, worm gear transmission

2. Adjustment of the position of parts on the shaft

Method: Cup set+adjusting gasket

3. Adjustment of the position of parts on the shaft

Method: Cup set+adjusting gasket

6、 Matching of rolling bearings

Inner ring and shaft: base hole system (g, h, js, k, m, n, p, r)

Outer ring and hole: base axis system (H, J, JS, K, M, N, P)

Type of cooperation:

Interference fit: high speed, high load, high temperature, vibration, inner ring and shaft rotating together

Transition fit: frequent disassembly

The outer ring is stationary and half of the ring is loaded.