Types of spherical bearings and their structural characteristics

1.Classification according to the direction of load

Spherical bearings can be divided into the following categories according to the direction of their load or nominal contact angle:

a) Radial bearings ：It mainly bears radial load, and the nominal contact angle is between 0°≤τ≤30°, which is specifically divided into:Radial contact spherical bearing: nominal contact angle τ=0°, suitable for bearing radial load and small axial load.Angular contact radial spherical bearing: nominal contact angle 0°<τ≤30°, suitable for combined load with radial and axial loads at the same time.

b) Thrust bearings ：It mainly bears axial load, and the nominal contact angle is between 30°<τ≤90°, which is specifically divided into:Axial contact thrust spherical bearing: nominal contact angle τ=90°, suitable for axial load in one direction.Angular contact thrust spherical bearings: nominal contact angles of 30°<τ<90°, suitable for mainly bearing axial loads, but also can bear combined loads.

2. Classification according to the structure of the outer ring

According to the different outer ring structure, spherical bearings can be divided into:

Integral outer ring spherical bearings

Single-slit outer ring spherical bearings

Double-seam outer ring spherical bearings

Double half outer ring spherical bearings

3. Classification according to whether the rod end body is attached

Depending on whether the rod end body is attached, spherical bearings can be divided into:

General spherical bearings

Rod end bearings

Among them, the rod end spherical bearing can be further classified according to the components that fit with the rod end body and the connection characteristics of the rod end shank:

It varies depending on the part that mates with the rod end body

Assembled rod end bearings: rod ends with cylindrical bore rod end eyes, with radial spherical bearings with or without bolt rods in the bore.

Integral rod end bearings: rod ends with spherical bore rod end eyes, bore with bearing inner rings with or without bolt rods.

Ball Bolt Rod End Spherical Bearing: Rod end with ball head seat fitted with ball head bolts.

According to the connection characteristics of the rod end shank

Internally threaded rod end spherical bearings: The rod end shank is an internally threaded straight rod.

Externally threaded rod end spherical bearings: The rod end shank is a externally threaded straight rod.

Spherical bearings with welded seat rod ends: The rod end shank is a flanged seat, square seat or cylindrical seat with dowel pins, which is welded to the end of the rod.

Seat rod end bearings with locking mouth: rod end shank is internally slotted and equipped with a locking device.

4. Categorized by whether relubrication and maintenance are required

Spherical bearings can be divided into two types according to whether they need to be relubricated and maintained during work:

Maintenance lubricated spherical bearings

Maintenance-free, self-lubricating spherical bearings

5. Classification according to the friction pair material of the sliding surface

According to the combination of friction pair materials on the sliding surface, spherical bearings can be divided into:

Steel/steel spherical bearings

Steel/copper alloy spherical bearings

Steel/PTFE composite spherical bearings

Steel/PTFE fabric spherical bearings

Steel/reinforced plastic spherical bearings

Steel/zinc-based alloy spherical bearings

6. Categorized by size and tolerance unit

Spherical bearings can be divided into the following units according to the unit of representation of size and tolerance units:

Metric spherical bearings

Inch spherical bearings

7. Classification by comprehensive factors

According to the direction of load, nominal contact angle and structural type, spherical bearings can be comprehensively divided into:

Radial spherical bearings

Angular contact spherical bearings

Thrust spherical bearings

Rod end bearings

8. Classification by structure shape

Spherical bearings can also be divided into various types according to their structural shape (such as the structure of no sealing device, lubrication groove and lubrication hole, the structure of lubricant distribution groove, the number of lock ring grooves and the thread rotation direction of the rod end body, etc.).