The rolling element bearing consists of two rings (races) and rolling elements between them. Typically, a shaft or other moving part is mounted inside the bearing inner ring. The bearing outer ring is mounted firmly in a housing or other component. Rolling elements such as rollers or balls are placed between the rings and are in contact with their raceways, allowing the rings to easily rotate relative to each other. In addition, cages, keeping the rolling elements at a constant distance from each other, seals, covers, etc., can also be mounted in the rolling bearing.
Rolling bearings with rings. Rolling-element bearing types
According to rolling element geometry, bearings are divided into:
- Deep groove ball bearings are of simple design. They come in many sizes and shapes. Single row angular contact ball bearings have non-separable rings with upper and lower flanges. They incorporate a large number of balls and are capable of carrying heavy loads. Single row double direction angular contact ball bearings can accommodate axial load in both directions because the balls are in contact with the bearing rings at four points under radial load. Double row angular contact ball bearings are similar to single row double direction angular contact ball bearings arranged back-to-back. Self-aligning ball bearings have two rows of balls, two raceways in the inner ring, and a spherical raceway in the outer ring. They are available open or sealed.
- Cylindrical roller bearings are designed to carry much heavier loads than ball bearings of the same dimensions. They are not suitable for transmitting longitudinal forces and are extremely sensitive to angular misalignments between the shaft and housing.
- Tapered roller bearings use conical rollers that run on conical races. They can take both axial and radial loads.
- Spherical roller bearings use barrel shaped rolling elements. As a result, the inner ring, cage, and rolling elements can be misaligned. Spherical roller bearings are usually designed with two rows of rollers, although single row varieties are also available. In addition, variants capable of carrying transverse or longitudinal loads are available.
- Needle roller bearings have rollers that are at least several times longer than their diameter. They resemble needles, hence the name - needle roller bearing. Needle roller bearings come in many varieties. They may not have an inner ring, or there may be several separable inner rings. Needle roller bearings can only carry radial loads. They are suitable for very heavy loads due to the large number of rollers.
- CARB toroidal roller bearings have rolling elements similar to those in needle roller bearings, but with a curvature similar to spherical roller bearings. They are characterized by small dimensions, a very high radial load capacity and permit longitudinal and angular self-alignment. It can be used as a replacement for a spherical roller bearing. Depending on the type of transmitted loads, bearings can be divided into: radial, angular contact, and thrust. Self-aligning bearings, with the ability to self-align, are useful in many applications. Typically, deep groove ball bearings with shields are used. For special applications, bearings with a greater number of rollers, e.g. needle roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, double-row or multi-row bearings, are recommended.
The choice of a rolling bearing
To choose the right bearing take into account static load, rotational speed, intensity of use, lubrication and cooling method and other operating parameters. When selecting a rolling bearing, it is necessary to know its dimension, maximum rotational speed and at least approximate operating conditions, as these will affect seal performance.
How to measure a bearing
Bearing measurements are all done in the following order: Inside diameter x Outside diameter x Width. For example, an 8×22×7 rolling bearing has an inner diameter of 8mm (the diameter of the shaft mounted in the bearing), an outer diameter of 22mm, and a width of 7mm (the diameter and minimum depth of the hole where the bearing will be mounted).
Rolling bearing seals
Rolling bearings can be open, shielded (ZZ type) or rubber sealed (2RS type). Bearings can be sealed on one or both sides. Bearings sealed on both sides are usually filled with grease. ZZ bearings are primarily designed for applications with a rotating inner ring. If the outer ring rotates, there is a risk that the grease will leak from the bearing at high speeds. 2RS bearings provide a better seal than the ZZ type and therefore can operate at high rotational speeds and be used, within a certain speed range, in rotating outer ring applications. Bearings without seals are usually lubricated with grease. They can be used, for example, for bearing the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.