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How are spherical plain bearings classified?

 

When selecting spherical plain bearings, there are five core classification methods:

 

I. Classification by Load Direction and Contact Angle

 

This is the most basic and important classification method for spherical plain bearings.

 

1. Radial Spherical Plain Bearings

Primarily bear radial loads (contact angle 0°～30°)

Based on the contact angle, they are further divided into:

* Radial contact radial spherical plain bearings (0°): Primarily bear radial loads, while also bearing a small amount of axial load;

* Angular contact radial spherical plain bearings (0°～30°): Can bear combined radial and axial loads simultaneously.

 

2. Thrust Spherical Plain Bearings

Primarily bear axial loads (contact angle 30°～90°)

Similarly, they can be further subdivided into:

* Axial contact thrust spherical plain bearings (90°): Specifically bears pure axial loads;

* Angular contact thrust spherical plain bearings (30°～90°): Primarily bear axial loads, while also bearing a certain amount of radial load. Note: Radial load must not exceed 0.5 times the axial load.

 

II. Classification by Outer Ring Structure: Different structures are suitable for different installation and load scenarios: • Integral outer ring spherical plain bearing • Single-slot outer ring spherical plain bearing • Double-slot outer ring (split outer ring) spherical plain bearing • Double-half outer ring spherical plain bearing

 

III. Classification by Rod End: This classification is very common in engineering applications: • General spherical plain bearings (used independently) • Rod end spherical plain bearings (directly mounted on the end of the rod) Commonly used in linkage mechanisms, hydraulic systems, etc.

 

IV. Classification by Lubrication Method: Directly affects usage and maintenance costs: • Lubricated spherical plain bearings (requires regular lubrication) • Self-lubricating spherical plain bearings (maintenance-free or low-maintenance) More and more equipment is beginning to favor self-lubricating structures.

 

V. Comprehensive Classification: In practical applications, load, structure, and application are usually considered comprehensively, and spherical plain bearings are classified as: • Radial spherical plain bearings • Angular contact spherical plain bearings • Thrust spherical plain bearings • Rod end spherical plain bearings

 

The first step in selection is always: check the load direction + check if there is a combined load.