Bearing with adjustable setting
US6505972B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2322/39
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spindle rotates within a housing on at least two antifriction bearings which have raceways that are inclined to the axis of the bearing and are otherwise configured to transfer thrust loading as well as radial loading. The bearings are mounted in opposition. One of the bearings has a race which fits into an actuator sleeve with an interference fit, and the actuator sleeve, in turn, is fitted into the housing, it having end regions that are located beyond the ends of the bearing. Here the sleeve is fitted to the housing with an interference fit and is further sealed to the housing. The actuator sleeve also has an intervening region between its two end regions, and here the actuator sleeve is located around the race. On its opposite face the actuator sleeve forms a chamber with the housing. When the chamber is pressurized, the intervening region of the sleeve flexes inwardly and contracts the race, thus altering the setting of the two bearings. Yet the end regions of the sleeve remain against the housing and the axis of rotation remains rigid. A control system monitors conditions, such as temperature, within the housing, and varies the pressure in the chamber behind the actuator sl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.