Self-aligning maintenance free bearing unit for agricultural applications

US9157475B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PEER BEARING COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Jordan Eric Gutowski · Vernon Hills, US
• Stefano Urso · Lake Bluff, US
• Victor Manuel Marban · Buffalo Grove, US
• Joaquin Gutierrez · New Orleans, US
• Louis J. Lenick · Mount Prospect, US
• Xinying Fan · Xinchang, CN
• Brian A. Cohen · Wilmette, US
• Daniel N. Mazzarella · Gurnee, US
• Feng Zhao · Xinchang, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 8, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C2310/00
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A contamination-resistant bearing assembly includes an outer ring mounted within a housing and an inner ring rotatably supported from the outer ring. Inboard and outboard seal structures are disposed within a bearing space defined between the rings and prevent contaminants from entering a rolling element lubrication zone. A surface seal may also be included to protect the spherical interface between the housing and outer ring. The improved structure allows dynamic alignment of the bearing assembly when acted on by outside forces and also allows for extended operation under maintenance free conditions with no need for relubrication.