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Table of Contents
Categories
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Adapter Sleeves (9)
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Ball Bearings (11)
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Ball Screw Bearings (2)
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Ceramic Bearings (27)
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Pillow Block Bearings (4)
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Plain Bearings (32)
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Roller Bearings (12)
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Slewing Bearings (43)
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Sliding Block (3)
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Stainless Steel Bearings (27)
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Super Precision Bearings (6)
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Thin Section Bearings (9)
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Track Rollers (4)
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Universal Joints (1)
How Does A Slewing Ring Work?
Slewing rings are critical bearing devices that are primarily used for rotary motion in mechanical systems. Whether it’s construction equipment, cranes, excavators, or other applications that require 360-degree rotation, slewing rings play an irreplaceable role.
Structure Composition Of Slewing Ring
| Component | descriptions |
|---|---|
| Outer ring | External rings, made of high-strength alloy steel or special alloys, are used to withstand external loads and provide support. |
| Inner ring | Located inside the outer ring, it is made of high-strength material and is connected to the outer ring by rolling elements to achieve rotary motion. |
| Rolling elements | Rolling elements, such as rollers or balls, are placed between the inner and outer rings and ensure smooth rolling by reducing friction through rolling. |
| Gear mechanism | Includes external and internal gears for transmitting torque and realising rotary movements, ensuring efficient power transmission. |
| Sealing device | Used to prevent the ingress of external substances such as dust, moisture, etc., providing additional protection and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the lubricant. |
| Lubrication System | Responsible for introducing lubricant at critical contact points to reduce friction, minimise wear and ensure stable operation of the support ring. |
| Threaded and mounting holes | Easy to install and maintain, allowing the support ring to be easily integrated into a variety of mechanical systems for easy access and replacement. |
Working Principle Of Slewing Ring
1. Synergy of inner and outer rings and rolling elements
- Slewing rings have rolling elements, usually balls or rollers, arranged between the inner and outer rings. The function of these rolling elements is to form a support between the inner and outer rings and to achieve a smooth rolling around them. This synergistic action reduces the friction of the support ring during rotation and ensures smooth movement.
2. Transmission of torque by the gear mechanism
- Slewing rings usually have an external gear and an internal gear. When an external force or torque is applied to the outer gear, it is transmitted to the inner gear through the gear mechanism. This process translates the power applied to the outer ring and achieves rotary motion. The precise design of the gears ensures efficient torque transfer.
3. Continuous rotation and slewing motion
- Slewing rings are capable of continuous rotation and slewing motion. Continuous rotation means that the ring can rotate 360 degrees without interruption, while slewing motion means that the rotation of the ring is unrestricted and can occur in any direction.
4. Load distribution and balancing
- In operation, the slewing ring is subjected to loads from all directions. Their design ensures that these loads are distributed evenly to all parts of the ring, maintaining the balance of the system. This helps prevent uneven stress distribution and improves the durability of the ring.
5. Protection of the sealing system
- Slewing rings are usually equipped with sealing systems to prevent the intrusion of dust, moisture and other external substances. These sealing systems effectively protect the internal structure and ensure the long-term reliable operation of the rings in harsh environments.
6. Role of lubricants
- Lubricants are introduced at critical contact points of the bearing ring to minimise friction and reduce wear. The lubrication system ensures that friction and heat generation are minimised during the operation of the bearing ring, thereby increasing the efficiency and life of the entire system.
Advantages
- Smooth and precise movement：The slewing ring ensures smooth and precise movements through its well-designed rolling elements and gear system.
- High load carrying capacity：The structure is designed to withstand heavy loads and is suitable for a wide range of heavy equipment.
- Compact design：The compact design of the slewing ring allows it to be adapted to the requirements of limited space, increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the equipment.
Maintenance And Care
- Regular lubrication checks
Check the quality and level of lubricant regularly to ensure adequate lubrication. Select the appropriate lubricant and keep the lubrication system in good working order to reduce friction and wear of rolling elements.
- Rolling element inspection
Periodically inspect rolling elements (such as rollers or balls) to ensure they are in good condition. Replace as necessary to maintain stability and smooth operation of the support ring.
- Sealing System Maintenance
The effectiveness of the sealing system is critical to prevent the ingress of external contaminants. Periodically clean and replace worn seals to prevent lubricant leakage and the ingress of external particles.
- Gear Mechanism Inspection
The gear mechanism is a key design element of the support ring. Periodically inspect the external and internal gears to ensure good mesh and efficiency in transmitting torque.
- Temperature and vibration monitoring
Periodically monitor the temperature and vibration levels of the support ring. Abnormal temperature rise or vibration may indicate abnormal wear of components or other problems.
- Threaded and Mounting Hole Maintenance
Keep threaded holes and mounting holes clean and ensure proper fit between threads and nuts. This helps to simplify the maintenance and replacement process and ensures that the support ring can be easily integrated into a variety of mechanical systems.
- Regular inspections and records
Establish a regular maintenance schedule and record the details of each maintenance visit. Such records can be used to track the operating condition of the support ring, detect potential problems, and develop a more effective maintenance strategy.
Overall, the role of the slewing ring in a mechanical system is crucial. By taking an in-depth look at their structural components and working principles, we can see how critical they are in achieving smooth rotary motion. However, regular maintenance and servicing is essential to ensure its performance and longevity. Through maintenance procedures such as regular lubrication, rolling element inspections and sealing system maintenance, we are able to minimise potential problems and ensure that the bearing ring operates reliably over the long term. Maintenance is therefore not only a task, but also a necessary measure to ensure the reliability and efficiency of slewing rings.
References
1.”Slewing ring” from Wikipedia;
3. Some information about “Slewing ring” from SlewPro company
2. “Slewing bearing” from SKF ;
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