Abstract An adjustable bearing preloading mechanism which can apply a high bearing preload under low speed operating conditions and which operates to reduce the preload under high speed conditions to minimize heat build-up and subsequent wear in the bearing and to reduce horsepower requirements at high speeds. The device is substantially a flexible annular disc including a plurality of weights positioned adjacent its inner diameter and which is in contact with one of the races of a bearing to impart a preload thereto. The device rotates with the shaft supported by the bearing, and as the shaft speed increases centrifugal force acting on the weights causes an axial deflection at the inner diameter of the annular disc to reduce the preload on the bearings.
A bearing loading device for applying an axial load to an antifriction bearing rotatably supporting a shaft in a housing, said device comprising: a. a bearing preload member in the form of an annular disc surrounding a shaft and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of said shaft at the point where the disc is positioned, said preload member having one face thereof for positioning against a bearing and including a pluralcty of weights positioned on the side opposite said bearing and adjacent the inner diameter of said preload member; b. means for supporting said bearing preload member in substantially conCentric relationship with said shaft for corotation therewith and for urging said preload member against said anti-friction bearing to impose a preload thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A bearing loading device for applying an axial load to an antifriction bearing rotatably supporting a shaft in a housing, said device comprising: a. a bearing preload member in the form of an annular disc surrounding a shaft and having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of said shaft at the point where the disc is positioned, said preload member having one face thereof for positioning against a bearing and including a pluralcty of weights positioned on the side opposite said bearing and adjacent the inner diameter of said preload member; b. means for supporting said bearing preload member in substantially conCentric relationship with said shaft for corotation therewith and for urging said preload member against said anti-friction bearing to impose a preload thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The bearing loading device of claim 1 wherein said weights are defined by a thickened portion of said preload member positioned adjacent said inner diameter and on the side opposite said bearing, said thickened portion having a plurality of substantially radial slots extending partially therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The bearing loading device of claim 1 wherein the portion thereof contacting the bearing is convex to permit line contact therebetween regardless of the load applied to the bearing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The bearing loading device of claim 1 wherein said preload member includes an outermost, generally axial flange which cooperatively engages a corresponding circular slot in said supporting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bearing loading device of claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises an annular collar substantially concentric with and surrounding said shaft, said annular collar engaging and supporting said preload member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The bearing loading device of claim 5 wherein said collar is axially adjustable to vary the load applied to said bearing through said preload member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The bearing loading device of claim 6 wherein the axial positioning of said collar is effected by a nut which engages threads on said shaft and which bears against said collar to urge it into contact with said preload member.