Intelligent Bearings ascertain motion status of components.
Press Release Summary:
SKF® Sensor-Bearing Units determine motion status of rotating or axially traveling components in open- and closed-loop motion control systems. They record number of revolutions, speed, direction of rotation, relative position/counting, and accel/decel. Resistant to vibration, product construction integrates SKF Explorer class single-row deep groove ball bearing with SKF active sensor. Units accommodate radial loads and locate shaft axially in both directions.
Original Press Release:
SKF® Sensor-Bearing Units Ascertain Exact Motion Status of Components
New 'Intelligent' Bearings for Motion Control:
New patented SKF® Sensor-Bearing Units provide compact and cost-effective solutions to ascertain the precise motion status of rotating or axially traveling components in open-loop and closed-loop motion control systems. These "intelligent" bearings can reliably record number of revolutions, speed, direction of rotation, relative position/counting, and acceleration or deceleration.
They further offer the advantages of uniform and high signal quality, minimal liability to interference, and insensitivity to vibration or high temperatures. Ideal applications include electric motors, linear actuators, steering systems, conveying and handling systems, and automation equipment, among others, and they can serve as viable alternatives to incremental encoders.
Their simple, lightweight, and robust construction integrates an SKF Explorer class single-row deep groove ball bearing with an SKF active sensor.
The unit's ball bearing can perform at high speeds, accommodate radial loads, locate the shaft axially in both directions, and is sealed for protection and "lubricated for life" so relubrication is not needed for the intended useful life. The active sensor (shielded to protect against external electromagnetic influences) consists of a magnetized impulse ring attached to the inner ring of the unit; sensor body with Hall sensors carried by the outer ring; and connecting cable.
In operation the bearing unit's impulse ring moves past the stationary sensor ring when the inner ring rotates, generating a magnetic field of changing polarity. The sensor outputs a pulse, based on number of polarity changes per second. The sensor output signal then is transmitted via connecting cable to generate the required application-specific information. Speeds down to zero can be recorded.
SKF Sensor-Bearing Units are available in a wide range of bore sizes and dimensions. Customized units can be developed to meet specific customer requirements.
Contact Victoria Cooper, SKF USA Inc., 1510 Gehman Road, Kulpsville, PA 19443. Phone: 800-753-6234 (toll-free); Fax: 800-989-4753; E-Mail: skfusainfo@skf.com Web site: www.skfusa.com
(SKF® is a registered trademark of SKF USA Inc.)
