Overview
Tapered roller bearings are separable bearings, with the inner and outer rings of the bearing fitted with tapered rollers. Depending on the number of installed roller rows, this type of bearing is divided into different structural types, such as single-row, double-row, and four-row tapered roller bearings. Single-row tapered roller bearings can withstand radial and axial loads in one direction. When the shaft is subjected to radial load, an axial component force is generated; therefore, another bearing capable of withstanding axial force in the opposite direction is required to balance it.
A tapered roller bearing refers to a radial-thrust roller bearing with tapered rollers. There are two cone angles: small and large. Bearings with a small cone angle mainly withstand combined radial and axial loads, with radial load as the primary load; they are usually installed in duplex or back-to-back configurations. The inner and outer rings can be mounted separately, and the radial and axial clearances can be adjusted during installation and use. Bearings with a large cone angle mainly withstand combined axial and radial loads, with axial load as the primary load. Generally, pure axial loads cannot be borne alone, while pure radial loads can be borne in paired configurations (face-to-face mounting on the same end).
Structural Features
The standard designation code for tapered roller bearings is 30000 series, and tapered roller bearings are separable.
The outer ring angle and outer roller diameter have been standardized in the same way as the external dimensions. Modifications during the design and manufacturing process are not permitted. Thus, the inner and outer rings of tapered roller bearings are interchangeable worldwide.
Tapered roller bearings are mainly used to withstand combined radial and axial loads, with radial loads as the primary load. Compared with angular contact ball bearings, they have a higher load-carrying capacity but a lower limiting rotational speed. Tapered roller bearings can withstand axial loads in one direction and can limit the axial displacement of the shaft or housing in one direction.