Joint bearing is a special type of sliding bearing with a special structure. Its structure is simpler than rolling bearings. It mainly consists of an inner ring with an outer spherical surface and an outer ring with an inner spherical surface, which can withstand large loads. Depending on its different type and structure, it can withstand radial loads, axial loads, or combined loads that exist both radially and axially. Joint bearings are generally used for low speed swing motion (i.e. angular motion). Due to the spherical sliding surface, they can also perform tilting motion (i.e. centering motion) within a certain angle range. They can still work normally when the support shaft and the shaft shell hole are not concentric.

Joint bearings are widely used in engineering hydraulic cylinders, forging machines, engineering machinery, automation equipment, automotive shock absorbers, water conservancy machinery and other industries Introduction and classification of joint bearings: Joint bearings are spherical sliding bearings, which are basically composed of inner and outer rings with spherical sliding spherical contact surfaces. Depending on its structure and type, it can withstand radial loads, axial loads, or combined loads acting both radially and axially. Because the spherical sliding contact area and inclination angle of joint bearings are large, and at the same time, most joint bearings adopt special processing methods such as surface phosphating, galvanizing, chrome plating or external sliding surface lining, padding, spraying, etc. Therefore, it has a large load capacity and impact resistance, and has the characteristics of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, self centering, good lubrication, or self-lubrication without lubricating dirt pollution. Even if installed incorrectly, it can work normally. Therefore, joint bearings are widely used for lower speed swing, tilt, and rotational movements.

Classification of joint bearings: radial joint bearings, angular contact joint bearings, thrust joint bearings, and rod end joint bearings.

1、 Joint bearings are classified into the following categories based on different classification methods, including the direction of load they can withstand or the nominal contact angle.

1. Radial joint bearing - used to withstand radial loads, with a nominal contact angle ranging from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. Depending on the nominal contact angle, it can be further divided into:

a. Radial contact radial joint bearing - a radial joint bearing with a nominal contact angle of 0 degrees, suitable for bearing radial loads. But it can also withstand not only radial loads, but also minor axial loads.

b. Angular contact radial joint bearing - A radial joint bearing with a nominal contact angle greater than 0 degrees but less than or equal to 45 degrees, capable of withstanding a combined load of radial and axial loads.

2. Thrust joint bearing - used to withstand axial loads, with a nominal contact angle greater than 45 degrees to 90 degrees. Depending on the nominal contact angle, it can be divided into:

a. Axial contact thrust joint bearing - a thrust joint bearing with a nominal contact angle of 90 degrees, suitable for bearing pure axial loads.

b. Angular contact thrust joint bearing - Thrust joint bearings with a nominal contact angle greater than 45 degrees but less than 90 degrees are suitable for bearing axial loads, but can also withstand combined loads (at this point, their radial load value should not exceed 0.5 times the axial load).

2、 Joint bearings are divided into:

a. Integral outer ring joint bearing;

b. Double half outer ring joint bearing;

c. Single seam outer ring joint bearing;

d. Double slit outer ring (split outer ring) joint bearing.

3、 Joint bearings are divided into:

a. General joint bearings;

b. Rod end joint bearing.

4、 Joint bearings are divided into:

a. Non self lubricating joint bearings;

b. Self lubricating joint bearings.

5、 Joint bearings are divided into:

a. Radial joint bearing;

b. Angular contact joint bearing;

c. Thrust joint bearing;

d. Rod end joint bearing.