A pivot bearing, also known as a turntable bearing or swivel bearing, is a special type of rolling bearing that is used to enable rotation or swivel movement around a fixed axis. It is often used in machines, systems and constructions where a rotatable connection is required.
A pivot bearing usually consists of an inner ring, an outer ring and a raceway in between on which the rotation takes place. It can have different designs, including ball pivot bearings, roller pivot bearings or combined bearings with balls and rollers. The choice of pivot bearing depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as load capacity, torque, precision and environmental factors.
Pivot bearings allow a component to rotate around an axis, enabling movement at different angles or continuous rotation. They are used in a variety of applications such as slewing cranes, rotating platforms, construction machinery, wind turbines, ships and many more.
The design and selection of a pivot bearing requires careful analysis of loads, speed, lubrication and other factors to ensure optimum performance and service life. Depending on the application, pivot bearings may also be equipped with seals, lubrication or special surface coatings to improve protection against contamination and wear.
Overall, pivot bearings enable low-friction rotation or pivoting motion in a variety of applications and play an important role in the transmission of loads and forces in rotating systems.