Bearing arrangement for spherical air gap motor - has extension ring with collar partially enclosing rotor bearing to limit play

摘要

The bearing comprises a single ball (11') located at the centre of the sphere forming part of the air gap. The stationary housing (1') carrying the stator windings (20) has a bearing seat (21) covering the upper part of the ball. The rotor (3) carries a comparable housing (17, 18) enclosing the lower part. The upper bearing has screw on extension ring (19) which has a collar projecting (19a) over and partially enclosing the rotor bearing assembly. Both the ring (19) and the outer rotor bearing shell (18) are made of bearing metal, typically bronze, so that short duration rubbing is not harmful and the play between stator and rotor is limited.