C-Flex Bearings from Automotion
At Automotion Components we pride ourselves on being experts on components in motion, whether linear or rotary. Our range of rotary components includes rod ends, clevis joints, ball and socket joints, precision spur gears, flex pivots, turnbuckles, gear boxes and rigid couplings. As these are specialist parts don't hesitate to get in touch with our technical engineers who can help with calculations and choose the right products for your application.
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The body is made from stainlesss steel for this flex pviot. It has an operating temperature of -35°C to +190°C.
The body of the flex pivot bearing is made from stainless steel, the spring is made from stainless steel with the core being made from bronze alloy.
Technical Specs
The following examples are a few of the possible methods for installing standard flexure bearings. Other techniques may provide satisfactory results. Special options, such as flanged or drilled and tapped sleeves may be provided upon request. Please contact our Technical Department with any questions or for a review of mounting requirements.
Set screw
One or more properly sized cup point set screws may be used to clamp the bearing in place. Hole size should be 0.0005” to 0.0010” larger than the bearing.
Clamp screw
A clamping screw applies suitable pressure to retain the bearing in place. Hole size should be 0.0005” to 0.0010” larger than the bearing.
Radial or axial pins
Pins may be pressed into holes drilled through the mounting bracket and the bearing sleeve. Care must be exercised to orientate the bearing properly so the springs are not damaged. Hole size should be 0.0005” to 0.0010” larger than the bearing.
Locator flats
Locator flats with cup point set screws may be used to orientate and securely clamp the bearing in place. Hole size should be 0.0005” to 0.0010” larger than the bearing.
Radial loading: Spring in tension (Ft)
Radial loading: Spring in compression (Fc)
Axial loading: Springs in shear
The rotation of the bearing sleeve segments is achieved by bending flat spring beams. This causes a slight radial shift in the sleeve segment. For small angle of rotations (eg 2°) the shift is minimal (around 0.2% of the bearing diameter). owever this can increase up to 1% of the bearing diameter at a rotation of 15° (see graph below).
The cycle life of the bearings is based on the fatigue limit of the springs. The graphs below show the life expectancy for Torsional Spring Rates for Series 10, 20 and 30. Max θ shows the angle of deflection. This is the deflection angle from the null position, which can be positive or negative.
Series 10 - Max θ ± 15.0°
Series 20 - Max θ ± 7.5°
Series 30 - Max θ ± 3.7°
The linearity of the bearings (being the rotational defl ection of the pivot v the torque required to induce the deflection) is relatively constant for angles of rotation up to 15°. We define hysteresis as the diff erence between the zero position when the bearing is deflected to a plus angle then relieved and then defl ected to a negative angle then relieved. Comparing these two positions is the angle of hysteresis (see graphs below).
Series 10 - Max. θ ± 15.0°
Series 20 - Max. θ ± 7.5°
Series 30 - Max. θ ± 3.7°
