spherical rolling joints

Heason's new Hephaist spherical rolling joints offer advantages for multi-axis robotics and positioning systems

News Release from: Heason Technology Ltd
29/02/2008

Heason's new line of spherical rolling joints from Japanese manufacturer Hephaist Seiko are a unique solution for axial alignment of parallel kinematics and high precision positioning mechanism such as Hexapods and Stewart Platforms. Providing backlash-free axial rigidity but allowing radial and angular freedom of movement, the SRJ range offers a very compact alternative to combining traditional roller bearings to achieve 3 degrees of freedom joints - with significantly increased rigidity.

The design includes an SUJ2 steel mounting base with a precision ground sun sphere connected, via a very low friction ball cage retainer, to a planetary sphere which has a threaded shaft for mounting to the customers’ parallel joint or actuator mechanism. The maximum swing angle is +/- 30º and in the radial plane, complete freedom of movement is allowed. On request, alternative materials can include stainless steel and the SRJ can be supplied with vacuum compatible grease.

The range covers base diameters from 19 mm to 136 mm in eight sizes with threaded connecting shafts from M3 to M28. Axial load ratings are up to 10600 N in the push (compression) direction and 16000 N in the pull (tension) direction.