SHAFTS

**Definition:** This place covers:

The elements of Subclass F16C are various general mechanical engineering elements or units which have in common that they all relate to:

In general Subclass F16C it encompasses:

The elongated elements to transmit linear, rotary or combined movement, e.g. push-pull type movement, comprise:

The supporting elements allowing relative rotary, linear or combined motion comprise:

Since the individual mechanical engineering elements of Subclass F16C are not a coherent group they will be defined individually in more detail below.

General distribution of subject-matter in Subclass F16C (index):

Flexible Mechanical elements for transmitting movement / force F16C1/00 :

Support elements allowing relative displacement between parts:

Bearings

Bearings with sliding or rolling contact:

For parts which both rotate and move linearly F16C31/00

Other bearings ( F16C32/00 )

Details or accessories of bearings:

Bearings are general mechanical engineering elements which support or guide and are adapted to position one part moving with respect to another part of an arrangement, i.e. to allow constrained relative motion between the two parts. One of the parts supports the load imposed thereon by the other part. The bearing is intended to reduce friction between the two relatively moving parts, which are typically larger than the bearing itself.

It is noted that apart from bearings many other objects, such as vehicle wheels, conveyor rollers etc., also meet the above criteria. These objects are classified elsewhere.

Further it is noted here that in general the expression "bearing" is also used for supports between parts which are (quasi) stationary.

Due to the lack of relative movement such bearing are not bearings in the sense of this section of Subclass F16C .

Apart from the bearings per se the section "bearings" also covers:

Bearings are distinguished and classified in the respective groups and groups according to

Movement between the two parts:

Principle of operation, i.e. the means to reduce friction.

Sliding contact, e.g. plain bearings (bushings, journal bearings, sleeve bearings) including:

Loads:

Combination of principles can be used within a bearing or bearing arrangement, e.g. to support different load directions or to take account of various operating conditions, e.g. speed.

**Glossary:** - rotary engineering element: any engineering element, other than a rotating element used in gearing, clutches, couplings or brakes, which rotates so far as its features are affected only by the fact that it rotates. - bearing: a component of a machine or mechanism that is positioned between two relatively movable elements of the machine or mechanism and that has a surface formed for sliding or rolling contact with these elements when they move relative to each other for the sole function of reducing the friction that would otherwise result from their relative movement. - connecting-rod or link pivoted at both ends: a reciprocating or oscillating elongated member of a machine or mechanism that is intended to be pivotally connected to and positioned between two relatively movable elements of the machine or mechanism for the purpose of transmitting force or conveying motion between the elements when it reciprocates or oscillates. - axle: an elongated element to support a rotating part, e.g. a wheel or roll. loads are bending moments and radial load. It may be stationary or rotating with the part fixed thereto. - shaft: an elongated element, normally a rod of circular cross-section, that rotates about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque, e.g. by conveying motion from a gear wheel supported by it to another part of a machine or mechanism. - crankshaft: a shaft with one or more cranks for turning reciprocating or oscillating motion into rotary motion. - flexible shaft: an elongated element, that is bendable along its length and rotates about its longitudinal axis to transmit torque or convey rotary motion. - Bowden cable: a control cable consisting of an elongated member enclosed within a housing bendable along its length and shiftable along its longitudinal axis relative to its housing to transmit motion or force. - roll, drum, disc: an element of a machine or mechanism in the form of a roller that has a generally curved surface that contacts work or (linear) moving part and revolves about its axis when the work shifts relative to it.