Lightweight and maintenance-free pillow block bearings in the rotor head for ultralight gyrocopters

Reliable and vibration-dampening: iglidur plain bearings and igubal pillow block bearings in the rotor head

manus® 2007

iglidur® G is the problem solver in this rotor head The rotor blades rotate about 400 times per minute and thereby execute oscillating motion with maximum 30°. The mounting consists of two plastic bearings and two thrust washers each made of iglidur® G.
The rotor head is controllable by the longitudinal and diagonal axles, however there are only occasional control movements. Here four plain bearings and thrust washers each are mounted on the head. Other bearings absorb the rotary motion of the brake lever. Besides, two igubal® pillow block bearings are additionally provided for the steering, which is vibration dampening and compensate for misalignments.
For all used igus® products, the low weight and freedom from maintenance are the main criteria for their application.

Walter Schwarz, Schwarz Industrieservice, Schwabach

Profile

What was needed: iglidur plain bearings, igubal pillow block bearings
Requirements: A lightweight and reliable bearing for the rotor head and brake lever was sought.
Industry: Aerospace, aviation industry
Success for the customer: The decision for the bearings resulted from several reasons: They are particularly vibration-dampening, insensitive to dust, low-maintenance, compact and especially light. In addition, they have high strength values and convinced the customer with their low cost.

Problem

For this ultra-light gyroplane, Schwarz Industrieservice was looking for a suitable bearing for the rotor head. The rotor blades rotate dynamically at approx. 400 revolutions per minute, performing oscillating movements of max. 30°. A grease lubrication device is provided for this purpose. The gimballed rotor head can be steered around the longitudinal and transverse axis. Only occasional steering movements occur in the process. An initial filling with grease is sufficient. A rotor brake must brake the rotor speed from approx. 200 revolutions per minute to standstill. The rotary movement of the brake lever also had to be supported.

Solution

For the bearing of the longitudinal and transverse axis of the rotor head, four plain bearings and thrust washers made of the material iglidur G were chosen. Two iglidur plain bearings were also used for the rotary movement of the brake lever for the rotor brake. The braking torque is absorbed by two iglidur thrust washers. For the control of the rotor head, two igubal pillow block bearings are used, which are vibration-dampening and compensate for misalignments.
The decision for the bearings resulted from several reasons. It is particularly vibration-dampening, insensitive to dust, low-maintenance, compact and especially light. In addition, they have high strength values. Finally, the cost-effective prices were also convincing for the choice of the iglidur G plain bearings.

Overview of igubal spherical bearing technology