Ceiling mounts in operating rooms must reliably support a growing number of ever heavier devices, whilst at the same time allowing their quiet and vibration-free positioning. Classic mechanical components play a "supporting" role in this context. The bearings must exhibit high static load safety and tilting rigidity in the smallest-possible installation space. At the same time, their inside diameter should be relatively large to allow the supply lines and cables to pass through easily.
The new unit with integrated brake comprises an outer ring with fixing thread, an inner ring with coil and pressure springs, an adjusting nut with fixing thread, an anchor plate with axial movement facility and a lining plate that is connected to the outer ring as well as two double direction axial angular contact roller bearings in an O arrangement. As a result of the O arrangement and the contact angle of 60 degrees, the bearing unit has high load-carrying capacity and exhibits significant radial stiffness. The bearing rings and adjusting nut are precision-turned parts made from high-strength steel, while the axial roller and cage assemblies and axial bearing washers are manufactured using non-machining methods.
The integrated brake prevents the bearing unit from rotating when the current is turned off since the anchor plate is pressed against the brake lining by springs. Thus the ceiling mount is safely fixed. When current is supplied, an electromagnet pulls the anchor plate against the springs and releases the brake lining so that the unit can rotate and be brought smoothly into another position.
In addition to ceiling mounts, the bearing unit with integrated brake is also suitable for use in examination tables, mammography devices, x-ray cameras, surgical microscopes and stair lifts.