Analysis of the Application of Slewing Bearings in Amusement Equipment

Slewing bearings, as large-scale bearings capable of withstanding axial, radial loads and overturning moments simultaneously, play a crucial role in the field of amusement equipment due to their high load-carrying capacity, rotational stability, and compact structure. From the slow rotation of Ferris wheels to the violent swings of pendulum rides, the realization of their core rotational functions cannot be separated from the support of slewing bearings.

Common Types of Slewing Bearings in Amusement Equipment

• Four-point contact ball slewing bearings: These bearings have a compact structure and can withstand radial force, axial force, and overturning moment at the same time. They are suitable for equipment with low rotational speed and moderate load, such as carousels and rotating swings.

• Crossed roller slewing bearings: The rollers are arranged in a crossed manner, featuring high rigidity and rotational accuracy, and can bear large overturning moments. They are often used in equipment with extremely high stability requirements, such as Ferris wheels and pendulum rides.

• Three-row cylindrical roller slewing bearings: Composed of two rows of radial rollers and one row of axial rollers, they have extremely strong load-carrying capacity and can withstand huge radial, axial loads and overturning moments. They are suitable for the core rotating parts of large-scale amusement equipment.

The Role of Slewing Bearings in Various Amusement Equipment

Ferris Wheel

The Ferris wheel is a typical large-scale rotating amusement equipment. Its core function is to make the cabins move in a circular motion with the wheel body through the slow rotation of the wheel body, allowing tourists to enjoy the experience of overlooking from a high altitude. The slewing bearing is installed at the connection between the Ferris wheel's wheel body and the bracket, serving as the rotational support point of the entire wheel body. It needs to bear the weight of the wheel body itself, the total weight of the cabins and tourists, and at the same time ensure that the wheel body rotates smoothly without jamming, so as to guarantee the safety and comfort of tourists during the ride.

Carousel

The carousel takes the central column as the fulcrum, and the rotating top turntable drives the horses or other shaped riding facilities to make circular motions, creating a dreamy amusement atmosphere. Here, the slewing bearing bears the weight of the top turntable and all riding facilities. Its role is to smoothly transmit the rotational power to the turntable, enabling the turntable to rotate at a constant speed, while reducing friction and vibration during rotation, allowing tourists to enjoy the amusement in a stable rotation.

Rotating Swing

The operating principle of the rotating swing is that the column drives the top arm to rotate, and the swing seats swing outward under the action of centrifugal force, forming a movement trajectory combining rotation and swing. The slewing bearing is installed at the connection between the top arm and the column. It not only has to bear the weight of the arm, seats and tourists, but also cope with the centrifugal force generated during rotation and the impact force during swinging, ensuring the stable operation of the entire equipment during high-speed rotation and swinging, and preventing shaking or deviation.

Pendulum Ride

The pendulum ride is a highly exciting amusement equipment. Its movement mode is that the pendulum arm swings around the bottom fulcrum, and the cabin itself rotates at the same time. The slewing bearing plays a dual role in the pendulum ride: on the one hand, it supports the weight of the pendulum arm and the cabin; on the other hand, it ensures the flexibility and stability of the pendulum arm during swinging and the cabin during rotation, and can withstand the huge impact force and centrifugal force generated during swinging. It is one of the core components to ensure the safe operation of the pendulum ride.

If you need slewing bearings for amusement equipment, please contact LTZC. We welcome your inquiries.