Float bearings

The float axle SA, consisting of a tube mounted on bearings located in the main hull, pivots together with the float around a vertical line a. The float

float bearings
 also pivots around a horizontal axis at the lower end of the vertical axis. This pivoting axis is represented by line b in the cross section and point B in the longitudinal section. The corresponding bearings are found in the float. The vertical axle is mounted on two sets of bearings in the main hull. Radial forces are transferred to the bottom of the main hull by a cylindrical roller bearing. At the top, both radial and axial forces are absorbed by a cone roller bearing mounted at the roof. A spherical roller bearing allows the float to pivot around the horizontal axis. This bearing transfers mostly axial force (weight of the main hull) but also some radial force (i.e. caused by waves impacting from the side). This is facilitated by having the vertical axle end at the bottom in a transversely mounted cylinder. A segment of the spherical roller bearing is sufficient for this purpose, since the float is only able to deviate from the horizontal position by a maximum of 30°. Several gearwheels connected to the bearing (not shown in the drawing) ensure that this roller segment remains centred beneath the vertical axis when the float is in the horizontal position. A number of rollers with rigid axes are additionally mounted at the upper part of the float in order to transfer radial forces (see cross section) The bearings are sealed at the float by means of a rubber sleeve GM and at the bottom of the main hull by means of a radial drag seal made of rubber. The rollers of the bearings are made of teak impregnated with paraffin (which serves as a lubricant and prevents water absorption).
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