Bearing assembly utilizing improved clamping arrangement

Abstract

A bearing assembly including an improved clamping arrangement for effecting securement to a rotating shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing inner ring member and a bearing outer ring member having a plurality of bearing elements located therebetween. A second extension portion extends from the greater diameter end of a tapered inner surface defined in the inner ring member, the second extension portion defining a circumferential receiving groove. A tapered adapter having a tapered outer surface, generally complementary to the tapered inner surface, is received in the inner ring member. The tapered adapter includes a first extension portion extending from the greater diameter end of the tapered outer surface and defining outer threads thereabout. A nut is provided having a first axial portion defining inner threads for engaging the outer threads of the first extension portion. The nut further includes a second axial portion including an arcuate engaging lip for mating with the circumferential receiving groove of the second extension portion. The arcuate engaging lip is preferably no more than approximately semicircular in extent. The nut is configured in this case having an appropriate mass-excised portion to achieve rotational balance.