The self-aligning ball bearing is a double-row bearing with two raceways in the inner ring and one common hollow-spherical raceway in the outer ring. It can therefore swivel angularly and is insensitive to misalignment between shaft and housing.
It is particularly suitable for bearing arrangements where shaft deflection and/or alignment errors are to be expected. Versions with cylindrical and tapered bore are available; sealed versions of the 22.. and 23.. series have contact seals on both sides.