pillow block

English

Noun

pillow block (plural pillow blocks)

  1. A mounting used to support a rotating shaft, using a bearing in a housing which is bolted to a foundation or bedplate with the mounted shaft in a parallel plane to the mounting surface and perpendicular to the centre line of the mounting holes; functionally similar to a plummer block.

Usage notes

A pillow block usually refers to a light duty housing, frequently in one piece and often with an integral anti-friction bearing. A plummer block usually refers to a heavy or very heavy duty housing, always in two pieces. The lower piece is bolted to the base plate or foundation, then the bearing and shaft are rested on it, and the cap is bolted down to the lower piece.