Bearing seal

Abstract

Provided is a bearing seal for preventing electric corrosion of a rolling bearing, the bearing seal having improved energization stability and being easy to manufacture. A bearing seal (1) is configured from a ring-shaped seal ring (2) configured from a core bar (4) and an elastic body (5), and a conductive material (3) in contact with an outer ring (11) and an inner ring (12) in order to electrically connect the outer ring (11) and the inner ring (12). The conductive material (3) is a conductive fiber body (8) as a conductive fiber bundle held by the seal ring (2) in a state in which the conductive material (3) is joined to the elastic body (5). The outside end (9) of the conductive fiber body (8) in the radial direction (R) protrudes from the seal ring (2) to the outside (RO) in the radial direction (R), and is in contact with the outer ring (11) at the outside (BO) in the width direction (B) of the rolling bearing (A) from the core bar (4). The inner end (10) of the conductive fiber body (8) in the radial direction (R) protrudes from the seal ring (2) to the inner side (RI) in the radial direction (R), and is in contact with the inner ring (12) on the outer side (BO) of the rolling bearing (A) in the width direction (B) from the core bar (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing seal for preventing electrical corrosion of a rolling bearing. Background Art

[0002] For example, in electric vehicle motors and reducer units, as well as inverter-driven motors outside of electric vehicles, current can leak and flow toward the rotating shaft. In these cases, the current can disrupt the lubricating oil film in the rolling bearings supporting the rotating shaft, flowing between the inner and outer rings and causing damage to the rolling surfaces of the rolling elements due to arcing.

[0003] As a bearing seal for preventing the electric corrosion of such a rolling bearing, there is a bearing seal provided with a conduction mechanism for conducting the inner ring and the outer ring (for example, see Patent Document 1). Figure 1-2 The conduction mechanism 19 is formed by embedding and holding a conductive material 18 having flexibility and conductivity in the elastic body 12 constituting the seal ring 10 a.

[0004] The protrusion 13, which serves as the outer diameter lip of the seal ring 10a, is retained in the retaining groove 9 of the outer ring 3. The radially outer end portions of each conductive material 18 protrude from the radially outer edge of the protrusion 13 and directly contact the inner surface of the retaining groove 9. The seal lip 14, which serves as the inner diameter lip of the seal ring 10a, slides within the seal groove 15 of the inner ring 5. The radially inner end portions of each conductive material 18 protrude from the radially inner edge of the seal lip 14 and directly contact the inner surface of the seal groove 15.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-79643

[0006] In the case of a bearing seal structure such as that of Patent Document 1, the conductive material 18 is embedded and retained in the elastomer 12 constituting the sealing ring 10a, the conductive material 18 is exposed from the radially outer end edge of the outer diameter side lip, and the conductive material 18 is exposed from the radially inner end edge of the inner diameter side lip, so that the conductive material 18 is in reliable contact with the outer ring 3 and the inner ring 5. It is very difficult to manufacture the above structure.

[0007] In Patent Document 1 Figure 1 In the case where the inner diameter side seal lip 14 is of a contact type, it is considered that only the conductive material 18 is in contact with the seal groove 15 of the inner ring 5 , and there is a concern that the seal may not function as a contact type seal. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to reduce the on-resistance and improve the stability of a bearing seal for preventing electrolytic corrosion in a rolling bearing, while also facilitating its manufacture. Furthermore, the present invention aims to maintain the sealing performance even in lip sliding contact type seals.

[0009] A bearing seal according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises a sealing ring and a conductive material. The sealing ring is annular and composed of a core metal and an elastomer. The conductive material contacts the outer ring and inner ring to facilitate electrical conduction. The elastomer has an outer diametrical lip extending radially outward and an inner diametrical lip extending radially inward. The outer diametrical lip is engaged in a locking groove in the outer ring. The inner diametrical lip can be a non-contact lip that does not contact the inner ring or a contact lip that contacts the inner ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber bundle held by the sealing ring, embedded in or bonded to the elastomer. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber bundle protrudes radially outward from the sealing ring and contacts the outer ring at a location further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the seal ring and contacts the inner ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal.

[0010] A bearing seal according to a second aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises a sealing ring and a conductive material. The sealing ring is annular and composed of a core metal and an elastomer. The conductive material contacts the outer and inner rings to facilitate electrical conduction. The elastomer has an inner diameter lip extending radially inward and an outer diameter lip extending radially outward. The inner diameter lip is engaged in a locking groove in the inner ring. The outer diameter lip can be a non-contact lip that does not contact the outer ring or a contact lip that contacts the outer ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber bundle held by the sealing ring, embedded in or bonded to the elastomer. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber bundle protrudes radially inward from the sealing ring and contacts the inner ring at a location on the outer side of the core metal in the width direction of the rolling bearing. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the seal ring and contacts the outer ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal.

[0011] According to the bearing seal structures of the first and second aspects, the conductive material that contacts the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing to provide electrical conduction between them is a conductive fiber body, which is a conductive fiber bundle and is held by the seal ring, embedded in or bonded to the elastomer of the seal ring. Furthermore, the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the seal ring and contacts the outer ring at a location outside the core in the width direction of the rolling bearing. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the seal ring and contacts the inner ring at a location outside the core in the width direction of the rolling bearing.

[0012] In other words, the conductive fiber body, independent of the elastic body, contacts the outer and inner rings, not through the elastic body. Furthermore, the radially inner end of the conductive fiber body slides on the inner ring, while the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body slides on the outer ring. This direct contact between the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, and the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing allows for electrical conduction. This reduces electrical resistance and provides superior stability compared to conductive rubbers made by mixing fillers (conductive substances) with rubber.

[0013] Furthermore, compared to bearing seals such as Patent Document 1, in which the conductive material within the outer diameter-side lip of the seal ring's elastomer contacts the outer ring, and the conductive material within the inner diameter-side lip of the seal ring's elastomer contacts the inner ring, this design allows for reliable contact between the conductive fiber body, the conductive material, and both the outer and inner rings. This significantly improves current flow stability and facilitates manufacturing. Furthermore, even in bearing seals with sliding lip contact, the conductive material does not protrude from the lip; it remains independent of the lip, thus preventing it from affecting sealing performance.

[0014] A bearing seal according to a third aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises an annular metal sealing plate and a conductive material bonded to the sealing plate. The radially outer end of the sealing plate is secured within a retaining groove in the outer ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body in the form of a conductive fiber bundle. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the sealing plate and contacts the inner ring at a position further outward of the sealing plate in the width direction of the rolling bearing.

[0015] A bearing seal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises an annular metal sealing plate and a conductive material bonded to the sealing plate. The radially inner end of the sealing plate is secured within a retaining groove in the inner ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body in the form of a conductive fiber bundle. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the sealing plate and contacts the outer ring at a position outside the sealing plate in the width direction of the rolling bearing.

[0016] According to the bearing seal structures according to the third and fourth aspects, the radially outer end of the annular metal sealing plate is retained within the retaining groove of the outer ring, and the radially inner end of the conductive fiber body, which is a conductive fiber bundle, joined to the sealing plate contacts the inner ring at a location outside the sealing plate in the width direction of the rolling bearing. Alternatively, the radially inner end of the annular metal sealing plate is retained within the retaining groove of the inner ring, and the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body, which is a conductive fiber bundle, joined to the sealing plate contacts the outer ring at a location outside the sealing plate in the width direction of the rolling bearing.

[0017] That is, the contact is not based on an elastomer, but rather on the conductive fiber body and the metal sealing plate contacting the inner and outer rings. Furthermore, the radially inner end of the conductive fiber body slides on the inner ring, or the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body slides on the outer ring. It is also easy to create a structure in which the conductive fiber body contacts both the inner and outer rings. In this case, the conductive fiber body, as a conductive fiber bundle, directly contacts the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, thereby conducting electricity. This reduces the on-state resistance and offers superior stability compared to conductive rubber made by mixing filler (conductive substance) with rubber. Furthermore, even in a structure in which the conductive fiber body does not contact one of the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, but the metal sealing plate contacts that one, the on-state resistance is reduced and the stability is superior to the above-mentioned conductive rubber.

[0018] In addition, compared with the bearing seal as described in Patent Document 1, in which the conductive material in the outer diameter side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring contacts the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner diameter side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring contacts the inner ring, the current conduction stability can be greatly improved and it is easy to manufacture.

[0019] A bearing seal according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the bearing seals according to the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein the conductive fiber body extends linearly in the radial direction.

[0020] According to the structure of the bearing seal according to the fifth aspect, the conductive fiber body as the conductive fiber bundle extends linearly in the radial direction. Therefore, the conductive fibers constituting the conductive fiber body are easily aggregated, and the production of the conductive fiber body is facilitated.

[0021] As described above, the bearing seal of the present invention, in a bearing seal for preventing electrolytic corrosion in rolling bearings, employs a structure in which a conductive fiber body, which is a conductive fiber bundle, is in direct contact with both the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing to conduct electricity, or a structure in which a metal sealing plate is in contact with one of the outer and inner rings without the conductive fiber body being in contact with the one. This reduces electrical resistance, improves stability, and facilitates manufacturing. Furthermore, even in bearing seals with a sliding lip, the conductive material does not protrude from the lip; the conductive material is independent of the lip, and therefore does not affect sealing performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which a conductive material is embedded in an elastic body and retained by a seal ring, and an inner diameter side lip of the elastic body is a non-contact lip.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the main parts of a rolling bearing.

[0024] Figure 3 When viewed from the direction of the rotation center axis Figure 1 The figure is obtained for the rolling bearing.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which a conductive material is held by a seal ring in a state of being bonded to an elastic body, and an inner diameter side lip of the elastic body is a non-contact lip.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the main parts of a rolling bearing.

[0027] Figure 6 When viewed from the direction of the rotation center axis Figure 4 The figure is obtained for the rolling bearing.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which a conductive material is held by a seal ring in a state of being bonded to an elastic body, and an inner diameter side lip of the elastic body serves as a contact lip.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the main parts of a rolling bearing.

[0030] Figure 9 When viewed from the direction of the rotation center axis Figure 7 The figure is obtained for the rolling bearing.

[0031] Figure 10 It means to make Figures 7 to 9 The conductive material in the bearing seal becomes Figures 1 to 3 This is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part of an example of a state in which the elastic body is embedded in this manner.

[0032] Figure 11 It means in Figures 1 to 3 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part of an example of a rolling bearing having no seal groove on the inner ring.

[0033] Figure 12 This is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing an example of a bearing seal composed of an annular metal seal plate and a conductive material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In this specification, the rotation center axis of the rolling bearing (for example, Figure 1 and Figure 3 The direction parallel to the direction of the reference numeral O) is referred to as the "width direction" (for example, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis of rotation is called the “radial direction” (e.g., referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The “circumferential direction” is defined relative to the direction of the central axis of rotation (e.g., referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 arrow C).

[0036] In this specification, the center of the rolling bearing in the width direction (for example, Figure 2 The width direction of the reference numeral D) is referred to as the "inner side in the width direction" (for example, referring to Figure 2 The width direction away from the center of the width direction is referred to as the "outer side of the width direction" (for example, refer to Figure 2 The radial direction close to the above-mentioned rotation center axis is referred to as the "radial inner side" (for example, referring to Figure 2 The radial direction away from the above-mentioned rotation center axis is called the "radial outer side" (for example, refer to Figure 2 Arrow RO).

[0037] [Rolling bearings]

[0038] Figures 1 to 12 The rolling bearing A shown includes an outer ring 11, an inner ring 12, rolling elements 13, a retainer 14, and a bearing seal 1. The rolling elements 13 roll between the raceway surfaces of the outer ring 11 and the raceway surfaces of the inner ring 12. The retainer 14 guides the rolling elements 13 at predetermined intervals and retains them rotatably.

[0039] [Bearing seals]

[0040] Figures 1 to 11 The bearing seal 1 shown is composed of an annular seal ring 2 and a conductive material 3 that is in contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 to provide electrical conduction between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 .

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 The bearing seal 1 shown shows an example in which the conductive material 3 is held by the seal ring 2 in a state of being embedded in the elastic body 5 , and the inner diameter side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a non-contact lip. Figures 4 to 6 The bearing seal 1 shown shows an example in which the conductive material 3 is held by the seal ring 2 in a state of being engaged with the elastic body 5 , and the inner diameter side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a non-contact lip. Figures 7 to 9 The illustrated bearing seal 1 shows an example in which the conductive material 3 is held by the seal ring 2 in a state of being engaged with the elastic body 5 , and the inner diameter side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a contact lip.

[0042] Figure 10 The bearing seal 1 shown shows the use of Figures 7 to 9 The conductive material 3 in the bearing seal 1 becomes as follows Figures 1 to 3 This is an example of a state where the elastic body 5 is embedded in this manner. Figure 11 The bearing seal 1 shown shows the Figures 1 to 3 This is an example of a rolling bearing A having no seal groove in the inner ring 12 .

[0043] Figures 1 to 11 The seal ring 2 shown is composed of a core metal 4 and an elastic body 5. The core metal 4 is made of a metal material, and the elastic body 5 is made of a rubber material. The elastic body 5 has an outer diameter side lip 6 extending toward the outer side RO in the radial direction R and an inner diameter side lip 7 extending toward the inner side RI in the radial direction R.

[0044] exist Figures 1 to 11 In the bearing seal 1 shown, Figure 2 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the outer diameter side lip 6 is locked in the locking groove 11A of the outer ring 11.

[0045] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the bearing seal 1 shown, Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the inner diameter side lip 7 is a non-contact lip located in the seal groove 12A of the inner ring 12. Figures 7 to 10 In the bearing seal 1 shown, Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the inner diameter side lip 7 is a contact lip that contacts the inner surface of the seal groove 12A of the inner ring 12. Figure 11 In the illustrated bearing seal 1, the inner diameter side lip 7 is a non-contact lip that faces the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 12, which does not have the seal groove 12A. The inner diameter side lip 7, which serves as either a non-contact lip or a contact lip, is located inwardly (B1) in the width direction (B) of the conductive material 3 and is independent of the conductive material 3.

[0046] By making the inner diameter side lip 7 a non-contact lip, the sliding torque can be reduced. By making the inner diameter side lip 7 a contact lip, although the sliding torque increases, the sealing performance can be improved.

[0047] exist Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In the bearing seal 1 shown, the conductive material 3 is embedded in the elastic body 5 and held by the seal ring 2. Figures 4 to 9 In the bearing seal 1 shown, the conductive material 3 is held by the seal ring 2 in a state of being bonded to the surface of the elastic body 5 on the outer side BO in the width direction B.

[0048] The conductive material 3 is a conductive fiber body 8 formed as a conductive fiber bundle. The conductive fibers may be carbon fibers or metal-coated chemical fibers. Examples of the metal coating the chemical fibers include copper, silver, and / or nickel. Carbon fibers may also be reinforced by mixing with a polyester resin or polyvinyl chloride resin.

[0049] exist Figures 1 to 11 In the bearing seal 1 shown, Figure 2 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R protrudes from the seal ring 2 toward the outer side RO in the radial direction R and contacts the outer ring 11 at a position BO on the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the retaining groove 11A of the outer ring 11. The inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R protrudes from the seal ring 2 toward the inner side RI in the radial direction R and contacts the inner ring 12 at a position BO on the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the core metal 4.

[0050] like Figure 3 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conductive fiber bodies 8 extend in the radial direction R and are held by the seal ring 2 in a state where they are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. Figures 1 to 11As shown, the conductive fiber body 8 as a conductive fiber bundle extends linearly in the radial direction R. Therefore, the conductive fibers constituting the conductive fiber body 8 are easily gathered together, and the production of the conductive fiber body 8 becomes easy.

[0051] Figure 12 The bearing seal 1 shown here consists of an annular metal sealing plate E and a conductive material 3 in contact with the outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 to facilitate electrical conduction between the two rings. The conductive material 3 is bonded to the outer side BO of the sealing plate E in the width direction B. The end of the sealing plate E on the outer side RO in the radial direction R is engaged within a locking groove 11A in the outer ring 11. An inner end 10 in the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes from the annular portion of the sealing plate E toward the inner side RI in the radial direction R and contacts the inner ring 12 at a position closer to the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A than the sealing plate E. Furthermore, an outer end 9 in the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes from the annular portion of the sealing plate E toward the outer side RO in the radial direction R and contacts the outer ring 11 at a position closer to the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A than the sealing plate E. In addition, the end portion RO of the sealing plate E on the outer side in the radial direction R is locked in the locking groove 11A of the outer ring 11, so that the sealing plate E and the outer ring 11 are electrically connected. Therefore, a structure can also be set so that the outer side end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 on the radial direction R does not contact the outer ring 11.

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 12 In the embodiment shown, for example, Figure 3 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 As shown, eight conductive fibrous bodies 8 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. The present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the number of conductive fibrous bodies 8 is not limited. It suffices that a conductive fibrous body 8 is in contact with the outer ring 11 and / or the inner ring 12 at a certain portion of the circumference, or the conductive fibrous bodies 8 may be connected along the entire circumference.

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 11 In the bearing seal 1 shown, the outer diameter side lip 6 of the elastic body 5 is locked in the locking groove 11A of the outer ring 11. Figure 12 In the bearing seal 1 shown, the radially outer end RO of the seal plate E is locked in the locking groove 11A of the outer ring 11. Therefore, the radially inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 slides on the inner ring 12, which is an inner ring sliding type.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to such a structure, and may also be an outer ring sliding type in which the outer end 9 in the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 slides on the outer ring 11. Figures 1 to 11 In the case of the outer ring sliding type of the bearing seal 1 shown, the inner diameter side lip of the elastic body 5 is locked in the locking groove of the inner ring 12, and the outer diameter side lip of the elastic body 5 is a non-contact lip that does not contact the outer ring 11, or a contact lip that contacts the outer ring 11. Figure 12In the case of the outer ring sliding type of the illustrated bearing seal 1 , the end portion on the inner side RI in the radial direction R of the seal plate E is locked in the locking groove of the inner ring 12 .

[0055] [Effects]

[0056] According to the embodiment of the present invention Figures 1 to 11 In the inner ring sliding type bearing seal 1 and the aforementioned outer ring sliding type bearing seal 1, the conductive material 3 in contact with the outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A is a conductive fiber body 8, which is a conductive fiber bundle and is held by the seal ring 2, embedded in or bonded to the elastomer 5 of the seal ring 2. Furthermore, an outer end 9 in the radial direction (R) of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes from the seal ring 2 toward the outer side (RO) of the radial direction (R) and contacts the outer ring 11 at a position farther outward (BO) from the core metal 4 in the width direction (B) of the rolling bearing A. An inner end 10 in the radial direction (R) of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes from the seal ring 2 toward the inner side (RI) of the radial direction (R) and contacts the inner ring 12 at a position farther outward (BO) from the core metal 4 in the width direction (B) of the rolling bearing A.

[0057] Specifically, the conductive fiber body 8 is in contact with the outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 independently of the elastic body, not through contact with the elastic body. Furthermore, the inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R slides on the inner ring 12, or the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R slides on the outer ring 11. This direct contact between the conductive fiber body 8, as a conductive fiber bundle, and the outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A allows for electrical conduction. This reduces electrical resistance and provides superior stability compared to conductive rubbers made by mixing fillers (conductive substances) with rubber.

[0058] Furthermore, compared to the bearing seal of Patent Document 1, in which the conductive material in the outer diameter side lip of the seal ring's elastic body contacts the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner diameter side lip of the seal ring's elastic body contacts the inner ring, the conductive fiber body 8 as the conductive material 3 can be reliably contacted with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, thereby significantly improving the current flow stability and facilitating manufacturing. Figures 7 to 10 In such a bearing seal of the lip sliding contact type, the conductive material 3 does not protrude from the lip. The conductive material 3 is independent of the lip, and therefore the conductive material 3 does not affect the sealing performance.

[0059] According to the embodiment of the present invention Figure 12The inner ring sliding type bearing seal 1 and the outer ring sliding type bearing seal 1 thereof, in a state where the end RO of the outer side in the radial direction R of the annular metal sealing plate E is retained in the retaining groove 11A of the outer ring 11, or the end RI of the inner side in the radial direction R of the annular metal sealing plate E is retained in the retaining groove 12, the inner end 10 of the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 as a conductive fiber bundle joined to the sealing plate E contacts the inner ring 12 at the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A closer to the sealing plate E, and the outer end 9 of the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 contacts the outer ring 11 at the outer side BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A closer to the sealing plate E.

[0060] In other words, the conductive fiber body 8 is in contact with the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 11, not with an elastic body. Therefore, the conductive fiber body 8, which is a conductive fiber bundle, directly contacts the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A, thereby conducting electricity. This reduces the electrical resistance and provides excellent stability compared to conductive rubber made by mixing fillers (conductive substances) with rubber.

[0061] In addition, compared with the bearing seal as described in Patent Document 1, in which the conductive material in the outer diameter side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring contacts the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner diameter side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring contacts the inner ring, the current conduction stability can be greatly improved and it is easy to manufacture.

[0062] The above embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Description of Reference Numerals

[0064] 1…bearing seal; 2…sealing ring; 3…conductive material; 4…core; 5…elastomer; 6…outer diameter side lip; 7…inner diameter side lip; 8…conductive fiber body; 9…radial outer end; 10…radial inner end; 11…outer ring; 11A…retaining groove; 12…inner ring; 12A…sealing groove; 13…rolling element; 14…retainer; A…rolling bearing; B…width direction; BI…inside; BO…outside; C…circumferential direction; D…center in width direction; E…metal sealing plate; O…rotational center axis; R…radial direction; RI…inside; RO…outside.

Claims

1. A bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements, characterized in that: The bearing seal is composed of a sealing ring and a conductive material. The sealing ring is composed of a core metal and an elastomer and is annular. The conductive material is in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring to make the outer ring and the inner ring conductive. The elastic body has an outer diameter side lip extending radially outward and an inner diameter side lip extending radially inward. The outer diameter side lip is locked in the locking groove of the outer ring. The inner diameter side lip is a non-contact lip that does not contact the inner ring, or a contact lip that contacts the inner ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body as a conductive fiber bundle held by the sealing ring in a state of being embedded in the elastic body or in a state of being bonded to the elastic body. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the seal ring and contacts the outer ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the seal ring and contacts the inner ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal.

2. A bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements, characterized in that: The bearing seal is composed of a sealing ring and a conductive material. The sealing ring is composed of a core metal and an elastomer and is annular. The conductive material is in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring to make the outer ring and the inner ring conductive. The elastic body has an inner diameter side lip extending radially inward and an outer diameter side lip extending radially outward. The inner diameter side lip is locked in the locking groove of the inner ring. The outer diameter side lip is a non-contact lip that does not contact the outer ring, or a contact lip that contacts the outer ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body as a conductive fiber bundle held by the sealing ring in a state of being embedded in the elastic body or in a state of being bonded to the elastic body. The radial inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the seal ring and contacts the inner ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the seal ring and contacts the outer ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the core metal.

3. A bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements, characterized in that: The bearing seal is composed of an annular metal sealing plate and a conductive material bonded to the sealing plate. The radially outer end of the sealing plate is locked in the locking groove of the outer ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body as a conductive fiber bundle, The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inward from the sealing plate and contacts the inner ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the sealing plate.

4. A bearing seal for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements, characterized in that: The bearing seal is composed of an annular metal sealing plate and a conductive material bonded to the sealing plate. The radial inner end of the sealing plate is locked in the locking groove of the inner ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body as a conductive fiber bundle, The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outward from the sealing plate and contacts the outer ring at a position further outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing than the sealing plate.

5. The bearing seal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The conductive fiber body extends linearly in a radial direction.

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