Rolling bearing, rotary device, and manufacturing method of rolling bearing

Abstract

Provided is a rolling bearing capable of achieving low torque. A bearing (1) includes: an inner ring (10) and an outer ring (20) disposed coaxially with each other; a rolling element (30) disposed between the inner ring (10) and the outer ring (20); a seal member covering between the inner ring (10) and the outer ring (20) from the outer side in the axial direction; and a filled grease (60) disposed between the rolling element (30) and the seal member. The filled grease (60) includes: a race contact portion (61) disposed along a circumferential direction centered on a common axis (O) of the inner ring (10) and the outer ring (20) and in contact with the outer ring (20); and a seal contact portion (62) disposed along the circumferential direction, connected to the race contact portion (61) on the outer side in the axial direction, and in contact with the seal member. At least either one of the race contact portion (61) and the seal contact portion (62) has particles (64, 65) disposed in a dot shape over the entire circumference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to rolling bearings, rotating equipment, and methods for manufacturing rolling bearings. Background Technology

[0002] Rolling bearings have traditionally been characterized by grease being held between a pair of rings (inner and outer rings). In such bearings, the resistance of the grease can sometimes be a major factor contributing to increased torque. However, in rolling bearings, low torque is desired for the purpose of energy saving in the rotating equipment they are mounted on. This demand for low torque is particularly strong in small rolling bearings used in various motors, such as fan motors.

[0003] Therefore, in order to reduce the torque of a rolling bearing, grease is applied to the axial end of the fixed ring (in most cases the outer ring) of the rolling bearing or to the sealing member disposed at that end, in order to reduce the amount of grease in contact with the rotating body (balls) and the retainer holding the rotating body (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the rolling bearing described in Patent Document 1, grease is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring that avoids contact with the rotating body, and is filled in an annular shape towards the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring in a manner that does not contact the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-204679. Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, one method of applying grease in a ring shape to the bearing ring involves rotating the nozzle and the bearing ring relative to each other while the grease is being dispensed from the nozzle. However, when the grease is applied in a ring shape for one revolution, the grease may slowly deform due to its own weight immediately after application. In this case, the grease may need to come into direct contact with the rotating parts and the retainer, causing the torque of the rolling bearing to exceed the desired torque.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a rolling bearing capable of achieving low torque, a rotating device, and a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing.

[0010] [Solution to the problem]

[0011] The rolling bearing of the present invention comprises: an inner ring and an outer ring coaxially arranged with respect to each other; a rotating body disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; a sealing member covering the space between the inner ring and the outer ring from the axially outer side; and a grease disposed between the rotating body and the sealing member, the grease comprising: a ring contact portion disposed along a circumferential direction centered on a common axis of the inner ring and the outer ring, and in contact with one of the inner ring and the outer ring; and a sealing member contact portion disposed along the circumferential direction, connected to the ring contact portion on the axially outer side, and in contact with the sealing member, at least one of the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion having particles arranged in a dotted pattern over the entire circumference.

[0012] According to the present invention, when filling with the desired amount of grease, compared to applying grease only about one circumference, the volume of the ring contact portion can be reduced by the amount of grease forming the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion. Therefore, by forming the ring contact portion before the sealing member contact portion when applying the grease, deformation of the ring contact portion due to its own weight is less likely to occur. Furthermore, by providing the sealing member contact portion, the sealing member contact portion is supported by the sealing member, and the ring contact portion is supported not only by one of the inner and outer rings, but also by the sealing member through the sealing member contact portion. Therefore, the grease as a whole is less likely to deform from its immediately applied shape due to its own weight. Thus, it is possible to prevent the grease from needing to contact the rotating body and the retainer excessively.

[0013] Here, we focus on the contact portion of the ferrule and the contact portion of the sealing member. According to the present invention, since the granules are supported by the inner ring, the outer ring or the sealing member, and the contact portion of the ferrule and the contact portion of the sealing member, the grease is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight, compared to a configuration where the grease is arranged in a dotted pattern around the circumference and supported by one of the inner ring, the outer ring or the sealing member. Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the same amount of grease as the grease of the present invention is arranged in a circumferential pattern, the portion of the grease near the rotating body and the retainer is dispersed, thus reducing the amount of grease that can contact the rotating body and the retainer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the grease from necessarily contacting the rotating body and the retainer.

[0014] Therefore, low torque can be achieved in rolling bearings.

[0015] Furthermore, by batch-forming grease particles from a nozzle with multiple discharge holes along the circumference, the time required for grease application can be shortened compared to a method of applying grease circumferentially. Therefore, according to the present invention, at least one of the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion has grease particles arranged in a dotted pattern over the entire circumference, thus shortening the time required for grease application compared to applying grease circumferentially twice.

[0016] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, both the raceway contact portion and the sealing member contact portion can be arranged in a point-like configuration.

[0017] According to the present invention, both the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion are less likely to deform from their freshly applied shape due to their own weight. Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion are each arranged in a circumferential pattern with the same amount of grease as the grease of the present invention, the portions of the grease near the rotating body and the retainer are dispersed, thus further reducing the amount of grease that can contact the rotating body and the retainer. Consequently, low torque in the rolling bearing can be achieved.

[0018] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the particles in the contact portion of the sealing member can also be configured to be offset in the circumferential direction relative to the particles in the contact portion of the raceway.

[0019] According to the present invention, the sealing member contact portion can be configured such that the particles of the sealing member contact portion enter between a pair of particles of the ring contact portion. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the particles of the ring contact portion and the particles of the sealing member contact portion are arranged without deviation from each other in the circumferential direction, the ring contact portion is less likely to be pushed axially inward by the sealing member contact portion (pushed axially outward by the sealing member). Consequently, the ring contact portion is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape.

[0020] Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the particles in the contact portion of the ferrule and the particles in the contact portion of the sealing member are arranged in a manner in which they do not deviate from each other in the circumferential direction, it is possible to suppress the overall axial increase of the grease and to increase the total amount of the grease.

[0021] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the number of particles in the contact portion of the sealing member can also be the same as the number of particles in the contact portion of the raceway.

[0022] According to the present invention, each of the particles in the ferrule contact portion contacts a pair of particles in the sealing member contact portion. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the particles in the ferrule contact portion and the particles in the sealing member contact portion are arranged in a manner where they are not misaligned in the circumferential direction, the contact area between the ferrule contact portion and the sealing member contact portion can be increased, and the ferrule contact portion can be stably maintained by the sealing member contact portion in contact with the sealing member. Consequently, the ferrule contact portion is less prone to deformation from its initial shape after coating.

[0023] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the particles in the contact portion of the sealing member may also be formed to be smaller in the radial direction centered on the common axis than the particles in the contact portion of the raceway that are in contact with the particles.

[0024] According to the present invention, the volume of each particle in the contact portion of the ferrule can be made smaller than the volume of each particle in the contact portion of the sealing member. This reduces the amount of grease in the ferrule contact portion that can contact the rotating body and the retainer. Consequently, it prevents the grease from needing to contact the rotating body and the retainer excessively.

[0025] Furthermore, due to the increased volume of each particle at the contact portion of the sealing member, the supporting force of the sealing member on the contact portion of the sealing member increases, thus increasing the retention force of the entire grease, including the contact portion of the ring. Therefore, the grease is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight.

[0026] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the contact portion of the raceway may also have the granules, and the contact portion of the sealing member may extend circumferentially.

[0027] According to the present invention, compared to a configuration where the contact portion of the sealing member has particles arranged in a dotted pattern across its entire circumference, the contact area between the contact portion of the sealing member and the sealing member can be increased, thus increasing the supporting force of the sealing member on the contact portion of the sealing member. This, in turn, increases the retaining force of the grease throughout the entire lubricant, including the ring contact portion. Consequently, the grease is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight.

[0028] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, one of the inner ring and the outer ring can also be configured as a fixed ring.

[0029] According to the present invention, the grease contacts the retaining ring, thus suppressing the centrifugal force acting on the grease during the rotation of the rolling bearing and preventing the grease from deforming from its freshly applied shape. Therefore, low torque in the rolling bearing can be achieved.

[0030] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, one of the inner ring and the outer ring may also be the outer ring.

[0031] According to the present invention, even when the grease rotates and centrifugal force acts on the grease during the rotation of the rolling bearing, the outer ring can constrain the grease's radial outward displacement, thus maintaining the grease in its freshly applied shape. Consequently, low torque in the rolling bearing can be achieved.

[0032] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the sealing member can also be installed on one of the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0033] According to the present invention, since one of the inner and outer rings and the sealing member is configured not to rotate relative to each other, the grease in contact with both can be prevented from being agitated. Therefore, the grease can be maintained in its freshly applied shape. Consequently, low torque in the rolling bearing can be achieved.

[0034] In the aforementioned rolling bearing, the sealing member contact portion may also be arranged relative to the raceway contact portion on the opposite side of one of the inner ring and the outer ring in the radial direction centered on the common axis.

[0035] According to the present invention, compared to a configuration where the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion are arranged side by side along the axial direction, a space for arranging the ring contact portion is provided on one side of the inner and outer rings in the radial direction relative to the sealing member contact portion, and the ring contact portion can be arranged further outward in the axial direction. This prevents the grease from needing to contact the rotating body and the retainer excessively. Consequently, low torque in the rolling bearing can be achieved.

[0036] The aforementioned rolling bearing may also include other greases disposed on the side opposite to the grease in the axial direction relative to the rotating body.

[0037] According to the present invention, interference between other greases and the contact portions of the bearing races and sealing components, which could lead to grease deformation, can be avoided, and the total amount of grease disposed in the bearing can be increased by using other greases. Therefore, a bearing with a long service life can be provided.

[0038] The rotating device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a rotating body rotatably configured; a support body rotatably supporting the rotating body; and the aforementioned rolling bearing located between the rotating body and the support body.

[0039] According to the present invention, since it has a low-torque rolling bearing, the rotational resistance of the rotating body to the support body can be reduced, and the power saving of the rotating equipment can be achieved.

[0040] The method for manufacturing a rolling bearing according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first coating step in which grease is dispensed from a first nozzle at a first coating position to form the contact portion of the raceway; and a second coating step in which grease is dispensed from a second nozzle at a second coating position different from the first coating position to form the contact portion of the sealing member.

[0041] According to the present invention, the cycle time at each coating location can be shortened. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of bearings can be improved. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of applying grease in a ring shape while rotating the bearing, a mechanism for radially driving the nozzle relative to the bearing is unnecessary, thus simplifying the structure of the grease application apparatus.

[0042] [Invention Effects]

[0043] According to the present invention, a rolling bearing capable of achieving low torque, a rotating device, and a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the grease application method according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 It is a plan view illustrating the application method of lubricating grease.

[0049] Figure 6 It is a plan view illustrating the application method of lubricating grease.

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0051] Figure 8 It is a plan view illustrating the application method of lubricating grease.

[0052] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along the IX-IX line.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along the XI-XI line.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the rolling bearing according to the third embodiment.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the rolling bearing according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Also, sometimes repeated descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0058] [First Implementation]

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 9 This describes the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The illustration of the sealing member 50, which will be described later, is omitted in the text. Additionally, in... Figure 3 In the image, the components on which the rolling bearing 1 is mounted are shown using virtual lines.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the rolling bearing 1 is a ball bearing comprising an inner ring 10 and an outer ring 20 as raceways, a plurality of rotating bodies 30, a retainer 40, a pair of sealing members 50, and a grease 60 filling lubricant. The rolling bearing 1 is installed in a rotating device 2 such as a fan motor. The rotating device 2 comprises: a shaft 3 (rotating body) rotatably formed about a common axis O; and a frame 4 (support body) fixedly set and rotatably supporting the shaft 3. The rolling bearing 1 is located between the shaft 3 and the frame 4. Furthermore, the rolling bearing will sometimes be referred to simply as a bearing below. In addition, in this embodiment, the grease in its state before being filled into the bearing 1 will be referred to simply as grease, and the grease in its state after being filled into the bearing 1 by applying grease will be referred to as filling grease 60.

[0062] The inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 are coaxially arranged so that their respective central axes are arranged on a common axis O. In this embodiment, the direction in which the common axis O extends is called the axial direction, the direction that is orthogonal to the common axis O and extends radially from the common axis O is called the radial direction, and the direction that surrounds the common axis O is called the circumferential direction.

[0063] The inner ring 10 is configured as a rotating ring. The inner ring 10 is inserted into and fixed to the shaft 3 from the outside. The outer ring 20 is configured as a fixed ring. The outer ring 20 is embedded in a recess (or through hole) of the frame 4 and fixed to the frame 4. The outer ring 20 surrounds the inner ring 10 radially from the outside, with an annular space between it and the inner ring 10. A plurality of rotating bodies 30 are disposed between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 and are rotatably held by a retainer 40. With the plurality of rotating bodies 30 evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, the retainer 40 rotatably holds each rotating body 30. A sealing member 50 covers the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 from the axial outside.

[0064] The outer ring 20 is formed in a circular shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. However, the outer ring 20 is not limited to metal and can be made of other materials. The outer ring 20 has an outer ring body 21 with an axial width equal to the axial width of the inner ring 10, and a protrusion 22 protruding radially inward from the outer ring body 21. The protrusion 22 is formed in the axially central portion of the outer ring body 21. The axial width of the protrusion 22 is shorter than the axial width of the outer ring body 21 and greater than the outer diameter of the rotating body 30.

[0065] An outer ring rotating surface 23, recessed radially outward, is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22. The outer ring rotating surface 23 is hemispherical in cross-sectional view along the outer surface of the rotating body 30, and is formed as an annulus extending circumferentially over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22. The outer ring rotating surface 23 is formed in the central portion of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22 located axially. The portion of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22 other than the outer ring rotating surface 23 extends axially with a constant inner diameter. The protrusion 22 has a pair of end faces 22a facing axially. Each end face 22a extends parallel to both radial and circumferential directions.

[0066] The outer ring body 21 has a pair of inner circumferential surfaces 21a extending from the outer periphery of each end face 22a of the protrusion 22 to the opening edge of the outer ring 20. The portion of each inner circumferential surface 21a located axially inner is located radially outer compared to the portion located axially outer.

[0067] The inner ring 10 is formed in a circular shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. However, the inner ring 10 is not limited to metal and can be formed from other materials. An inner ring rotation surface 11 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 10, which is recessed radially inward. The inner ring rotation surface 11 is formed in a hemispherical shape when viewed in cross-section along the outer surface of the rotating body 30, and is formed as a ring extending in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface. The inner ring rotation surface 11 is formed in the axially central portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 10 and is arranged to be radially opposed to the outer ring rotation surface 23. The portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 10, excluding the inner ring rotation surface 11, extends axially with a constant outer diameter.

[0068] Multiple rotating bodies 30 are formed in a spherical shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. The multiple rotating bodies 30 are disposed between the outer rotating surface 23 and the inner rotating surface 11, and are rotatably supported by the outer rotating surface 23 and the inner rotating surface 11.

[0069] The retainer 40 is formed in a ring shape from synthetic resin or metal. The retainer 40 is arranged centered on a common axis O. The retainer 40 includes: a main body 41 formed in a ring shape and disposed on the opposite side of the axial direction relative to the plurality of rotating bodies 30; and a plurality of pairs of claw portions 42 erected from the main body 41 toward one side of the axial direction. Each pair of claw portions 42 rotatably holds one rotating body 30. The pair of claw portions 42 are erected in an arc shape from the main body 41 toward the front end, approaching each other at a distance. The retainer 40 is arranged with a gap between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 so as not to interfere with them. In this embodiment, the retainer 40 is located axially inside the pair of end faces 22a of the protrusions 22 of the outer ring 20.

[0070] The sealing member 50 is formed in the shape of an annular plate. The sealing member 50 is arranged centered on a common axis O. The sealing member 50 is mounted on the outer ring 20. One sealing member 50 is arranged on each side of the plurality of rotating bodies 30 in the axial direction. The sealing member 50 includes: a base 51 that overlaps with the end face 22a of the protrusion 22 of the outer ring 20 from the outer axial direction; a stepped portion 52 extending axially outward from the inner periphery of the base 51; a cover portion 53 protruding radially inward from the outer axial end edge of the stepped portion 52; and a snap-fit ​​portion 54 extending radially outward and axially outward from the outer periphery of the base 51. The sealing member 50 extends radially such that, when viewed from above, it at least crosses the center of the rotating body 30. In this embodiment, the cover portion 53 overlaps with the center of the rotating body 30 when viewed from above. However, the stepped portion 52 may also extend axially outward and radially inward from the inner periphery of the base 51 and overlap with the center of the rotating body 30 when viewed from above. The inner periphery of the cover portion 53 is positioned with a gap between it and the outer periphery of the inner ring 10. The outer periphery of the snap-fit ​​portion 54 snaps into the inner periphery 21a of the outer ring body 21 from the axial inner side. Thus, the sealing member 50 is fixed to the outer ring 20.

[0071] A filler grease 60 is disposed between the rotating body 30 and the sealing member 50. The filler grease 60 is disposed only on the axial side relative to the rotating body 30 within the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20. In this embodiment, the filler grease 60 is disposed on the axial side relative to the rotating body 30. That is, the filler grease 60 is disposed on the side opposite to the main body 41 of the retainer 40, axially sandwiching the rotating body 30. The filler grease 60 is arranged in a ring shape when viewed from above and is coaxially arranged with the common axis O. The filler grease 60 contacts the outer ring 20, which serves as a fixing ring, and is separate from the inner ring 10, which serves as a rotating ring. Furthermore, the filler grease 60 is separate from both the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40. However, the filler grease 60 may also contact at least one of the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40.

[0072] The grease filler 60 includes, integrally formed, a ring contact portion 61 that contacts the outer ring 20; and a sealing member contact portion 62 that is connected to the ring contact portion 61 and contacts the sealing member 50. The ring contact portion 61 is arranged circumferentially at predetermined radial and axial positions. The ring contact portion 61 contacts a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22 of the outer ring 20 that is axially outermost than the outer ring rotating surface 23. The sealing member contact portion 62 is arranged circumferentially at predetermined radial and axial positions different from the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62 is separate from the outer ring 20 that is contacted by the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62 is arranged on the side radially opposite to the outer ring 20 (i.e., radially innermost) relative to the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62 is directly connected to the ring contact portion 61 and integrally formed on the axially outermost side. The sealing member contact portion 62 is connected throughout the entire circumference of the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62 contacts the axially inward-facing surface of the sealing member 50, thereby being supported by the sealing member 50. The sealing member contact portion 62 contacts the inner surface of the cover portion 53 of the sealing member 50.

[0073] The ring contact portion 61 has first particles 64 arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. The first particles 64 are formed with the same shape. Each first particle 64 has a shape where a portion of the grease, in a spherical, ellipsoidal, or teardrop shape, contacts and is crushed upon contact with surrounding components. Thus, the exposed portion of the outer surface of the first particle 64 is formed as a convex curved surface. The first particles 64 are arranged circumferentially. A pair of adjacent first particles 64 in the circumferential direction contacts each other and is integrated. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, adjacent pairs of first particles 64 may make point contact with each other, but they may also contact each other and be crushed. However, a pair of adjacent first particles 64 in the circumferential direction may also be separated from each other. Each first particle 64 contacts the outer ring 20. The contact portions of the first particles 64 and the outer ring 20 are arranged side-by-side at intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0074] The sealing member contact portion 62 has second particles 65 arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. The number of second particles 65 is the same as that of first particles 64. The second particles 65 are formed in the same shape. Each second particle 65 has a shape where a portion of the spherical, elliptical, or teardrop-shaped grease is crushed upon contact with the surrounding component. Thus, the exposed portion of the outer surface of the second particle 65 is formed as a convex curved surface. Each second particle 65 is arranged circumferentially. Each second particle 65 is configured to be offset relative to the first particles 64 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, viewed axially, each second particle 65 is configured such that a straight line passing through the center of the second particle 65 and its common axis O passes through the midpoint of the respective centers of an adjacent pair of first particles 64. Each second particle 65 is integrated with the ring contact portion 61. Each second particle 65 contacts a pair of first particles 64. Each second particle 65 contacts the sealing member 50. A pair of adjacent second particles 65 in the circumferential direction are in contact with each other and integrated. However, a pair of adjacent second particles 65 in the circumferential direction can also be separated from each other. The second particle 65 is formed to be larger than the first particle 64 in the radial direction. Thus, the volume of the second particle 65 is larger than the volume of the first particle 64.

[0075] Next, as a method for manufacturing the bearing 1 in this embodiment, the method for applying lubricating grease will be described.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the grease application method according to the first embodiment.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the grease application method of this embodiment includes a first application step S10 and a second application step S20.

[0078] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 It is a plan view illustrating the application method of lubricating grease. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along line VII-VII. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along the IX-IX line.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the first coating process S10 is performed when the sealing member 50 is not installed on the outer ring 20. That is, the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 is open axially, and grease is applied while the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40 are exposed.

[0080] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the first coating step S10, a first nozzle with multiple grease discharge holes formed along the circumferential direction is brought close to the outer ring 20, and grease G1 is discharged from the first nozzle. At this time, the position of the first nozzle is adjusted so that the discharged grease G1 contacts the axial end of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22 of the outer ring 20. The grease G1 discharged from each discharge hole becomes a first particle 64. As a result, a ring contact portion 61 having the first particle 64 is formed.

[0081] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the second coating step S20, a second nozzle with multiple grease discharge holes formed along the circumferential direction is brought close to the outer ring 20, and grease G2 is discharged from the second nozzle. Furthermore, the second nozzle used in this step has discharge holes formed further radially inward than the discharge holes of the first nozzle used in the first coating step S10. The discharged grease G2 contacts the ring contact portion 61 from both the axially outer and radially inner sides, and the position of the second nozzle is adjusted so that the coated grease G2 protrudes further axially outward than the ring contact portion 61. The grease G2 discharged from each discharge hole becomes a second particle 65. Thus, a sealing member contact portion 62 having the second particles 65 is formed.

[0082] The grease is applied in the above manner. Then, the sealing member 50 is inserted from the outer axial direction into the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20, thereby installing the sealing member 50 on the outer ring 20. At this time, the grease applied in the second application step S20 comes into contact with the cover portion 53 of the sealing member 50, becoming... Figure 2 The state shown.

[0083] As explained above, the bearing 1 of this embodiment includes a filling grease 60, which has: a ring contact portion 61 arranged in the circumferential direction and in contact with the outer ring 20; and a sealing member contact portion 62 arranged in the circumferential direction, connected to the ring contact portion 61 on the axially outer side and in contact with the sealing member 50. According to this configuration, when filling a desired amount of grease, compared to the case where the grease is applied only approximately around the circumference, the volume of the ring contact portion 61 can be reduced by the amount of grease formed in the ring contact portion 61 and the sealing member contact portion 62. Therefore, when applying grease, by forming the ring contact portion 61 before the sealing member contact portion 62, the ring contact portion 61 is less likely to deform due to its own weight. Furthermore, by providing the sealing member contact portion 62, the sealing member contact portion 62 is supported by the sealing member 50, and the ring contact portion 61 is supported not only by the outer ring 20 but also by the sealing member 50 via the sealing member contact portion 62. Therefore, the filler grease 60 is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the filler grease 60 from needing to come into contact with the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ring contact portion 61 has first particles 64 arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. According to this configuration, the first particles 64 are supported by the outer ring 20 and the sealing member contact portion 62. Therefore, compared to a configuration where grease arranged in a dotted pattern around the circumference is supported by one of the inner ring 10, outer ring 20, and sealing member 50, the filler grease 60 is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight. The same applies to the sealing member contact portion 62. Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the same amount of grease as in this embodiment is arranged circumferentially, the portion of the filler grease 60 near the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40 is dispersed, thus reducing the amount of grease that can contact the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filler grease 60 from necessarily contacting the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40.

[0085] Therefore, low torque can be achieved for bearing 1.

[0086] Furthermore, the second particle 65 is configured to be offset from the first particle 64 in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the sealing member contact portion 62 can be positioned such that the second particle 65 enters between the pair of first particles 64. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the first and second particles are not offset from each other in the circumferential direction, the ring contact portion 61 is less likely to be pushed axially inward by the sealing member contact portion 62 (which is pushed axially outward by the sealing member 50). Consequently, the ring contact portion 61 is less likely to deform from its original shape immediately after application.

[0087] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the first and second particles are arranged without deviation from each other in the circumferential direction, it is possible to suppress the overall axial increase of the filler grease 60 and to increase the total amount of the filler grease 60.

[0088] Furthermore, the number of second particles 65 is the same as that of first particles 64. According to this configuration, a pair of second particles 65 contact each first particle 64. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the first and second particles are arranged without deviation from each other in the circumferential direction, the contact area between the ring contact portion 61 and the sealing member contact portion 62 can be increased, and the ring contact portion 61 can be stably maintained by the sealing member contact portion 62 in contact with the sealing member 50. Consequently, the ring contact portion 61 is less likely to deform from its shape immediately after coating.

[0089] Furthermore, the second particle 65 is formed to be radially smaller than the first particle 64 that is in contact with it. With this configuration, the volume of each first particle 64 can be smaller than the volume of each second particle 65. This reduces the amount of grease in the ring contact portion 61 that can contact the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40. Consequently, it prevents the filler grease 60 from needing to contact the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40 more than necessary.

[0090] Furthermore, due to the increased volume of each second particle 65, the supporting force of the sealing member 50 on the sealing member contact portion 62 increases, thereby increasing the retaining force of the entire filled grease 60, including the ring contact portion 61. Therefore, the filled grease 60 is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight.

[0091] Furthermore, an outer ring 20 is provided as the retaining ring, which is in contact with the filler grease 60. With this configuration, the filler grease 60 contacts the retaining ring, thus suppressing the centrifugal force acting on the filler grease 60 during bearing 1 rotation and preventing deformation of the filler grease 60 from its initial shape after application. Therefore, low torque in the bearing 1 can be achieved.

[0092] The sealing member 50 is installed on the outer ring 20, which is in contact with the filling grease 60. With this configuration, the outer ring 20 and the sealing member 50 are arranged so that they do not rotate relative to each other, thus preventing the filling grease 60 in contact with both from being agitated. Therefore, the filling grease 60 can be maintained in its freshly applied shape. Consequently, low torque of the bearing 1 can be achieved.

[0093] The sealing member contact portion 62 is disposed on the side radially opposite to the outer ring 20 relative to the race contact portion 61. According to this configuration, compared to a configuration where the race contact portion 61 and the sealing member contact portion 62 are arranged axially, a space for arranging the race contact portion 61 is provided radially outward of the sealing member contact portion 62, allowing the race contact portion 61 to be disposed further outward axially. This prevents the filling grease 60 from needing to contact the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40 more than necessary. Therefore, a low torque in the bearing 1 can be achieved.

[0094] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the sealing member 50 engages with the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 20. In a conventional configuration where grease is arranged approximately circumferentially, if the grease is positioned further away from the rotating body to prevent deformation due to its own weight and to ensure necessary contact with the rotating body and retainer, the grease may be crushed by the sealing member and leak from the gap between the outer periphery of the sealing member and the outer ring. According to this embodiment, the sealing member contact portion 62, located axially outward compared to the ring contact portion 61, is positioned on the opposite side of the sealing member 50 from the outer periphery, thus suppressing leakage of the sealing member contact portion 62 from the gap between the outer periphery of the sealing member 50 and the outer ring 20. Therefore, grease leakage from the bearing 1 can be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, the rotating device 2 of this embodiment has the aforementioned bearing 1, which reduces the rotational resistance of the shaft 3 to the frame 4 and enables the rotating device 2 to save power.

[0096] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of bearing 1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable to perform the first coating step S10 and the second coating step S20 at different coating positions. That is, the first coating step S10 is performed at the first coating position, the bearing that has completed the first coating step S10 is transported to the second coating position, and the second coating step S20 is performed at the second coating position. Alternatively, the first coating step S10 can be performed on the next bearing at the first coating position while the second coating step S20 is being performed. According to this method, the cycle time at each coating position can be shortened. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of bearing 1 can be improved.

[0097] [Second Implementation]

[0098] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0099] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along the XI-XI line. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In order to facilitate observation of the internal structure of bearing 1A, the diagram of sealing component 50 is omitted.

[0100] exist Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the sealing member contact portion 62 filled with grease 60 has second particles 65 arranged in a dotted pattern over the entire circumference. In contrast, in Figure 10In the second embodiment shown, the difference from the first embodiment is that the sealing member contact portion 62A extends in a circumferential shape. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0101] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the sealing member contact portion 62A is arranged circumferentially at predetermined positions, different from the ring contact portion 61, in both the radial and axial directions. The sealing member contact portion 62A extends circumferentially around a common axis O. The sealing member contact portion 62A is separate from the outer ring 20. In a top view, the inner periphery of the sealing member contact portion 62A is located radially inward compared to the radially inward end edges of each of the first particles 64 of the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62A is directly connected to the ring contact portion 61 on the axially outward side and is integrally formed. The sealing member contact portion 62A is connected to all the first particles 64 of the ring contact portion 61. The sealing member contact portion 62A contacts the axially inward-facing surface of the sealing member 50, thereby being supported by the sealing member 50. The sealing member contact portion 62A contacts the inner surface of the cover portion 53 of the sealing member 50.

[0102] The grease ejected from the nozzle is applied in a circumferential pattern of 360° or more to form a sealing member contact portion 62A. When viewed from above, the sealing member contact portion 62A extends continuously across the entire circumference without any interruptions. The sealing member contact portion 62A extends from one circumferential end 62Aa to another circumferential end 62Ab, centered on a common axis O, at a distance of 360° or more but less than 720°. Thus, when viewed from above, the sealing member contact portions 62A have overlapping portions. However, the sealing member contact portion 62A may also extend in an arc shape when viewed from above, forming an interruption.

[0103] Based on this configuration, compared to a configuration where the sealing member contact portion has particles arranged in a dotted pattern across the entire circumference, the contact area between the sealing member contact portion 62A and the sealing member 50 can be increased, thus increasing the supporting force of the sealing member 50 on the sealing member contact portion 62A. This, in turn, increases the overall retaining force of the filler grease 60, including the ring contact portion 61. Consequently, the filler grease 60 is less likely to deform from its freshly applied shape due to its own weight.

[0104] [Third Implementation]

[0105] Reference Figure 12 The third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Furthermore, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0106] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the rolling bearing according to the third embodiment.

[0107] exist Figure 12 In the third embodiment shown, bearing 1B includes a grease 66 in addition to the filler grease 60. The grease 66 is disposed on the side opposite to the filler grease 60 in the axial direction relative to the rotating body 30. That is, the grease 66 is disposed on the same side in the axial direction as the main body 41 of the retainer 40 relative to the rotating body 30. The grease 66 is disposed between the rotating body 30 and the sealing member 50. The grease 66 is disposed in the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20. The grease 66 contacts the contact object of the filler grease 60 in the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 (the outer ring 20 in this embodiment). Similar to the filler grease 60, the grease 66 contacts one of the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20, while remaining separate from the other. The grease 66 is separate from the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40. The grease 66 extends circumferentially around a common axis O. Other grease 66 contacts the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 22 of the outer ring 20 that is further axially outward than the rotating surface 23 of the outer ring.

[0108] However, the composition of other greases is not limited to the above-described composition. Other greases may also contact the inner ring 10 and be separate from the outer ring 20. In addition, other greases may also contact at least one of the rotating body 30 and the retainer 40. Furthermore, other greases may not extend in a circumferential shape. For example, other greases may extend in an arc shape or be arranged in dots along the circumferential direction.

[0109] According to this embodiment, interference between other greases 66 and filler grease 60, preventing deformation of the filler grease 60, can be avoided, and the total amount of grease disposed in the bearing 1B can be increased by using other greases 66. Therefore, a bearing 1B with a long service life can be provided.

[0110] [Fourth Implementation]

[0111] Reference Figure 13 The fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Furthermore, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0112] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the rolling bearing according to the fourth embodiment.

[0113] exist Figure 13In the fourth embodiment shown, the bearing 1C includes a grease 67 in addition to the filler grease 60. The grease 67 is supported by the retainer 40. The grease 67 is disposed in a recess between a pair of claws 42 on the side of the retainer 40 opposite to the rotating body 30, where the claws 42 are clamped. In the illustrated example, the grease 67 contacts the main body 41 of the retainer 40, but it may also contact the claws 42. The grease 67 is separate from the rotating body 30 and the filler grease 60. Furthermore, the grease 67 may be disposed in all or only a portion of the recesses of the retainer 40.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the total amount of grease disposed in bearing 1C can be increased by using other greases 67. Therefore, bearing 1C with a long service life can be provided.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, and various modifications can be considered within its technical scope.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, an inner ring 10 is provided as a rotating ring, and an outer ring 20 is provided as a fixed ring. Furthermore, the filling grease 60 contacts the outer ring 20, which is the fixed ring. However, the ring contacted by the filling grease may not be a fixed ring. That is, the inner ring may be provided as a fixed ring, and the outer ring as a rotating ring, with the filling grease contacting the inner ring as a fixed ring. Alternatively, the inner ring may be provided as a fixed ring, and the outer ring as a rotating ring, with the filling grease contacting the outer ring as a rotating ring. In this case, the filling grease rotates together with the outer ring, and even if centrifugal force acts on the filling grease, the outer ring constrains the grease's radially outward displacement, thus maintaining the filling grease in its freshly applied shape. However, it is preferable that the filling grease contacts the rings in both the inner and outer rings where sealing members are installed.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, grease is batch-formed into granules by dispensing grease from a nozzle with multiple dispensing orifices along the circumferential direction. However, grease can also be dispensed from a nozzle with a single dispensing orifice to form granules one by one. Even in this case, it is preferable to perform the steps of forming the ring contact portion 61 and forming the sealing member contact portion 62 at different application locations. Moreover, the step of forming the ring contact portion 61 of the next bearing can be performed while the step of forming the sealing member contact portion 62 is being performed. However, since the granules are batch-formed, the time required for applying grease can be shortened compared to the method of forming granules one by one sequentially and the method of applying grease in a circumferential manner.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first particle 64 and the second particle 65 of the grease filling 60 are provided in the same number, but the number of the first particle and the second particle is not particularly limited. For example, the number of the second particle may be half the number of the first particle.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second particle 65 of the grease-filled 60 is configured to be offset in the circumferential direction relative to the first particle 64, but the positional relationship between the first and second particles is not limited to this. For example, the second particle may also be configured relative to the first particle such that the first and second particles are arranged side by side in the radial direction.

[0120] In addition, in the above embodiment, the ring contact portion 61 filled with grease 60 has first particles 64 arranged in a dot pattern, but the ring contact portion may also extend in a circumferential shape, and the sealing member contact portion may have particles arranged in a dot pattern.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ring contact portion 61 and the sealing member contact portions 62, 62A are directly connected, but the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion can also be indirectly connected and integrated. In this case, it is preferable that grease is disposed between the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion along the circumferential direction, just like the ring contact portion and the sealing member contact portion. The grease can extend in a circumferential shape or have particles arranged in a dotted pattern.

[0122] Furthermore, while a fan motor was exemplified as a rotating device in the above embodiments, the rotating device is not limited to this. For example, the invention can also be applied to at least one of the hard drive drive spindle motor and the rocker arm, which serve as rotating devices.

[0123] In addition, without departing from the essential points of the present invention, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known constituent elements, and the above embodiments can also be appropriately combined. For example, the bearing 1A of the second embodiment can be provided with other greases 66 of the third embodiment or other greases 67 of the fourth embodiment.

[0124] Label Explanation

[0125] 1. 1A, 1B, 1C Rolling bearings; 2 Rotating equipment; 3 Shaft (rotating body); 4 Frame (support body); 10 Inner ring; 20 Outer ring; 30 Rotating body; 50 Sealing component; 60 Filler grease (lubricating grease); 61 Ring contact portion; 62, 62A Sealing component contact portion; 64 First granule (granule); 65 Second granule (granule); 66 Other greases; O Common axis.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing, comprising: The inner and outer rings are arranged coaxially with each other; A rotating body disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; A sealing member that covers the inner and outer rings from the axial outside; and The grease disposed between the rotating body and the sealing member and away from the rotating body The lubricating grease includes: The grease at the contact portion of the ring comprises granules arranged circumferentially along a common axis centered on the inner and outer rings, or extending circumferentially or in an arc shape centered on the common axis, and contacting one of the inner and outer rings; and The grease at the contact portion of the sealing component comprises particles arranged along the circumference or extending in a circumferential or arc-shaped manner around the common axis, connected to and in contact with the grease at the contact portion of the collar on the outer side of the axial direction and in contact with the sealing component. At least one of the lubricating grease in the contact portion of the ferrule and the lubricating grease in the contact portion of the sealing member is the granular material.

2. The rolling bearing as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Both the lubricant for the contact portion of the collar and the lubricant for the contact portion of the sealing component are granular.

3. The rolling bearing as described in claim 2, wherein, The particles of the grease in the contact portion of the sealing member are configured to be offset in the circumferential direction relative to the particles of the grease in the contact portion of the bushing.

4. The rolling bearing as described in claim 3, wherein, The number of particles in the grease at the contact portion of the sealing member is the same as the number of particles in the grease at the contact portion of the collar.

5. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, In the radial direction centered on the common axis, the size of the particles of the grease in the contact portion of the sealing member is smaller than the size of the particles of the grease in the contact portion of the ferrule that is in contact with the particles.

6. The rolling bearing as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The grease in the contact portion of the bushing is the granular form. The grease at the contact portion of the sealing member extends in a circumferential shape.

7. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The outer ring is one of the inner ring and the outer ring.

8. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The sealing member is installed on one of the inner ring and the outer ring.

9. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The grease at the contact portion of the sealing member is disposed on the opposite side of the inner ring and the outer ring in the radial direction centered on the common axis, relative to the grease at the contact portion of the raceway.

10. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The grease is disposed in a space on one side of the axial direction relative to the rotating body. The rolling bearing also includes another grease disposed on the side opposite to the grease in the axial direction relative to the rotating body.

11. A rotating device, comprising: A rotatable rotating body; A support body that rotatably supports the rotating body; and A rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, located between the rotating body and the supporting body.

12. The rolling bearing as claimed in claim 11, wherein, One of the inner ring and the outer ring is fixed to the support.

13. A method for manufacturing a rolling bearing, comprising the method for manufacturing a rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: The first application step, in which grease is dispensed from the first nozzle at the first application position to form the grease at the contact portion of the ferrule; and The second application process involves dispensing grease from a second nozzle (different from the first nozzle) at a second application location (different from the first application location) to form grease at the contact portion of the sealing member.

Images