Sliding member and rolling bearing

Abstract

The sliding member includes a sheet, a rubber member, and a metal ring. The sheet is made of conductive fibers, is fixed in a state of being in contact with a first member made of a steel material, and is in slidable contact with a second member made of a steel material. The rubber part is provided with at least one second rubber part of a first rubber part and a second rubber part, the first rubber part is fixed on the surface of the first axial side of the metal ring, and the second rubber part is fixed on the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring. The sheet is provided with a sheet portion fixed to the second rubber portion. The first surface of the axial first side is a surface of the axial first side of the metal ring or a surface of the axial first side of the first rubber portion. A second surface of the axially second side is a surface of the axially second side of the second rubber portion and / or the sheet portion. The first surface and the second surface are disposed at positions overlapping each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction. In the sliding member, a first thickness is a thickness from a surface of an axial first side of the metal ring to the first surface, and a second thickness is a thickness from a surface of an axial second side of the metal ring to the second surface. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sliding member and a rolling bearing. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rolling bearing with an anti-electrolytic corrosion function. The rolling bearing described in Patent Document 1 supports the rotating shaft of an electric motor mounted on an electric vehicle, etc. The rolling bearing comprises an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of balls arranged between the outer and inner rings, and an annular seal (sliding member) that closes the end opening of the bearing's internal space between the outer and inner rings. The seal comprises an elastic member, such as a conductive rubber member. The inner and outer circumferences of the elastic member contact the inner and outer rings, respectively. The elastic member contacts the inner and outer rings, electrically connecting the inner ring to the outer ring through the elastic member. This prevents current from flowing between the inner ring and the balls, and between the outer ring and the balls, thereby suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the inner ring raceway, the outer ring raceway, and the balls.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-102200 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The elastic member of the seal (sliding member) disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a certain degree of electrical conductivity by mixing carbon fibers into the rubber member. On the other hand, to further suppress electrical corrosion in the raceway, the electrical conductivity of the seal is required to be further improved. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to improve the electrical conductivity of the sliding member.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] (1) The sliding member disclosed in the present invention includes a sheet, a rubber member, and a metal ring. The sheet is formed of conductive fibers, is fixed in contact with a first member made of steel, and is slidably in contact with a second member made of steel. The rubber member includes at least the second rubber portion of a first rubber portion and a second rubber portion. The first rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the first axial side of the metal ring. The second rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring. The sheet material includes a sheet portion fixed to the second rubber portion, The first surface on the axial first side is the surface on the axial first side of the metal ring or the surface on the axial first side of the first rubber portion. The second surface on the second axial side is the surface on the second axial side of the second rubber portion and / or the sheet portion. The first surface and the second surface are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, The first thickness is the thickness from the surface of the first side of the metal ring in the axial direction to the first surface. The second thickness is the thickness from the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring to the second surface, The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

[0010] (2) The rolling bearing disclosed herein comprises: An inner ring having an inner ring raceway; An outer ring having an outer ring raceway, the outer ring raceway being arranged radially outward of the inner ring raceway; a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway; and The sliding member described in (1) above is arranged between the axial end of the inner ring and the axial end of the outer ring in the radial direction, One of the inner ring and the outer ring is the first member, The other of the inner ring and the outer ring is the second member.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The sliding member disclosed herein comprises a nonwoven or woven sheet made of conductive fibers. This sheet reduces electrical resistance and improves conductivity compared to elastic members made by mixing carbon fibers into rubber. Consequently, the sliding member can electrically connect the first and second members via the sheet, allowing current to flow from one to the other via the sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rolling bearing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sliding member.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged sectional view of a radially outer portion of a sliding member.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged sectional view of the radially inner portion of the sliding member.

[0017] Figure 5AThis is a view of a portion of the sliding member in the circumferential direction as viewed from the bearing external space side in the axial direction.

[0018] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A AA line section view.

[0019] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A BB line cross-sectional view.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a molding die for a sliding member.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a molding die for a sliding member in an enlarged manner.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the forming die in an enlarged state.

[0023] Figure 9 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sliding member according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] <Overview of Embodiments of the Presently Disclosed Invention>

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0026] (1) The sliding member disclosed in the present invention includes a sheet, a rubber member, and a metal ring. The sheet is formed of conductive fibers, is fixed in contact with a first member made of steel, and is slidably in contact with a second member made of steel. The rubber member includes at least the second rubber portion of a first rubber portion and a second rubber portion. The first rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the first axial side of the metal ring. The second rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring. The sheet material includes a sheet portion fixed to the second rubber portion, The first surface on the axial first side is the surface on the axial first side of the metal ring or the surface on the axial first side of the first rubber portion. The second surface on the second axial side is the surface on the second axial side of the second rubber portion and / or the sheet portion. The first surface and the second surface are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, The first thickness is the thickness from the surface of the first side of the metal ring in the axial direction to the first surface. The second thickness is the thickness from the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring to the second surface, The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

[0027] With this structure, the sliding member includes a sheet made of conductive fibers, either nonwoven or woven. This sheet reduces electrical resistance and improves conductivity compared to elastic materials made by mixing carbon fibers into rubber. Therefore, the sliding member can electrically connect the first and second members via the sheet, allowing current to flow from one to the other via the sheet.

[0028] The second thickness of the sliding member is greater than the first thickness. The die for molding the sliding member having such a structure has a structure for pressing the metal ring in the axial direction, thereby suppressing positional deviation of the metal ring relative to the die.

[0029] (2) Preferably, the metal ring of the sliding member of (1) is arranged at a distance from the sheet and positioned closer to the first side in the axial direction. The rubber member has a portion disposed in the gap.

[0030] According to this structure, the metal ring and the sheet material do not come into direct contact, and damage to the sheet material due to load received from the metal ring can be suppressed.

[0031] (3) Preferably, the rubber member of the sliding member of (1) or (2) is bonded to the entire first axial side of the sheet.

[0032] With this structure, the shape of the entire sheet can be maintained by the rubber member.

[0033] (4) The rolling bearing disclosed herein has: An inner ring having an inner ring raceway; An outer ring having an outer ring raceway, the outer ring raceway being arranged radially outward of the inner ring raceway; a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway; and The sliding member described in any one of (1) to (3) above is arranged between the axial end portion of the inner ring and the axial end portion of the outer ring in the radial direction, One of the inner ring and the outer ring is the first member, The other of the inner ring and the outer ring is the second member.

[0034] According to this structure, the outer ring and inner ring of the rolling bearing can be electrically connected using the sheet of the sliding component, and current can flow from one of the outer ring and the inner ring to the other through the sheet, which can suppress electrical corrosion of the outer ring raceway, inner ring raceway and balls.

[0035] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure>

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the presently disclosed invention will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the rolling bearing of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1 The rolling bearing 10 shown supports a rotating shaft S of a motor mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Figure 1 , the rotation axis S is represented by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line).

[0039] The rolling bearing 10 includes an outer ring 11, an inner ring 12, a plurality of rolling elements 13, a retainer 14, and a sliding member 15. In this embodiment, the rolling elements 13 are balls. The rolling bearing 10 is a deep groove ball bearing. The outer ring 11 is mounted on the housing H of the motor. The inner ring 12 is fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft S. Figure 1 In the figure, housing H is represented by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). In this embodiment, outer ring 11 is a stationary ring, and inner ring 12 is a rotating ring. Outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 are formed from a steel material such as bearing steel. High-carbon chromium bearing steel (for example, SUJ2 or SUJ3 specified in the JIS standard) can be used as bearing steel. However, outer ring 11 and inner ring 12 may also be made of other steel materials, such as carburized bearing steel, carbon steel, chromium steel, or stainless steel.

[0040] The outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 are arranged concentrically. In this embodiment, the center axis of the outer ring 11 and the center axis of the inner ring 12 coincide with the center axis C of the rolling bearing 10. In this embodiment, the direction along the center axis C and the direction parallel to the center axis C are defined as "axial direction". Similarly, the direction perpendicular to the center axis C is defined as "radial direction". Similarly, the direction along a circle centered on the center axis C is defined as "circumferential direction". In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 1 The left side of is set as the first axial side, Figure 1 The right side of is set as the second axial side, Figure 1 The upper side of is set as the first radial side, Figure 1 The lower side of is defined as the radial second side. In addition, in this embodiment, the radial first side is the radial outer side, and the radial second side is the radial inner side. Therefore, in the following description, the radial first side is sometimes referred to as the radial outer side, and the radial second side is sometimes referred to as the radial inner side.

[0041] The outer ring 11 includes an outer ring raceway 21, two shoulders 22, and two annular grooves 23. The outer ring raceway 21 is provided on the inner circumference of the outer ring 11. The balls 13 roll on this outer ring raceway 21. The two shoulders 22 are provided on either axial side of the outer ring raceway 21. The two annular grooves 23 are provided between the shoulders 22 and the side surfaces of the outer ring 11. The annular grooves 23 have a circumferentially continuous annular groove shape. The sliding members 15 are mounted in the annular grooves 23 located on either axial side of the outer ring 11. However, the sliding members 15 may be mounted only in the annular grooves 23 located on either the first or second axial side of the outer ring 11. In this case, the annular grooves 23 not mounted with the sliding members 15 may be omitted.

[0042] The inner ring 12 includes an inner ring raceway 31, two shoulders 32, and two sliding member contact surfaces 33. The inner ring raceway 31 is provided on the outer circumference of the inner ring 12. The balls 13 roll on the inner ring raceway 31. The two shoulders 32 are provided on either axial side of the inner ring raceway 31. The two sliding member contact surfaces 33 are provided between the shoulders 32 and the side surfaces of the inner ring 12. The sliding member contact surfaces 33 are annularly arranged around the entire circumference of the inner ring 12. The sliding member contact surfaces 33 are groove-shaped in a cross-section that includes the center axis C of the inner ring 12. The radially inner end of the sliding member 15 contacts the sliding member contact surfaces 33.

[0043] Balls 13 are arranged between outer ring 11 and inner ring 12. Balls 13 are in rolling contact with outer ring raceway 21 and inner ring raceway 31. A plurality of balls 13 are held by an annular retainer 14 at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0044] The retainer 14 includes an annular body 16 and a plurality of corners (pillars) 17. The annular body 16 is disposed on the second axial side of the ball 13. The corners (pillars) 17 extend from the annular body 16 toward the first axial side. Pockets 18 are spaces between two circumferentially adjacent corners 17 on the first axial side of the annular body 16. The balls 13 are housed in the pockets 18. The pockets 18 are open on the first axial side.

[0045] The sliding member 15 is annular. It is attached to the outer ring (first member) 11 and is in sliding contact with the inner ring (second member) 12. Specifically, the sliding member 15 is secured to the outer ring 11 by fitting its radially outer end (the end on the first radial side) into the annular groove 23 of the outer ring 11. The radially inner end (the end on the second radial side) of the sliding member 15 contacts the sliding member contact surface 33 of the inner ring 12. The sliding member 15 is positioned on both axial sides of the rolling bearing 10. Therefore, the annular space between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, and the bearing internal space K1 where the balls 13 reside, is enclosed on both axial sides by the sliding member 15. The sliding member 15 divides the bearing internal space K1, where the balls 13 reside, into the bearing external space K2, which is located on the first and second axial sides of the rolling bearing 10.

[0046] The sliding member 15 includes a conductive sheet 43 extending between its radially outer and inner ends. At the radially outer end of the sliding member 15, the sheet 43 is exposed and contacts the annular groove 23 of the outer ring 11. At the radially inner end of the sliding member 15, the sheet 43 is exposed and contacts the sliding member contact surface 33 of the inner ring 12. Thus, the sliding member 15 forms a current path that prevents current generated by a motor, etc., from flowing between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 via the rolling elements 13.

[0047] An oil film made of lubricating oil or grease forms between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, and between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21. This oil film has insulating properties. This insulating property insulates the ball 13 from the inner ring raceway 31 and the outer ring raceway 21. The oil film forms between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, and when a potential difference of less than a specified value is generated between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, current does not flow between the inner ring raceway 31 and the ball 13. The oil film forms between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21, and when a potential difference of less than a specified value is generated between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, current does not flow between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21. However, if the oil film between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31 is partially destroyed, or if a potential difference exceeding a specified value is generated between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, current will flow between the ball 13 and the inner ring raceway 31, potentially causing electrical corrosion in the ball 13 and / or the inner ring raceway 31. If the oil film between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21 is partially destroyed, or if a potential difference exceeding a specified value is generated between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21, current will flow between the ball 13 and the outer ring raceway 21, potentially causing electrical corrosion in the ball 13 and / or the outer ring raceway 21.

[0048] The rolling bearing 10 of this embodiment is provided with a sliding member 15 that forms an electrical path. Therefore, before the potential differences between the balls 13 and the inner ring raceway 31 and between the balls 13 and the outer ring raceway 21 increase, the potential difference between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 decreases, causing current to flow between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 via the sliding member 15. This reduced potential difference between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 suppresses the occurrence of electrical corrosion in the balls 13, the inner ring raceway 31, and the outer ring raceway 21.

[0049] [Specific Structure of Sliding Member 15]

[0050] Figure 2 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sliding member. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged sectional view of a radially outer portion of a sliding member. Figure 4 yes Figure 2An enlarged sectional view of the radially inner portion of the sliding member.

[0051] In the following description, the first side ( Figure 1 The specific structure of the sliding member 15 (left side in the figure) will be described. Therefore, in the description of the sliding member 15, the axial first side can be referred to as the bearing external space K2 side, and the axial second side can be referred to as the bearing internal space K1 side. The sliding member 15 is arranged on the axial second side ( Figure 1 The sliding member 15 on the right side (in FIG. 1 ) is the same component as the sliding member 15 arranged on the first side, but is arranged inverted in the axial direction.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the sliding member 15 includes a metal ring 41, a rubber member 42, and a sheet 43. The metal ring 41, the rubber member 42, and the sheet 43 are all annular. The metal ring 41 and the rubber member 42, as well as the rubber member 42 and the sheet 43, are bonded to each other and are integrated as a whole.

[0053] The metal ring 41 is formed from a metal such as galvanized steel sheet or stainless steel. The metal ring 41 is formed by processing a plate. The metal ring 41 includes a circular annular portion 41a and a cylindrical cylindrical portion 41b. The annular portion 41a is arranged perpendicularly to the axial direction. The cylindrical portion 41b is arranged parallel to the axial direction. The cylindrical portion 41b is arranged at the radially outer end of the annular portion 41a. The cylindrical portion 41b extends from the radially outer end of the annular portion 41a toward the second axial side (the side of the bearing internal space K1). The annular portion 41a and the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41 are formed by plastic processing a plate into a substantially L-shaped cross-section.

[0054] The rubber member 42 is electrically conductive. Specifically, the rubber member 42 is made by, for example, mixing a conductive material with synthetic rubber. The conductive material may be carbon black, metal powder, or the like. The specific structure of the rubber member 42 will be described later, along with the structure of the sheet 43.

[0055] Sheet 43 is made of nonwoven or woven fabric made of conductive fibers. In this embodiment, carbon fibers are used as the conductive fibers for sheet 43. However, conductive fibers made of other materials, such as conductive metals such as copper and nickel, may also be used. The electrical resistance of sheet 43 is lower than that of rubber member 42. Therefore, sheet 43 has a higher electrical conductivity than rubber member 42.

[0056] In this embodiment, the sheet 43 further contains a synthetic resin as a binder. The binder is fixed to the surface of a portion of the conductive fibers contained in the sheet 43. The sheet 43 of this embodiment is a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric made of conductive fibers fixed with a binder.

[0057] The sheet 43 integrally includes an intermediate portion 44, a fixed portion 45, and a sliding portion 46. The fixed portion 45 is located radially outward (radially on the first side) of the metal ring 41. The sliding portion 46 is located radially inward (radially on the second side) of the metal ring 41. The intermediate portion 44 is located between the fixed portion 45 and the sliding portion 46.

[0058] The middle portion 44 of the sheet 43 includes a first portion (first sheet portion) 44a1, a second portion (second sheet portion) 44a2, a third portion 44b, and a fourth portion 44c. The first portion 44a1 and the second portion 44a2 extend in the radial direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first portion 44 a 1 and the second portion 44 a 2 are arranged at intervals t11 and t12 on the second side (the bearing internal space K1 side) in the axial direction of the annular portion 41 a of the metal ring 41 .

[0059] The second portion 44a2 is positioned radially on either side of the first portion 44a1. In other words, the first portion 44a1 is located midway in the radial direction of the second portion 44a2. The first portion 44a1 and the second portion 44a2 are radially connected. The first portion 44a1 is located axially closer to the first side (the bearing external space K2 side) than the second portion 44a2. Therefore, the gap t11 between the first portion 44a1 and the metal ring 41 is smaller than the gap t12 between the second portion 44a2 and the metal ring 41. A step 44a3 is formed at the boundary between the first portion 44a1 and the second portion 44a2.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the third portion 44b of the sheet 43 is bent from the radially outer end of the second portion 44a2 toward the axial second side and extends substantially in the axial direction. Therefore, the third portion 44b is substantially cylindrical. Figure 3 As shown, the third portion 44 b is arranged radially inside the cylindrical portion 41 b of the metal ring 41 at a distance t2 .

[0061] The fourth portion 44c is bent radially outward from the end portion on the second axial side of the third portion 44b and extends radially. Figure 3 As shown, the fourth portion 44c is arranged at interval t3 on the second axial side of the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41. Therefore, the intermediate portion 44 of the sheet 43 is arranged at intervals t11, t12, t2, and t3 from the metal ring 41 in the entire radial direction.

[0062] The fixing portion 45 of the sheet 43 is continuous with the fourth portion 44c of the intermediate portion 44. Figure 3As shown, the fixing portion 45 includes a fifth portion 45a and a sixth portion 45b. The fifth portion 45a extends continuously in the radial direction directly from the radially outer end of the fourth portion 44c of the intermediate portion 44. The sixth portion 45b extends obliquely from the radially outer end of the fifth portion 45a toward the first axial side and radially outward. The distal end of the sixth portion 45b forms the radially outer end of the sheet 43. The distal end of the sixth portion 45b directly contacts the annular groove 23 of the outer ring 11. In this embodiment, the fifth portion 45a of the fixing portion 45 also directly contacts the annular groove 23.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the sliding portion 46 of the sheet 43 is continuous with the second portion 44a2 of the intermediate portion 44. In this embodiment, the portion of the sheet 43 located radially inward of the radially inner end of the metal ring 41 serves as the sliding portion 46. The sliding portion 46 extends linearly radially inward directly from the second portion 44a2 of the intermediate portion 44. Therefore, the second portion 44a2 of the intermediate portion 44 and the sliding portion 46 together form a circular annular shape perpendicular to the axial direction. The radially inner end 46a of the sliding portion 46 directly contacts the sliding member contact surface 33 of the inner ring 12. Contact with the sliding member contact surface 33 causes the radially inner end 46a of the sliding portion 46 to bend toward the first axial side.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the rubber member 42 is bonded to the sheet 43 and the metal ring 41. The rubber member 42 is provided entirely on the first axial side (the side facing the bearing external space K2) of the sheet 43. The rubber member 42 includes a first portion 42a1, a second portion 42a2, a third portion 42a3, a fourth portion 42a4, a fifth portion 42b, a sixth portion 42c, a seventh portion 42d, an eighth portion 42e, a ninth portion 42f, a tenth portion 42b2, and an eleventh portion 42b3.

[0065] The first to fourth portions 42a1, 42a2, 42a3, and 42a4 of the rubber member 42 are disposed at intervals t11, t12, t2, and t3 between the metal ring 41 and the sheet 43. The first to fourth portions 42a1, 42a2, 42a3, and 42a4 of the rubber member 42 maintain the intervals t11, t12, t2, and t3 between the metal ring 41 and the sheet 43 so that the metal ring 41 and the sheet 43 do not directly adhere to each other.

[0066] The first portion 42a1 of the rubber member 42 is bonded to the first portion 44a1 of the sheet 43. The second portion 42a2 is bonded to the second portion 44a2 of the sheet 43. Therefore, the second portion 42a2 is disposed on both radial sides of the first portion 42a1.

[0067] The surface of the first portion 42a1 on the first axial side (on the bearing external space K2 side) and the surface of the second portion 42a2 on the first axial side are flush with each other and are both bonded to the surface of the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41 on the second axial side (on the bearing internal space K1 side). The surface of the first portion 42a1 on the second axial side is positioned closer to the first axial side than the surface of the second portion 42a2 on the second axial side.

[0068] The first portion 42a1 of the rubber member 42 and the first portion 44a1 of the sheet 43 are continuous in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference of the sliding member 15. However, they may be provided at a plurality of locations at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0069] The third portion 42a3 of the rubber member 42 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41. The fourth portion 42a4 of the rubber member 42 is bonded to the end surface of the cylindrical portion 41b on the second axial side.

[0070] The fifth portion 42b of the rubber member 42 is continuous with the radially outer side of the fourth portion 42a4. The fifth portion 42b is located in the area surrounded by the fixed portion 45 of the sheet 43 and the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41. The fifth portion 42b of the rubber member 42 elastically supports the sixth portion 45b of the sheet 43 from the radially inner side. The cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41 supports the fifth portion 42b of the rubber member 42 from the radially inner side. Therefore, the fixed portion (radially outer end) 45 of the sheet 43 is pressed against the annular groove 23 of the outer ring 11 by the elasticity of the fifth portion 42b of the rubber member 42 supported by the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41, ensuring reliable contact with the annular groove 23.

[0071] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing a portion of the sliding member in the circumferential direction as viewed from the bearing external space side in the axial direction. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A AA line section view. Figure 5C yes Figure 5A BB line cross-sectional view.

[0072] The fifth portion 42b of the rubber member 42 has recesses 42b1 on the surface of the first side in the axial direction. The recesses 42b1 are provided at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Figure 5B As shown, at the circumferential position where the recess 42b1 is provided, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41 is covered by the film-like eleventh portion 42b3. Figure 5CAs shown, between circumferentially adjacent recessed portions 42b1, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41 is covered by a tenth portion 42b2, which is thicker than the eleventh portion 42b3. The recessed portions 42b1 are provided at multiple locations at intervals in the circumferential direction, but may also be provided continuously along the entire circumference of the sliding member 15. In this case, the eleventh portion 42b3 is provided along the entire circumference of the sliding member 15.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the sixth portion 42c of the rubber member 42 extends radially inward from the radially inner end of the second portion 42a2 of the rubber member 42. The sixth portion 42c is provided along the side surface of the sliding portion 46 of the sheet 43 on the first axial side thereof, with a substantially constant thickness. The sixth portion 42c is annular and perpendicular to the axial direction. The radially inner end 46a of the sliding portion 46 of the sheet 43 bends upon contact with the sliding member abutment surface 33, thereby elastically deforming and bending the sixth portion 42c of the rubber member 42 toward the first axial side along with the sliding portion 46.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the seventh portion 42d of the rubber member 42 bulges out from the tenth portion 42b2 and the eleventh portion 42b3 of the rubber member 42 toward the first axial side, covers the surface of the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41 on both the first radial and first axial sides, and is bonded thereto. The seventh portion 42d extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the entire circumference of the sliding member 15. However, the seventh portion 42d may be provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the eighth portion 42e of the rubber member 42 extends from the radially outer end of the sixth portion 42c across the radially inner end of the metal ring 41 to the side surface on the first axial side of the metal ring 41. Therefore, the eighth portion 42e has a generally L-shaped cross-section, covering the radially inner end surface and the side surface on the first axial side of the annular portion 41a and being bonded to these surfaces. The eighth portion 42e extends continuously along the entire circumference of the sliding member 15. However, the eighth portion 42e may also be provided at multiple locations spaced apart circumferentially.

[0076] The seventh portion 42 d and the eighth portion 42 e of the rubber member 42 help to firmly bond the rubber member 42 to the metal ring 41 , thereby preventing the rubber member 42 from falling off the metal ring 41 .

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the ninth portion (first rubber portion) 42f of the rubber member 42 is a thin film-like portion that covers the surface of the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41 on the first axial side. The ninth portion 42f is radially disposed between the seventh portion 42d and the eighth portion 42e. The radially outer end of the ninth portion 42f is integral with the seventh portion 42d. The radially inner end of the ninth portion 42f is integral with the eighth portion 42e.

[0078] The axial thickness ta of the ninth portion 42f is smaller than the axial thicknesses of the seventh portion 42d and the eighth portion 42e. Figure 2 As shown, the sliding member 15 has a shape in which a portion of the side surface on the first axial side is recessed. In this embodiment, the ninth portion 42f is not required and can be omitted. In this case, the side surface on the first axial side of the metal ring 41 is exposed to the outside (the bearing external space K2) between the seventh portion 42d and the eighth portion 42e in the radial direction.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sliding member 15 includes a "surface S1", a "surface S2" and a "surface S3" defined below.

[0080] Surface S1 : a surface on the first side in the axial direction of the ninth portion (first rubber portion) 42 f of the rubber member 42 , or a surface on the first side in the axial direction of the metal ring 41 (in the case where the ninth portion 42 f is absent).

[0081] Surface S2: The surface on the second side in the axial direction of the first portion (second rubber portion) 42a1 of the rubber member 42 and / or the first portion (first sheet portion) 44a1 of the sheet material 43.

[0082] Surface S3 : a surface on the second axial side of the second portion (third rubber portion) 42 a 2 of the rubber member 42 and / or the second portion (second sheet portion) 44 a 2 of the sheet 43 .

[0083] Here, the surface S1 and the surface S2 of the sliding member 15 are arranged at positions overlapping with each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction.

[0084] As will be described later, sheet 43 has gaps between the conductive fibers, and rubber member 42 enters these gaps. Therefore, surface S2 may consist solely of the surface on the axial second side of first portion 44a1 of sheet 43, or may also consist of the surface on the axial second side of first portion 42a1 of rubber member 42 that enters first portion 44a1. Alternatively, surface S2 may consist solely of the surface on the axial second side of first portion 42a1 of rubber member 42 that enters the gaps in first portion 44a1 of sheet 43 and passes over first portion 44a1.

[0085] Similarly, the surface S3 may be constituted solely by the surface on the axial second side of the second portion 44a2 of the sheet 43, or may be constituted in addition to this surface by the surface on the axial second side of the second portion 42a2 of the rubber member 42 that extends into the second portion 44a2. Alternatively, the surface S3 may be constituted solely by the surface on the axial second side of the second portion 42a2 of the rubber member 42 that extends into the gap between the second portion 44a2 of the sheet 43 and extends beyond the second portion 44a2.

[0086] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sliding member 15 includes a "thickness ta", "thickness tb" and "thickness tc" defined below.

[0087] Thickness ta: the thickness from the surface of the metal ring 41 on the first side in the axial direction to the surface S1 .

[0088] Thickness tb: thickness from the surface on the second axial side of the metal ring 41 to the surface S2 .

[0089] Thickness tc: thickness from the surface on the second axial side of the metal ring 41 to the surface S3 .

[0090] When the ninth portion (first rubber portion) 42f of the rubber member 42 is present, the thickness ta is substantially the thickness of the ninth portion 42f. When the ninth portion 42f is absent, the thickness ta is substantially zero. The thickness ta is smaller than the thickness tb. Furthermore, the thicknesses ta and tb are smaller than the thickness tc.

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, the sliding member 15 includes a "surface S4", a "surface S5" and a "surface S6" defined below.

[0092] Surface S4 : a surface on the radially first side of the eleventh portion 42 b 3 of the rubber member 42 , or a surface on the radially first side of the cylindrical portion 41 b of the metal ring 41 (in the absence of the eleventh portion 42 b 3 ).

[0093] Surface S5 : a surface on the second side in the radial direction of the third portion 42 a 3 of the rubber member 42 and / or the third portion 44 b of the sheet 43 .

[0094] Surface S6 : a surface on the radial first side of the tenth portion 42 b 2 of the rubber member 42 .

[0095] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the sliding member 15 includes a "thickness td", a "thickness te" and a "thickness tf" defined below.

[0096] Thickness td: the thickness from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 b of the metal ring 41 to the surface S4 .

[0097] Thickness te: The thickness from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 b of the metal ring 41 to the surface S5 .

[0098] Thickness tf: the thickness from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 b of the metal ring 41 to the surface S6 .

[0099] When the eleventh portion 42b3 of the rubber member 42 is present, thickness td is substantially the same as the thickness of the eleventh portion 42b3. When the eleventh portion 42b3 of the rubber member 42 is absent, thickness td is substantially zero. Thickness td is smaller than thickness te. Thickness td is smaller than thickness tf. Thickness te and thickness tf may be the same or different. In this embodiment, thickness te is greater than thickness tf.

[0100] The rubber member 42 has higher rigidity than the sheet 43 , so the shape of the sheet 43 is maintained by the rubber member 42 . In addition, the shape of the middle portion 44 of the sheet 43 is also maintained by the metal ring 41 .

[0101] The sheet 43 is formed of a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric formed of conductive fibers. The sheet 43 contains voids in its internal state before the manufacture of the sliding member 15. After the manufacture of the sliding member 15, the rubber member 42 also exists in the voids of the sheet 43. As described later, the sliding member 15 is manufactured by vulcanizing and forming the rubber material constituting the rubber member 42 into a predetermined shape while the metal ring 41 and the sheet 43 are embedded in a mold, and then bonding the rubber material to the metal ring 41 and the sheet 43. Hereinafter, this manufacturing process will also be referred to as "vulcanization bonding." During this vulcanization bonding, the rubber member 42 enters the voids of the sheet 43. During the vulcanization bonding, the rubber member 42 is easily bonded to the adhesive.

[0102] The fixed portion 45 of the sheet 43 is exposed on the surface of the sliding member 15 and contacts the annular groove 23 of the outer ring 11. Furthermore, the sliding portion 46 of the sheet 43 is exposed on the surface of the sliding member 15 and contacts the sliding member contact surface 33 of the inner ring 12. The multiple conductive fibers that comprise the sheet 43 are in contact with each other, and thus the sheet 43 becomes conductive from the fixed portion 45 to the sliding portion 46 due to the contact between the conductive fibers. The sheet 43 contacts the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, electrically connecting the two rings 11 and 12 via the sheet 43. Furthermore, the conductive rubber member 42 contacts the sheet 43 and also contacts the metal ring 41. In addition to the sheet 43, the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 are electrically connected via the conductive metal ring 41 and the rubber member 42.

[0103] Therefore, the sliding member 15 of this embodiment can release electric charge from one of the fixed portion 45 and the sliding portion 46 to the other. Furthermore, the sliding member 15 of this embodiment can release electric charge from one of the member that fixes the fixed portion 45 and the member on which the sliding portion 46 slides to the other. The rolling bearing 10 of this embodiment can release electric charge from one of the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 to the other via the sliding member 15, thereby suppressing electrolytic corrosion of the balls 13 and the outer ring raceways 21 and inner ring raceways 31 on which the balls 13 roll.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet 43 is positioned on the second axial side (the bearing internal space K1 side) of the sliding member 15. Meanwhile, the sliding member contact surface 33 of the inner ring 12 faces the first axial side (the bearing external space K2 side). This facilitates contact between the sliding portion 46 of the sheet 43 and the sliding member contact surface 33. However, if the sliding member contact surface 33 faces the second axial side, the sheet 43 of the sliding member 15 may also be positioned on the first axial side of the sliding member 15.

[0105] [Method for manufacturing a sliding member]

[0106] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a molding die for a sliding member. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a molding die for a sliding member in an enlarged manner. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the forming die in an enlarged state.

[0107] The sliding member 15 is manufactured by compression molding (press molding) using a molding die 50. The molding die 50 of the sliding member 15 includes an upper mold 51 and a lower mold 52. Figure 8 As shown, the upper mold 51 includes a recessed portion 51a, a raised portion 51b, an annular surface 51c, an annular surface 51d, and an annular surface 51e. The annular surfaces 51c, 51d, and 51e face the lower mold 52. The recessed portion 51a is recessed from the radially inner annular surface 51c and the radially outer annular surface 51d of the recessed portion 51a. The raised portion 51b protrudes from the radially inner annular surface 51e and the radially outer annular surface 51c of the raised portion 51b. The lower mold 52 includes recessed portions 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, a mounting surface 52e, an annular surface 52g, and an annular surface 52h. The recessed portions 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d and the mounting surface 52e are integrally recessed from the annular surface 52g and the annular surface 52h. The recessed portions 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d and the placement surface 52e are collectively referred to as a recessed portion 52j.

[0108] Each recess 51a, 52a, 52b, 52c, placement surface 52e, and protrusion 51b forms an annular shape centered on axis C2. The recesses 52d of the lower mold 52 are spaced apart at multiple locations circumferentially centered on axis C2. The protrusion 51b of the upper mold 51 fits within the recess 52j of the lower mold 52. The recesses 52b and 52c of the lower mold 52 are formed by further digging down from the bottom surface of the recess 52a.

[0109] The recessed portion 51a is located radially inside the annular surface 51d and radially outside the annular surface 51c. The raised portion 51b is located radially inside the annular surface 51c and radially outside the annular surface 51e.

[0110] The recess 52d is located radially inward of the annular surface 52g and on both sides of a portion of the annular surface 52g in the circumferential direction, and radially outward of the recess 52b. The recess 52b is located radially inward of a portion of the annular surface 52g and the recess 52d, and radially outward of the mounting surface 52e. The mounting surface 52e is located radially inward of the recess 52b and radially outward of the recess 52c. The recess 52c is located radially inward of the mounting surface 52e and radially outward of the recess 52a. The recess 52a is located radially inward of the recess 52c and radially outward of the annular surface 52h.

[0111] In the lower mold 52, a mounting surface 52e protrudes from the recess 52b toward the upper mold 51, and from the recess 52c toward the upper mold 51. The axial first side of the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41 is mounted on the mounting surface 52e. The lower mold 52 includes a restricting surface 52f between circumferentially adjacent recesses 52d. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41b of the metal ring 41 contacts the restricting surface 52f, thereby radially positioning the metal ring 41.

[0112] An adhesive is applied to the surface of the metal ring 41. For example, the metal ring 41 is immersed in the adhesive to apply the adhesive to the surface of the metal ring 41. The metal ring 41 coated with the adhesive is placed on the placement surface 52e.

[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, the metal ring 41, the sheet 43, and the unvulcanized rubber material G are arranged between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52, which are separated and opened. The unvulcanized rubber material G is formed into a sheet. The sheet 43 and the rubber material G are arranged in an overlapping state between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. The unvulcanized rubber material G has high adhesiveness and, therefore, adheres to the sheet 43 by overlapping with the sheet 43. This prevents positional deviation between the sheet 43 and the rubber material.

[0114] The concave portion 51a of the upper mold 51, the annular surface 52g of the lower mold 52, the concave portion 52d and the concave portion 52b are formed. Figure 2The third portion 42a3, the fourth portion 42a4, the fifth portion 42b, the tenth portion 42b2, the eleventh portion 42b3, and the seventh portion 42d of the rubber member 42 are shown. The third portion 44b, the fourth portion 44c, the fifth portion 45a, and the sixth portion 45b of the sheet 43 are inserted into the recess 51a and formed into a shape that follows the inner surface of the recess 51a.

[0115] The concave portion 52j of the lower mold 52, the annular surface 51c, the convex portion 51b and the annular surface 51e of the upper mold 51 are formed Figure 2 The radially inner sides of the first portion 42a1, the second portion 42a2, the sixth portion 42c, the eighth portion 42e, the ninth portion 42f and the seventh portion 42d of the rubber member 42 are shown.

[0116] The first portion 44a1, second portion 44a2, and sliding portion 46 of the sheet material 43 are sandwiched between the first portion 42a1, second portion 42a2, and sixth portion 42c of the rubber member 42 and the annular surface 51c, convex portion 51b, and annular surface 51e of the upper mold 51, and are thereby formed into a shape that conforms to the annular surface 51c, convex portion 51b, and annular surface 51e. Thus, the rubber member 42 and the sheet material 43 are formed into shapes that correspond to the shapes of the annular surface 51c, convex portion 51b, and annular surface 51e of the upper mold 51.

[0117] The concave portion 52b of the lower mold 52 is formed Figure 2 The recess 52c is part of the eighth portion 42e of the molded rubber member 42. The recess 52d is part of the tenth portion 42b2 of the molded rubber member 42.

[0118] The sliding member 15 is manufactured by closing the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52 and pressurizing and heating them while the metal ring 41, the sheet 43, and the unvulcanized rubber material G are arranged between the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. The pressurized unvulcanized rubber material G flows in the mold 50 and fills the recesses 51a, 52a to 52d of the upper mold 51 and the lower mold 52. In addition, the unvulcanized rubber material G also enters the gaps in the sheet 43. By heating in this state, the adhesive cures and the unvulcanized rubber material G becomes the rubber part 42. The adhesive cures and the unvulcanized rubber material G becomes the vulcanized rubber part 42, whereby the metal ring 41, the sheet 43, and the rubber part 42 become one. The integrated member becomes the sliding member 15 by cutting off unnecessary parts. For example, in Figure 6 At the cutting lines L1 and L2 shown, the rubber member 42 and the sheet 43 are cut to form the sliding member 15. Unvulcanized rubber material G is introduced into the sheet 43 for vulcanization, thereby increasing the rigidity of the sheet 43 and integrating the sheet 43 with the rubber member 42.

[0119] In the above manufacturing method, the metal ring 41 is positioned vertically by being placed on the mounting surface 52e of the lower mold 52. Furthermore, the vertical distance between the metal ring 41 and the upper mold 51 is narrowed by the convex portion 51b of the upper mold 51, and the metal ring 41 is pressed from above by the convex portion 51b via the sheet 43 and the rubber member 42 (rubber material G). This prevents the metal ring 41 from lifting from the mounting surface 52e. Furthermore, the metal ring 41 is positioned radially by the restricting surface 52f of the lower mold 52.

[0120] When the sliding member 15 is formed using the mold 50, the rubber material G is as follows. Figure 6 The metal ring 41 flows radially as indicated by the hollow arrow. Therefore, the metal ring 41 easily moves radially within the mold 50. In addition, due to the flow of the rubber material G, the rubber material G flows between the supporting surface 52e and the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41, and the metal ring 41 easily floats. The mold 50 of this embodiment can position the metal ring 41 in the correct position using the supporting surface 52e, the limiting surface 52f and the protrusion 51b, and can also limit the movement of the metal ring 41. Therefore, the rubber member 42 and the sheet 43 are fixed in appropriate positions relative to the metal ring 41. The sheet 43 is arranged in the mold 50 in a state arranged along the upper mold 51. The rubber material G arranged on the metal ring 41 side of the sheet 43 moves toward the metal ring 41 side without breaking the sheet 43. Therefore, the rubber material G does not break the sheet 43, and the conductivity can be prevented from being damaged.

[0121] Furthermore, when the sliding member 15 is formed in the mold 50, the rubber material G slightly enters between the lower surface of the metal ring 41 and the mounting surface 52e, forming a thin film portion (ninth portion) 42f (see Figure 2 ). Furthermore, the rubber material G also slightly intrudes between the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring 41 and the restricting surface 52f, forming a thin film portion (eleventh portion) 42b3. However, these portions 42f and 42b3 are not necessarily formed. Without these portions 42f and 42b3, the surface of the metal ring 41 is exposed to the outside.

[0122] like Figure 2 As shown, the sliding member 15 of the embodiment described above includes a metal ring 41, a rubber member 42, and a sheet 43. The sheet 43 is formed of conductive fiber and is fixed in contact with the first member (outer ring 11) made of steel. It is also in slidable contact with the second member (inner ring 12) made of steel.

[0123] The rubber member 42 includes a first rubber portion (the ninth portion of the rubber member 42) 42f fixed to the surface of the metal ring 41 on the first axial side, and a second rubber portion (the first portion of the rubber member 42) 42a1 fixed to the surface of the metal ring 41 on the second axial side. The sliding member 15 includes at least the second rubber portion 42a1 of the first and second rubber portions 42f and 42a1. The sheet 43 includes a first sheet portion (the first portion of the intermediate portion 44 of the sheet 43) 44a1 fixed to the second rubber portion 42a1.

[0124] In the sliding member 15, the first surface S1 on the axial first side is the surface of the metal ring 41 or the surface of the first rubber portion 42f on the axial first side. The second surface S2 on the axial second side is the surface of the second rubber portion 42a1 and / or the first sheet portion 44a1 on the axial second side. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the radial and circumferential directions.

[0125] In the sliding member 15, the first thickness ta is the thickness from the surface of the metal ring 41 on the first axial side to the first surface S1. The second thickness tb is the thickness from the surface of the metal ring 41 on the second axial side to the second surface S2. The second thickness tb is greater than the first thickness ta.

[0126] Therefore, in the sliding member 15 of the embodiment, the sheet 43, which is a nonwoven or woven fabric made of conductive fibers, can reduce electrical resistance and improve conductivity compared to elastic materials made by mixing carbon fibers into rubber. Therefore, the sliding member 15 can electrically connect the first member 11 and the second member 12 via the sheet 43, and allow current to flow from one of the first member 11 and the second member 12 to the other via the sheet 43.

[0127] In addition, in the sliding member 15, the second thickness tb is larger than the first thickness ta. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the die 50 used to mold the sliding member 15 is configured to press the metal ring 41 in the axial direction (vertical direction). Specifically, in the above embodiment, the die 50 supports the metal ring 41 from below using the mounting surface 52e. The die 50 presses the metal tube 41 from above using the protrusion 51b. This prevents positional deviation of the metal ring 41 relative to the die 50.

[0128] Furthermore, the rubber member 42 is bonded to the entire first axial side of the sheet 43 . Therefore, the shape of the entire sheet 43 can be maintained by the rubber member, and the sheet is not broken during manufacturing, thereby preventing the conductivity from being impaired.

[0129] Figure 9 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sliding member according to a second embodiment.

[0130] The rubber member 42 of the sliding member 15 in the second embodiment includes a twelfth portion 42a5 in place of the first portion 42a1 and second portion 42a2 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the sheet 43 of the sliding member 15 in the second embodiment includes a seventh portion 44a4 in place of the first portion 44a1, second portion 44a2, and stepped portion 44a3 of the intermediate portion 44 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the twelfth portion 42a5 of the rubber member 42, having a substantially constant thickness, is fixed to the surface of the annular portion 41a of the metal ring 41 on the second axial side. Furthermore, the seventh portion 44a4 of the sheet 43, extending radially and having a substantially flat shape, is fixed to the second axial side of the twelfth portion 42a5.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the sliding member 15 includes the following “surface S7 ” and “thickness tg”.

[0132] Surface S7 : a surface on the second axial side of the twelfth portion 42 a 5 of the rubber member 42 and / or the seventh portion 44 a 4 of the sheet 43 .

[0133] Thickness tg: thickness from the surface of the annular portion 41 a of the metal ring 41 on the second side in the axial direction to the surface S7 .

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second surface of the sliding member 15 is constituted by the surface S7, and the second thickness of the sliding member 15 is constituted by the thickness tg. In this embodiment, substantially the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0135] [Other embodiments]

[0136] In the rolling bearing 10 of the above embodiment, the outer ring 11 is a fixed ring and the inner ring 12 is a rotating ring. However, the present invention may also be a case where the outer ring 11 is a rotating ring and the inner ring 12 is a fixed ring.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the sliding member 15 is fixed to the outer ring 11 as the first member and slidably contacts the inner ring 12 as the second member. However, the present invention may also be fixed to the inner ring 12 as the first member and slidably contacts the outer ring 11 as the second member.

[0138] The sliding member 15 of the above embodiment has a synthetic resin as a binder fixed to the conductive fibers constituting the sheet 43. On the other hand, the sheet of the present invention may not have a synthetic resin as a binder in the conductive fibers constituting the sheet.

[0139] The sliding member 15 of the above embodiment is used in the rolling bearing 10. However, the sliding member 15 of the present invention may be used in any device that is fixed to one of two members that move relatively and is in slidable contact with the other member.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the rolling bearing 10 is described as a deep groove ball bearing. However, in the present invention, the rolling bearing 10 may be an angular contact ball bearing or a roller bearing whose rolling elements are rollers.

[0141] The above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above-described embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope of equivalence to the structures described in the claims.

[0142] Description of labels

[0143] 10: Rolling bearings

[0144] 11: Outer ring (first component)

[0145] 12: Inner ring (second component)

[0146] 13: Rolling element

[0147] 15: Sliding component

[0148] 21: Outer ring raceway

[0149] 31: Inner ring raceway

[0150] 41: Metal ring

[0151] 42: Rubber parts

[0152] 42a1: First part (second rubber part)

[0153] 42a2: Part 4 (Third rubber part)

[0154] 42f: Part 9 (First Rubber Part)

[0155] 43: Sheet

[0156] 44a1: Part 1 (film part)

[0157] 44a4: Part 7 (Part 1)

[0158] S1: Surface (first surface)

[0159] S2: Surface (second surface)

[0160] S7: Surface (second surface)

[0161] ta: first thickness

[0162] tb: second thickness

[0163] tg: second thickness

Claims

1. A sliding member comprising a sheet, a rubber member and a metal ring. The sheet is formed of conductive fibers, is fixed in contact with a first member made of steel, and is slidably in contact with a second member made of steel. The rubber member includes at least the second rubber portion of a first rubber portion and a second rubber portion. The first rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the first axial side of the metal ring. The second rubber portion is fixed to the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring. The sheet material includes a sheet portion fixed to the second rubber portion, The first surface on the axial first side is the surface on the axial first side of the metal ring or the surface on the axial first side of the first rubber portion. The second surface on the second axial side is the surface on the second axial side of the second rubber portion and / or the sheet portion. The first surface and the second surface are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, The first thickness is the thickness from the surface of the first side of the metal ring in the axial direction to the first surface. The second thickness is the thickness from the surface of the second axial side of the metal ring to the second surface, The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

2. The sliding member according to claim 1, wherein The metal ring is arranged at a distance from the sheet and is positioned closer to the first side in the axial direction. The rubber member has a portion disposed in the gap.

3. The sliding member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rubber member is bonded to the entire first axial side of the sheet.

4. A rolling bearing comprising: An inner ring having an inner ring raceway; An outer ring having an outer ring raceway, the outer ring raceway being arranged radially outward of the inner ring raceway; a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway; and The sliding member according to claim 1 or 2 is arranged between the axial end of the inner ring and the axial end of the outer ring in the radial direction, One of the inner ring and the outer ring is the first member, The other of the inner ring and the outer ring is the second member.

Images