BEARING SEAL

Abstract

A bearing seal is provided that prevents electrolytic corrosion of a rolling bearing, improves conductivity stability and facilitates the manufacture of the bearing seal. A bearing seal 1 comprises an annular sealing ring 2 with a core metal 4 and an elastic body 5, and a conductive material 3 in contact with an outer ring 11 and an inner ring 12 to electrically connect the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12. The conductive material 3 is a conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, and is (re)held by the sealing ring 2 while connected to the elastic body 5. An outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 projects outwards in a radial direction R from the sealing ring 2 RO and comes into contact with the outer ring 11 at a position that, in a rolling bearing A, is directed outwards in a lateral direction B relative to the core metal 4 BO.An inner end 10 in the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes in the radial direction R from the sealing ring 2 inwards RI and comes into contact with the inner ring 12 at a position which is directed outwards BO in the width direction B relative to the core metal 4 of the rolling bearing A.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing seal for preventing electrolytic corrosion of a rolling bearing. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the case of a motor and reduction gearbox in an electric vehicle, or an inverter-driven motor installed in a device other than an electric vehicle, current can escape and flow through a rotating shaft. In such a case, in a rolling bearing supporting the rotating shaft, current can penetrate the lubricating oil film and flow between an inner and outer ring, resulting in an arc flash that damages the rolling surface of a rolling element.

[0003] A bearing seal with a conduction mechanism for electrically connecting an inner ring and an outer ring is known as a bearing seal that prevents such electrolytic corrosion of the rolling bearing (see, for example, patent literature 1 (PTL 1)). A bearing seal in the Fig. The conduction mechanism 19 shown in PTL 1 is configured such that conductive materials 18 with flexibility and conductivity are buried and retained in an elastic body 12 which forms a sealing ring 10a.

[0004] A projection 13, which is an outer-diameter-side lip of the sealing ring 10a, engages with an engagement groove 9 of an outer ring 3, and a radially outer end of each conductive material 18 is exposed by a radially outer edge of the projection 13 and comes into direct contact with an inner surface of the engagement groove 9. A sealing lip 14, which is an inner-diameter-side lip of the sealing ring 10a, slides into a sealing groove 15 of an inner ring 5, and a radially inner end of each conductive material 18 is exposed by a radially inner edge of the sealing lip 14 and comes into direct contact with an inner surface of the sealing groove 15. LIST OF COUNTER-POINTS PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] PTL 1: Japanese unexamined patent application publication no. 2009-79643 SUMMARY OF INVENTIONAL PROBLEMS

[0006] For the bearing seal described in PTL 1, it is extremely difficult to manufacture a bearing seal which has the configuration in which the conductive materials 18 are buried and retained in the elastic body 12 forming the sealing ring 10a, and each conductive material 18 is exposed from the radially outer edge of the outer diameter-side lip, as each conductive material 18 is exposed from the radially inner edge of the inner diameter-side lip, which results in the conductive material 18 being safely in contact with the outer ring 3 and with the inner ring 5.

[0007] If the inner diameter-side sealing lip 14 is a contact type, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1 of PTL 1, only the conductive material 18 can be in contact with the sealing groove 15 of the inner ring 5, which raises concerns that the inner diameter-side sealing lip 14 cannot perform the function of a contact-type seal.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bearing seal that prevents electrolytic corrosion of a rolling bearing, reduces conductor resistance, improves conductivity stability, and facilitates the manufacture of the bearing seal. It is a further object of the present invention to ensure that sealing performance is not impaired at all, even in a seal type where a lip is in sliding contact with an inner ring. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS

[0009] A bearing seal according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal used for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises: an annular sealing ring with a core metal and an elastic body; and a conductive material in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring to electrically connect the outer ring and the inner ring. The elastic body has an outer-diameter lip extending radially outward and an inner-diameter lip extending radially inward. The outer-diameter lip engages with a friction groove of the outer ring. The inner-diameter lip is either a non-contacting lip that is not in contact with the inner ring or a contacting lip that is in contact with the inner ring.The conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers held by the sealing ring in a state where the conductive fiber body is either embedded within or connected to the elastic body. A radially outer end of the conductive fiber body projects radially outward from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outward relative to the core metal. A radially inner end of the conductive fiber body projects radially inward from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outward relative to the core metal.

[0010] A bearing seal according to a second aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal used for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and a rolling element. The bearing seal comprises: an annular sealing ring with a core metal and an elastic body; and a conductive material in contact with the outer and inner rings to electrically connect them. The elastic body has an inner-diameter-side lip extending radially inward and an outer-diameter-side lip extending radially outward. The inner-diameter-side lip engages with a engagement groove of the inner ring. The outer-diameter-side lip is either a non-contacting lip that is not in contact with the outer ring or a contacting lip that is in contact with the outer ring.The conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers held by the sealing ring in a state where the conductive fiber body is either buried within or connected to the elastic body. A radially inner end of the conductive fiber body projects radially inward from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outward relative to the core metal. A radially outer end of the conductive fiber body projects radially outward from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outward relative to the core metal.

[0011] In the bearing seal configurations according to the first and second aspects, the conductive material in contact with the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, in order to electrically connect the outer and inner rings, is the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers held by the sealing ring in a state where the conductive fiber body is either embedded within or connected to the elastic body of the sealing ring. The radially outer end of the conductive fiber body projects radially outward from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that is oriented outward in a lateral direction relative to the core metal of the rolling bearing.The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inwards from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that is directed outwards in the width direction relative to the core metal of the rolling bearing.

[0012] In other words, it is not the elastic body, but rather the conductive fiber body that comes into contact with the outer and inner rings, independent of the elastic body. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body slides over the inner ring, or the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body slides over the outer ring. In this way, the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, is in direct contact with the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, electrically connecting them. This reduces conductor resistance and achieves excellent conductivity stability compared to conductive rubber, which is produced by mixing a filler (conductive material) into rubber.

[0013] In addition, compared to the PTL 1 bearing seal, where the conductive material in the outer-diameter lip of the sealing ring's elastic body comes into contact with the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner-diameter lip of the sealing ring's elastic body comes into contact with the inner ring, the conductive fiber body, i.e., the conductive material, is reliably allowed to come into contact with both the outer and inner rings. This significantly improves conductivity stability and simplifies the manufacturing of the bearing seal. Furthermore, even if the bearing seal is a type of seal whose lip is in sliding contact with the inner ring, its conductive material is not exposed by the lip and is independent of the lip. Therefore, the conductive material does not impair sealing performance.

[0014] A bearing seal according to a third aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal used for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises: an annular metallic sealing plate; and a conductive material connected to the sealing plate. A radially outer end of the sealing plate engages with a friction groove of the outer ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers. A radially inner end of the conductive fiber body projects radially inward from the sealing plate and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that is oriented outward in a width direction of the rolling bearing relative to the sealing plate.

[0015] A bearing seal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a bearing seal used for a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and rolling elements. The bearing seal comprises: an annular metallic sealing plate; and a conductive material connected to the sealing plate. A radially inner end of the sealing plate engages with a friction groove of the inner ring. The conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers. A radially outer end of the conductive fiber body projects radially outward from the sealing plate and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that is oriented outward in the width direction of the rolling bearing relative to the sealing plate.

[0016] According to the configurations of the bearing seals as described in the third and fourth aspects, the radially outer end of the annular sealing plate engages with the engagement groove of the outer ring, and the radially inner end of the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers connected to the sealing plate, comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outwards relative to the sealing plate. Alternatively, the radially inner end of the annular metallic sealing plate engages with the engagement groove of the inner ring, and the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers connected to the sealing plate, comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that, in the width direction of the rolling bearing, is oriented outwards relative to the sealing plate.

[0017] In other words, it is not the elastic body, but rather the conductive fiber body and the metallic sealing plate that come into contact with the outer and inner rings. The radially inner end of the conductive fiber body slides over the inner ring, or the radially outer end of the conductive fiber body slides over the outer ring. It is also possible to allow the conductive fiber body to come into contact with both the inner and outer rings. In such a case, the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, is in direct contact with the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, thus electrically connecting them. This reduces conductor resistance and increases conductivity stability compared to conductive rubber obtained by mixing a filler (conductive material) into a rubber compound.Even if the metallic sealing plate comes into contact with one of the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing, without allowing the conductive fiber body to come into contact with it, the conductor resistance is reduced and conductivity stability is improved compared to the conductive rubber.

[0018] In addition, compared to the bearing seal of PTL 1, where the conductive material in the outer diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the inner ring, conductivity stability is significantly improved and manufacturing of the bearing seal is made easier.

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

[0020] According to the configuration of the bearing seal according to the fifth aspect, the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, extends linearly in the radial direction in order to allow the conductive fibers forming the conductive fiber body to be easily bundled together and to facilitate the manufacture of the conductive fiber body. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As described above, according to the bearing seal of the present invention, which prevents electrolytic corrosion of the rolling bearing, the conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, is in direct contact with the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing to electrically connect them, or the metallic sealing plate comes into contact with one of the outer and inner rings of the rolling bearing without allowing the conductive fiber body to come into contact with it. This configuration reduces conductor resistance, improves conductivity stability, and facilitates the manufacture of the bearing seal. Furthermore, even if the bearing seal is of a type whose lip is in sliding contact with the inner ring, its conductive material is not exposed by the lip and is independent of the lip; therefore, the conductive material does not impair sealing performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of a part of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention, which view shows an example in which conductive materials are (re)held by a sealing ring while buried in an elastic body, and an inner diameter-side lip of the elastic body is a non-contacting lip. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 1, seen in the direction of its axis of rotation. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a section of a part of the rolling bearing according to the embodiment of the present invention, which view shows an example in which the conductive materials are (re-)held by the sealing ring while connected to the elastic body, and the inner diameter-side lip of the elastic body is the non-contacting lip. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 4, seen in the direction of its axis of rotation. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a section of a part of the rolling bearing according to the embodiment of the present invention, which view shows an example in which the conductive materials are (re-)held by the sealing ring while connected to the elastic body, and the inner diameter-side lip of the elastic body is a contact lip. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 7, seen in the direction of its axis of rotation. Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part in an example where the conductive material of the bearing seal is Fig. 7 to 9 is buried in the elastic body in the same way as the conductive material of the bearing seal of the Fig. 1 to 3. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part, showing an example where the rolling bearing of Fig. 1 to 3 an inner ring has no sealing groove. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged longitudinal section view of a main part showing an example of the bearing seal, which includes an annular metallic sealing plate and the conductive material. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0022] In the following, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] In the present description, a direction parallel to the direction of a rolling bearing's axis of rotation is defined (see, for example, a reference numeral O in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) as "latitude" (see, for example, an arrow B in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation is called the "radial direction" (see, for example, an arrow R in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) denotes. With respect to the direction of the axis of rotation, a “circumferential direction” (see, for example, an arrow C in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) defined.

[0024] In the present description, a width direction is defined that is centered on the rolling bearing (see, for example, a reference sign D in Fig. 2) in the latitude direction, as "inwards in the latitude direction" (see, for example, an arrow BI in Fig. 2) refers to a lateral direction away from the center in the lateral direction as "outwards in the lateral direction" (see, for example, an arrow BO in Fig. 2) denotes a radial direction that approaches the axis of rotation as “inwards in the radial direction” (see, for example, an arrow RI in Fig. 2) and a radial direction away from the axis of rotation is referred to as "in the radial direction outwards" (see, for example, an arrow RO in Fig. 2) is designated. [Rolling bearings]

[0025] A rolling bearing A, which is located in the Fig. The assembly shown in Figures 1 to 12 comprises an outer ring 11, an inner ring 12, rolling elements 13, a retainer 14, and a bearing seal 1. The rolling elements 13 roll between a raceway surface of the outer ring 11 and a raceway surface of the inner ring 12. The retainer 14 guides the rolling elements 13 at predetermined intervals and holds them in such a way that they are free to rotate. [Bearing seal]

[0026] The in the Fig. The bearing seal 1 shown in Figures 1 to 11 contains an annular sealing ring 2 and conductive materials 3 which are in contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 to electrically connect the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12.

[0027] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an example of the bearing seal 1, in which each conductive material 3 is retained by the sealing ring 2 while being buried in an elastic body 5, and an inner-diameter-side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a non-contacting lip. Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show an example of the bearing seal 1, in which the conductive material 3 is retained by the sealing ring 2 while connected to the elastic body 5, and the inner diameter-side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a non-contacting lip. Fig. Figures 7 to 9 show an example of the bearing seal 1 in which the conductive material 3 is retained by the sealing ring 2 while connected to the elastic body 5, and the inner diameter-side lip 7 of the elastic body 5 is a contact lip.

[0028] Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of the bearing seal 1, in which the conductive material 3 of the bearing seal 1 is located in the Fig. 7 to 9 in the elastic body 5 in the same way as in the Fig. The conductive material shown in 1 to 3 is buried. Fig. Figure 11 shows an example of the bearing seal 1, in which the inner ring 12 has no sealing groove in the rolling bearing A. Fig. It has 1 to 3.

[0029] The one in the Fig. The sealing ring 2 shown in Figures 1 to 11 consists of a core metal 4 and the elastic body 5. The core metal 4 is made of a metal material, and the elastic body 5 is made of a rubber material. The elastic body 5 has an outer diameter lip 6 extending outwards in the radial direction R RO, and an inner diameter lip 7 extending inwards in the radial direction R RI.

[0030] During the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in figures 1 to 11, the outer diameter-side lip 6 engages with an engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is shown.

[0031] During the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6, the inner diameter-side lip 7 is a non-contacting lip that is arranged in a sealing groove 12A of the inner ring 12, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 is shown. In the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figures 7 to 10, the inner diameter-side lip 7 is a contact lip in contact with an inner surface of the sealing groove 12A of the inner ring 12, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 is shown. At the in Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figure 11, the inner diameter-side lip 7 is a non-contacting lip that faces an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 12, which does not have a sealing groove 12A. The inner diameter-side lip 7, which is the non-contacting lip or the contact lip, is arranged inwards BI in the width direction B relative to the conductive material 3 and is independent of the conductive material 3.

[0032] The inner diameter lip 7 is designed as the non-contact lip to reduce sliding torque. The inner diameter lip 7 is designed as the contact lip, which results in an increase in sliding torque but also improves sealing performance.

[0033] During the Fig. 1 to 3 and in the Fig. 10 and Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figure 11, the conductive material 3 is (re)held by the sealing ring 2, while it is buried in the elastic body 5. In the case of the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in 4 to 9, the conductive material 3 is (re-)held by the sealing ring 2, while it is connected to an outer surface of the elastic body 5, which is arranged in the width direction B to the outside BO.

[0034] The conductive material 3 is a conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers. Carbon fibers, metal-coated synthetic fibers, or the like are used for the conductive fibers. Copper, silver, and / or nickel can be used for the metal coating of the synthetic fibers. The carbon fibers can be reinforced by adding polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, or the like.

[0035] In the case of bearing seal 1 of the Fig. From 1 to 11, an outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 protrudes outwards in the radial direction R from the sealing ring 2 RO and comes into contact with the outer ring 11 at a position that is directed outwards BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 8, Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows an inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R protrudes in the radial direction R from the sealing ring 2 inwards R1 and comes into contact with the inner ring 12 at a position that is directed outwards BO in the width direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the core metal 4.

[0036] As it is in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the conductive fiber bodies 8 extend in the radial direction R and are (re)held by the sealing ring 2, while they are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 11, each of the conductive fiber bodies 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, extends linearly in the radial direction R. Accordingly, the conductive fibers forming the conductive body 8 are simply bundled together, and therefore the fabrication of the conductive fiber body 8 is simple.

[0037] The in Fig. The bearing seal 1 shown in Figure 12 comprises an annular metallic sealing plate E and the conductive material 3, which is in contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 to electrically connect them. The conductive material 3 is connected to an outer surface of the sealing plate E, which is oriented outwards in the lateral direction B BO. An outer end of the sealing plate E, oriented outwards in the radial direction R RO, engages with the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11. The inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8, in the radial direction R, projects inwards from an annular portion of the sealing plate E in the radial direction R RI and comes into contact with the inner ring 12 at a position oriented outwards in the lateral direction B relative to the sealing plate E BO.The outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8, in the radial direction R, projects outwards RO from the annular part of the sealing plate E and comes into contact with the outer ring 11 at a position that is directed outwards BO from the rolling bearing A in the lateral direction B relative to the sealing plate E. The outer end of the sealing plate E, which is arranged RO outwards in the radial direction R, engages with the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11, thus allowing the sealing plate E and the outer ring 11 to be electrically connected. Therefore, the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 may not be in contact with the outer ring 11 in the radial direction R.

[0038] During the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12, eight conductive fiber bodies 8 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction C, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Specifically, the number of conductive fiber bodies 8 is not limited to a specific number, and the conductive fiber bodies 8 in contact with the outer ring 11 and / or the inner ring 12 at a certain part of the circumference are considered applicable. For example, the conductive fiber bodies 8 can be connected to each other along the entire circumference.

[0039] During the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in figures 1 to 11, the outer diameter-side lip 6 of the elastic body 5 engages with the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11. In the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figure 12, the outer end of the sealing plate E, which is arranged in the radial direction R towards the outside RO, engages with the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11. These bearing seals are therefore of the sliding-over-the-inner-ring type, which allows the inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 to slide over the inner ring 12 in the radial direction R.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The bearing seal can be of the sliding-over-the-outer-ring type, which allows the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 to slide over the outer ring 11 in the radial direction R. In a case where the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown in Figures 1 to 11, which is of the type of a sliding-over-the-outer-ring seal, the inner-diameter-side lip of the elastic body 5 is in engagement with the engagement groove of the inner ring 12, and the outer-diameter-side lip of the elastic body 5 is either the non-contacting lip, which is not in contact with the outer ring 11, or the contacting lip, which is in contact with the outer ring 11. In a case where the Fig. In the bearing seal 1 shown, which is of the type of a sliding-over-the-outer-ring, the inner end of the sealing plate E, which is arranged in the radial direction R towards the inside RI, is in engagement with the engagement groove of the inner ring 12. [Effects]

[0041] According to the bearing seal 1 of the type of a sliding-over-the-inner-ring or the bearing seal 1 of the type of a sliding-over-the-outer-ring in the Fig. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 11, the conductive material 3, in contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A to electrically connect the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, is the conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers and is (re)held by the sealing ring 2 while being buried in or connected to the elastic body 5 of the sealing ring 2. The outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 projects outwards from the sealing ring 2 in the radial direction R and comes into contact with the outer ring 11 at the position BO that is arranged outwards in the lateral direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the core metal 4.An inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 in the radial direction R protrudes inwards RI from the sealing ring 2 in the radial direction R and comes into contact with the inner ring 12 at a position that is directed outwards BO from the rolling bearing A in the width direction B relative to the core metal 4.

[0042] In other words, it is not the elastic body, but rather the conductive fiber body 8 that comes into contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, independently of the elastic body. The inner end 10 of the conductive fiber body 8 slides over the inner ring 12 in the radial direction R, or the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 slides over the outer ring 11 in the radial direction R. In this way, the conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, is in direct contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A, in order to electrically connect the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12, thereby reducing conductor resistance and achieving excellent conductivity stability compared to conductive rubber, which is produced by mixing a filler (conductive material) into rubber.

[0043] Additionally, in comparison with the bearing seal of PTL 1, where the conductive material in the outer-diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner-diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the inner ring, the conductive fiber body 8, i.e., the conductive material 3, is allowed to come into reliable contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12. This significantly improves conductivity stability and simplifies the manufacture of the bearing seal. Furthermore, even if the bearing seal is a type of seal whose lip is in sliding contact with the inner ring, as is the case in the Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 10, their conductive material 3 is not exposed by the lip, but is independent of the lip, and therefore the conductive material 3 does not impair sealing performance.

[0044] According to the bearing seal 1 of the type of a sliding-over-the-inner-ring or the bearing seal 1 of the type of a sliding-over-the-outer-ring in the embodiment of the present invention, as is shown in Fig.Figure 12 shows a state in which the outer end of the annular metallic sealing plate E, which is arranged outwards RO in the radial direction R, is in engagement with the engagement groove 11A of the outer ring 11, or the inner end of the annular metallic sealing plate E, which is arranged inwards RI in the radial direction R, is in engagement with the engagement groove of the inner ring 12, the inner end 10 in the radial direction R of the conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers and is connected to the sealing plate E, is in contact with the inner ring 12 in a position BO directed outwards in the lateral direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the sealing plate E, and the outer end 9 of the conductive fiber body 8 is in contact with the outer ring 11 in the lateral direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the sealing plate E in a position BO directed outwards in the lateral direction B of the rolling bearing A relative to the sealing plate E.

[0045] In other words, it is not the elastic body, but the conductive fiber body 8 that is in contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12. Thus, the conductive fiber body 8, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, is in direct contact with the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing A to electrically connect the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 12. Therefore, compared to conductive rubber produced by mixing a filler (conductive material) into rubber, the conductor resistance is reduced and conductivity stability is improved.

[0046] In addition, compared to the bearing seal made of PTL 1, where the conductive material in the outer diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the outer ring and the conductive material in the inner diameter-side lip of the elastic body of the sealing ring comes into contact with the inner ring, conductivity stability is significantly improved and manufacturing of the bearing seal is made easier.

[0047] The above description of the embodiments is entirely exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited by this description. The present invention can be modified or revised in various ways within the scope of protection of the present invention. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 bearing seal 2 sealing rings 3 conductive material 4 Core metal 5 elastic bodies 6 outer diameter side lip 7 inner diameter side lip 8 conductive fiber body 9 outer end in the radial direction 10 inner end in the radial direction 11 Outer ring 11A Entry groove 12 inner ring 12A Sealing groove 13 rolling elements 14 bracket A rolling bearing B Latitude direction BI internally BO to the outside C Circumferential direction D middle in the latitude direction E metallic sealing plate O pivot axis R radial direction RI inwards RO outwards QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2009-79643

[0005]

Claims

[1] Bearing seal used for a rolling bearing which includes an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements, wherein the bearing seal comprises: an annular sealing ring containing a core metal and an elastic body; and a conductive material in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring to electrically connect the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the elastic body has an outer diameter-side lip that extends radially outwards, and an inner diameter-side lip that extends radially inwards, the outer diameter-side lip is in engagement with an engagement groove of the outer ring, the inner diameter-side lip is either a non-contact lip that is not in contact with the inner ring, or a contact lip that is in contact with the inner ring. the conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers and is (re-)held by the sealing ring in a state in which the conductive fiber body is buried in the elastic body or connected to the elastic body, a radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outwards from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that is directed outwards in a lateral direction relative to the core metal of the rolling bearing, and a radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inwards from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that is directed outwards in the width direction relative to the core metal in the rolling bearing. [2] Bearing seal used for a rolling bearing which includes an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements, wherein the bearing seal comprises: an annular sealing ring containing a core metal and an elastic body; and a conductive material that is in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring to electrically connect the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the elastic body has an inner diameter-side lip that extends radially inwards, and an outer diameter-side lip that extends radially outwards, the inner diameter side lip engages with an engagement groove of the inner ring, The outer diameter side lip is either a non-contact lip that is not in contact with the outer ring, or a contact lip that is in contact with the outer ring. the conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers and is (re-)held by the sealing ring in a state in which the conductive fiber body is buried in the elastic body or connected to the elastic body, a radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inwards from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that is directed outwards in a lateral direction relative to the core metal of the rolling bearing, and a radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outwards from the sealing ring and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that is directed outwards in the width direction relative to the core metal in the rolling bearing. [3] Bearing seal used for a rolling bearing which includes an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements, wherein the bearing seal comprises: a ring-shaped metallic sealing plate; and a conductive material that is bonded to the sealing plate, wherein a radially outer end of the sealing plate engages with an engagement groove of the outer ring, the conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, and a radially inner end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially inwards from the sealing plate and comes into contact with the inner ring at a position that is directed outwards in a width direction of the rolling bearing relative to the sealing plate. [4] Bearing seal used for a rolling bearing which includes an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements, wherein the bearing seal comprises: a ring-shaped metallic sealing plate; and a conductive material that is bonded to the sealing plate, wherein a radially inner end of the sealing plate engages with an engagement groove of the inner ring, the conductive material is a conductive fiber body, which is a bundle of conductive fibers, and a radially outer end of the conductive fiber body protrudes radially outwards from the sealing plate and comes into contact with the outer ring at a position that is directed outwards in the width direction of the rolling bearing relative to the sealing plate. [5] Bearing seal according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive fiber body extends linearly in a radial direction.

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