Rolling bearing device with lubrication function

Abstract

To provide a rolling bearing device with lubrication function that can reduce the amount of heating of a bearing and torque by curbing the amount of oil supply and reduce costs.SOLUTION: A rolling bearing device 1 with lubrication function includes: a pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B; an outer ring spacer 20; and a pair of inner ring spacers 30A, 30B. The outer ring spacer 20 has a nozzle section 22 which projects to an inner diameter side and through which lubricant can flow. Each inner ring spacer 30A, 30B has a small diameter section 31 facing an inner peripheral surface of a tip of the nozzle section 22 and a large diameter section 32 facing an axial side surface of the tip of the nozzle section 22 and is formed in a stepped shape. The large diameter section 32 has an annular scoop 34 and a discharge nozzle 35 which communicates between the scoop 34 and a bearing space of each angular contact ball bearing 10A, 10B. The outer ring spacer 20 has a radial flow passage 23 extending in a radial direction in the nozzle section 22, and a pair of supply nozzles 24, 24 being open in opposite axial side surfaces of the tip of the nozzle section 22, respectively, from the radial flow passage 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a rolling bearing device with lubrication function that has an outer ring spacer and an inner ring spacer, which is provided with an oil supply / drain function that enables under-race lubrication without processing the angular ball bearing used under high-speed rotation, and which achieves low heat generation and low torque by optimizing the amount of oil supply. [Background technology]

[0002] One method of supplying lubricating oil to bearings that rotate at high speeds is forced lubrication, in which the oil passes through the housing and is supplied directly to the inside of the bearing from the outer ring spacer. With this method, when the inner ring rotates, the oil supply speed must be fast enough to break through the air curtain (wall of air) created by the circumferential speed of the inner ring outer diameter surface, so the amount of oil supplied tends to be excessive compared to the amount needed to control the bearing temperature. Furthermore, the difference between the revolution speed of the rolling elements and the oil supply speed increases stirring resistance. These two factors not only increase the rotational torque of the bearings and reduce the efficiency of the equipment, but also require the supply of more oil than necessary, making it necessary to increase the size of the ancillary equipment.

[0003] In the case of inner ring rotation, there is an under-race lubrication method in which an oil supply passage that opens to the inner ring raceway surface is provided in the inner ring of the bearing, and lubricating oil is supplied from the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring to the inside of the bearing (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-110776 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-283984 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when implementing an under-race lubrication method such as those in Patent Documents 1 and 2 by providing an oil supply passage in the inner ring of the bearing, it may be necessary to perform appropriate machining not only on the bearing but also on the shaft. Furthermore, it is often necessary to supply oil from the end face of the shaft, which may not be applicable due to the structure of the equipment.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a rolling bearing device with a lubrication function that can be given an under-race lubrication function without processing the angular ball bearing, while maintaining the same housing design as forced lubrication, thereby reducing the amount of oil supplied, thereby reducing the heat generation and torque of the bearing, and also reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following rolling bearing device with lubrication function. (1) A pair of angular contact ball bearings used for inner ring rotation, comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to each of the outer rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; a pair of inner ring spacers respectively arranged adjacent to the inner rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; wherein the outer ring spacer and each of the inner ring spacers cooperate to supply lubricant to each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, each of the inner ring spacers is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion; the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with bearing spaces of each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a pair of supply nozzles opening from the radial flow passage to both axial side surfaces of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing each of the scoops of the pair of inner ring spacers, Rolling bearing device with lubrication function. (2) An angular contact ball bearing used for inner ring rotation, comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to the outer ring; an inner ring spacer disposed adjacent to the inner ring; wherein the outer ring spacer and the inner ring spacer cooperate to supply lubricant to the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, the inner ring spacer is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion, the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with a bearing space of the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a supply nozzle opening from the radial flow passage to an axial side surface of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing the scoop. Rolling bearing device with lubrication function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to impart under-race lubrication function to angular contact ball bearings without processing them, while maintaining the same housing design as forced lubrication. This reduces the amount of oil supplied, thereby reducing the heat generation and torque of the bearing, and also reduces costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lubricated rolling bearing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the outer ring spacer, and FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of the main part as seen from the arrow A in FIG. 2(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1, the lubricated rolling bearing device 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B, an outer ring spacer 20 and a pair of inner ring spacers 30A, 30B that are arranged between the pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B. The rolling bearing device 1 has a lubrication function in which the outer ring spacer 20 and each of the inner ring spacers 30A, 30B work together to supply lubricating oil (lubricant) to each of the angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B.

[0012] A pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B are used with inner ring rotation, and comprise an outer ring 11 having an outer ring raceway groove 11a on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring 12 having an inner ring raceway groove 12a on its outer peripheral surface, a plurality of balls 13 arranged to roll freely between the outer ring raceway groove 11a and the inner ring raceway groove 12a at a contact angle α, and a cage 14 that holds the plurality of balls 13. The contact angle α is defined as the angle between a plane P perpendicular to the bearing center axis X and a line of action connecting the contact points Pa and Pb where the balls 13 contact the outer ring 11 and inner ring 12, respectively.

[0013] The pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B are arranged in a back-to-back configuration. The inner ring 12 has a counterbore 12b on its outer peripheral surface facing the inner ring spacer relative to the inner ring raceway groove 12a. The cage 14 is made of resin and includes a pair of annular portions 14a, 14b and multiple pillar portions 14c connecting the pair of annular portions 14a, 14b. The cage is of an outer ring guide type, with the annular portion 14a guided by a shoulder portion 11b on the outer ring spacer side relative to the outer ring raceway groove 11a. The inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 14a of the cage 14 is formed on the outer diameter side of the pitch circle diameter PCD of the balls 13.

[0014] The outer ring spacer 20 is disposed adjacent to each outer ring 11 of the pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B, and has an annular outer ring spacer main body 21 and an annular nozzle portion 22 that protrudes radially inward from the outer ring spacer main body 21 and through which lubricating oil can flow. The inner circumferential surface of the outer ring spacer main body 21 is formed with a diameter slightly larger than that of the shoulder portion 11b of the adjacent outer ring 11.

[0015] The outer ring spacer 20 has radial flow passages 23 extending radially inside the nozzle portion 22, and a pair of supply nozzles 24 that open from the radial flow passages 23 to both axial side surfaces of the tip portion 22a of the nozzle portion 22 that face each of the scoops 34 of the pair of inner ring spacers 30A, 30B, which will be described later. The number and phase θ of the radial flow passages 23 can be designed as desired, and in this embodiment, two radial flow passages 23 are provided, as shown in Fig. 2. The pair of supply nozzles 24 are inclined so as to approach the inner diameter side as they move away from the radial flow passages 23 in the axial direction.

[0016] In addition, an annular groove (oil supply rail) 25 that is continuous with the radial flow path 23 of the nozzle portion 22 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring spacer 20, and lubricating oil can be supplied to the radial flow path 23 without considering the phase relative to the oil supply from outside.

[0017] The outer ring spacer 20 has a plurality of slits 26 formed therethrough in the radial direction at positions axially spaced from the nozzle portion 22 of the outer ring spacer main body 21. The slits 26 are formed in eight locations equally spaced around the circumference, and are shaped like ovals that are long in the circumferential direction. Therefore, lubricating oil that accumulates between the pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B can be discharged from the slits 26 located below.

[0018] Next, the pair of inner ring spacers 30A, 30B are arranged adjacent to the inner rings 12 of the pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B, respectively. Each inner ring spacer 30A, 30B has the same shape and is formed in a stepped shape with a small diameter portion 31 closely facing the inner circumferential surface of the tip end of the nozzle portion 23, and a large diameter portion 32 closely facing the axial side surface of the tip end of the nozzle portion 22. The pair of inner ring spacers 30A, 30B are arranged adjacent to each other, sandwiched between the inner rings 12 of the pair of angular contact ball bearings 10A, 10B, with the small diameter portions 31 abutting each other.

[0019] The large diameter portion 32 has an annular scoop (oil reservoir) 34 that opens on the axial side opposite the tip of the nozzle portion 22, and a plurality of discharge nozzles 35 that communicate with the scoop 34 and the bearing spaces s of each angular ball bearing 10A, 10B and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0020] Each inner ring spacer 30A, 30B has an axial protruding portion 33 that protrudes toward the angular contact ball bearing further than the axial end face that abuts against the inner ring 12 of the angular contact ball bearing 10A, 10B, and an outlet of the discharge nozzle 35 is formed in the axial protruding portion 33. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the axial protruding portion 33 is located on the outer diameter side of the outer peripheral surface of the counterbore 12b of the inner ring 12 of each angular contact ball bearing 10A, 10B. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surfaces of the large diameter portion 32 and the axial protruding portion 33 are designed to be equal to or smaller than the pitch circle diameter PCD of the balls 13.

[0021] The outer peripheral surfaces of the small diameter portion 31 and the scoop 34 are formed continuously and are tapered so that the diameter gradually increases from the small diameter portion 31 side toward the scoop 34 side, so that lubricating oil adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 31 is guided into the scoop 34 by centrifugal force. The discharge nozzle 35 is formed on the bottom surface of the scoop 34 so that its inlet is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the scoop 34, and is tapered so that the diameter gradually increases from the inlet on the scoop 34 side toward the outlet on the axially protruding portion 33 side, so that it is directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 41 of the cage 40 or the balls 13. In particular, by positioning the outlet of the discharge nozzle 35 within the bearing space s of each angular contact ball bearing 10A, 10B, the effect of an air curtain generated when surrounding air rotates together due to high-speed rotation can be suppressed, improving oil supply reliability.

[0022] Furthermore, the nozzle portion 22 of the outer ring spacer 20 is formed in an annular shape and is close to the scoops 34 of the inner ring spacers 30A and 30B, so leakage from the scoops 34 can be reduced.

[0023] In the lubricated rolling bearing device 1 configured in this manner, lubricating oil is pressurized by a pump (not shown) to obtain a discharge flow rate appropriate for the rotation speed of the bearing, and is filled into the annular groove 25 forming the oil supply rail from the outer diameter side of the outer ring spacer 20, and is then injected from the supply nozzle 24 through the radial flow passages 23 toward the scoops 34 of the inner ring spacers 30A, 30B. The lubricating oil collected in the scoops 34 is then discharged into the bearing space s from the multiple discharge nozzles 35 of the inner ring spacers 30A, 30B by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the inner ring spacers 30A, 30B. Furthermore, after lubrication, the lubricating oil remaining in each angular ball bearing 10A, 10B and between the pair of angular ball bearings 10A, 10B is discharged from the counterbore 11c side of the outer ring 11 of the angular ball bearings 10A, 10B or from the slit 26 of the outer ring spacer 20.

[0024] Therefore, the rolling bearing device 1 with lubrication function of this embodiment can be given an under-race lubrication function without processing the angular ball bearings 10A, 10B, while maintaining the same housing design as forced lubrication, thereby reducing the amount of oil supplied, thereby reducing the heat generation and torque of the bearing, and also reducing costs.

[0025] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the nozzle portion 22 is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference, and the radial flow path 23 is formed at a predetermined phase, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the nozzle portion 22 may protrude toward the inner diameter only at the predetermined phase where the radial flow path 23 is formed. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a pair of angular ball bearings 10A, 10B are shown to be provided on both axial sides of the outer ring spacer 20 and the inner ring spacers 30A, 30B, but the present invention may also be applied to a case where an angular ball bearing is provided on one axial side of the outer ring spacer and the inner ring spacer.

[0026] As described above, the present specification discloses the following: (1) A pair of angular contact ball bearings used for inner ring rotation, comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to each of the outer rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; a pair of inner ring spacers respectively arranged adjacent to the inner rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; wherein the outer ring spacer and each of the inner ring spacers cooperate to supply lubricant to each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, each of the inner ring spacers is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion; the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with bearing spaces of each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a pair of supply nozzles opening from the radial flow passage to both axial side surfaces of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing each of the scoops of the pair of inner ring spacers, Rolling bearing device with lubrication function. With this configuration, it is possible to impart under-race lubrication functionality to the angular ball bearing without processing it, while maintaining the same housing design as forced lubrication. This reduces the amount of oil supplied, thereby reducing the heat generation and torque of the bearing, and also enables cost reduction.

[0027] (2) The inner ring of each angular contact ball bearing has a counterbore on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring spacer side relative to the inner ring raceway groove, each of the inner ring spacers has an axial protruding portion that protrudes toward each of the angular contact ball bearings beyond an axial end surface that abuts against the inner ring of each of the angular contact ball bearings, and in which an outlet of the discharge nozzle is formed; A rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to (1). According to this configuration, the outlet of the discharge nozzle is located inside the bearing space, thereby improving the reliability of oil supply to each angular contact ball bearing.

[0028] (3) An annular groove that is continuous with the radial flow path of the nozzle portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring spacer. A rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to (1) or (2). According to this configuration, lubricating oil can be supplied to the radial flow passage without taking into consideration the phase relative to the oil supply from the outside.

[0029] (4) A slit penetrating the outer ring spacer in the radial direction is formed at a position axially spaced from the nozzle portion. The rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to any one of (1) to (3). According to this configuration, lubricating oil remaining between the pair of angular contact ball bearings can be discharged through the slit.

[0030] (5) An angular contact ball bearing used for inner ring rotation, comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to the outer ring; an inner ring spacer disposed adjacent to the inner ring; wherein the outer ring spacer and the inner ring spacer cooperate to supply lubricant to the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, the inner ring spacer is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion, the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with a bearing space of the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a supply nozzle opening from the radial flow passage to an axial side surface of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing the scoop. Rolling bearing device with lubrication function. With this configuration, it is possible to impart under-race lubrication functionality to the angular ball bearing without processing it, while maintaining the same housing design as forced lubrication. This reduces the amount of oil supplied, thereby reducing the heat generation and torque of the bearing, and also enables cost reduction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1. Lubricated rolling bearing device 10A, 10B angular contact ball bearings 11 Outer ring 11a Outer ring raceway groove 12 Inner Circle 12a Inner ring raceway groove 13 balls 14 Cage 20 Outer ring spacer 21 Outer ring spacer body 22 Nozzle section 23 Radial flow passage 24 supply nozzle 25 Annular groove 30A, 30B Inner ring spacer 31 Small diameter section 32 Large diameter section 33 Axial protrusion 34 Scoop 35 Discharge nozzle s Bearing space

Claims

1. a pair of angular contact ball bearings used for inner ring rotation, the angular contact ball bearings comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to each of the outer rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; a pair of inner ring spacers respectively arranged adjacent to the inner rings of the pair of angular contact ball bearings; wherein the outer ring spacer and each of the inner ring spacers cooperate to supply lubricant to each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, each of the inner ring spacers is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion; the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with bearing spaces of each of the angular contact ball bearings, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a pair of supply nozzles opening from the radial flow passage to both axial side surfaces of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing each of the scoops of the pair of inner ring spacers, Rolling bearing device with lubrication function.

2. the inner ring of each angular contact ball bearing has a counterbore on an outer peripheral surface on the inner ring spacer side relative to the inner ring raceway groove, each of the inner ring spacers has an axial protruding portion that protrudes toward each of the angular contact ball bearings beyond an axial end surface that abuts against the inner ring of each of the angular contact ball bearings, and in which an outlet of the discharge nozzle is formed; 2. The rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to claim 1.

3. an annular groove continuous with the radial flow path of the nozzle portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring spacer; 2. The rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to claim 1.

4. a slit penetrating the outer ring spacer in the radial direction is formed at a position axially spaced from the nozzle portion; 2. The rolling bearing device with lubrication function according to claim 1.

5. an angular contact ball bearing used for inner ring rotation, comprising an outer ring having an outer ring raceway groove on its inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway groove and the inner ring raceway groove; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to the outer ring; an inner ring spacer disposed adjacent to the inner ring; wherein the outer ring spacer and the inner ring spacer cooperate to supply lubricant to the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a nozzle portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter side and allows a lubricant to flow therethrough, the inner ring spacer is formed in a stepped shape and has a small diameter portion facing an inner circumferential surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion and a large diameter portion facing an axial side surface of the tip end portion of the nozzle portion, the large diameter portion has an annular scoop that opens on an axial side surface facing the tip end of the nozzle portion, and a discharge nozzle that communicates the scoop with a bearing space of the angular contact ball bearing, the outer ring spacer has a radial flow passage extending radially inside the nozzle portion, and a supply nozzle opening from the radial flow passage to an axial side surface of a tip end of the nozzle portion facing the scoop. Rolling bearing device with lubrication function.

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