Rolling bearing and rotation device

Abstract

To provide a rolling bearing which can maintain a durability and reduce a rotational resistance.SOLUTION: A rolling bearing 1F includes: a seal member 50 attached to an outer ring 20; and a grease 60 provided between a rolling element 30 and the seal member 50. Formed on an inner peripheral face 22b of the outer ring 20 are: an outer ring raceway face 23; and a recess 24 provided at a position axially extending from an end edge of an axial direction of the outer ring raceway face 23 and recessed in a radial direction. The outer ring 20 includes a projection part 22 projecting toward an inner ring 10 side and on which an inner peripheral face 22b is formed. The projection part 22 includes an end face 22a directed outside in an axial direction and connecting with the inner peripheral face 22b at an inner peripheral edge. The seal member 50 is overlapped on the end face 22a from an outside of an axial direction. The inner peripheral face 22b includes a connection face 26 formed between the recess 24 and the end face 22a. The connection face 26 is apart from the inner ring 10 from an end edge in an axial direction of the outer ring raceway face 23 in a radial direction. The grease 60 is in contact with the recess 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing and a rotating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, rolling bearings have grease held between a pair of raceways (inner and outer rings). In this type of rolling bearing, the resistance of the grease can be a factor that increases rotational resistance. However, reducing the rotational resistance of rolling bearings is desirable in order to reduce the power consumption of the rotating equipment in which they are installed. There is a strong demand for reduced rotational resistance, particularly in small rolling bearings used in various motors such as fan motors.

[0003] In order to reduce the rotational resistance of a rolling bearing, it is effective to reduce the amount of grease that comes into contact with both of the components that rotate relative to each other. Therefore, efforts have been made to reduce the amount of grease that comes into contact with the rolling elements (balls) and the cage that holds the rolling elements by applying grease to the axial ends of the fixed ring (in most cases, the outer ring) of the rolling bearing or to the sealing members arranged on these ends (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the rolling bearing described in Patent Document 1, the grease adheres to the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring, avoiding the raceway surfaces that come into contact with the rolling elements, and is packed in an annular shape biased toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring so as not to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-150615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, reducing the amount of grease to reduce rotational resistance can result in the rolling bearing running out of grease, shortening its lifespan. Therefore, conventional rolling bearings face the challenge of ensuring durability while reducing rotational resistance at the same time.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a rolling bearing and a rotating device that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A rolling bearing according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially with each other, rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, a seal member attached to the inner ring or the outer ring and covering the space between the inner ring and the outer ring from the outside in the axial direction, and grease arranged between the rolling elements and the seal member, wherein one of the inner ring and the outer ring has a circumferential surface facing the other of the inner ring and the outer ring, and the circumferential surface has a raceway surface that rollably supports the rolling elements, and a seal member provided at a location extending in the axial direction from an end edge of the raceway surface in the axial direction. and a recess recessed in the radial direction, the one raceway has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other raceway and has the circumferential surface formed thereon, the protruding portion has an end face that faces outward in the axial direction and connects to the circumferential surface at the periphery of the other raceway, the sealing member overlaps the end face from the outside in the axial direction, the circumferential surface has a connection surface formed between the recess and the end face, the connection surface is farther away from the other raceway in the radial direction than the axial end edge of the raceway surface, and the grease is in contact with the recess.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the recesses can restrict axial displacement of the grease. This prevents the grease from displacing and coming into contact with the rolling elements or the like in an amount greater than desired. This reduces the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing. Furthermore, since the grease can be disposed inside the recesses, the total amount of grease can be increased compared to a configuration in which no recesses are formed. As a result, a rolling bearing can be provided that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. Furthermore, when inserting the tip of the nozzle from the outside of the rolling bearing into the inside of the outer ring and inner ring to dispense grease from the nozzle and apply it to a predetermined location, it is possible to prevent the connecting surfaces from coming into contact with the nozzle. This makes it easier to bring the nozzle closer to the recess when applying grease, thereby improving the productivity of small-diameter rolling bearings. Furthermore, because it is easier to bring the nozzle closer to the recess, grease can be applied with precision and it is possible to prevent more than the desired amount of grease from coming into contact with the rolling elements, etc., thereby reducing the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing.

[0009] A rolling bearing according to a second aspect of the present invention is the rolling bearing according to the first aspect, wherein the recessed portion may have a portion facing in a direction inclined inward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the recessed portion that faces in a direction inclined axially inward relative to the radial direction restricts the grease from displacing axially outward, thereby preventing the grease or its base oil from flowing toward the seal member and leaking from the gap between the seal member and one of the bearing rings.

[0011] A rolling bearing according to a third aspect of the present invention is the rolling bearing according to the first or second aspect, wherein the grease may be in contact with the sealing member.

[0012] According to the third aspect, when the seal member is attached with grease applied to one of the raceways, even if the grease in contact with the seal member is pushed inward in the axial direction by the seal member, the recess prevents the grease from displacing inward in the axial direction, so that it is possible to prevent more than the desired amount of grease from coming into contact with the rolling elements, etc., thereby reducing the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing. In particular, when the grease is in contact with a portion of the recess that faces in a direction inclined outward in the axial direction relative to the radial direction, the grease is supported not only by the recess but also by the sealing member, so the shape and position of the grease are less likely to change due to vibrations during transportation or long-term storage (especially storage in a high-temperature environment), etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing in which fluctuations in rotational resistance are suppressed from the initial manufacturing stage.

[0013] A rolling bearing according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a rolling bearing according to any one of the first to third aspects above, wherein the one raceway has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other raceway and has the circumferential surface formed thereon, the protruding portion having an end face that faces outward in the axial direction and connects to the circumferential surface at the periphery of the other raceway, and the recess may be provided at a distance in the axial direction from the end face.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent the grease or its base oil from flowing out from the recess toward the end face and leaking from the gap between the end face and the seal member.

[0015] A rotating device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises a rotatably arranged rotating body, a support body that rotatably supports the rotating body, and a rolling bearing according to any one of the first to fourth aspects interposed between the rotating body and the support body.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, the rotating equipment is provided with a rolling bearing that ensures durability and reduces rotational resistance, thereby achieving a longer life for the rotating equipment and power savings for the rotating equipment by reducing the rotational resistance of the rotating body relative to the support. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing and a rotating device that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rolling bearing according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing illustrating a method of applying grease according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing illustrating a method of applying grease according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a first modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a first modified example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second modified example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a first modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second modified example of the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0020] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the rolling bearing according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, a rotating device 2 on which the rolling bearing 1 is mounted is shown by an imaginary line.

[0021] 1 and 2, the rolling bearing 1 is a radial ball bearing that includes an inner ring 10 and an outer ring 20 that serve as raceways, a plurality of rolling elements 30, a cage 40, and a pair of seal members 50. The rolling bearing 1 is provided in a rotating device 2 such as a fan motor. The rotating device 2 includes a shaft 3 (rotating body) that is rotatable about a common axis O, and a housing 4 (support) that is fixedly installed and supports the shaft 3 so that it can rotate. The rolling bearing 1 is interposed between the shaft 3 and the housing 4.

[0022] The inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 are arranged coaxially with each other so that their respective central axes coincide with the common axis O. In this embodiment, the direction in which the common axis O extends is referred to as the axial direction, the direction extending radially from the common axis O and perpendicular to the common axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction revolving around the common axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, of the directions parallel to the axial direction and pointing in opposite directions, one is defined as the upward direction, and the other is defined as the downward direction.

[0023] The inner ring 10 is provided as a rotating ring. The inner ring 10 is fitted onto the shaft 3 and fixed to the shaft 3. The outer ring 20 is provided as a fixed ring. The outer ring 20 is fitted into a recess (or through hole) in the housing 4 and fixed to the housing 4. The outer ring 20 surrounds the inner ring 10 from the outside in the radial direction, with an annular space formed between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20. A plurality of rolling elements 30 are disposed between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 and are rotatably held by a cage 40. The cage 40 rotatably holds each of the rolling elements 30 with the plurality of rolling elements 30 evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. A seal member 50 is attached to the outer ring 20 and covers the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction.

[0024] The outer ring 20 is formed in an annular shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. However, the outer ring 20 is not limited to being made of metal and may be formed from other materials. The outer ring 20 has an outer ring body 21 whose width along the axial direction is equal to the width along the axial direction of the inner ring 10, and a protruding portion 22 that protrudes radially inward from the outer ring body 21 and extends over the entire circumferential direction. The protruding portion 22 is formed in a portion of the outer ring body 21 that is located at the center in the axial direction. The width along the axial direction of the protruding portion 22 is shorter than the width along the axial direction of the outer ring body 21 and is larger than the outer diameter of the rolling elements 30.

[0025] The protrusion 22 has a pair of end faces 22a facing outward in the axial direction, and an inner peripheral surface 22b (peripheral surface) connecting the inner peripheral edges of the pair of end faces 22a. Each end face 22a extends parallel to both the radial and circumferential directions. An outer ring raceway surface 23 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 22b, recessed radially outward. The outer ring raceway surface 23 is formed hemispherically in cross section so as to fit along the outer surface of the rolling element 30, and is formed in an annular shape extending circumferentially around the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 22b. The outer ring raceway surface 23 is formed on a portion of the inner peripheral surface 22b that is located at the center in the axial direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 22b is formed with a recess 24 recessed radially outward. The recess 24 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 22b at a location extending axially from the axial end edge of the outer ring raceway surface 23. The recess 24 is provided above the outer ring raceway surface 23. The recess 24 is provided at an axial distance from the outer ring raceway surface 23. The recess 24 is provided at an axial distance from the upward-facing end face 22a. The recess 24 extends continuously over the entire circumferential direction. The recess 24 extends in an arc shape on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1. For example, on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1, the radius of curvature of the recess 24 may be the same as or different from the radius of curvature of the outer ring raceway surface 23. Note that the recess 24 does not have to extend with a constant curvature on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1. The recess 24 has an outward surface 24a that faces in a direction inclined outward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and an inward surface 24b that faces in a direction inclined inward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and downward, or downward). The portion of the inner circumferential surface 22b excluding the outer ring raceway surface 23 and the recess 24 extends in the axial direction with a constant inner diameter.

[0027] The inner peripheral surface 22b has a ridge 25 formed on the edge of the recess 24 on the outer ring raceway surface 23 side (axially inner side). The ridge 25 may be rounded or sharp on the vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1.

[0028] The outer ring body 21 has a pair of inner circumferential surfaces 21a extending from the outer peripheral edges of the end faces 22a of the protrusions 22 to the opening edges of the outer ring 20. The axially inner portion of each inner circumferential surface 21a is located radially outward of the axially outer portion.

[0029] The inner ring 10 is formed in an annular shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. However, the inner ring 10 is not limited to being made of metal and may be formed from other materials. An inner ring raceway surface 11 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10, recessed radially inward. The inner ring raceway surface 11 is formed hemispherically in cross section so as to fit along the outer surfaces of the rolling elements 30, and is formed in an annular shape extending circumferentially around the entire outer peripheral surface. The inner ring raceway surface 11 is formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10 that is located at the center in the axial direction, and is disposed so as to face the outer ring raceway surface 23 in the radial direction. The portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10 excluding the inner ring raceway surface 11 extends axially at a constant outer diameter.

[0030] 2, the plurality of rolling elements 30 are formed into a spherical shape from a metal material such as stainless steel or bearing steel. The plurality of rolling elements 30 are arranged between the outer ring raceway surface 23 and the inner ring raceway surface 11 and are supported by the outer ring raceway surface 23 and the inner ring raceway surface 11 so as to be able to roll. The plurality of rolling elements 30 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction by a cage 40.

[0031] The cage 40 is made of synthetic resin or metal and has an overall annular shape. The cage 40 is disposed about a common axis O. The cage 40 includes an annular portion 41 that is annular and disposed below the rolling elements 30, and a plurality of pillar portions 42 that protrude upward from the annular portion 41 and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The pillar portions 42 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. A pair of pillar portions 42 adjacent in the circumferential direction forms a ball pocket between them. The ball pocket extends radially through the cage 40 and opens upward at the upper end surface of the cage 40. The ball pockets are provided in a number corresponding to the number of rolling elements 30 and hold each rolling element 30 in a rollable manner. As a result, the cage 40 uniformly arranges the rolling elements 30 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The cage 40 is disposed with a gap from the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 so as not to interfere with the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20. In this embodiment, the entire cage 40 is located axially inward of the pair of end faces 22 a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 .

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the seal member 50 is formed in the shape of an annular plate. The seal member 50 is disposed about the common axis O. The seal member 50 is uniformly formed around the entire circumference. The seal member 50 is fitted into the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction. One seal member 50 is disposed on each axial side of the plurality of rolling elements 30. The seal member 50 has an annular seat portion 51 that contacts the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction, an extension portion 52 that extends outward in the axial direction from the inner peripheral edge of the seat portion 51, a flat portion 53 that extends radially from the outer axial edge of the extension portion 52 toward the inner ring 10, and a locking portion 54 that extends radially and axially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the seat portion 51.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2 , the seat portion 51 overlaps the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction. The seat portion 51 extends approximately parallel to the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. In a plan view seen from the axial direction, the seat portion 51 protrudes radially inward beyond the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22. The distance that the seat portion 51 protrudes radially inward from the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 is 10% or less, and preferably 5% or less, of the radial distance between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20. The extension portion 52 extends axially outward and radially inward from the inner peripheral edge of the seat portion 51. The flat portion 53 overlaps the center of the rolling element 30 in a plan view. The inner peripheral edge of the flat portion 53 is disposed with a gap from the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10. The surface of flat portion 53 facing inward in the axial direction is a flat surface extending in the circumferential and radial directions. The outer peripheral edge of locking portion 54 is locked to inner peripheral surface 21a of outer ring body 21 from the inside in the axial direction. As a result, sealing member 50 is fixed to outer ring 20 and rotates integrally with outer ring 20 relative to inner ring 10.

[0034] Grease 60 is sealed in the rolling bearing 1. The grease 60 is arranged between the rolling elements 30 and the seal member 50. The grease 60 is arranged in the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20, on the same side of the annular space as the recess 24 relative to the rolling elements 30 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the grease 60 is arranged on the opposite side of the rolling elements 30 from the annular portion 41 of the cage 40 in the axial direction, with the rolling elements 30 in between. The grease 60 is arranged above the rolling elements 30. The grease 60 is arranged along the circumferential direction. The grease 60 extends in an annular or arc-shaped configuration, and is arranged coaxially with the common axis O.

[0035] The grease 60 includes an outer ring contact portion 61 (raceway contact portion) in contact with the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 62 in contact with the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50, axially outward and radially inward of the outer ring contact portion 61. The outer ring contact portion 61 and the seal member contact portion 62 extend circumferentially over the entire length of the grease 60. The outer ring contact portion 61 has a width in the axial direction over the entire circumferential direction. The outer ring contact portion 61 contacts the recess 24 on the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22. The outer ring contact portion 61 contacts the recess 24 over the entire circumference. The outer ring contact portion 61 contacts the outward surface 24a of the recess 24. In this case, it is desirable that the outer ring contact portion 61 also contact at least a portion of the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. Furthermore, the outer ring contact portion 61 contacts the inward surface 24b of the recess 24 and a portion of the recess 24 facing radially inward. In this embodiment, the outer ring contact portion 61 contacts the entire recess 24. It is desirable that the grease 60 not contact any portion of the outer ring 20 other than the recess 24. In other words, the outer ring contact portion 61 is provided at an axial distance from the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the base portion 51 of the seal member 50. The seal member contact portion 62 has a radial width over the entire circumferential direction. The seal member contact portion 62 contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50 at a location radially spaced from the connection portion between the extension portion 52 and the flat portion 53.

[0036] The grease 60 extends axially outward and radially inward from the outer ring contact portion 61 toward the seal member contact portion 62. The grease 60 has an inner surface 63 and an outer surface 64. The inner surface 63 connects the axially inner edge of the outer ring contact portion 61 and the radially inner edge of the seal member contact portion 62. The inner surface 63 faces the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30. The upper half of the inner surface 63 extends axially inward and radially inward from the radially inner edge of the seal member contact portion 62. The lower half of the inner surface 63 extends axially outward and radially inward from the axially inner edge of the outer ring contact portion 61 and connects to the lower edge of the upper half. The boundary between the upper and lower halves of the inner surface 63 forms the inner circumferential edge of the grease 60 that is located radially innermost. The inner surface 63 is spaced from the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40. This prevents the grease 60 from contacting the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40.

[0037] The outer surface 64 connects the axially outer edge of the outer ring contact portion 61 and the radially outer edge of the seal member contact portion 62. The outer surface 64 faces the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 and the seal member 50. The outer surface 64 extends axially inward and radially outward from the radially outer edge of the seal member contact portion 62 and connects to the axially outer edge of the outer ring contact portion 61. The outer surface 64 is spaced apart from the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50. This prevents the grease 60 from contacting the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50, which are located closer to the outer ring 20 than the flat portion 53.

[0038] The grease 60 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the grease 60, taken along a plane perpendicular to the common axis O, gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side. In this embodiment, the grease 60 is formed in a portion corresponding to the upper half of the inner surface 63 so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the grease 60, taken along a plane perpendicular to the common axis O, gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side.

[0039] The grease 60 may come into contact with at least one of the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40. For example, the grease 60 may come into contact with at least one of the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40 as a result of changes over time, starting from an initial state in which the grease 60 is not in contact with the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40.

[0040] Next, a method for manufacturing the rolling bearing 1 of this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the rolling bearing 1 of this embodiment includes a coating step and a sealing step.

[0041] 3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of a rolling bearing illustrating a grease application method according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 , the application process is performed with the seal member 50 not attached to the outer ring 20. That is, the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 is opened in the axial direction, and the grease 60 is applied with the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40 exposed. In the application process, the nozzle A is rotated about the common axis O relative to the outer ring 20 while the grease 60 is discharged from the nozzle A. At this time, the orientation of the nozzle A is adjusted so that the grease 60 is discharged from the nozzle A radially outward and axially inward. Furthermore, the position of the nozzle A is adjusted so that the discharged grease 60 contacts the recesses 24 on the inner circumferential surface 22 b of the protrusion 22 of the outer ring 20, but does not contact the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40. Because the grease 60 is discharged while the nozzle A is rotated relative to the outer ring 20, the grease 60 applied to the outer ring 20 extends circumferentially or in an arc. The grease 60 is applied in the direction of discharge from the nozzle A so as to protrude axially outward and radially inward from the contact point with the outer ring 20. The axially outer end face of the applied grease 60 is formed into a convex shape that bulges outward in the axial direction.

[0042] Next, the sealing process is performed. As shown in FIG. 4 , in the sealing process, the seal member 50 is fitted to the outer ring 20 by approaching the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction. During the process of displacing the seal member 50 inward in the axial direction, the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50 is first brought into contact with the axially outer edge of the entire grease 60 before the seat portion 51 comes into contact with the end face 22 a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 (contact process). At this time, the grease 60 is brought into contact with a radially intermediate portion of the flat portion 53. Note that the radially intermediate portion may be located radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the flat portion 53 and radially outward from the inner peripheral edge. Thereafter, the seal member 50 is brought even closer to the outer ring 20, bringing the seat portion 51 into contact with the end face 22 a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction (fitting process). At this time, the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50 presses the grease 60 inward in the axial direction. As a result, the grease 60 is pushed by the flat surface portion 53 and spreads in the radial direction, forming a seal member contact portion 62 of the grease 60.

[0043] This completes the formation of the rolling bearing 1. In the application step of this embodiment, the grease 60 is applied while the nozzle A is rotated relative to the outer ring 20, but the grease may also be applied all at once in a circumferential or arc-shaped manner by ejecting the grease from a nozzle having an ejection hole extending in the circumferential direction.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the rolling bearing 1 has the following configuration. The inner peripheral surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 is formed with an outer ring raceway surface 23 that supports the rolling elements 30 so that they can roll, and a radially recessed portion 24 that is provided at a location axially extending from the axial end edge of the outer ring raceway surface 23. The grease 60 contacts the recessed portion 24. With this configuration, the recessed portion 24 can restrict axial displacement of the grease 60. This prevents the grease 60 from displacing and contacting the rolling elements 30 or the cage 40 in an amount greater than desired. This reduces the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1. Furthermore, because the grease 60 can be disposed inside the recessed portion 24, the total amount of grease 60 can be increased compared to a configuration without a recessed portion. As a result, a rolling bearing 1 can be provided that achieves both durability and reduced rotational resistance.

[0045] The grease 60 is in contact with the outward surface 24a of the recess 24, which faces in a direction inclined axially outward relative to the radial direction. With this configuration, the outward surface 24a of the recess 24 prevents the grease 60 from displacing inward in the axial direction from the initial state. As a result, the grease 60 is less likely to displace inward in the axial direction from its initial position as the rolling bearing 1 is used over time, which makes it possible to increase the amount of grease 60 enclosed and more reliably achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0046] Furthermore, because the grease 60 is in contact with the outward surface 24a of the recess 24, the shape and position of the grease 60 are less likely to change due to vibrations during transportation or long-term storage (especially storage in a high-temperature environment).This makes it possible to provide a rolling bearing 1 in which fluctuations in rotational resistance are suppressed from the initial manufacturing stage.

[0047] The recess 24 has an inward surface 24b that faces in a direction inclined axially inward relative to the radial direction. With this configuration, the inward surface 24b of the recess 24 restricts the grease 60 from displacing axially outward. This makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 or its base oil from flowing toward the seal member 50 and leaking from the gap between the seal member 50 and the outer ring 20.

[0048] Grease 60 is in contact with seal member 50. According to this configuration, even if grease 60 in contact with seal member 50 is pushed axially inward by seal member 50 when seal member 50 is attached to outer ring 20 with grease 60 already applied to outer ring 20, the recesses 24 prevent grease 60 from displacing axially inward as described above, and therefore, it is possible to prevent more than the desired amount of grease 60 from contacting rolling elements 30 or cage 40. Therefore, the rotational resistance of rolling bearing 1 can be reduced.

[0049] In particular, in this embodiment, the grease 60 is in contact with the outward surface 24a of the recess 24, and therefore the grease 60 is supported not only by the recess 24 but also by the sealing member 50. This makes it difficult for the shape and position of the grease 60 to change due to vibrations during transportation or long-term storage (especially storage in a high-temperature environment). Therefore, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing 1 in which fluctuations in rotational resistance are suppressed from the initial manufacturing stage.

[0050] Moreover, because the grease 60 is in contact with the extensions 52 and flat surfaces 53 of the seal member 50, it is easy to achieve the effect of suppressing changes in the shape and position of the grease 60. Also, because it is possible to increase the amount of grease 60, it is possible to impart greater durability to the rolling bearing 1. Note that the above effect is achieved when the grease 60 is in contact with at least one of the extensions 52 and flat surfaces 53 of the seal member 50. However, it is more desirable for the grease 60 to be in contact with the flat surfaces 53.

[0051] The recesses 24 are provided at intervals in the axial direction relative to the outer ring raceway surface 23. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 in the recesses 24 from coming into contact with the rolling elements 30 rolling on the outer ring raceway surface 23. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1.

[0052] The recess 24 is provided at an axial distance from the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 or its base oil from flowing out from the recess 24 toward the end face 22a and leaking from the gap between the end face 22a and the base portion 51 of the sealing member 50.

[0053] The recesses 24 extend continuously over the entire circumferential direction. With this configuration, the recesses 24 make it difficult for the grease 60 arranged along the circumferential direction to be displaced in the axial direction over its entire length. This reduces the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the recesses 24 are discontinuously formed in the circumferential direction, the amount of grease 60 arranged inside the recesses 24 can be increased.

[0054] The grease 60 contacts a ridge 25 formed on the edge of the recess 24 on the outer ring raceway surface 23 side. With this configuration, the base oil that seeps out of the grease 60 does not need to climb over the ridge 25 on the way to the outer ring raceway surface 23, so that a shortage of the base oil of the grease 60 supplied to the rolling elements 30 can be prevented.

[0055] The grease 60 has an outer ring contact portion 61 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 62 that contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50 axially outward and radially inward of the outer ring contact portion 61. The area of ​​the seal member contact portion 62 is larger than the contact area between the grease 60 and the extending portion 52 and the base portion 51 of the seal member 50. With this configuration, after the grease 60 is applied to a predetermined location, when the seal member 50 is attached, the grease 60 is pushed axially inward by the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50, and there is room for the grease 60 to spread radially toward the extending portion 52 and the base portion 51. This prevents the grease 60 from spreading too far toward the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30. This easily prevents the grease 60 from directly contacting the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40. Moreover, since the sealing member 50 has the extension 52 between the flat surface 53 and the base 51, the grease 60 can be disposed at a position farther away from the rolling element 30 than in a configuration in which the flat surface extends radially inward from the base. This allows for an increased amount of grease 60. As a result, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing 1 that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time.

[0056] Furthermore, the seal member contact portion 62 includes the radial center position of the grease 60 in plan view. With this configuration, when the seal member 50 is attached, the grease 60 is pushed against the flat portion 53 and spreads radially, so that the seal member contact portion 62 includes the radial center position of the grease 60 in plan view, which prevents the grease 60 from spreading significantly inward in the axial direction toward the rolling elements 30. This makes it easy to prevent the grease 60 from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements 30.

[0057] The grease 60 does not come into contact with the extending portion 52. With this configuration, when the seal member 50 is attached, the grease 60 is pushed axially inward by the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50, and there is more room for the grease 60 to spread radially toward the extending portion 52. This makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 from spreading too much toward the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30. This makes it easy to prevent the grease 60 from coming into contact with the rolling elements 30, the cage 40, and the inner ring 10 more than necessary.

[0058] The outer ring contact portion 61 is provided at an axial distance from the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the base portion 51. This configuration prevents the grease 60 from coming into contact with the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the base portion 51. This makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 from leaking out of the seal member 50 through the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the base portion 51 due to capillary action.

[0059] Grease 60 does not contact base portion 51. This configuration prevents grease 60 from contacting the contact portion between outer ring 20 and base portion 51. This prevents grease 60 from leaking out of seal member 50 due to capillary action through the contact portion between outer ring 20 and base portion 51.

[0060] Furthermore, the rotating device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a rolling bearing 1 that ensures durability and reduces rotational resistance, thereby achieving a longer life for the rotating device 2 and power savings for the rotating device 2 by reducing the rotational resistance of the shaft 3 relative to the housing 4.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the recess 24 extends in a curved shape on the longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1, but this configuration is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 5, the recess 24A may be formed to define a rectangular space on the longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1. In this case, the recess 24A has an outward surface 24Aa that faces in a direction inclined outward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and an inward surface 24Ab that faces in a direction inclined inward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and downward, or downward). It is desirable that the grease 60 contact the outward surface 24Aa of the recess 24A and the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the recess 24 is open only to the inner circumferential surface 22b, but this configuration is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 24B may be provided without any axial gap from the upward-facing end surface 22a and open to the inner circumferential surface 22b and the upward-facing end surface 22a. In this case, the recess 24B has an outward surface 24Ba that faces in a direction inclined outward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward). It is desirable that the grease 60 contact the outward surface 24Ba of the recess 24B and the ridge 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the recesses 24 extend continuously in the entire circumferential direction, but this is not limiting. The recesses may be formed discontinuously in the circumferential direction so that an intermittent portion is formed in at least a portion in the circumferential direction.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, while the seating portion 51 of the seal member 50 protrudes radially inward from the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 in plan view, it is desirable that the seating portion be positioned so that it does not protrude radially inward beyond the end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 in plan view. With this configuration, even if the outer ring contact portion 61 of the grease 60 spreads axially outward and climbs over the inner peripheral edge of the end face 22a, adhesion of the grease 60 to the seating portion can be prevented. This prevents the grease 60 from coming into contact with the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the seating portion. This prevents the grease 60 from leaking out of the seal member due to capillary action through the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the seating portion.

[0065] In addition to the method of press-fitting the seal member 50 into the raceway (outer ring 20) as in this embodiment, there is also a method of fixing the raceway from the outside in the axial direction with a retaining ring such as a C-ring, but this is not preferable because the position of the seal member 50 is shifted toward the inside in the axial direction. By press-fitting the seal member 50, the seal member 50 can be positioned further outward in the axial direction, allowing for a larger amount of grease 60 to be used. Furthermore, because the recesses 24 can be located further outward in the axial direction, even if grease 60 is applied to the recesses 24, the grease 60 is less likely to get caught on the rolling elements 30 and raceway surfaces, reducing the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the rolling bearing 1A includes grease 160 instead of the grease 60 of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7 , grease 160 is disposed along the circumferential direction. Grease 160 extends in an annular shape and is disposed coaxially with common axis O. Grease 160 has an outer ring contact portion 161 that contacts inner circumferential surface 22 b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20, but is not in contact with inner ring 10, seal member 50, rolling elements 30, or cage 40. Outer ring contact portion 161 extends in the circumferential direction over the entire length of grease 160. Outer ring contact portion 161 has a width in the axial direction over the entire circumferential direction. Outer ring contact portion 161 contacts recesses 24 on inner circumferential surface 22 b of protruding portion 22. It is desirable that grease 160 not contact any part of outer ring 20 other than recesses 24. In other words, outer ring contact portion 161 is provided axially spaced from the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and seat portion 51 of seal member 50.

[0068] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the grease 160 does not come into contact with the seal member 50, so the grease 160 is not pushed by the seal member 50 when the seal member 50 is attached to the outer ring 20. This prevents the grease 160 from moving axially inward, preventing the grease 160 from coming into contact with the rolling elements 30 or the cage 40 more than necessary. This prevents an increase in the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1A.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the grease 160 extends in an annular shape, but is not limited to this configuration. The grease may extend in an arc shape to form intermittent portions, or may have multiple granules arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. When the grease has multiple granules, the multiple granules aligned in the circumferential direction may be integrated or may be spaced apart from one another.

[0070] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The rolling bearing 1B of the third embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1A of the second embodiment in that the grease 160A is in contact with the seal member 50 and the rolling elements 30. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , grease 160A further includes a seal member contact portion 162 that contacts flat surface portion 53 of seal member 50 axially outward and radially inward of outer ring contact portion 161, and is not in contact with inner ring 10. Seal member contact portion 162 contacts only flat surface portion 53 of seal member 50. This prevents grease 160A from contacting base portion 51 and extension portion 52 of seal member 50, which are located closer to the outer ring 20 than flat surface portion 53. Grease 160A contacts rolling elements 30. The volume of the portion of grease 160A that contacts rolling elements 30 is half or less of the total volume of grease 160A. Note that grease 160A may also contact cage 40.

[0072] This embodiment provides the same effects as those of the second embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the grease 160A is in contact with the rolling elements 30, so that the base oil of the grease 160A can be directly supplied to the rolling elements 30. Therefore, an increase in the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1B can be suppressed.

[0073] In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the grease 160A is prevented from spreading significantly toward the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30 when the seal member 50 is attached. Therefore, even if the grease 160A contacts the rolling elements 30, the contact area can be made sufficiently smaller compared to the conventional structure, thereby achieving the effect of reducing rotational resistance.

[0074] In the third embodiment, the grease 160A extends in an annular shape, but is not limited to this configuration. The grease may extend in an arc shape to form intermittent portions, or may have multiple granules arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. When the grease has multiple granules, the multiple granules aligned in the circumferential direction may be integrated or spaced apart from one another.

[0075] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. A rolling bearing 1C of the fourth embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1 of the first embodiment in that grease 260 is in contact only with the outward surface 24Ca of the recess 24C. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, a recess 24C recessed radially outward is formed on the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. The recess 24C is provided without any axial spacing from the upward-facing end face 22a of the protruding portion 22, and is open to the inner circumferential surface 22b and the upward-facing end face 22a. The recess 24C has an outward-facing surface 24Ca that faces in a direction inclined axially outward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and a cylindrical surface 24Cc that faces radially inward. The outward-facing surface 24Ca is a concave curved surface. The cylindrical surface 24Cc extends axially and smoothly connects at its axially inner edge so that the tangent to the outward-facing surface 24Ca is continuous.

[0077] The grease 260 includes an outer ring contact portion 261 (raceway contact portion) in contact with the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 262 in contact with the seal member 50 axially outward and radially inward of the outer ring contact portion 261. The outer ring contact portion 261 contacts the recess 24C on the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22. The outer ring contact portion 261 contacts the recess 24C over the entire circumference. The outer ring contact portion 261 contacts only the outward surface 24Ca of the recess 24C. In this case, it is desirable that the outer ring contact portion 261 also contacts at least a portion of the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. However, the outer ring contact portion 261 does not necessarily have to contact the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. In this embodiment, the seal member contact portion 262 is a portion of the grease 260 that contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50. In this embodiment, the grease 260 also contacts the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50. However, when the grease 260 contacts at least one of the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50, it is desirable that the area of ​​the seal member contact portion 262 be larger than the contact area between the grease 260 and the extending portion 52 and the base portion 51. Note that the grease 260 may not contact at least one of the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52. The grease 260 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross section along a plane perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side.

[0078] The grease 260 includes a first annular portion 260a that contacts the outer ring 20 and a second annular portion 260b that is continuous with the first annular portion 260a and that contacts the seal member 50. The first annular portion 260a and the second annular portion 260b are formed by applying the grease in two separate applications. The first annular portion 260a and the second annular portion 260b each extend circumferentially about a common axis O. However, at least one of the first annular portion 260a and the second annular portion 260b may extend less than 360° about the common axis O. The first annular portion 260a includes an outer ring contact portion 261. The second annular portion 260b is disposed on the radially opposite side of the first annular portion 260a from the outer ring 20 (i.e., radially inward). The second annular portion 260b is connected to and integrated with the first annular portion 260a on the outer side in the axial direction.

[0079] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the recess 24C opens to the end surface 22a of the protrusion 22 facing upward, and the grease 260 contacts only the outward surface 24Ca of the recess 24C. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the grease 260 or its base oil from flowing out from the recess 24C toward the end surface 22a and leaking from the gap between the end surface 22a and the base portion 51 of the seal member 50.

[0080] In the fourth embodiment, the first annular portion 260a and the second annular portion 260b extend circumferentially, but this configuration is not limited thereto. At least one of the first annular portion and the second annular portion may have granules arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. In this case, the granules aligned in the circumferential direction may be integrated or spaced apart.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, the grease 260 has the first annular portion 260a and the second annular portion 260b, but is not limited to this configuration. As shown in Fig. 10, the grease 260A may be formed by a single annular portion having the outer ring contact portion 261 and the seal member contact portion 262.

[0082] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. A rolling bearing 1D of the fifth embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1 of the first embodiment in that grease 360 ​​is arranged in the axial direction along the recess 24D. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , a recess 24D recessed radially outward is formed in the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. The recess 24D is provided without any axial spacing from the upward-facing end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 and is open to the inner circumferential surface 22b and the upward-facing end face 22a. The recess 24D has an outward-facing surface 24Da that faces in a direction inclined axially outward relative to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and a cylindrical surface 24Dc that faces radially inward. The outward-facing surface 24Da is a concave curved surface. The cylindrical surface 24Dc extends axially and smoothly connects to the outward-facing surface 24Da at its axially inner edge so that the tangent is continuous. The recess 24D extends axially so that its axial width is greater than its radial depth on a longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1D. The outward surface may be a flat surface facing outward in the axial direction, or a conical surface facing outward in the axial direction and inward in the radial direction.

[0084] Grease 360 ​​has an outer ring contact portion 361 in contact with inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20. Outer ring contact portion 361 is in contact with recess 24D on inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22. Outer ring contact portion 361 is in contact with recess 24D over the entire circumference. Outer ring contact portion 361 is in contact with outward surface 24Da and cylindrical surface 24Dc of recess 24D. Outer ring contact portion 361 is also in contact with at least a portion of ridge portion 25 on inner circumferential surface 22b. Grease 360 ​​is in contact with seal member 50. In this embodiment, grease 360 ​​is in contact with base portion 51 and extension portion 52 of seal member 50.

[0085] The grease 360 ​​is disposed axially along the recess 24D on a longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1D. The grease 360 ​​includes a first annular portion 360a, a second annular portion 360b, and a third annular portion 360c aligned in the axial direction. The first annular portion 360a, the second annular portion 360b, and the third annular portion 360c are formed by applying the grease three times. The first annular portion 360a, the second annular portion 360b, and the third annular portion 360c each extend circumferentially around the common axis O. However, at least one of the first annular portion 360a, the second annular portion 360b, and the third annular portion 360c may extend less than 360° around the common axis O. The first annular portion 360a contacts the outward surface 24Da and the cylindrical surface 24Dc of the recess 24D. The second annular portion 360b is connected to the first annular portion 360a on the outside in the axial direction. The second annular portion 360b is in contact with the cylindrical surface 24Dc of the recess 24D. The third annular portion 360c is connected to the second annular portion 360b on the outside in the axial direction. The third annular portion 360c is in contact with the cylindrical surface 24Dc of the recess 24D and the seal member 50.

[0086] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, since the grease 360 ​​is arranged in the axial direction along the recess 24D, the recess 24D can effectively restrict axial displacement of the grease 360, thereby preventing the grease 360 ​​from displacing and coming into contact with the rolling elements 30 or the cage 40 in an amount greater than desired. Furthermore, the shape and position of the grease 360 ​​are less likely to change due to vibrations during transportation or long-term storage (especially storage in a high-temperature environment). Therefore, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing 1D in which fluctuations in rotational resistance are suppressed from the initial manufacturing stage.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, the first annular portion 360a, the second annular portion 360b, and the third annular portion 360c extend circumferentially, but this configuration is not limited thereto. At least one of the first annular portion, the second annular portion, and the third annular portion may have granules arranged in a dotted pattern around the entire circumference. In this case, the granules aligned in the circumferential direction may be integrated or spaced apart.

[0088] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the grease 360 ​​has a first annular portion 360a, a second annular portion 360b, and a third annular portion 360c, but is not limited to this configuration. As shown in Fig. 12, the grease 360A may extend in the axial direction along the recess 24D on the longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1D.

[0089] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the grease 360 ​​contacts the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, but this configuration is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 13 , the grease 360B may not contact the ridge portion 25. In this case, the first annular portion 360a may be formed smaller than the second annular portion 360b and the third annular portion 360c on the longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1D so as not to contact the ridge portion 25. With this configuration, the supply of base oil of the grease 360B to the rolling elements 30 may be insufficient, but the overall amount of grease 360B can be increased, thereby imparting greater durability to the rolling bearing 1D.

[0090] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. A rolling bearing 1E of the sixth embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1 of the first embodiment in that the deepest portion of the recess 24E in the radial direction is formed axially inward of the axial middle position of the recess 24E. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , the recess 24E is spaced apart in the axial direction from the outer ring raceway surface 23. The recess 24E is spaced apart in the axial direction from the upward-facing end face 22a. The recess 24E is formed so that its axial width is greater than its radial depth on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1E. The recess 24E includes an outward surface 24Ea that faces in a direction inclined axially outward relative to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), an inward surface 24Eb that faces in a direction inclined axially inward relative to the radial direction (radially inward and downward, or downward), and a cylindrical surface 24Ec that faces radially inward. In this embodiment, the outward surface 24Ea and the inward surface 24Eb face in the axial direction. As a result, the recess 24E is formed in a rectangular shape on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1E. The cylindrical surface 24Ec is located at the deepest position in the radial direction of the recess 24E and axially straddles the axial middle position of the recess 24E, so that the deepest part in the radial direction of the recess 24E is located axially inward of the axial middle position of the recess 24E.

[0092] The grease 460 includes an outer ring contact portion 461 (raceway contact portion) in contact with the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 462 in contact with the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50, axially outward and radially inward of the outer ring contact portion 461. The outer ring contact portion 461 is in contact with the recess 24E on the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22. The outer ring contact portion 461 is in contact with the recess 24E over the entire circumference. The outer ring contact portion 461 is in contact with the outward surface 24Ea and the cylindrical surface 24Ec of the recess 24E. The outer ring contact portion 461 is also in contact with at least a portion of the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. The grease 460 is not in contact with the inward surface 24Eb of the recess 24E. However, the grease 460 may be in contact with the inward surface 24Eb of the recess 24E. In this embodiment, the seal member contact portion 462 is a portion of the grease 460 that contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50. In this embodiment, the grease 460 does not contact the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50. However, the grease 460 may be in contact with at least one of the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50. In this case, it is desirable that the area of ​​the seal member contact portion 462 be larger than the contact area between the grease 460 and the extension portion 52 and the base portion 51. The grease 460 extends axially outward and radially inward from the outer ring contact portion 461 toward the seal member contact portion 462.

[0093] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the deepest radial portion of the recess 24E is formed axially inward relative to the axially middle position of the recess 24E. With this configuration, when grease 460 is discharged from a nozzle and applied to a predetermined location, the tip of the nozzle can be easily inserted from the outside of the rolling bearing 1E to the inside of the outer ring 20 and the inner ring 10 and brought close to the recess 24E. This improves the productivity of small-diameter rolling bearings 1E. Furthermore, because the nozzle can be easily brought close to the recess 24E, the grease 460 can be applied with precision, preventing the grease 460 from contacting the rolling elements 30 or the like in an amount greater than desired. This reduces the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1E.

[0094] In the sixth embodiment, the recesses 24E are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction on the longitudinal section of the rolling bearing 1E, but this configuration is not limiting. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the recesses 124E, 224E may be formed asymmetrically in the vertical direction on the longitudinal section of the rolling bearing 1E. Below, we will explain the modified examples shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0095] In a first modified example shown in FIG. 15 , the recess 124E is formed so that its axial width is greater than its radial depth on a longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1E. The recess 124E has an outward surface 124Ea that faces in a direction inclined axially outward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and an inward surface 124Eb that faces in a direction inclined axially inward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and downward, or downward). The outward surface 124Ea is a curved surface that is recessed axially inward and radially outward. The inward surface 124Eb is a conical surface that extends axially outward and radially inward from the axially outer edge of the outward surface 124Ea. The junction of the outward surface 124Ea and the inward surface 124Eb is axially more inward than the axial middle position of the recess 124E. As a result, the deepest portion of the recess 124E in the radial direction is formed axially inward of the axial middle position of the recess 124E.

[0096] Grease 460A includes an outer ring contact portion 461A (raceway contact portion) in contact with inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 462A in contact with flat portion 53 of seal member 50, axially outward and radially inward of outer ring contact portion 461A. Outer ring contact portion 461A is in contact with recess 124E on inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22. Outer ring contact portion 461A is in contact with recess 124E over the entire circumference. Outer ring contact portion 461A is in contact with outward surface 124Ea of recess 124E. Outer ring contact portion 461A is in contact with inward surface 124Eb of recess 124E. Outer ring contact portion 461A is in contact with the junction of outward surface 124Ea and inward surface 124Eb of recess 124E. Grease 460A is not in contact with ridges 25 of inner circumferential surface 22b. However, grease 460A may be in contact with ridges 25 of inner circumferential surface 22b.

[0097] In this modified example, the seal member contact portion 462A is a portion of the grease 460A that contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50. In this modified example, the grease 460A does not contact the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50. However, the grease 460A may be in contact with at least one of the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50. In this case, it is desirable that the area of ​​the seal member contact portion 462A be larger than the contact area between the grease 460A and the extending portion 52 and the base portion 51. The grease 460A may be formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side. The grease 460A extends axially outward and radially inward from the outer ring contact portion 461A toward the seal member contact portion 462A. The grease 460A extends from the outer ring contact portion 461A along the inward surface 124Eb of the recess 124E.

[0098] In a second modified example shown in Fig. 16, the recess 224E is formed so that its axial width is greater than its radial depth on a longitudinal cross section of the rolling bearing 1E. The recess 224E has an outward surface 224Ea that faces in a direction inclined axially outward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and an inward surface 224Eb that faces in a direction inclined axially inward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and downward, or downward). The outward surface 224Ea is a flat surface that faces axially outward. The inward surface 224Eb is a conical surface that extends axially outward and radially inward from the radially outer edge of the outward surface 224Ea. The connection between the outward surface 224Ea and the inward surface 224Eb is axially more inward than the axial midpoint of the recess 224E. As a result, the deepest portion of the recess 224E in the radial direction is formed axially inward of the axial middle position of the recess 224E.

[0099] Grease 460B includes an outer ring contact portion 461B (raceway contact portion) in contact with inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20, and a seal member contact portion 462B in contact with flat portion 53 of seal member 50 axially outward and radially inward of outer ring contact portion 461B. Outer ring contact portion 461B is in contact with recess 224E on inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22. Outer ring contact portion 461B is in contact with recess 224E over the entire circumference. Outer ring contact portion 461B is in contact with outward surface 224Ea of recess 224E. Outer ring contact portion 461B is in contact with inward surface 224Eb of recess 224E. Outer ring contact portion 461B is not in contact with the junction between outward surface 224Ea and inward surface 224Eb of recess 224E. The grease 460B is not in contact with the ridges 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. However, the grease 460B may be in contact with the ridges 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b.

[0100] In this modified example, the seal member contact portion 462B is a portion of the grease 460B that contacts the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50. In this modified example, the grease 460B does not contact the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50. However, the grease 460B may be in contact with at least one of the base portion 51 and the extending portion 52 of the seal member 50. In this case, it is desirable that the area of ​​the seal member contact portion 462B be larger than the contact area between the grease 460B and the extending portion 52 and the base portion 51. The grease 460B may be formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side. The grease 460B extends axially outward and radially inward from the outer ring contact portion 461B toward the seal member contact portion 462B. The grease 460B extends from the outer ring contact portion 461B along the inward surface 224Eb of the recess 224E.

[0101] These modified rolling bearings 1E also provide the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0102] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. A rolling bearing 1F of the seventh embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 has a recessed portion 24 and a connecting surface 26. The recessed portion 24 is provided at an axial distance from the upward-facing end face 22a of the protruding portion 22. The connecting surface 26 is formed between the recessed portion 24 and the upward-facing end face 22a of the protruding portion 22. The connecting surface 26 extends in the axial direction and faces radially inward. The connecting surface 26 is located radially outward relative to the axial end edge of the outer ring raceway surface 23 so as to be farther away from the inner ring 10 in the radial direction.

[0104] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 has a connecting surface 26 formed between the recess 24 and the end face 22a. The connecting surface 26 is located radially outward of the axial edge of the outer ring raceway surface 23. This configuration makes it difficult for the connecting surface 26 to come into contact with the nozzle when the tip of the nozzle is inserted from the outside of the rolling bearing 1F into the inside of the outer ring 20 and the inner ring 10 to dispense grease 60 and apply it to a predetermined location. This makes it easier to bring the nozzle close to the recess 24 when applying the grease 60, thereby improving the productivity of small-diameter rolling bearings 1F. Furthermore, because it is easier to bring the nozzle close to the recess 24, the grease 60 can be applied accurately and the grease 60 is prevented from coming into contact with the rolling elements 30 or the like in an amount greater than desired. This reduces the rotational resistance of the rolling bearing 1F.

[0105] [Eighth embodiment] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. A rolling bearing 1G of the eighth embodiment differs from the rolling bearing 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0106] FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 has a recessed portion 224 and an inclined portion 227. The recessed portion 224 is provided without any axial gap from the upward-facing end face 22a of the protruding portion 22 and is open to the inner circumferential surface 22b and the upward-facing end face 22a. The recessed portion 224 has an outward-facing surface 224a that faces in a direction inclined axially outward with respect to the radial direction (radially inward and upward, or upward), and a cylindrical surface 224c that faces radially inward. The outward-facing surface 224a is a concave curved surface. The radially inner edge of the outward-facing surface 224a is located radially outward of the axial edge of the outer ring raceway surface 23. The cylindrical surface 224c extends axially and is connected to the axially outer edge of the outward-facing surface 224a. The inclined portion 227 extends from the edge of the recess 224 on the outer ring raceway surface 23 side (the radially inner edge of the outward-facing surface 224a) at an incline in the radial direction and in the axial direction toward the outer ring raceway surface 23. In other words, the inclined portion 227 extends radially inward and axially inward from the ridge portion 25 of the inner circumferential surface 22b. In this embodiment, the inclined portion 227 extends linearly from the edge of the recess 224 on a vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1G. However, it is sufficient that the inclined portion extends at a steeper radial inclination than the recess 224, with the connection between the inclined portion and the recess 224 as the boundary, on the vertical cross section of the rolling bearing 1G. The inclined portion 227 is provided at an interval in the axial direction with respect to the outer ring raceway surface 23.

[0107] Grease 560 has an outer ring contact portion 561 in contact with inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20. Outer ring contact portion 561 is in contact with recess 224 on inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22. Outer ring contact portion 561 is in contact with recess 224 over the entire circumference. Outer ring contact portion 561 is in contact with outward surface 224a and cylindrical surface 224c of recess 224. Outer ring contact portion 561 is also in contact with at least a portion of ridge portion 25 on inner circumferential surface 22b. It is desirable that outer ring contact portion 561 is not in contact with inclined portion 227. Grease 560 may also be in contact with seal member 50.

[0108] This embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20 has an inclined portion 227 that extends from the edge of the recess 224 on the outer ring raceway surface 23 side toward the outer ring raceway surface 23 at an inclination relative to the radial and axial directions. With this configuration, even if the end of the recess 224 on the outer ring raceway surface 23 side extends along the radial direction, the inner circumferential surface 22b gradually inclines from the recess 224 toward the outer ring raceway surface 23, which can encourage the base oil that seeps out of the grease 560 to flow from the recess 224 along the inclined portion 227 toward the outer ring raceway surface 23. Therefore, even if the grease 560 is not disposed close to the outer ring raceway surface 23, it is possible to prevent a shortage of the base oil of the grease 560 from being supplied to the rolling elements 30.

[0109] 19, grease 560A may be arranged so as not to protrude radially from the inside of recess 224 toward (inward of) inclined portion 227. That is, grease 560A may be arranged so as not to be located radially within the range where inclined portion 227 is formed. This configuration can prevent grease 560A from coming into contact with rolling element 30. On the other hand, since the amount of grease 560A to be applied is reduced, it is possible to preferably obtain the effect of preventing a shortage of base oil of grease 560A supplied to rolling element 30, as described above.

[0110] In the eighth embodiment, the recess 224 is provided without any gap in the axial direction from the upward-facing end surface 22a of the protrusion 22, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, as shown in Fig. 20, the recess 224A may be provided with a gap in the axial direction from the upward-facing end surface 22a. In the illustrated example, the recess 224A has an outward surface 224Aa that faces in a direction inclined outward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction, and an inward surface 224Ab that faces in a direction inclined inward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction, but the shape of the recess is not particularly limited.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the inner ring 10 is provided as a rotating ring, and the outer ring 20 is provided as a fixed ring. Grease 60, 160, 160A, 260, 260A, 360, 360A, 360B, 460, 460A, 460B, 560, 560A contacts the outer ring 20, which is the fixed ring. However, the raceway ring with which the grease contacts does not have to be the fixed ring. That is, the inner ring may be provided as a fixed ring, the outer ring may be provided as a rotating ring, and the grease may contact the inner ring, which is the fixed ring. Alternatively, the inner ring may be provided as a fixed ring, the outer ring may be provided as a rotating ring, and the grease may contact the outer ring, which is the rotating ring.

[0112] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the grease 60, 160, 160A, 260, 260A, 360, 360A, 360B, 460, 460A, 460B, 560, 560A is in contact with the recess over the entire circumference, but this is not limiting. The grease may be in contact with only a portion of the recess in the circumferential direction.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the grease 60, 160, 160A is not in contact with the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50, but this configuration is not limiting. The grease may be in contact with at least one of the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50, as long as the area of ​​the seal member contact portion is larger than the area of ​​contact between the grease and the extension portion 52 and the base portion 51.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the grease 60, 160, 160A, 260, 260A, 360, 360A, 360B, 460, 460A, 460B, 560, 560A is not in contact with the inner ring 10 and the cage 40, but this configuration is not limiting. As described above, in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the grease from spreading significantly toward the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30 when the seal member 50 is attached. Therefore, even if the grease comes into contact with at least one of the inner ring 10 and the cage 40, the contact area can be made sufficiently smaller compared to the conventional structure, thereby achieving the effect of reducing rotational resistance.

[0115] Furthermore, the rolling bearing may be provided with grease other than greases 60, 160, 160A, 260, 260A, 360, 360A, 360B, 460, 460A, 460B, 560, and 560A. In the above embodiment, the grease is provided on the opposite side of the rolling element 30 from the annular portion 41 of the cage 40 in the axial direction, but the grease may also be provided on the annular portion 41 side of the cage 40 with respect to the rolling element 30 in the axial direction. For example, the rolling bearing may further include grease applied to grease pockets, the lower end surface, etc. of the cage.

[0116] In the above embodiment, a fan motor is used as an example of a rotating device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a dental handpiece, a spindle motor for a hard disk drive, or the like.

[0117] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1F... bearing 2... rotating device 10... inner ring (other raceway ring) 20... outer ring (one raceway ring) 22... protrusion 22a... end face 22b... inner peripheral surface (circumferential surface) 23... outer ring raceway surface (raceway surface) 24... recess 26... connection surface 30... rolling element 50... sealing member 60... grease

Claims

1. an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially with each other; a rolling element disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; a seal member attached to the inner ring or the outer ring and covering a gap between the inner ring and the outer ring from the outside in the axial direction; grease disposed between the rolling element and the seal member; Equipped with one of the inner ring and the outer ring has a circumferential surface facing the other of the inner ring and the outer ring; The peripheral surface has a raceway surface that supports the rolling elements so that they can roll; a recess provided at a location extending from an end edge of the raceway surface in the axial direction and recessed in a radial direction; is formed, the one bearing ring has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other bearing ring and on which the circumferential surface is formed, the protruding portion has an end surface that faces outward in the axial direction and is connected to the circumferential surface at a circumferential edge on the other bearing ring side, the seal member overlaps the end surface from the outside in the axial direction, the peripheral surface has a connection surface formed between the recess and the end surface, the connecting surface is farther from the other bearing ring in the radial direction than the axial end edge of the raceway surface, The grease is in contact with the recess. Rolling bearing.

2. The recess has a portion facing a direction inclined inward in the axial direction with respect to the radial direction.

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1.

3. The grease is in contact with the sealing member.

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The recess is provided at a distance from the end surface in the axial direction.

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a rotatably arranged rotating body; a support that rotatably supports the rotating body; the rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, interposed between the rotating body and the support; A rotating device comprising:

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