Brushed bearing

Abstract

The objective is to provide a brushed bearing that can effectively prevent bearing malfunctions caused by foreign matter generated by the sliding of the brushes, while also providing protection against electromagnetic noise and electrolytic corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the bearing. [Solution] The configuration of the brushed bearing (bearing 100) according to the present invention comprises an outer ring 110, an inner ring 120, rolling elements (balls 130) that roll between the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120, and a seal 140 that connects the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120, wherein the seal 140 has a resin ring 142 fitted to one of the outer ring 110 or the inner ring 120, a coil 144 embedded in the resin ring 142 and electrically connected to one of the outer ring 110 or the inner ring 120, a magnetic core 146 inserted into the coil 144, and a metal brush 148 connected to the coil 144 and sliding on the other of the outer ring 110 or the inner ring 120.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing with a brush.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of electric cars (EVs) and hybrid cars (HCs), the number of high-voltage components installed in a single automobile has been increasing. As the number of high-voltage components increases, the electromagnetic interference between components also increases. When electromagnetic interference propagates to electronic devices such as computers, navigation devices, communication devices, and in-vehicle radios, it may adversely affect the operation of the devices as electromagnetic noise. Therefore, countermeasures against electromagnetic noise in automobiles are in demand.

[0003] As a method for countermeasures against electromagnetic noise, stray current (noise current) generated by electromagnetic interference is grounded to the surrounding case, and a bearing is often used as a path therefor. However, when the current of a high-voltage component is applied to the bearing, electric corrosion occurs on the surface of the rolling elements of the bearing and the raceway surfaces of the outer and inner rings, which contributes to damage.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses "a rolling bearing in which a non-contact sealing plate for sealing a bearing space between an inner ring and an outer ring, in which a plurality of rolling elements are held and interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring by a cage, is attached to either one of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a discharge brush for forming a discharge path is provided on the sealing plate in proximity to the other raceway ring".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In configurations such as Patent Document 1, where brushes are provided to counter electromagnetic noise and electrolytic corrosion, wear particles are generated as foreign matter as the brushes slide against the outer and inner rings. If these foreign matter gets between the outer or inner rings and the rolling elements, it can hinder the rotation of the rolling elements or reduce the bearing life.

[0007] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a brushed bearing that can effectively prevent bearing malfunctions caused by foreign matter generated by the sliding of the brush, while also providing protection against electromagnetic noise and electrolytic corrosion through the use of brushes, thereby extending the lifespan of the bearing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the brushed bearing according to the present invention comprises an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements that roll between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a seal that connects the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the seal has a resin ring fitted to one of the outer ring or the inner ring, a coil embedded in the resin ring and electrically connected to one of the outer ring or the inner ring, a magnetic core inserted into the coil, and a metal brush connected to the coil and sliding on the other of the outer ring or the inner ring.

[0009] The seal described above has a conductive mating plate positioned on the mating surface of the resin ring, and it is preferable that the mating plate is electrically connected to the coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a brushed bearing that effectively prevents bearing malfunctions caused by foreign matter generated by the sliding of the brushes, while also providing protection against electromagnetic noise and electrolytic corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the bearing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a brushed bearing according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates variations in the shape of the inner ring. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates another example of a brushed bearing according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown or described.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a brushed bearing (hereinafter referred to as bearing 100) according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of bearing 100 in this embodiment. Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the seal 140 in Figure 1(a).

[0014] As shown in Figure 1(a), the bearing of this embodiment comprises an outer ring 110, an inner ring 120, rolling balls 130, and a seal 140. The rolling balls 130 roll between the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120. The seal 140 electrically connects the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1(b), the seal 140 of the bearing 100 in this embodiment is composed of a resin ring 142, a coil 144, a magnetic core 146, a metal brush 148, and a fitting plate 150. In this embodiment, a configuration in which 11 coils 144, 146, metal brushes 148, and fitting plates 150 are arranged is illustrated, but the number is not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1(a), the resin ring 142 is positioned between the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120, and in this embodiment, it is fitted onto the outer ring 110. The resin ring 142 is the base into which the coil 144 is embedded. In this embodiment, since the resin ring 142 is fitted onto the outer ring 110, the coil 144 is electrically connected to the outer ring 110.

[0017] A magnetic core 146 is inserted into the coil 144, and a metal brush 148 that slides against the inner ring 120 is connected to it. The metal brush 148 can be made of, for example, iron, stainless steel, brass, copper, or an alloy. In this embodiment, a conductive fitting plate 150, which serves as an electrode, is placed on the fitting surface 142a of the resin ring 142, and the fitting plate 150 is in contact with the coil 144 and is electrically connected to it.

[0018] In the bearing 100 shown in Figure 1, when a noise current E is generated due to electromagnetic interference, the noise current E flows between the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120 through the coil 144 and the metal brush 148, and is grounded to the surrounding members (not shown) of the bearing 100. This provides protection against electromagnetic noise and electrolytic corrosion in the bearing 100. At this time, the placement of the fitting plate 150 on the fitting surface 142a of the resin ring 142 enhances the conductivity between the outer ring 110 and the coil 144.

[0019] Furthermore, when a noise current E flows through the coil 144, a magnetic field is generated in the coil 144. This magnetic field causes the magnetic core 146 embedded in the coil 144 to function as an electromagnet, and the metal brush 148 is also magnetized. As a result, wear particles, i.e., foreign matter P, generated by the sliding of the metal brush 148 are attracted to the metal brush 148. The foreign matter P includes both dust generated from the brush 148 and dust generated from the inner ring 120. Therefore, malfunctions of the bearing 100 caused by foreign matter P generated by the sliding of the metal brush can be effectively prevented, and the lifespan of the bearing 100 can be extended.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining variations in the shape of the inner ring 120. In the following embodiments, components common to those of the bearing 100 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0021] Here, since the noise current is alternating current, the NS reversal frequently occurs in the magnetic core 146. When the voltage becomes zero during this reversal, only the residual magnetic force remains and the magnetic force decreases. Therefore, depending on the weight of the foreign matter, the foreign matter P adsorbed to the metal brush 148 may separate from the metal brush 148 and float inside the bearing 100. Also, when the frequency of the noise current is high, the magnetic force of the magnetic core 146 becomes weak and the same phenomenon may occur.

[0022] Therefore, in the bearing 100a illustrated in FIG. 2(a), a stepped portion 122 is formed at a position corresponding to the brush 148 in the inner ring 120a. Thereby, since it is difficult for the foreign matter P separated from the metal brush 148 to cross the stepped portion 122, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of the foreign matter P near the ball 130.

[0023] In the bearing 100b illustrated in FIG. 2(b), an inclined surface 124 is formed at a position corresponding to the brush 148 in the inner ring 120b. Thereby, the foreign matter P separated from the metal brush 148 is likely to be discharged to the outside of the bearing 100b by moving along the inclined surface 124. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of the foreign matter P near the ball 130.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another example of the brush-bearing according to the present embodiment. In the brush-bearing illustrated in FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as the bearing 100c), the resin ring 142 is fitted to the inner ring 120. Therefore, the coil 144 embedded in the resin ring 142 is electrically connected to the inner ring 120. Also, a metal brush 148 that slides on the outer ring 110 is connected to the coil 144. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the bearing shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0026] This invention can be used as an electrolytic corrosion-resistant rolling bearing, which is effective in preventing electrolytic corrosion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 100...Bearing, 100a...Bearing, 100b...Bearing, 100c...Bearing, 110...Outer ring, 120...Inner ring, 120a...Inner ring, 120b...Inner ring, 122...Step, 124...Inclined surface, 130...Ball, 140...Seal, 142...Resin ring, 142a...Mating surface, 144...Coil, 146...Magnetic core, 148...Brush, 150...Mating plate, P...Foreign matter

Claims

1. Outer ring and, Insider, A rolling element that rolls between the outer ring and the inner ring, The outer ring and the inner ring are connected by a seal, The seal mentioned above is A resin ring fitted to either the outer ring or the inner ring, A coil embedded in the resin ring and electrically connected to either the outer ring or the inner ring, The magnetic core inserted into the coil, A brushed bearing characterized by having a metal brush connected to the coil and sliding against the other of the outer ring or the inner ring.

2. The seal has a conductive fitting plate positioned on the fitting surface of the resin ring, The brushed bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the mating plate is electrically connected to the coil.

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