Rolling bearing, rotating device, and method for manufacturing rolling bearing

Abstract

To provide a rolling bearing which can secure durability and achieve reduction of rotational resistance.SOLUTION: A rolling bearing 1 includes: a seal member 50 which is attached to an outer ring 20 and covers a space between an inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20 from the axial outer side; and grease 60 disposed between rolling elements 30 and the seal member 50. The seal member 50 has: an annular pedestal part 51 which contacts with the outer ring 20 from the axial outer side; an extension part 52 extending from an inner peripheral edge of the pedestal part 51 to the axial outer side; and a flat surface part 53 which extends along a radial direction from an end edge at the axial outer side of the extension part 52 to the inner ring 10. The grease 60 has: an outer ring contact part 61 which contacts with an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 20; and a seal member contact part 62 which contacts with the flat surface part 53 at the axial outer side relative to the outer ring contact part 61 and at the inner ring 10 side. An area of the seal member contact part 62 is larger than a contact area between the grease 60 and the extension part 52 and the pedestal part 51 of the seal member 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, a rotating device, and a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing. [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 arrange the grease so that it does not come 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 end of the fixed ring (in most cases, the outer ring) of the rolling bearing or to a sealing member arranged on this end side (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 surface that comes into contact with the rolling elements, and is filled 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 grease running out, shortening the life of the rolling bearing. Therefore, conventional rolling bearings face the challenge of ensuring durability while reducing rotational resistance at the same time.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a rolling bearing, a rotating device, and a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The rolling bearing 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 one of the inner ring and 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 the seal member has an annular seat portion that contacts the one of the raceways from the outside in the axial direction, and a seal member that extends from the periphery of the seat portion on the side of the other of the inner ring and the outer ring to the outside in the axial direction. and a flat portion extending radially from the outer edge of the extension portion in the axial direction toward the other raceway ring, and the grease has a raceway contact portion in contact with the circumferential surface of the one raceway ring facing the other raceway ring, and a seal member contact portion in contact with the flat portion outside the raceway ring contact portion in the axial direction and on the side of the other raceway ring, and the area of ​​the seal member contact portion is larger than the contact area between the grease and the extension portion and the base portion of the seal member.

[0008] According to the present invention, after applying grease to a predetermined location, when the seal member is attached, the grease is pushed axially inward by the flat surface of the seal member, and there is room for the grease to spread radially toward the extension and the base. This prevents the grease from spreading too far toward the other raceway and the rolling elements. This makes it easy to prevent the grease from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements and the other raceway. Furthermore, because an extension is provided between the flat portion and the base, the grease can be placed at a position farther away from the rolling elements than in a configuration in which the flat portion extends from the base toward the other raceway ring, thereby increasing the amount of grease. As a result, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time.

[0009] In the above rolling bearing, the seal member contact portion may include a radial center position of the grease when viewed in the axial direction.

[0010] According to the present invention, when the seal member is attached, the grease is pressed against the flat portion and spreads radially, so that the seal member contact portion includes the radial center position of the grease when viewed from the axial direction, thereby preventing the grease from spreading too far inward in the axial direction toward the rolling elements, thereby easily preventing the grease from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements.

[0011] In the above rolling bearing, the grease may be in non-contact with the extension portion.

[0012] According to the present invention, when the seal member is installed, the grease pressed axially inward by the flat portion of the seal member has more room to spread radially toward the extension portion. This prevents the grease from spreading too far toward the other raceway and the rolling elements. This makes it easy to prevent the grease from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements and the other raceway.

[0013] In the above rolling bearing, the raceway contact portion may be provided axially spaced apart from the contact portion between the one raceway and the base portion.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the grease from coming into contact with the contact portion between one of the raceways and the base portion, thereby preventing the grease from leaking out of the seal member due to capillary action through the contact portion between the one of the raceways and the base portion.

[0015] In the above rolling bearing, the grease may be in non-contact with the base portion.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the grease from coming into contact with the contact portion between one of the raceways and the base portion, thereby preventing the grease from leaking out of the seal member due to capillary action through the contact portion between the one of the raceways and the base portion.

[0017] In the above-mentioned rolling bearing, the one raceway ring has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other raceway ring and has a raceway surface formed thereon, the protruding portion faces outward in the axial direction and is connected to the circumferential surface at the periphery of the other raceway ring side, and has an end face that contacts the base portion, and the base portion may be positioned so that it does not protrude toward the other raceway ring beyond the end face when viewed in the axial direction.

[0018] According to the present invention, even if the contact portion of the grease with the raceway spreads outward in the axial direction and goes over the periphery of the end face, the grease is less likely to adhere to the seat portion. This prevents the grease from coming into contact with the contact portion between one of the raceways and the seat portion. This prevents the grease from leaking out of the seal member due to capillary action through the contact portion between one of the raceways and the seat portion.

[0019] A rotating device of the present invention comprises a rotatably arranged rotating body, a support body that rotatably supports the rotating body, and the rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 6 interposed between the rotating body and the support body.

[0020] According to the present invention, a rolling bearing is provided that ensures durability and reduces rotational resistance, thereby making it possible to extend the life of the rotating equipment and achieve power savings in the rotating equipment by reducing the rotational resistance of the rotating body relative to the support.

[0021] The method of manufacturing a rolling bearing 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 one of the inner ring and 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 the seal member has an annular base portion that contacts the one of the raceways from the outside in the axial direction, an extension portion that extends outward in the axial direction from a peripheral edge of the base portion facing the other of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a radial extension from the outer edge in the axial direction of the extension portion toward the other raceway. a flat portion in contact with the one raceway ring and a base portion in contact with the one raceway ring, the method comprising: an application step of bringing the grease into contact with the one raceway ring and applying the grease so that it protrudes from the contact portion with the one raceway ring outward in the axial direction and toward the other raceway ring; a contact step of bringing the sealing member close to the one raceway ring from the outside in the axial direction and bringing the flat portion into contact with an edge of the grease on the outside in the axial direction; and an installation step of, after the contact step, bringing the sealing member close to the one raceway ring and bringing the base portion into contact with the one raceway ring from the outside in the axial direction and pushing the grease inward in the axial direction with the flat portion.

[0022] According to the present invention, since the flat surface of the seal member contacts the axially outer edge of the grease during the contact process, room is provided for the grease to spread radially toward the extension and seat of the seal member when the flat surface is pushed axially inward during the installation process. This prevents the grease from spreading too far toward the other raceway and the rolling elements. This makes it easy to prevent the grease from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements and the other raceway. Furthermore, because an extension is provided between the flat portion and the base, the grease is less likely to be pushed toward the rolling elements compared to a configuration in which the flat portion extends from the base toward the other raceway ring. This makes it possible to place the grease closer to the rolling elements in advance, thereby increasing the amount of grease. As a result, it is possible to manufacture a rolling bearing that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing, a rotating device, and a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rolling bearing according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a 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. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 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, and redundant descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0026] [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 cross-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.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rolling bearing 1 is a 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, a pair of seal members 50, and grease 60. 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 rotatably supports the shaft 3. The rolling bearing 1 is interposed between the shaft 3 and the housing 4. Note that hereinafter, the rolling bearing may also be simply referred to as a bearing.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The protrusion 22 has a pair of end faces 22a facing outward in the axial direction and an inner peripheral surface 22b connecting the inner peripheral edges of the pair of end faces 22a. Each end face 22a extends parallel in 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. The portion of the inner peripheral surface 22b excluding the outer ring raceway surface 23 extends axially at a constant inner diameter.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 .

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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. This secures seal member 50 to outer ring 20.

[0038] The grease 60 is disposed between the rolling elements 30 and the seal member 50. The grease 60 is disposed in the annular space between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring 20, on only one axial side of the rolling elements 30. In this embodiment, the grease 60 is disposed on the axial side opposite the annular portion 41 of the cage 40, with the rolling elements 30 sandwiched between them. In other words, the grease 60 is disposed above the rolling elements 30. The grease 60 extends in an annular or arc-like shape, and is disposed coaxially with the common axis O.

[0039] The grease 60 has an outer ring contact portion 61 (raceway contact portion) 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 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 a portion of the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 that is spaced axially from the outer ring raceway surface 23. The outer ring contact portion 61 contacts a portion of the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 that is spaced axially from the inner circumferential edge of the upper end face 22a. That is, outer ring contact portion 61 is provided at an axial distance from the contact portion between outer ring 20 and base portion 51 of seal member 50. Seal member contact portion 62 has a radial width over the entire circumferential direction. Seal member contact portion 62 contacts flat portion 53 at a location radially spaced from the connection portion between extension portion 52 and flat portion 53 of seal member 50.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The grease 60 arranged as described above is formed so that the cross-sectional area 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 so that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases in the axially inner side at a portion corresponding to the upper half of the inner surface 63 from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 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 ejecting the grease from the nozzle A. The orientation of the nozzle A is adjusted so that the grease is ejected from the nozzle A radially outward and axially inward. Furthermore, the position of the nozzle A is adjusted so that the ejected grease contacts a predetermined position on the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20, but does not contact the rolling elements 30 and the cage 40. Because the grease is ejected 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.

[0045] 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 further into contact with 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.

[0046] This completes the formation of the rolling bearing 1. In the application step of this embodiment, the grease 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.

[0047] As described above, the grease 60 of the rolling bearing 1 of this embodiment 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 seating 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, room is provided for the grease 60, which is pushed axially inward by the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50, to spread radially toward the extending portion 52 and the seating 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 inner ring 10. 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.

[0048] Furthermore, the manufacturing method for the rolling bearing 1 of this embodiment comprises an application step of bringing grease 60 into contact with the outer ring 20 and applying the grease 60 so that it protrudes axially outward and radially inward from the contact portion with the outer ring 20, a contact step of bringing the sealing member 50 close to the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction and bringing the flat portions 53 into contact with the axially outer edge of the grease 60, and an installation step of, after the contact step, bringing the sealing member 50 close to the outer ring 20 and bringing the base portions 51 into contact with the outer ring 20 from the outside in the axial direction and pressing the grease 60 inward in the axial direction with the flat portions 53. According to this manufacturing method, because the flat portions 53 of the sealing member 50 come into contact with the axially outer edge of the grease 60 in the contact step, it is possible to provide room for the grease 60 to spread radially toward the extending portions 52 and base portions 51 of the sealing member 50 during the process of pushing the grease 60 inward in the axial direction with the flat portions 53 in the installation step. This makes it possible to prevent the grease 60 from spreading too far toward the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30. This makes it possible to easily prevent the grease 60 from coming into direct contact with the rolling elements 30 and the inner ring 10. Moreover, since the sealing member 50 has the extension 52 between the flat portion 53 and the base portion 51, the grease 60 is less likely to be pushed toward the rolling elements 30 compared to a configuration in which the flat portion extends radially inward from the base portion. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the grease 60 in advance to a position closer to the rolling elements 30, and it is possible to increase the amount of grease 60. As a result, it is possible to manufacture a rolling bearing 1 that can ensure durability and reduce rotational resistance at the same time.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 has more room 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 direct contact with the rolling elements 30 and the inner ring 10.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the above embodiment, 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 a plan view. However, 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 a 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 50 due to capillary action through the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the seating portion.

[0055] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the rolling bearing 1 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.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rolling bearing 1 according to the second embodiment. 5, the grease 160 includes a first annular portion 160a in contact with the outer ring 20 and a second annular portion 160b connected to the first annular portion 160a and in contact with the seal member 50. The first annular portion 160a and the second annular portion 160b are formed by applying the grease in two separate applications. The first annular portion 160a and the second annular portion 160b each extend circumferentially around a common axis O. However, at least one of the first annular portion 160a and the second annular portion 160b may extend less than 360° around the common axis O.

[0057] The first annular portion 160a has an outer ring contact portion 161 (raceway contact portion) that contacts the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 of the outer ring 20. The outer ring contact portion 161 extends circumferentially over the entire length of the grease 160. The outer ring contact portion 161 has a width in the axial direction over the entire circumferential direction. The outer ring contact portion 161 contacts the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 at a location that is spaced in the axial direction from the outer ring raceway surface 23. The outer ring contact portion 161 contacts the inner circumferential surface 22b of the protruding portion 22 at a location that is spaced in the axial direction from the inner circumferential edge of the upper end face 22a. In other words, the outer ring contact portion 161 is provided at a distance in the axial direction from the contact portion between the outer ring 20 and the base portion 51 of the seal member 50.

[0058] The second annular portion 160b extends circumferentially around the common axis O. The second annular portion 160b is disposed radially opposite the outer ring 20 (i.e., radially inward) with respect to the first annular portion 160a. Specifically, in a plan view, the outer peripheral edge of the second annular portion 160b is located radially inward of the outer peripheral edge of the first annular portion 160a, and the inner peripheral edge of the second annular portion 160b is located radially inward of the inner peripheral edge of the first annular portion 160a. The second annular portion 160b is connected to and integrated with the first annular portion 160a on the outer side in the axial direction. The second annular portion 160b is connected to the first annular portion 160a around the entire circumference. The second annular portion 160b includes a seal member contact portion 162 that is in contact with the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50 axially outward and radially inward of the outer ring contact portion 161. The seal member contact portion 162 has a width in the radial direction over the entire circumferential direction. The seal member contact portion 162 contacts the flat portion 53 at a location that is spaced apart in the radial direction from the connection between the extension portion 52 and the flat portion 53 of the seal member 50.

[0059] The grease 160 extends axially outward and radially inward from the outer ring contact portion 161 toward the seal member contact portion 162. The grease 160 has an inner surface 163 and an outer surface 164. The inner surface 163 connects the axially inner edge of the outer ring contact portion 161 and the radially inner edge of the seal member contact portion 162. The inner surface 163 faces the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 10 and the rolling elements 30. The upper end of the inner surface 163 extends axially and radially inward from the radially inner edge of the seal member contact portion 162. The inner surface 163 is spaced from the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40. This prevents the grease 160 from contacting the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40.

[0060] Outer surface 164 connects the axially outer edge of outer ring contact portion 161 and the radially outer edge of seal member contact portion 162. Outer surface 164 faces inner circumferential surface 22b of protruding portion 22 of outer ring 20 and seal member 50. The upper end of outer surface 164 extends axially inward and radially outward from the radially outer edge of seal member contact portion 162. Outer surface 164 is spaced apart from base portion 51 and extension portion 52 of seal member 50. This prevents grease 160 from contacting base portion 51 and extension portion 52 of seal member 50, which are located closer to the outer ring 20 than flat portion 53.

[0061] The grease 160 arranged as described above is formed so that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side. In this embodiment, the grease 160 is formed so that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the common axis O gradually increases from the axially outer end toward the axially inner side in the portion corresponding to the upper part of the second annular portion 160b.

[0062] The rolling bearing 1 of this embodiment configured in this manner can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0063] 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. The grease 60, 160 contacts the outer ring 20, which is a fixed ring. However, the raceway ring that the grease contacts does not have to be a 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 a 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 a rotating ring.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the grease 60, 160 is not in contact with the base portion 51 and the extension portion 52 of the seal member 50, but this 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.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the grease 60, 160 does not come into contact with the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40, but this configuration is not limiting. As described above, in the above embodiment, the grease can be 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 comes into contact with at least one of the inner ring 10, the rolling elements 30, and the cage 40, the contact area can be made sufficiently smaller than in the conventional structure, thereby achieving the effect of reducing rotational resistance.

[0066] Furthermore, the manner in which the grease is applied is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, the first annular portion 160a and the second annular portion 160b extend circumferentially, but this configuration is not limiting. 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 from one another.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...Bearing 2...Rotating device 10...Inner ring (other raceway ring) 20...Outer ring (one raceway ring) 22...Protrusion 22a...End face 30...Rolling element 50...Sealing member 51...Pedestal portion 52...Extending portion 53...Flat portion 60, 160...Grease 61, 161...Outer ring contact portion (raceway ring contact portion) 62, 162...Sealing member contact portion A...Nozzle

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 one of the inner ring and 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 The sealing member is an annular seat portion that contacts the one of the bearing rings from the outside in the axial direction; an extension portion extending outward in the axial direction from a peripheral edge of the base portion on a bearing ring side of the other of the inner ring and the outer ring; a flat surface portion extending radially from an outer edge of the extension portion in the axial direction toward the other bearing ring; and The grease is a raceway contact portion in contact with a peripheral surface of the one raceway facing the other raceway; a seal member contact portion that is in contact with the flat portion on the other raceway side and further outward in the axial direction than the raceway contact portion; and the grease is not in contact with the extension portion, an area of ​​the seal member contact portion is larger than an area of ​​contact between the grease and the extension portion and the base portion of the seal member; the grease has a portion in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the grease perpendicular to the axial direction gradually increases from the seal member contact portion toward the inside in the axial direction, the grease has an inner surface including a portion extending from an inner edge in the axial direction of the bearing ring contact portion to an outer side in the axial direction and toward the other bearing ring in the radial direction; Rolling bearing.

2. The seal member contact portion includes a radial center position of the grease when viewed from the axial direction.

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1.

3. the raceway contact portion is provided axially spaced apart from the contact portion between the one raceway and the base portion; 3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The grease is not in contact with the base portion. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the one raceway ring has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other raceway ring and has a raceway surface formed thereon, the protruding portion has an end surface that faces outward in the axial direction, connects to the circumferential surface at a circumferential edge on the other raceway ring side, and contacts the base portion, The pedestal portion is disposed so as not to protrude beyond the end face toward the other bearing ring when viewed in the axial direction. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a rotatably arranged rotating body; a support that rotatably supports the rotating body; The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is interposed between the rotating body and the support body; A rotating device comprising:

7. 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 one of the inner ring and 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 The sealing member is an annular seat portion that contacts the one of the bearing rings from the outside in the axial direction; an extension portion extending outward in the axial direction from a peripheral edge of the base portion on a bearing ring side of the other of the inner ring and the outer ring; a flat surface portion extending radially from an outer edge of the extension portion in the axial direction toward the other bearing ring; A method for manufacturing a rolling bearing having an application step of bringing the grease into contact with the one raceway ring and applying the grease so that the grease protrudes from a contact portion with the one raceway ring outward in the axial direction and toward the other raceway ring; a contacting step of bringing the seal member close to the one of the bearing rings from the outside in the axial direction, and bringing the flat surface into contact with an outer edge of the grease in the axial direction; an installation step, after the contact step, of bringing the seal member close to the one raceway ring so that the base portion contacts the one raceway ring from the outside in the axial direction, and pressing the grease inward in the axial direction with the flat portion so that a portion is formed in the grease whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axial direction gradually increases from the contact portion with the flat portion toward the inside in the axial direction, and so that the grease forms an inner surface including a portion extending from an inner edge in the axial direction at the contact portion with the one raceway ring toward the outside in the axial direction and toward the other raceway ring in the radial direction; A method for manufacturing a rolling bearing comprising the steps of:

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