Rolling Bearing Shield Welding for Thin Axial Designs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling bearings face challenges in securely fixing annular shields due to limited space for circumferential grooves, leading to difficulties in attaching and minimizing strain on the shield and deformation of the stationary ring, especially when reducing the axial dimension for thinner designs.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing rolling bearings that involves laser-welding an annular shield to the stationary ring, using a jig to press the shield and alternate welding and non-welding operations to reduce heat input and strain, with a merged part and non-welded part alternately provided circumferentially to minimize deformation and maintain fixing strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the axial dimension of the rolling bearing is reduced to make it thinner, then the compactness and space efficiency are improved, but the space for the circumferential groove is limited making it difficult to securely fix the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential groove is divided into multiple segments along the axial direction. Instead of forming a single continuous groove that requires large axial space, the groove is segmented into first and second circumferential grooves at different axial positions, allowing the shield to be fixed securely without requiring increased axial dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The shield fixation problem is solved by transitioning from a single-plane groove approach to a multi-level approach utilizing both radial and axial dimensions. The first circumferential groove is formed at a first axial position and the second circumferential groove at a second axial position, effectively using dimensional space to achieve secure fixation without increasing overall axial thickness
2Reliability
If a circumferential groove is formed axially wider to securely fix the shield, then the shield fixation reliability is improved, but the axial dimension increases making the bearing thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential groove is divided into multiple segments along the axial direction. Instead of forming a single continuous groove that requires large axial space, the groove is segmented into first and second circumferential grooves at different axial positions, allowing the shield to be fixed securely without requiring increased axial dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The shield fixation problem is solved by transitioning from a single-plane groove approach to a multi-level approach utilizing both radial and axial dimensions. The first circumferential groove is formed at a first axial position and the second circumferential groove at a second axial position, effectively using dimensional space to achieve secure fixation without increasing overall axial thickness
3Strength
If continuous laser welding is performed on the shield, then the fixation strength is improved, but the heat input causes strain on the shield and deformation of the stationary ring
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous laser welding, the patent employs periodic intermittent welding where the laser is applied in repeated cycles along the circumferential direction. The welding operation alternates between welding and non-welding states, allowing heat to dissipate between cycles and preventing excessive heat accumulation that would cause shield strain and stationary ring deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The welding is applied locally at specific circumferential positions rather than uniformly across the entire circumference. By concentrating welding at discrete locations and using intermittent cycles, the heat input is localized and controlled, achieving sufficient fixation strength at critical points while minimizing overall heat accumulation and deformation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively reduces strain on the shield and deformation of the stationary ring, ensuring secure attachment and maintaining the integrity of the rolling bearing, even with reduced axial dimensions, by controlling heat input and distributing the merged parts to minimize strain.
Implementation Method 1
a welding step of laser-welding the shield to the side part
Data Source
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AI summary
A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method including attaching an annular shield 40 to an outer ring 20. The manufacturing method includes a preparation step of overlaying part of the shield 40 on a side part 23 of the outer ring 20, and a welding step of laser-welding the shield 40 to the side part 23. In the welding step, while a head 80 outputting the laser and the outer ring 20 on which the shield 40 is overlaid are relatively rotated about a center axis C, a welding operation of outputting laser on the shield 40 to weld and a non-welding operation of not outputting laser are alternately repetitively performed.