Split-Ring Rolling Bearing for Thin Profile and Grease Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for thin and easy-to-handle rolling bearings that allow for visual inspection and easy grease injection during production and use, while minimizing foreign material entry.
Innovation Solution
A rolling bearing design featuring a first and second outer ring, and a first and second inner ring, with flange portions bent radially outward to reduce axial dimensions and allow visual access, and a configuration that enables easy grease injection through gaps between the rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the rolling bearing is made thin by using split rings, then the axial dimension is reduced, but it becomes difficult to perform visual inspection and grease injection
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring and inner ring are each divided into two separate rings (first outer ring and second outer ring, first inner ring and second inner ring) that are arranged alongside each other in the axial direction. This segmentation allows the bearing to be thin while providing access points for inspection and maintenance through the gaps between the split rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The third portions of the inner rings extend radially outward beyond the third portions of the outer rings, creating a radial protrusion that provides access to the interior of the bearing. This dimensional change from axial to radial access enables visual inspection and grease injection without increasing the axial dimension.
2Weight of stationary object
If the axial dimension is reduced to make the bearing thin, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but foreign material can easily enter the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portions are formed by bending the sheet material into curved surfaces that extend between the rolling elements. These flexible seal portions conform to the bearing interior and prevent foreign material entry while allowing the bearing to maintain a thin profile. The seal portions can deform slightly to accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing is made thin, then handling becomes easier, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing components are formed from sheet material with appropriate material selection and thickness distribution. The first and second portions of each ring have different thickness characteristics - the first portion (disk annular portion) provides structural support while the second portion (tubular portion) is optimized for rolling contact. This composite structure maintains strength while enabling thin design.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portions are formed with curved surfaces that bend radially inward to contact the rolling elements. This curvature distributes loads more evenly across the seal portions and prevents stress concentration, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the thin profile necessary for easy handling.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A rolling bearing includes an outer ring made of steel, an inner ring made of steel having a common central axis with the outer ring and arranged on an inner circumferential side of the outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged so as to be rollable on an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring. The outer ring includes a first outer ring, and a second outer ring arranged alongside the first outer ring in a first axis direction in which the central axis extends and fixed to the first outer ring. The inner ring includes a first inner ring, and a second inner ring arranged alongside the first inner ring in the first axis direction and fixed to the first inner ring. The first outer ring, the second outer ring, the first inner ring, and the second inner ring each include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is a disk annular portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the first axis direction. The second portion is connected to the first portion and has a circumferential surface constituting an annular rolling surface. The third portion is connected to the second portion and includes a tubular portion extending along the first axis direction. The third portions of the first inner ring and the second inner ring have end surfaces spaced from and opposed to inner circumferential surfaces of the third portions of the first outer ring and the second outer ring, respectively.