JP2000320548A - Rolling bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a rolling characteristic by stabilizing rolling action of a rolling element, in a rolling bearing having a separator. SOLUTION: On the condition that a separator 5 be formed in a shape incapable of rolling, when the separator 5 is moved in a peripheral direction according to rolling action of a rolling unit 3, while the separator 5 is guided by both shoulder parts of an outer ring 2 and stepped parts 4b, 4b of annular plates 4, 4 so as to be slid in a peripheral direction. In this way, even when the rolling element 3, at its rolling time, abuts against the separator 5, by making it difficult to act as a brake element, rolling action of the rolling element 3 is prevented from being impeded. Furthermore, by preventing the separator 5 from being easily displaced in an axial direction and diametric direction with an attitude stabilized, peripheral directional movement thereof is smoothed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rolling bearing having a separator disposed between rolling elements.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional rolling bearing of this type, for example, in the case of a ball bearing, a ball slightly smaller in diameter than a rolling element,
A substantially cylindrical spacing member whose radial size is smaller than the rolling elements is arranged in the raceway groove between the rolling elements.

[0003] However, in such a separator such as a ball or a spacer, it is necessary to form a groove for inserting the separator in the raceway due to the incorporation, resulting in an increase in cost.

On the other hand, there has been known a separator having a cylindrical shape or a drum shape, which is guided by a shoulder between an inner ring and an outer ring (for example, JP-A-8-4773).

When the rolling bearing is used in an environment where a lubricant such as grease or oil cannot be used, such as in a vacuum atmosphere or a high temperature atmosphere, the above-mentioned separator may be formed of a solid lubricant. Examples of the solid lubricant include a layered material such as graphite, tungsten disulfide, and molybdenum disulfide, a soft metal material such as gold, silver, and lead, and a polymer resin material such as PTFE and polyimide.

[0006]

In the above publication, the separators also roll with the rolling operation of the rolling elements. However, the rotation directions of all the rolling elements and all the separators are different. It is pointed out that the rolling characteristics are degraded, such as impeding the rolling operation of the rolling element, because they are the same.

That is, when the rolling element comes into contact with the separator located on the downstream side in the rolling direction or the separator located on the upstream side in the rolling direction, when the rolling element comes into contact with the separator, This is because the rotation directions thereof are opposite to each other, so that the separator acts as a braking element.

In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to improve the rolling characteristics of a rolling bearing having a separator by stabilizing the rolling operation of a rolling element.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rolling bearing comprising a plurality of rolling elements disposed between inner and outer rings.
It has substantially prismatic separators arranged every other or every plural number, and the axial displacement of the separator is restricted by two annular plates attached to both shoulders of the outer ring or the inner ring, and the radial displacement is controlled. The displacement is regulated by both shoulders of the outer ring or the inner ring.

In a rolling bearing according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the axial width of the separator is set to 80% or more and less than 100% of a separation between the annular plates.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the rolling bearing according to the first or second aspect, the radial thickness of the separator is set between the shoulders of the inner ring or the shoulders of the outer ring from the shoulders of the annular plates. 80% or more of the separation distance up to 100%
Is set to less than.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to third aspects, the surface of the separator on the outer ring side is a convex arc surface, and the radius of curvature of the convex arc surface is small. Is set smaller than the radius of curvature of the shoulder of the outer race.

A rolling bearing according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the inner ring side surface of the separator is a flat surface or a concave arc surface, and the separator has a concave arc surface. The radius of curvature is set larger than the radius of curvature of the shoulder of the inner ring.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the separator is formed of a solid lubricant.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the annular plate has an inner peripheral edge or an outer peripheral edge attached to an inner ring or an outer ring, and the outer peripheral edge thereof. Alternatively, it is a non-contact type seal in which the inner peripheral edge is opposed to the outer ring or the inner ring via a minute gap.

The rolling bearing according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the annular plate has an inner peripheral edge or an outer peripheral edge attached to an inner ring or an outer ring, and the outer peripheral edge thereof. Alternatively, it is a contact type seal having an elastic body at the inner peripheral edge thereof in contact with the outer ring or the inner ring.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the rolling bearing according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the rolling element is a sphere, and a part of the rolling element is provided on a side surface of the separator orthogonal to a circumferential direction. Are provided.

In summary, according to the present invention, the separator is formed into a non-rollable shape, and when the separator is moved in the circumferential direction along with the rolling operation of the rolling element, the separator is moved to both the inner ring and the outer ring. Glide smoothly while being guided by the shoulder and the annular plate.

Thus, even if the rolling element contacts the separator during rolling of the rolling element, the separator does not easily function as a braking element, so that the rolling operation of the rolling element does not need to be hindered. In addition, the separator is less likely to be displaced in the axial direction and the radial direction, and the posture is stabilized, so that the circumferential movement is smooth.

In particular, in the second and third aspects of the invention, the axial displacement and the radial displacement of the separator are minimized.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, two-dimensional contact between the end of the separator and the inner ring or the outer ring can be prevented, and locking or chipping of the separator can be prevented. In addition, fluctuations in the sliding resistance of the separator are reduced, and smooth rotation of the bearing is created.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the separator has a self-lubricating property, the slip resistance of the separator is reduced.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, since the inside of the bearing is sealed, wear caused by the separator abutting against the rolling element, the shoulder of the inner ring or the outer ring, and the step of the annular plate. It is possible to prevent the powder from leaking to the outside of the bearing and to prevent external dust and moisture from entering the inside of the bearing.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the axial position and the radial position of the separator are regulated by the centering action of the rolling element and the recess of the separator, and the lubrication performance is also improved.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view showing an upper half of the rolling bearing with a shield plate removed, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rolling bearing of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separator in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an assembling procedure of the rolling bearing of FIG.

The rolling bearing in the illustrated example is a deep groove ball bearing, each of which includes an inner ring 1 formed of, for example, JIS SUS440C, an outer ring 2, a plurality of balls 3, and an annular plate formed of, for example, JIS SUS304. , And a plurality of separators 5 made of solid lubricant.

Track grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer race 2, respectively. On both shoulders of the inner peripheral surface of the outer race 2, there are formed circumferential grooves which are recessed outward in the radial direction. Each is formed.

The ball 3 is interposed between the raceway grooves of the inner and outer rings 1 and 2.

The shield plate 4 is a well-known non-contact type seal generally called a Z plate, and has an annular plate portion 4a extending in a radial direction and a tapered shape formed at an outer periphery of the annular plate portion 4a at a required angle. It has a step portion 4b, a loop portion 4c which is formed to be bent round on the outer periphery of the tapered step portion 4b, and an annular flange portion 4d which is formed to be bent perpendicularly to the inner periphery of the annular plate portion 4a. . The shield plate 4 has its loop portion 4c engaged with the circumferential groove of the outer ring 2 and its annular flange portion 4d opposed to both shoulder portions of the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 1 via a minute gap. Have been.

The separators 5 are interposed every other one of the balls 3 adjacent in the circumferential direction in the space facing the inner and outer rings 1 and 2.

In the rolling bearing according to this embodiment, the separator 5 is formed of a solid lubricant without using a lubricant such as grease or oil, and the lubricant is formed by the contact between the separator 5 and the ball 3 during the rotation operation. From the separator 5 to the rolling contact portions such as the surface of the ball 3 and the tracks of the inner and outer rings 1 and 2,
The lubrication is performed.

Examples of the solid lubricant include layered substances such as graphite, tungsten disulfide and molybdenum disulfide, soft metal materials such as gold, silver and lead, and PTFs.
Examples thereof include polymer resin materials such as E and polyimide, and composite materials containing these as main components.

In this embodiment, the separator 5 is shaped so as not to roll (rotate), and is guided by both shoulders of the inner race 1 and the shield plates 4, 4 in the circumferential direction. It is characterized in that it is designed to be moved to a shape.

Specifically, the separator 5 is formed in a substantially prismatic shape, and the surface 5a on the outer ring 2 side is a convex circular arc surface, and the surface 5b on the inner ring 1 side is a flat surface. .
The radius of curvature R1 of the convex arc surface 5a is set smaller than the radius of curvature D1 of the shoulder of the outer race 2. The contact surface between the ball 3 and the separator 5 is desirably formed so as to be substantially parallel to a line connecting the center of the ball and the center of the bearing.

The axial width W of the separator 5 is 2
The thickness H in the radial direction is set slightly smaller than the separation L2 from the shoulder of the inner ring 1 to the bottom of the outer ring 2 while being slightly smaller than the separation L1 between the two shield plates 4. . The axial width W is preferably set to 80% or more and less than 100% of the separation L1. The radial thickness H is set to the separation L2.
It is preferably set to 80% or more and less than 100%.

The tapered step portion 4b of the shield plate 4 is provided on both sides in the axial direction of the convex arc surface 5a of the separator 5.
Are formed on the flat surface 5b of the separator 5, and step portions 5d, 5d corresponding to the annular flange portion 4d of the shield plate 4 are formed on both sides in the axial direction of the flat surface 5b of the separator 5. Is formed. As described above, the shape of the both sides in the axial direction of the separator 5 is set to a laterally convex shape substantially matching the laterally concave shape formed by the annular plate portion 4a, the tapered step portion 4b, and the annular flange portion 4d of the shield plate 4. This makes it possible to arrange the separator 5 and the shield plate 4 as close as possible. Thus, the shield plate 4 can be used as a rail for guiding the movement of the separator 5. The step 5d may be, for example, C-chamfered as long as it does not interfere with the shield plate 4.

Next, the operation of the rolling bearing will be described.
If the outer ring 2 is fixed and the inner ring 1 is rotated, the balls 3
Each of them rolls in one circumferential direction, and the rolling of the ball 3 pushes the separator 5 in the same direction. At this time, since the separator 5 is guided by both shoulders of the inner ring 1 and the shield plates 4, 4, the separator 5 is moved while sliding without rolling.

During such an operation, although the ball 3 comes into contact with the separator 5, the separator 5 does not rotate, so that it becomes difficult for the separator 5 to function as a braking element as in the conventional example, and Dynamic operation does not have to be hindered.

Further, since the separator 5 is guided by both shoulders of the inner ring 1 and the tapered steps 4b, 4b of the shield plates 4, 4 or both shoulders of the outer ring 2, the separator 5 is axially and radially oriented. It becomes difficult to be displaced in the direction, the posture becomes stable, and its circumferential movement becomes smooth.

Further, the surface 5a of the separator 5 on the outer ring 2 side
Is a convex arc surface smaller than the radius of curvature of the shoulder of the outer ring 2, and the surface 5 b of the separator 5 on the inner ring 1 side is the inner ring 1.
Because the flat surface is larger than the radius of curvature of the shoulder of
The contact area between the separator 5 and the inner ring 1 and the contact area between the separator 5 and the tapered step portion 4b of the shield plate 4 are reduced, respectively, so that the slip resistance of the separator 5 is reduced, thereby contributing to a reduction in rotational torque. become.

As described above, in the rolling bearing according to this embodiment, the rolling operation of the ball 3 is stabilized, and the rolling characteristics are improved.

In addition, even when the separator 5 is formed of a brittle material mainly composed of a layered substance such as graphite, tungsten disulfide and molybdenum disulfide among solid lubricants, the behavior of the separator 5 itself is stable. From, it is hard to break.

Further, the separator 5 is guided by the shoulder of the inner ring 1 and the tapered step 4b of the shield plate 4 instead of being inserted into the raceway groove between the inner and outer rings 1 and 2. The inner and outer rings 1 and 2 do not need to be formed with grooves, and the shape of the separator 5 is devised so that a general-purpose product can be used for the shield plate 4 as well. Manufacturing costs have been reduced, for example, all components of the bearing can be made general-purpose products.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the above embodiment, and various applications and modifications are conceivable.

(1) In the above embodiment, the separator 5
Although the example in which the shield plates 4 and 4 are used to regulate the axial displacement amount of the shield plate is described above, the type and shape of the shield plates 4 and 4 are not particularly limited, and may be a contact type seal.

(2) In the above embodiment, the separator 5
Although the example which arrange | positions every other ball 3 was mentioned, it is good also as a form which is arrange | positioned every several pieces.

(3) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the rolling bearing was a deep groove ball bearing. However, the present invention can be applied to various types of rolling bearings.

(4) In the above embodiment, the separator 5
Is formed of a solid lubricant, but may be formed of a metal material, a synthetic resin material having poor self-lubricating properties, or the like. In that case, it can be dealt with by forming a solid lubricating film on the separator 5 or by forming a solid lubricating film on at least one of the raceway grooves of the inner and outer rings 1 and 2 and the balls 3. In addition, the separator 5 may be formed of a porous member such as a sintered metal or a porous synthetic resin.

(5) In the above embodiment, the separator 5
In the above, an example was given in which the surface 5b on the inner ring 1 side was a flat surface, but this surface 5b may be formed as a concave arc surface. However,
The radius of curvature of the concave arc surface 5b is preferably set to be larger than the radius of curvature of the shoulder of the inner ring 1.

(6) FIG. 4 shows another embodiment. In the illustrated example, the surface 5a of the separator 5 on the outer ring 2 side is
The surface 5b of the separator 5 on the side of the inner ring 1 is formed in a concave arc surface concentric with the shoulder of the inner ring 1 while being formed on a convex arcuate surface concentric with the shoulder of the outer ring 1.

(7) In the separator 5 described in each of the above-described embodiments, a partially spherical depression matching a part of the ball 3 may be provided on a side surface orthogonal to the circumferential direction. in this case,
Since the axial position and the radial position of the separator 5 are regulated by the centering action of the depression and the ball 3, it is further advantageous in stabilizing the posture and behavior of the separator 5. Specifically, FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples in which the depression 5e is provided in the separator 5 shown in FIG.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, all corners of the separator 5 may be chamfered.

[0054]

According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, even if the rolling element contacts the separator during rolling of the rolling element, the separator does not easily function as a braking element, so that the rolling operation of the rolling element is not hindered. Only In addition, the separator is less likely to be displaced in the axial direction and the radial direction, and the posture is stabilized, so that the circumferential movement is smooth. Therefore, the rolling operation of the rolling element is stabilized, and the rolling characteristics are improved.

In particular, according to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the axial displacement and the radial displacement of the separator are minimized, which is advantageous in stabilizing the posture of the separator.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, two-dimensional contact between the end of the separator and the inner ring or the outer ring can be prevented, and locking or chipping of the separator can be prevented. In addition, fluctuations in the sliding resistance of the separator are reduced, and smooth rotation of the bearing is created.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the separator has self-lubricating properties, the slip resistance of the separator is reduced, which can contribute to the reduction of the rotational torque.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, since the inside of the bearing is sealed, wear caused by the separator abutting against the rolling element, the shoulder of the inner ring or the outer ring, and the step of the annular plate. It is possible to prevent the powder from leaking to the outside of the bearing and to prevent external dust and moisture from entering the inside of the bearing, thereby contributing to an improvement in the life of the bearing.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the axial position and the radial position of the separator are regulated by the centering action of the rolling element and the recess of the separator, it is further advantageous in stabilizing the posture of the separator. Becomes

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an upper half of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention with a shield plate removed.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rolling bearing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separator in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in still another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a perspective view of the separator in the embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 inner ring 2 outer ring 3 ball 4 shield plate 4a annular plate portion of shield plate 4b tapered step portion of shield plate 5 separator 5a convex arcuate surface of separator on outer ring side 5b flat surface of separator on inner ring side W width of separator in axial direction H Radial thickness of separator L1 Separation distance between two shield plates L2 Separation distance from inner ring shoulder to outer ring shoulder R1 Radius of curvature of convex arc surface D1 Curvature radius of shoulder of outer ring 2

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazunori Hayashida 3-5-8 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuyoshi Yamakawa 3-58-8 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi F term in Seiko Co., Ltd. (reference) 3J101 AA02 AA33 AA42 AA54 AA62 BA11 BA13 BA20 BA73 EA53 EA54 EA55 EA75 EA80 FA31 FA60

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A rolling bearing having a substantially prismatic separator disposed at every other or a plurality of rolling elements disposed between inner and outer rings, wherein the axial displacement of the separator is controlled by the outer ring or the inner ring. A rolling bearing characterized in that it is restricted by two annular plates attached to both shoulders, and radial displacement is restricted by both shoulders of the outer ring or the inner ring. 2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the width of the separator in the axial direction is set to 80% or more and less than 100% of the separation between the annular plates. 3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein a radial thickness of the separator is 80% of a separation distance from both shoulders of the inner ring or both shoulders of the outer ring to a step of the both annular plates. As described above, the rolling bearing is set to less than 100%. 4. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the separator on the outer ring side is a convex arc surface, and a radius of curvature of the convex arc surface is a curvature of a shoulder portion of the outer ring. A rolling bearing set to be smaller than a radius. 5. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the inner ring side surface of the separator is a flat surface or a concave arc surface, and when the concave arc surface is used, the radius of curvature of the inner ring is A rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing is set to have a larger radius of curvature than a shoulder. 6. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein said separator is formed of a solid lubricant. 7. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral edge or an outer peripheral edge of the annular plate is attached to an inner ring or an outer ring, and the outer peripheral edge or the inner peripheral edge is an outer ring or an inner ring. A non-contact type seal opposed to the roller bearing via a minute gap. 8. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the annular plate has an inner peripheral edge or an outer peripheral edge attached to an inner ring or an outer ring, and the outer peripheral edge or the inner peripheral edge has an outer ring or an inner ring. A contact type seal having an elastic body that comes into contact with the rolling bearing. 9. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the rolling element is a sphere, and a side surface of the separator, which is orthogonal to a circumferential direction, has a partially spherical shape that matches a part of the rolling element. A rolling bearing having a depression.