CA2116015A1 - Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers - Google Patents
Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2116015A1 CA2116015A1 CA002116015A CA2116015A CA2116015A1 CA 2116015 A1 CA2116015 A1 CA 2116015A1 CA 002116015 A CA002116015 A CA 002116015A CA 2116015 A CA2116015 A CA 2116015A CA 2116015 A1 CA2116015 A1 CA 2116015A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elements
- lubricating
- rolling
- spacer elements
- spacer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/37—Loose spacing bodies
- F16C33/3706—Loose spacing bodies with concave surfaces conforming to the shape of the rolling elements, e.g. the spacing bodies are in sliding contact with the rolling elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C19/22—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings
- F16C19/40—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings with loose spacing bodies between the rollers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/46—Cages for rollers or needles
- F16C33/51—Cages for rollers or needles formed of unconnected members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/46—Cages for rollers or needles
- F16C33/56—Selection of substances
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/66—Special parts or details in view of lubrication
- F16C33/6696—Special parts or details in view of lubrication with solids as lubricant, e.g. dry coatings, powder
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
- Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)
Abstract
A bearing has a plurality of rolling elements (2) in a raceway, which are separated by lubricating spacer elements (101) and non-lubricating spacer elements (102). The lubricating spacer elements are free to float between the rolling elements and can provide all of the lubrication for the bearing. The non-lubricating spacer elements may also be free to float between the rolling elements or can be provided by a cage.
Description
WO 93/04:~93 ~ 1 1 6 0 1 ~i PCI/US91/05958 Ç~
BEARING WITH LUBRICATING ~ND NON-LUBRICATING
SPACERS
Teçhnical Field This inven~ion relates to self-lubricating bearings of the type in which the roller elements are lubricated by lubricant transfer from spacers containing lubricants.
Bac~round of the Invention U.S. Patent No. 4,906,110 discloses an improved solid lubricant roller bearing in which the rollers are separated by floating lubricating spacers. ~he present invention aims to increase the life and stability of this type of bearing.
Summa~y of the ~ent~Qn In accordance with the present invention, lubricating and n~n-lubricating spacer elements are positioned between the rollers to provide solid lubricant and stability, re-~pectively, ~or the rollers. The non-lubricating spacer elemen~s primarily have only a spacing function, although they may be of a material which has favorable an~i-frictiQn characteristics. The lubricating elements are floating and the non-lu~ricatin~ elements may be floating or part o~ a cage. When provided as floating elements the non-lubricating elements are preferably alternated with the lubricating spacer elements in an arrangement placing each non-lubricating spacer element opposite a lubricating spacer element so that the race engaging portion of the rollers is lubricated by direct contact with the lubricating spacer elements as the rollers turn. The non-lubricating spacers assist in spreading the lubricant on the rollers and provide roller stability to the extent not provided by the lubricating W093/04293 PCT/US91~059~X
spacers. In an arrangement whereon the non-lubricating spacers are floating elements it is preferred to provide a pair of non-lubricating end spacers adjacent the ends at one side of each roller and a central n~n-lubricating spacer opposite its o~her side. When a ~age proYides the non-lubricating spacers a substantial central portion of each roller is opposed on opposite sides by lubricating spacer elements.
Brief Description of the Drawinas Figure 1 is an exterior side view of a typical assembly of spacer and roller elements ~o which the invention is applicable;
Figure 2 is an end view of the assembly with an annular end ring removed;
Figure 3 is a d~tailed end view taken as in Figure 2;
Figure ~ is an isometric exploded view of a portion of a bearing constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of a preferred spacer and roller configuration;
Figure 6 is an alternate embodiment of a spacer for use with the rollers.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a second embodiment of the invention utilizing a cage;
Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken as shown by lines 8-8 in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a fragmentary end view of the second embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1-2, floating spacers having a solid lubricant composition separate an equal number of rolling needle elements 2. Each spacer 1 is preferably machined or molded to provide concave opposite sides 3, 5 with a curvature similar to the outer surface 4 W093/04293 2116 01 S PCT/US91/0~958 of the needle rolling elements 2 to provide a relatively large initial contact area for solid lubricant transfer thereto. The outer and inner surfaces 6, 7 of the spacers 1 may be molded or machined with a convex curvature to S conform, respectively, to that of the inner and outer raceways, as determined by diameters 8, 9, or the surfaces 6, 7 may be planar and have two-line contact along t~e longitudinal edges of outer surface 6 with the outer raceway and single-line tangential contact with the inner raceway midway between the longitudinal side edges of inner surface 7. End lubrication of the rolling elements 2 may be accomplished, for example, by annular rings loo of solid lubricant material positioned adjacent the ends of the rollers 2 and spacers 1, or by end caps of solid lubricant material mounted on the ends of the rollers, or by end portions of the spacers arranged to overlap the ends of the rollers.
For cost economy it is preferred to form the spacers 1 by a high-pressure compaction and secondary sintering procedure precluding a need for follow-up machining. The joints at the meeting ends of adjoining spacer elements at opposite sides of each roller may be staggered endwise of the roller, so that each portion of the roller circumference will directly contact a spacer element during each roller rotation. This end can be accomplished, for example, by beveling the adjoining ends ~f the spacers to provide sloped end fac~s. By this arrangement the joint lines between respective spacer - elements at opposîte sides of a roller are staggered relative to one another along the roller.
Referring to ~igure 3, a recess 10 with angle 11 is preferably provided in the spacer elements along a plane 12 passing through t~e center axis of the adjoining rolling elements 2. This recess angle 11, as measured with respect to a plane 13 passing through the rotary axis of the bearing and the rotary axis of the adjoining rolling element, typically has a value of 30 degrees and W093/04293 PCT/US91tO5958 211~1S
will ensure that wear particles separated from the spacer are of minimum size 8C as not to interfere with the smooth operation of the bearing. The recess also serves to recapture small, loose wear particles of transfer lubricant and consolidate the particles back into the body of the spacer under the compressive action occurring between the rolling elements and the spacer with respect to the apex of the recess angle 11.
In an alternate embodiment of the spacer element lo 10, shown in Figure -6, the recesses 10~ are relieved so as to be substantially concave. This modification encourages wear particles to be captured in the recesses 10' rather than becoming entrapped between relative moving surfaces of the assembly~
In accordance with the present invention, non-lubricating spacers are also provided. It is preferred to alternate spacer elements containing solid lubricant substances ~"lubricating spacer elementsU) with spacer elements which do not have lubrication as their principal 20 function ("non-lubricating spacer elements"~ and preferably are more resistant to wear from roller contact.
If both the lubricating and non-lubricating spacer elements are floating, they preferably are alternated in both the axial roller direction and circumferential direction of rotation of the entire bearing a~sembly.
This arrangement maintains proper alignment and spacing of the roller elements by way of the non-lubricating spacers as the lubrica~ing spacer ~egments are consumed. In this r~gard the initial clearances can be such that only the lubricating spacers contact the rollers until a preset amount of wear of the lubricating spacers has occurred.
Preferred materials for the "non-lubricating"
spacer elements include, but are not limited to such hard wearing materials as ceramic materials, non-lubricated polymide materials, steel, silver impregnated bronze, phenolic materials, nylon, etc. The "non-lubricating"
spacer elements may also be made from relatively soft materials such as Teflon~, phenolic materials, nylon, etc.
for low load conditions.
A basic arrangement of lubricating and non-lubricating spacer elements denote~ 101 and 102, respectively, is shown in Figure 4 for adjacent spacers.
Spacer la, for example, has a pair of lubricating spacer elements 101 separated by a non-lubricating spacer element 102, whereas spacer lb has a pair of non-lubricating spacer elemen~s 102' separated by a lubricating spacer element 101'. Each of the lubricating spacer elements are preferably longer than the non-lubricating spacer elements so that the full length of the related roller will always be in contact with lubricating spacer elements. However, this arrangement is not essential because the lubricant spreads across the races and rollers responsive to rotation of the roll~rs.
The illustrated arrangement of alternating lubricating and non-lubricating spacers in Figure 4 provides each roller (roller 2~, for example) with two non-lubricating roller elements 102' adjacent its ends at one side of the roller, and with a central non-lubricating roller 102 at the other side of the roller. This assures stability to the rollers by the non-lubricating spacers.
- Referring to Figure 5, the spacer lc can provide end lubrication for ~he roller ~ by having the spacer ends cover the ends of the cavi~y with which the rollers interfit. Also, the rollers ~ can comprise a series of roller elements 2a placed end-~o-end. As in the Figure 4 example, non-lubricating spacer elements are alternated with lubricating spacer elements. At one side of the roller 2 spacer lc has a pair of l~bricating spacer elements 101'' which are opposed by a shorter pair of non-lubricating spacer elements 102'' in spacer ld at the other sideO ~urther, in spacer ld center lubricating spacer element 101''' opposes a central non-lubricating spacer 102''' in spacer lc.
W093/04293 PCT/US91/059~8 211601~
In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the spacers la-ld have been shown as each ~onsisting of three spacer elements. It will be understood that there can be a greater number of spacer elements in each spacer~
preferably an odd number of elements in each which are arranged so that (a) lubricating spacer elements alternate with non-lubricating elements in each spacer, and (b) lubricating spacer elements in each spacer are positioned opposite a non-lubricating spacer element in the adjacent spacers.
The lubricating spacer elements may be macle from Vespel~ SP-21 polymide, a commercially available product produced by the DuPont Company having U.S. Military Specification R46198. This product does not soften and is thermally resistant such that it can carry loads at temperatures beyond the reach of most plastic materials and do so while exhibiting very low creep. For example, when the product is subjected for 100 hours to loads of 2,500 psi at 572-F, the total deformation is only 1.2%.
At the end of 600 hours under these load and temperature conditions the total deformation only increases to 1.6%.
Vespel~ SP-21 has a polymide matrix containing a dispersion of various solid lubricant su~stances such as graphite and Teflon~. The lubricating spacer elements are ~ade by high-pressure compaction of Vespel~ powder and s~condary sintering. The highest s~rength and lowest thermal exæan~ion are usually found in the direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. Vespel~ SP-21 may be used for spacer elements to be used at lower temperatures. Initially there may be less tolerance pr~vided between the lubricating spacer elements and the rollers than between the non-lubricating spacers and the rollers. After use has commenced, the lubricant from the lubricating spacer elements spreads over the rollers and the non-lubricating spacer elements.
Referring to Figures 7-9, the non-lubricating spacers may be provided by a cage 200 having end rings W093/04293 2 1 1 6 ~ 1 5 PCT/US91/05958 200a, 200b from which non-lubricating spacer elements 202 project inwardly parallel to ~he axis of the bearing.
Roller elements 2 have their opposite end portions positioned between circumferentially adjoining of the elements 202 and floating lubricating spacer elements 201 are located between the roller elements 2 and between the en~s of the non-lubricating spacer elements 202. To tie the end rings 200a, 200b together some of the elements 202 at opposite sides are connected by connecting elements 203. These connecting elements 203 may be alternated circumferentially of the bearing with the lubricating spacer elements 201, or the connecting elements 203 can be at less intervals so that more lubricating spacer elements are provided. Needle roller elements are normally lS slightly tapered inwardly slightly toward the ends and so the race engaging portion of the roller elements is normally a central part of the length. Accordingly, the lubricating spacer elements 201 concentrate application of lubricant to the "working" part of the roller elements while the non-lubricating sp2cer elements 202 maintain the roller elements in proper alignment. However, durinq operation lubricant from the lubricating spacer elements normally migrates over the entire length of the roller elements.
Normally the cage 200 will be constructed of two halves which initially are flat. T~e roller elements and lubricating sparer elements can be loaded into the cage halves while they are flat, and then the cages are each bent into a semi-cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the transverse non-lubricating spacer elements of the cage can be made such as to retain the end portions of the roller elements after the cage halves have been bent into their final shape. The cage may be made of silver impregnated bronze or other suitable materials.
Although it is preferred to maximize the initial roller contact surface of the lubricating spacer elements, this is not essential. Accordingly, the lubricating W093/04293 PCT/US9l/05958 spacer elements could have a square or trap~zoidal transverse cross-section for example.
Although I have shown and described specific embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent that many minor changes of structure and operation could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.
BEARING WITH LUBRICATING ~ND NON-LUBRICATING
SPACERS
Teçhnical Field This inven~ion relates to self-lubricating bearings of the type in which the roller elements are lubricated by lubricant transfer from spacers containing lubricants.
Bac~round of the Invention U.S. Patent No. 4,906,110 discloses an improved solid lubricant roller bearing in which the rollers are separated by floating lubricating spacers. ~he present invention aims to increase the life and stability of this type of bearing.
Summa~y of the ~ent~Qn In accordance with the present invention, lubricating and n~n-lubricating spacer elements are positioned between the rollers to provide solid lubricant and stability, re-~pectively, ~or the rollers. The non-lubricating spacer elemen~s primarily have only a spacing function, although they may be of a material which has favorable an~i-frictiQn characteristics. The lubricating elements are floating and the non-lu~ricatin~ elements may be floating or part o~ a cage. When provided as floating elements the non-lubricating elements are preferably alternated with the lubricating spacer elements in an arrangement placing each non-lubricating spacer element opposite a lubricating spacer element so that the race engaging portion of the rollers is lubricated by direct contact with the lubricating spacer elements as the rollers turn. The non-lubricating spacers assist in spreading the lubricant on the rollers and provide roller stability to the extent not provided by the lubricating W093/04293 PCT/US91~059~X
spacers. In an arrangement whereon the non-lubricating spacers are floating elements it is preferred to provide a pair of non-lubricating end spacers adjacent the ends at one side of each roller and a central n~n-lubricating spacer opposite its o~her side. When a ~age proYides the non-lubricating spacers a substantial central portion of each roller is opposed on opposite sides by lubricating spacer elements.
Brief Description of the Drawinas Figure 1 is an exterior side view of a typical assembly of spacer and roller elements ~o which the invention is applicable;
Figure 2 is an end view of the assembly with an annular end ring removed;
Figure 3 is a d~tailed end view taken as in Figure 2;
Figure ~ is an isometric exploded view of a portion of a bearing constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of a preferred spacer and roller configuration;
Figure 6 is an alternate embodiment of a spacer for use with the rollers.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a second embodiment of the invention utilizing a cage;
Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken as shown by lines 8-8 in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a fragmentary end view of the second embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to Figures 1-2, floating spacers having a solid lubricant composition separate an equal number of rolling needle elements 2. Each spacer 1 is preferably machined or molded to provide concave opposite sides 3, 5 with a curvature similar to the outer surface 4 W093/04293 2116 01 S PCT/US91/0~958 of the needle rolling elements 2 to provide a relatively large initial contact area for solid lubricant transfer thereto. The outer and inner surfaces 6, 7 of the spacers 1 may be molded or machined with a convex curvature to S conform, respectively, to that of the inner and outer raceways, as determined by diameters 8, 9, or the surfaces 6, 7 may be planar and have two-line contact along t~e longitudinal edges of outer surface 6 with the outer raceway and single-line tangential contact with the inner raceway midway between the longitudinal side edges of inner surface 7. End lubrication of the rolling elements 2 may be accomplished, for example, by annular rings loo of solid lubricant material positioned adjacent the ends of the rollers 2 and spacers 1, or by end caps of solid lubricant material mounted on the ends of the rollers, or by end portions of the spacers arranged to overlap the ends of the rollers.
For cost economy it is preferred to form the spacers 1 by a high-pressure compaction and secondary sintering procedure precluding a need for follow-up machining. The joints at the meeting ends of adjoining spacer elements at opposite sides of each roller may be staggered endwise of the roller, so that each portion of the roller circumference will directly contact a spacer element during each roller rotation. This end can be accomplished, for example, by beveling the adjoining ends ~f the spacers to provide sloped end fac~s. By this arrangement the joint lines between respective spacer - elements at opposîte sides of a roller are staggered relative to one another along the roller.
Referring to ~igure 3, a recess 10 with angle 11 is preferably provided in the spacer elements along a plane 12 passing through t~e center axis of the adjoining rolling elements 2. This recess angle 11, as measured with respect to a plane 13 passing through the rotary axis of the bearing and the rotary axis of the adjoining rolling element, typically has a value of 30 degrees and W093/04293 PCT/US91tO5958 211~1S
will ensure that wear particles separated from the spacer are of minimum size 8C as not to interfere with the smooth operation of the bearing. The recess also serves to recapture small, loose wear particles of transfer lubricant and consolidate the particles back into the body of the spacer under the compressive action occurring between the rolling elements and the spacer with respect to the apex of the recess angle 11.
In an alternate embodiment of the spacer element lo 10, shown in Figure -6, the recesses 10~ are relieved so as to be substantially concave. This modification encourages wear particles to be captured in the recesses 10' rather than becoming entrapped between relative moving surfaces of the assembly~
In accordance with the present invention, non-lubricating spacers are also provided. It is preferred to alternate spacer elements containing solid lubricant substances ~"lubricating spacer elementsU) with spacer elements which do not have lubrication as their principal 20 function ("non-lubricating spacer elements"~ and preferably are more resistant to wear from roller contact.
If both the lubricating and non-lubricating spacer elements are floating, they preferably are alternated in both the axial roller direction and circumferential direction of rotation of the entire bearing a~sembly.
This arrangement maintains proper alignment and spacing of the roller elements by way of the non-lubricating spacers as the lubrica~ing spacer ~egments are consumed. In this r~gard the initial clearances can be such that only the lubricating spacers contact the rollers until a preset amount of wear of the lubricating spacers has occurred.
Preferred materials for the "non-lubricating"
spacer elements include, but are not limited to such hard wearing materials as ceramic materials, non-lubricated polymide materials, steel, silver impregnated bronze, phenolic materials, nylon, etc. The "non-lubricating"
spacer elements may also be made from relatively soft materials such as Teflon~, phenolic materials, nylon, etc.
for low load conditions.
A basic arrangement of lubricating and non-lubricating spacer elements denote~ 101 and 102, respectively, is shown in Figure 4 for adjacent spacers.
Spacer la, for example, has a pair of lubricating spacer elements 101 separated by a non-lubricating spacer element 102, whereas spacer lb has a pair of non-lubricating spacer elemen~s 102' separated by a lubricating spacer element 101'. Each of the lubricating spacer elements are preferably longer than the non-lubricating spacer elements so that the full length of the related roller will always be in contact with lubricating spacer elements. However, this arrangement is not essential because the lubricant spreads across the races and rollers responsive to rotation of the roll~rs.
The illustrated arrangement of alternating lubricating and non-lubricating spacers in Figure 4 provides each roller (roller 2~, for example) with two non-lubricating roller elements 102' adjacent its ends at one side of the roller, and with a central non-lubricating roller 102 at the other side of the roller. This assures stability to the rollers by the non-lubricating spacers.
- Referring to Figure 5, the spacer lc can provide end lubrication for ~he roller ~ by having the spacer ends cover the ends of the cavi~y with which the rollers interfit. Also, the rollers ~ can comprise a series of roller elements 2a placed end-~o-end. As in the Figure 4 example, non-lubricating spacer elements are alternated with lubricating spacer elements. At one side of the roller 2 spacer lc has a pair of l~bricating spacer elements 101'' which are opposed by a shorter pair of non-lubricating spacer elements 102'' in spacer ld at the other sideO ~urther, in spacer ld center lubricating spacer element 101''' opposes a central non-lubricating spacer 102''' in spacer lc.
W093/04293 PCT/US91/059~8 211601~
In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the spacers la-ld have been shown as each ~onsisting of three spacer elements. It will be understood that there can be a greater number of spacer elements in each spacer~
preferably an odd number of elements in each which are arranged so that (a) lubricating spacer elements alternate with non-lubricating elements in each spacer, and (b) lubricating spacer elements in each spacer are positioned opposite a non-lubricating spacer element in the adjacent spacers.
The lubricating spacer elements may be macle from Vespel~ SP-21 polymide, a commercially available product produced by the DuPont Company having U.S. Military Specification R46198. This product does not soften and is thermally resistant such that it can carry loads at temperatures beyond the reach of most plastic materials and do so while exhibiting very low creep. For example, when the product is subjected for 100 hours to loads of 2,500 psi at 572-F, the total deformation is only 1.2%.
At the end of 600 hours under these load and temperature conditions the total deformation only increases to 1.6%.
Vespel~ SP-21 has a polymide matrix containing a dispersion of various solid lubricant su~stances such as graphite and Teflon~. The lubricating spacer elements are ~ade by high-pressure compaction of Vespel~ powder and s~condary sintering. The highest s~rength and lowest thermal exæan~ion are usually found in the direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. Vespel~ SP-21 may be used for spacer elements to be used at lower temperatures. Initially there may be less tolerance pr~vided between the lubricating spacer elements and the rollers than between the non-lubricating spacers and the rollers. After use has commenced, the lubricant from the lubricating spacer elements spreads over the rollers and the non-lubricating spacer elements.
Referring to Figures 7-9, the non-lubricating spacers may be provided by a cage 200 having end rings W093/04293 2 1 1 6 ~ 1 5 PCT/US91/05958 200a, 200b from which non-lubricating spacer elements 202 project inwardly parallel to ~he axis of the bearing.
Roller elements 2 have their opposite end portions positioned between circumferentially adjoining of the elements 202 and floating lubricating spacer elements 201 are located between the roller elements 2 and between the en~s of the non-lubricating spacer elements 202. To tie the end rings 200a, 200b together some of the elements 202 at opposite sides are connected by connecting elements 203. These connecting elements 203 may be alternated circumferentially of the bearing with the lubricating spacer elements 201, or the connecting elements 203 can be at less intervals so that more lubricating spacer elements are provided. Needle roller elements are normally lS slightly tapered inwardly slightly toward the ends and so the race engaging portion of the roller elements is normally a central part of the length. Accordingly, the lubricating spacer elements 201 concentrate application of lubricant to the "working" part of the roller elements while the non-lubricating sp2cer elements 202 maintain the roller elements in proper alignment. However, durinq operation lubricant from the lubricating spacer elements normally migrates over the entire length of the roller elements.
Normally the cage 200 will be constructed of two halves which initially are flat. T~e roller elements and lubricating sparer elements can be loaded into the cage halves while they are flat, and then the cages are each bent into a semi-cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the transverse non-lubricating spacer elements of the cage can be made such as to retain the end portions of the roller elements after the cage halves have been bent into their final shape. The cage may be made of silver impregnated bronze or other suitable materials.
Although it is preferred to maximize the initial roller contact surface of the lubricating spacer elements, this is not essential. Accordingly, the lubricating W093/04293 PCT/US9l/05958 spacer elements could have a square or trap~zoidal transverse cross-section for example.
Although I have shown and described specific embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent that many minor changes of structure and operation could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A bearing comprising;
means (200) providing a race-way;
a plurality of rolling elements (2) in said race-way;
non-rolling spacer elements (202) in said race-way between and closely adjacent to said rolling elements (2) for maintaining a pre-determined minimum spacing therebetween;
and lubricating spacer elements (201) in said race-way between said rolling elements, said lubricating elements (201) being free to float independently of said rolling elements (2) and non-rolling spacer elements (202) and being arranged so that each lubricating element (202) can be engaged by the two adjoining of said rolling elements (2), characterized in that, said non-rolling spacer elements (202) being non-floating and arranged to be engaged by said rolling elements when maintaining said minimum spacing.
means (200) providing a race-way;
a plurality of rolling elements (2) in said race-way;
non-rolling spacer elements (202) in said race-way between and closely adjacent to said rolling elements (2) for maintaining a pre-determined minimum spacing therebetween;
and lubricating spacer elements (201) in said race-way between said rolling elements, said lubricating elements (201) being free to float independently of said rolling elements (2) and non-rolling spacer elements (202) and being arranged so that each lubricating element (202) can be engaged by the two adjoining of said rolling elements (2), characterized in that, said non-rolling spacer elements (202) being non-floating and arranged to be engaged by said rolling elements when maintaining said minimum spacing.
2. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said non-rolling spacer elements (202) are project from and rings (200a, 200b).
3. A bearing according to claim 1 in which a cage (200) provides said non-rolling spacer elements (202).
4. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said non-rolling spacer elements (202) are located at both ends of said lubricating spacers (201).
5. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said lubricating spacer elements (201) provide substantially all of the lubrication for the rolling surface of said rolling elements (2).
6. A bearing according to claim 1 in which there is clearance between said rolling elements (2) and said non-rolling spacer elements (202) and lubricating spacer elements (201).
7. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said race-way is defined by circular inner and outer races, and said rolling elements (2) each have a race-engaging central portion, said lubricating spacer elements (201) being located between said central portions of the rolling elements (2) to apply lubricant thereto, and said non-rolling spacer elements (202) being located endwise of said lubricating spacer elements (201).
8. A bearing according to claim 7 in which said non-rolling spacer elements are portions of a cage having end rings located endwise of the ends of said rolling elements.
9. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said race-way is circular and the rolling elements (2) alternate with said lubricating spacer elements (201) at a central portion of the rolling elements (2), and in which the rolling elements (2) alternate with said non-rolling spacer elements (202) endwise of said central portion and lubricating spacer elements (201).
10. A bearing according to claim 1 in which said race-way is circular and in which each roller element (2) is arranged to engage at least three non-rolling spacer elements (202) and at least two lubricating spacer elements (201).
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP3517078A JPH06509628A (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearings with lubricated spacers and non-lubricated spacers |
| EP91918010A EP0598721A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| PCT/US1991/005958 WO1993004293A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| AU87432/91A AU656539B2 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| CA002116015A CA2116015A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| BR9107317A BR9107317A (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1991/005958 WO1993004293A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| CA002116015A CA2116015A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
| BR9107317A BR9107317A (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2116015A1 true CA2116015A1 (en) | 1993-03-04 |
Family
ID=27160039
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002116015A Abandoned CA2116015A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacers |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0598721A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06509628A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU656539B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9107317A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2116015A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993004293A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102007041549A1 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2009-03-05 | Schaeffler Kg | roller bearing |
| JP4702347B2 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2011-06-15 | 日本精工株式会社 | Linear motion guide bearing device |
| JP5565100B2 (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2014-08-06 | 株式会社ジェイテクト | Roller bearing |
| JP2020128758A (en) * | 2019-02-07 | 2020-08-27 | Ntn株式会社 | Solid lubrication rolling bearing |
| FR3129186B1 (en) * | 2021-11-16 | 2023-12-15 | Safran Aircraft Engines | Mechanical rolling bearing |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3356427A (en) * | 1965-08-09 | 1967-12-05 | Jan W Van Wyk | Roller element bearing-lubricant composite separator |
| US3790239A (en) * | 1972-06-15 | 1974-02-05 | Dow Corning Gmbh | Self-lubricating anti friction bearings |
| US5040906A (en) * | 1990-04-02 | 1991-08-20 | Balanced Engines, Inc. | Bearing with lubricating and non-lubricating spacer elements |
-
1991
- 1991-08-21 JP JP3517078A patent/JPH06509628A/en active Pending
- 1991-08-21 EP EP91918010A patent/EP0598721A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-08-21 WO PCT/US1991/005958 patent/WO1993004293A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-08-21 AU AU87432/91A patent/AU656539B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-08-21 BR BR9107317A patent/BR9107317A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-08-21 CA CA002116015A patent/CA2116015A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR9107317A (en) | 1996-01-02 |
| AU656539B2 (en) | 1995-02-09 |
| EP0598721A1 (en) | 1994-06-01 |
| AU8743291A (en) | 1993-03-16 |
| JPH06509628A (en) | 1994-10-27 |
| WO1993004293A1 (en) | 1993-03-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |