JP2001041249A - Rolling bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rolling bearing to assemble a separator without forming a filling slot in both inner and outer rings and be held between inner and outer ring raceway grooves without holding with a click margin with which the separator makes contact with a rolling body. SOLUTION: When a separator 6 is inserted in a space between balls 5 incorporated between inner and outer rings 1 and 3, the separator 6 is first elastically bent and deformed so as to be formed along an outer ring inside diameter and an inner ring outside diameter. By releasing an external pressure after insertion, restoration to an original shape is effected by an elastic force. Two end faces 9 in the direction of length are brought into respective contact with the adjoining balls 5 and at two end parts 8 in the direction of length, the ball is hooked at the raceway groove 4 of the outer ring 3. At a central part 7 in the direction of length, the ball is hooked at the raceway groove 2 of the inner ring 1. This structure prevents dislocation of the ball.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) and a floppy disk drive (FDD: Floppy drive).
A spindle of a memory device such as a Disk Drive);
Rolling bearings with a reduced width used for bearing devices used for swing arm parts, bearing devices for cooling fan motors, etc., more specifically, incorporating a plurality of rolling elements between the inner ring and the outer ring, between each rolling element Rolling bearing comprising a separator disposed in the rolling bearing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a rolling bearing in which a separator is disposed between rolling elements incorporated between inner and outer rings is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.
No. 19806 discloses an arrangement in which a groove (notch) 400 for inserting the separator 300 is provided in the inner ring 100 and the outer ring 200 (FIG. 6).

[0003]

However, HDDs and FDs
In applications such as D or a cooling fan motor, a preload is applied in the axial direction, and the shaft rotates at a high speed. Therefore, problems such as vibration and sound occur, and the groove 400 for inserting the separator 300 is formed. It cannot be provided. In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a rolling element.

In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 36-19806, the separators 300 are made of an elastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as a tetrafluoroethylene polymer, and the portion 301 that comes into contact with the rolling elements (balls) 500 has a concave surface. Is designed to fit the separator to be inserted last with a snap margin (FIG. 7). However, in HDDs, FDDs, cooling fan motors, and the like, the bearing size is small and the diameter of the balls incorporated in the bearings is often 2 mm or less. Very difficult. Further, although not shown, in a type in which a conventional claw-cage holder is incorporated, the width (size) of the bearing is increased by the thickness of the cage.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
The separator can be incorporated without providing a groove in either the inner ring or the outer ring, and the separator is held between the inner ring raceway groove and the outer ring raceway groove, instead of having the separator with a snapping margin that comes into contact with the rolling element. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rolling bearing which enables the rolling bearing.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a technical means in which a plurality of rolling elements are incorporated between an inner ring and an outer ring, and a separator is arranged between the rolling elements. Rolling bearing, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring do not have a groove in any of them, and each separator is made of an elastic body, and the separator is larger than the clearance between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter. The diameter is small, and one or both of the longitudinal both ends and the longitudinal central part are formed so as to enter at least one or both of the inner raceway groove and the outer raceway groove without applying external pressure. It is to be arranged between the rolling elements.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the rolling bearing of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an outer ring, 5 denotes a rolling element, and 6 denotes a separator.

In this embodiment, a deep groove ball bearing will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a roller bearing or the like is also within the scope of the present invention, and a rolling bearing having a separator as a constituent element. In general, it is within the scope of the present invention.

The inner ring 1 and the outer ring 3 are not provided with a groove (notch) for assembling the separator in any of them, and a well-known structure can be applied as a whole structure and is not particularly limited. Absent. In the drawing, reference numeral 2 denotes a raceway groove provided on the outer diameter of the inner ring, and reference numeral 4 denotes a raceway groove provided on the inner diameter of the outer ring.

The rolling element 5 has the ball structure shown in the present embodiment, but is not particularly limited to the illustrated example, and other well-known forms can be appropriately selected and used. The number of rolling elements 5 to be incorporated is not particularly limited, and can be freely selected within the scope of the present invention.

The separator 6 has a smaller diameter B than a clearance A between the outer diameter of the inner ring and the inner diameter of the outer ring, and is arranged between the rolling elements 5 in a state where no external pressure is applied (natural state). One or both of the longitudinal end portions 8 and 8 and the longitudinal central portion 7 enter at least one or both of the inner raceway groove 2 and the outer raceway groove 4 without applying the external pressure. It is formed with an elastic body in a simple cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape in which the whole is curved like an arc.

Separator 6 between adjacent rolling elements 5 and 5
When the separator 6 is inserted, the separator 6 is deformed and inserted so as to enter the clearance A between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter. That is, since the separator 6 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the clearance A between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter, the separator 6 is formed along the inner diameter surface of the outer ring 3 or along the outer diameter surface of the inner ring 1. If it bends and deforms against elasticity, it can easily pass through the clearance A and be inserted between the rolling elements 5 and 5.

After the insertion, the shape returns to the original curved shape in which no external pressure is applied due to the restoring force, and one or both of the longitudinal end portions 8 and 8 and the longitudinal center portion 7 are placed in the inner raceway groove 2. And at least one of the outer raceway grooves 4 is held.

For example, to give an example, both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction are applied in a state where no external pressure is applied (natural state).
When the is placed on the inner diameter of the outer ring (the shoulder of the raceway groove 4 of the outer ring 3), the cylindrical portion whose lengthwise central portion 7 enters the inner raceway groove 2 from the outer diameter of the inner race (the shoulder of the raceway groove 2 of the inner race 1). Shape (for example, FIGS. 1 and 2) and state in which no external pressure is applied (natural state)
When both ends 8, 8 in the length direction are placed on the outer diameter of the inner ring (the shoulder of the raceway groove 2 of the inner ring 1), the center part 7 in the length direction is closer to the inner diameter of the outer race (the shoulder of the raceway groove 4 of the outer ring 3). A generally cylindrical shape that is entirely curved in a bow shape and is dimensioned to fit in the raceway groove 4 (for example, FIG. 4)
And so on.

The separator 6 is made of synthetic rubber or nylon 66 such as NBR or a synthetic resin or spring (coil spring, leaf spring or the like) such as one filled with GF, or a combination of a spring with rubber, synthetic resin, or the like. The material is not particularly limited as long as it is made of an elastic material that can be restored to the original shape when the external pressure is released, such as a material made of, but a material that can be instantly restored is preferable.

Since the separator 6 is formed in a substantially simple cylindrical shape, it has an effect that its manufacture is easy. Further, the separator 6 may be formed with depressions (concave curved surfaces) 10, 10 that are in contact with the adjacent rolling elements 5, on both end surfaces 9, 9 in the longitudinal direction thereof. Can be selected as appropriate.

The overall length and the number of the separators 6 to be incorporated are selected within the scope of the present invention in accordance with the number of the rolling elements 5 to be incorporated, and are not particularly limited. Also, as long as the diameter B of the separator 6 is smaller than the clearance A between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter, the size of the diameter B is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention.

The separator 6 itself may be impregnated with oil, which has the effect of improving lubrication performance.

Here, the first to fourth embodiments will be specifically described.

[First Embodiment] Twelve balls 5 are assembled between an inner ring 1 and an outer ring 3 and twelve similarly prepared separators 6 of the same size are mounted on adjacent rolling elements 5. , 5 are sequentially inserted and held.

The separator 6 in the present embodiment has a long length when both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction are placed on the inner diameter of the outer race (shoulders of the raceway groove 4 of the outer race 3) in a state where no external pressure is applied (natural state). The central portion 7 in the longitudinal direction is formed of an elastic body in a substantially cylindrical shape having a size that enters the inner raceway groove 2 from the outer diameter of the inner race (the shoulder of the raceway groove 2 of the inner race 1).

Therefore, when the separator 6 is inserted between the balls 5 and 5 incorporated between the inner and outer rings 1 and 3, the separator 6 is first elastically bent and deformed along the inner diameter of the outer ring and the outer diameter of the inner ring. Accordingly, since the separator 6 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the clearance A between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter,
It can be easily inserted between the rolling elements 5 and 5 through the clearance A (the separator indicated by 6a in FIG. 2 shows a deformed and inserted state).

After the insertion, if the external pressure is released,
The shape is restored to the original shape where no external pressure is applied by the elastic force, and the longitudinal end faces 9, 9 come into contact with the adjacent balls 5, 5, respectively. At the center portion 7 in the longitudinal direction, and is not detached from the raceway groove 2 of the inner race 1 (6b in FIG. 2).
The separator indicated by indicates the restoration / incorporation completed state. ).

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, in the case of a rolling bearing having a smaller number of balls incorporated than in the first embodiment, the distance between adjacent balls 5 is longer, and the separator 6 The length is also formed long.

The separator 6 according to the present embodiment does not apply any external pressure (natural state), and along the raceway groove 4 having the inner diameter of the outer ring slightly, both ends 8 and 8 in the longitudinal direction have the inner diameter of the outer ring (of the outer ring 3). The entire length of the bearing groove (shoulder of the raceway groove 4) is formed of an elastic body in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape curved in a bow shape, and the curvature of the separator 6 is smaller than that of the raceway groove 4 of the inner diameter of the outer ring in the rotation direction. large.

Therefore, when the separator 6 is inserted between the balls 5 and 5 incorporated between the inner and outer rings 1 and 3, the separator 6 is first elastically bent and deformed along the inner diameter of the outer ring and the outer diameter of the inner ring. If it is further bent, the separator 6 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the clearance A between the outer diameter of the inner ring and the inner diameter of the outer ring. Can be inserted.

After insertion, if the external pressure is released,
The shape is restored to the original shape where no external pressure is applied by the elastic force, and both end surfaces 9 and 9 in the longitudinal direction come into contact with the adjacent balls 5 and 5, respectively, and slightly along the raceway groove 4 having the inner diameter of the outer ring, and both ends in the longitudinal direction The portions 8, 8 are not detached because they are hooked on the raceway groove 4 of the outer race 3 (in FIG. 3, the separator indicated by 6b indicates a completed restoration / incorporation state).

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, in the case of a rolling bearing having a smaller number of balls to be incorporated than in the first embodiment, the adjacent balls 5 The interval is long, and the length of the separator 6 is correspondingly long.

In the separator 6 according to the present embodiment, the central part 7 in the longitudinal direction enters the raceway groove 4 of the inner diameter of the outer ring and the both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction are in a state where no external pressure is applied (natural state). The entire length of the raceway groove of the inner ring outer diameter (the shoulder of the raceway groove 2 of the inner ring 1) is formed of an elastic body in a substantially long cylindrical shape curved in a bow shape, and the rotation direction of the raceway groove 4 of the outer ring inner diameter. The curvature of the separator 6 is slightly smaller than the curvature.

Therefore, when the separator 6 is inserted between the balls 5 and 5 incorporated between the inner and outer rings 1 and 3, first, the separator 6 is elastically stretched while slightly extending along the inner diameter of the outer ring and the outer diameter of the inner ring. If deformed, since the separator 6 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the clearance A between the inner diameter of the inner ring and the inner diameter of the outer ring, the separator 6 easily passes through the clearance A and the rolling elements 5,
5 can be inserted.

After the insertion, if the external pressure is released,
The shape is restored to the original shape where no external pressure is applied by the elastic force, and both end surfaces 9 and 9 in the longitudinal direction come into contact with the adjacent balls 5 and 5, respectively, and slightly along the raceway groove 4 having the inner diameter of the outer ring, and both ends in the longitudinal direction The portions 8, 8 are not detached because they are caught in the raceway groove 2 having the outer diameter of the inner race (the separator indicated by 6b in FIG. 4 indicates a restored / incorporated state).

[Fourth Embodiment] In the present embodiment, dents (concave curved surfaces) 10, 10 with which the spherical surfaces of the balls 5 fit are formed on both end surfaces 9, 9 in the longitudinal direction, which are in contact with the adjacent balls 5, 5. ing.

The separator 6 according to this embodiment does not apply any external pressure (natural state), along the raceway groove 2 having a slightly inner ring outer diameter, and has both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction having an inner ring outer diameter (inner ring). (1 shoulder groove 2 shoulder), the whole is slightly bowed, and both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction are larger in diameter than the central portion 7 in the longitudinal direction. It is formed with a body.

Therefore, when the separator 6 is inserted between the balls 5 and 5 incorporated between the inner and outer rings 1 and 3, the separator 6 is first elastically bent and deformed along the inner diameter of the outer ring and the outer diameter of the inner ring. Accordingly, since the separator 6 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the clearance A between the inner ring outer diameter and the outer ring inner diameter,
The separator can be easily inserted between the rolling elements 5 and 5 through the clearance A (the separator indicated by 6a in FIG. 5 shows a deformed and inserted state).

After the insertion, if the external pressure is released,
The balls 5, 5 are restored to their original shape without external pressure applied by the elastic force, and the concave curved surfaces 10, 10 at both ends 8, 8 in the longitudinal direction are adjacent to each other.
, Respectively, and slightly along the raceway groove 2 having the outer diameter of the inner race, and at the longitudinal end portions 8, 8, the structure is formed so as to be caught by the raceway groove 2 having the outer diameter of the inner race. In 5, the separator indicated by 6b indicates the restored / incorporated state. The use of this embodiment is extremely useful for a small-diameter, miniature bearing in which it is difficult to obtain a snap margin as compared with a conventional separator having a snap margin as shown in FIG.

As described above, the rolling bearing of the present invention described based on each embodiment is used with a preload applied in the axial direction.
In addition, the present invention has an optimum function and effect in a small-sized rolling bearing that rotates at a high speed. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this type of rolling bearing, and can be applied to all rolling bearings incorporating a separator.

[0037]

Since the present invention has the above-described structure, it is preloaded in the axial direction and has a small size used for a part rotating at a high speed, particularly a HDD, FDD, or the like.
Most suitable for rolling bearings used in cooling fan motors and the like.

That is, the separator can be incorporated between the rolling elements without providing a groove (notch) in the inner ring or the outer ring,
Furthermore, instead of having the snapping allowance only for the concave surface that comes into contact with the rolling elements, the above-mentioned configuration is adopted in which the groove is held between the inner ring raceway groove and the outer ring raceway groove, so that the axial direction is used in applications such as HDD, FDD, and cooling fan motor. No vibration or acoustic problems occur even when used with preload applied. Further, according to the rolling bearing of the present invention, even a small-sized rolling bearing having an extremely small-diameter rolling element of 2 mm or less, which cannot realize a snapping margin,
Sufficient holding of the separator and easy manufacture.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a rolling bearing of the present invention cut in a direction perpendicular to a shaft.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a second embodiment cut in a direction perpendicular to an axis.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a third embodiment cut in a direction perpendicular to an axis.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a fourth embodiment cut in a direction perpendicular to an axis.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a conventional technique.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing another conventional technique, in which FIG. 7A is an overall vertical sectional view, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a separator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: inner ring 2: inner raceway groove 3: outer raceway 4: outer raceway groove 5: rolling element 6: separator 6a: separator in deformed / inserted state 6b: separator in completed restoration / incorporation state 7: center in longitudinal direction 8: length A: Clearance between inner and outer rings B: Separator diameter

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A rolling bearing comprising a plurality of rolling elements incorporated between an inner ring and an outer ring, and a separator disposed between the rolling elements, wherein both the inner ring and the outer ring are provided with grooves. Each separator is made of an elastic body, and the separator has a diameter smaller than the clearance between the inner diameter of the inner ring and the inner diameter of the outer ring. Rolling bearing formed so that one or both of them are formed so as to enter at least one or both of the inner raceway groove and the outer raceway groove, and are disposed between the rolling elements.