Coated bearing

Abstract

The invention concerns a bearing assembly comprising an inner ring, an outer ring and rolling elements, the inner ring and outer ring being rotatably coupled by means of the rolling elements. The rolling elements are disposed on opposing raceways within a bearing cavity and are retained in a cage. The bearing is provided with a lubricant and further comprises at least one sealing element, mounted in an annular gap between the inner and outer ring. To prevent the lubricant adhering to predetermined surfaces within the bearing cavity which do not require lubrication, at least one of these predetermined surfaces is provided with an oleophobic coating. One advantage of the invention is that the lubricant ages less quickly, leading to improved bearing service life.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a rolling element bearing assembly and, more particularly, to a bearing having components that can be selectively coated to improve lubrication within the bearing. Background technique [0002] If rolling element bearings are to operate reliably, they must be sufficiently lubricated to prevent direct contact between the rolling elements, raceways and cage (if present). Loss of lubrication results in friction and wear and will quickly lead to bearing failure. Most rolling element bearings are lubricated with oil or grease. Fats include crude oils, such as mineral oil, and thickeners, such as metallic soaps. In grease lubricated bearings, the oil released from the grease forms a thin film that separates the contact between the rolling elements and the bearing raceways. Several parameters affect bearing lubrication performance, but the two main factors are that the lubricant is maintained in the bearing cavity and that ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement regarding lubricant replenishment in rolling contacts and lubricant loss due to leakage

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