2017 年 62 巻 11 号 p. 718-727
The present study describes the applicability of a bell-mouth geometry to the improvement of the tribological properties of journal bearings of reciprocating compressors for home appliance products such as refrigerators. A roller burnishing process was used to apply a bell-mouth geometry to the edge of cast- iron journal bearings. The resulting geometry of the edge consisted of a micro-scale gradient of 1/1000 and a length of 4-6 mm. The tribological properties were evaluated using a specially-developed testing apparatus, at a constant sliding speed under lubricated conditions. The applied load was increased incrementally in order to evaluate the occurrence of seizure. The specimens were prepared so that they were the same in terms of material, surface roughness, accuracy, and clearance as a shaft and bearing in an actual reciprocating compressor. Significant improvement of anti-seizure properties and a decrease in frictional resistance were found with the bell-mouth bearings. It was therefore concluded that the application of the bell-mouth geometry was effective for improving the tribological properties of journal bearings, and it was found that bell-mouth geometry is also applicable for reciprocating compressors.
