着色剤の分裂現象を利用した転がり軸受のグリース挙動の定量的観察

抄録

Rolling element bearings are required to rotate with as little energy as possible. For grease lubricated rolling element bearings, the behavior of grease inside the bearings is a factor in the friction torque. In order to reduce bearings friction torque, it is important to control the grease behavior. However, it is difficult to predict or observe the grease behavior inside the bearing, and its behavior is not well understood due to complex mechanical properties. In this study, authors have developed a visualization method of the grease behavior inside bearings. This visualization uses colorant added grease which changes color as the grease passes through narrow clearances in micro meters inside the bearings. This paper reports the visually obtained grease behavior inside a deep groove ball bearing 6204 under different rotational speeds. When the friction torque of the bearing is high, it is presumed that grease is passing through the clearance between the cage and the ball or the vicinity of EHL contact area.