Bearing assembly with lubricant retainers

US11306780B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AKTIEBOLAGET SKF · SE

Inventors

• Jonathan Adler · Ypsilanti, US
• Luigi Mastrofrancesco · Livonia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 2, 2021
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2022
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C33/785
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A bearing assembly includes inner and outer rings, a plurality of rolling elements between the rings and first and second lubricant retainers. Each one of the first and second retainers includes an annular body having an outer radial end coupled with the outer ring and an inner radial end spaced radially and/or axially outwardly from the inner bearing ring such that an annular gap is defined between the inner radial end of each retainer and the bearing inner ring. The first retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a first axial end of the outer ring and the second retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a second axial end of the outer ring. The first and second retainers retain a quantity of liquid lubricant within the bearing annular space and the annular gap is sized to permit lubricant to be directed into the bearing annular space.