ROLLING ELEMENT BEARING HAVING IMPROVED WEAR CHARACTERISTICS AND ROLLING ELEMENT FOR SUCH BEARING

摘要

Rolling bearings consist of outer and inner rings made of steel, which enclose a bearing space in which rolling elements are accommodated. At least one of the rolling elements is made of a zirconium material that is at least partially higher in hardness and rigidity than that of other rolling elements. The indentations formed by solid contaminant particles when compressed between some indentations, in particular those raceways and rolling elements of approximately the same hardness as the raceways, are characterized by the fact that rolling elements of substantially greater hardness are present. As soon as it rolls over this indentation it compresses. Thereby, the said smooth characteristic of a track surface is restored. Only small holes are left that do not adversely affect or have little effect on the operating characteristics of the bearings. A small amount of lubricant accumulates in this small hole to help lubricate the rolling elements in the event of oil shortage.