Rolling element bearing having improved wear characteristics, and rolling element for such bearing

摘要

A rolling element bearing comprises an outer ring and an inner ring which enclose a bearing space containing rolling elements, which rings consist of steel. At least one of the rolling elements comprises at least partially a zirconium material which is harder or stiffer than the material of the other rolling elements. Any indentations (3), in particular the projecting parts (5) thereof, which are formed by solid contamination particles upon compression between the raceway (2) in question and an rolling element of about the same hardness, are now compressed as soon as a rolling element with a substantially higher hardness overrolls them. Thereby, said smooth character of the raceways is restored. Only small holes (4) are left, which do not have a reduced or no negative influence on the running properties of the bearing. In these small holes minute quantities of lubricating oil (9) are collected, which help the lubrication of the rolling element in case of oil starvation.