Tie has developed a new sealed deep groove ball bearing

NTN developed a sealed deep groove ball bearing with a 50% or more reduction in rotational resistance compared to conventional products using newly developed lubricants and cages. When used in EV (Electric Vehicle) motors, mechanical losses can be reduced and efficiency can be improved, thus reducing the weight of on-board batteries and extending cruising range.

Since the sealed deep groove ball bearing for supporting the rotor is used under light load and high speed rotation, most of the rotational resistance results from the stirring resistance of the lubricating oil sealed inside. In order to reduce this resistance, Enthén implemented improvements in reducing the viscosity of the base oil and miniaturizing the thickener structure among the three components that make up the lubricating oil: base oil, thickener, and additive. The thickener has the function of promoting the binding of the base oil, so the miniaturization can enhance the ability to maintain the base oil, thereby reducing the amount of thickener used.

In terms of noise (silence) at the time of running, the same performance as the original motor oil is ensured. In addition, by using the lubricating oil additive in an optimum ratio, the deterioration caused by the high-temperature oxidation of the lubricating oil is suppressed, and the service life equivalent to that of the conventional product is achieved.

In addition to the development of lubricating oil, the contact shape between the rolling elements of the cage and the pockets of the cage has also been improved, and the situation in which excessive flow of lubricating oil into the bearing rolling surfaces has been suppressed.