Recent Patents on Rolling Bearing Lubrication Device

Background: Rolling bearings are the core components of mechanical equipment. Lubrication plays an important role in the operating performance of rolling bearings. The research on rolling bearing lubrication devices is beneficial to making the bearings obtain the characteristics which is suitable for the working conditions and improving the bearing's service life. Compared with the traditional lubrication devices, the new ones provide assistance to various bearings, solving many problems. Objective: To review the latest research on rolling bearing lubrication devices, analyze their solutions to rolling bearing lubrication problems, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages for the reference of scholars and engineers. Methods: The representative patents related to rolling bearing lubrication devices are reviewed according to the lubrication method of bearings, including oil lubrication, grease lubrication and solid lubrication. Oil lubrication includes oil mist lubrication, oil-air lubrication, jet lubrication, under ring lubrication and immersion oil lubrication, etc. Grease lubrication includes external and internal lubrication methods. The working principle and characteristics are explained by analyzing the structure of bearing lubrication devices. Results: By comparing different types of rolling bearing lubrication devices, the main problems of the current lubrication devices are summarized and analyzed. The future development of rolling bearing lubrication devices are prospected. Conclusion: The improvement of rolling bearing lubrication devices is conducive to developing bearing lubrication technology. Advanced mechanical equipments require the rolling bearing lubrication devices to have a simple structure, intelligence, and are easy to be installed.