1. The role of the cage
Separate the balls: ensure that there is enough spacing between the rolling elements (balls) to prevent them from colliding or rubbing against each other.
Reduce friction: The design of the cage can help reduce friction in the bearing, thereby improving the efficiency and service life of the bearing.
Support the balls: The cage provides support structure to ensure that the balls maintain the correct position and arrangement in the bearing, reducing vibration and noise.
Fluid lubrication guidance: The cage can effectively guide the flow of lubricating oil or grease to ensure the lubrication performance of the bearing.
2. Application occasions of cages
High-speed motors: such as power tools, motors, wind turbines, etc.
Precision instruments: such as high-speed precision machine tools, optical equipment, etc.
Automotive industry: used in automotive power systems, steering systems, etc.
Aerospace: used for rotating parts of aircraft and satellites, etc.
3. Considerations for cage design
Load bearing capacity: The cage needs to work normally under high load conditions and must not deform or fail.
Operating speed: When running at high speed, the cage must have a low friction coefficient to reduce heat accumulation.
Durability: The cage should have strong wear resistance and corrosion resistance, especially when running in harsh environments.
Ease of installation: The cage design needs to be easy to install and maintain to ensure the normal operation of the bearing.