"Bearings" are a type of mechanical part, but do you know what they do? They are, in fact, so fundamental to the machine industry that they have been called the industry's "bread and butter". They are used in all sorts of machines, but because they do their work in the shadows, most people who aren't involved in the machine industry probably hear the word and think "What's that?"
So for this, the inaugural "Bearing Column", we are going to explain the absolute basics of bearings, and provide a brief explanation of the functions they serve.
1. So just what are bearings?
Bearings are "parts that assist objects' rotation". They support the shaft that rotates inside the machinery.
Machines that use bearings include automobiles, airplanes, electric generators and so on. They are even used in household appliances that we all use every day, such as refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and air-conditioners.
Bearings support the rotating shafts of the wheels, gears, turbines, rotors, etc. in those machines, allowing them to rotate more smoothly.
In this way, all sorts of machines require a great many shafts for rotation, which means bearings are almost always used, to the point where they have become known as "the bread and butter of the machine industry". At first glance, bearings may seem like simple mechanical parts, but we could not survive without bearings.
2. The role of bearings: So why are they so important?
So, just what kind of role do bearings play in allowing machines to operate smoothly?
They fulfill the following two major functions.
Function 1: Reduce friction and make rotation more smooth
Friction is bound to occur between the rotating shaft and the part that supports the rotation. Bearings are used between these two components.
The bearings serve to reduce friction and allow for smoother rotation. This cuts down on the amount of energy consumption. This is the single most important function of bearings.
Function 2: Protect the part that supports the rotation, and maintain the correct position for the rotating shaft
A large amount of force is needed between the rotating shaft and the part that supports the rotation. Bearings perform the function of preventing damage from being done by this force to the part that supports the rotation, and also of maintaining the correct position of the rotating shaft.
This function of bearings is what allows us to use our machines over and over again for an extended period of time.
3. Just how widely are bearings used? What would we do without them?
① Equipment (parts) for generating driving force
Examples: Alternators, turbochargers and the like
② Equipment (parts) for steering
Examples: Steering gears, pumps and the like
③ Equipment (parts) for transmitting driving force
Examples: Transmissions, differential gears and the like
④ Equipment (parts) for driving the car
Examples: Wheels, suspension and the like
