Due to different uses and working conditions, deep groove ball bearings have many structural changes, but the basic structure is composed of four parts: inner ring, outer ring, rolling element (steel ball) and cage.
1. Inner ring (also called inner sleeve or inner ring). Usually fixed on the journal, the inner ring rotates with the shaft. There are grooves on the outer surface of the inner ring for steel balls or rollers to roll, called inner grooves or inner raceways.
2. Outer ring (also called jacket or outer ring). It is usually fixed on the bearing seat or the casing of the machine to support the steel ball rolling element. There are also grooves on the inner surface of the outer ring for steel balls or rollers to roll, called inner grooves or inner raceways.
3. Rolling body (steel ball). Each set of deep groove ball bearings is equipped with one or several sets of rolling elements, which are installed between the inner ring and the outer ring to transmit various rolling forces. Rolling elements are load-bearing parts, and their shape, size and quantity determine the high-speed operation performance of the bearing's load-bearing capacity.
4. Cage (also called retainer or isolator). The rolling elements in the bearing are evenly spaced from each other, so that each rolling element can roll normally between the inner ring and the outer ring. In addition, the cage has the functions of guiding the movement of the rolling elements, improving the internal lubrication conditions of the bearing, and preventing the rolling elements from falling off.
In thrust ball bearings, the ring that matches the shaft is called the shaft ring, the ring that matches the bearing seat or the machine housing is called the seat ring, and the shaft ring and the seat ring are collectively called the washer. In addition to the above four parts, bearings of various structures have other parts that match them. For example, rivets, dust caps, sealing rings, stop washers, retaining rings and adapter sleeves, etc.