BEARING ASSEMBLY WITH ACTIVE GREASE LUBRICATION

摘要

The present invention relates to a bearing assembly comprising a rolling element bearing (100) and an electrically controlled grease pump (110). The rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring (102), an outer ring (105) and at least one set of rolling elements (107) disposed within a cavity of the bearing on opposing inner and outer raceways. The grease pump comprises a pump drive mechanism, a grease reservoir (112) and a supply line (115) in connection with the reservoir. The supply line extends into the bearing cavity and has a discharge opening (117) arranged in close proximity to a rolling contact zone of the bearing. According to the invention, the pump drive mechanism is an electro-osmotic member which pumps a drive fluid, whereby the drive fluid exerts pressure on the grease reservoir in order to effect a supply of grease to the bearing.