The basic structure of bearings

The basic structure of the bearing is composed of four parts: inner ring, outer ring, rolling element (steel ball or roller) and cage.

1. Inner ring (also called inner sleeve or inner ring): usually fixed on the shaft neck, the inner ring rotates with the shaft. There are grooves on the outer surface of the inner ring for the steel ball or roller to roll, called inner groove or inner raceway.

2. Outer ring (also called outer sleeve or outer ring): usually fixed on the bearing seat or the housing of the machine, and plays the role of supporting the rolling element. There are also grooves on the inner surface of the outer ring for the steel ball or roller to roll, called inner groove or inner raceway.

3. Rolling element (steel ball or roller): Each set of bearings is equipped with one or several groups of rolling elements, which are installed between the inner ring and the outer ring to play the role of rolling and transmitting force. Rolling elements are load-bearing parts, and their shape, size and number determine the bearing's ability to bear loads and high-speed operation performance.

4. Cage (also called retainer or isolator): evenly separate the rolling elements in the bearing from each other, so that each rolling element rolls normally between the inner ring and the outer ring.