New NSK bearings for EV transmissions
NSK, the Japanese manufacturer of bearings, has
recently presented its latest LCube II series of conical roll bearings intended
for transmission units installed in electric vehicles. These bearings are purposely
built to enhance efficiency by facilitating to decrease in power demand and
better reliability thanks to increased robustness and wedging resistance.
To bring performance capacity and fuel
efficiency parameters in EVs to a new level, the automotive industry has
shifted to utilizing less lubricant and/or lower viscosity lubricant in gear
shifting units. Thus, conical roll bearings integrated in electrified gearboxes
are being exposed to harsher lubrication conditions, increasing the possibility
of exhausting an important oil film, which in turn may lead to surface break
and possible bearing wedging.
Automotive experts assume that more advanced
and productive transmission solutions will play a crucial role in the pace of
the automotive electrification. Therefore, NSK engineers decided to design and
manufacture a new bearing solution to contribute to appearance of more robust
gearboxes. The result is the new bearing solution.
The new bearings are notable for pore-like
micro-indents in the rolling contact area and roller head. This structure keeps
intact an oil film, which, in turn, prevents significant surface damages. Thus,
these products are distinguished by increased endurance and equal or even greater
anti-wedging qualities in contrast to standard solutions.
Another benefit of this product is that better
oil build-up and preservation on the roller surface leads to significant friction
reduction (by 10%) at low speeds in contrast to standard bearings. Decreased
friction is one more factor that has a positive impact on total efficiency in
EV transmissions.
About NSK
Founded almost a century ago, the Japanese
company NSK has travelled a long way from a regional bearing provider to a
roller bearing professional and a major supplier with a worldwide reputation. Currently,
the company employs more than thirty thousand specialists in dozens of
countries all over the world. In addition to a solid bearing portfolio, the
company also offers precision parts, mechatronic solutions, and other elements
for the automotive industry.
