JPH0712131A - Roller bearing cage - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To obtain a structure in which the outer ring, the rolling elements, and the cage can be assembled in a non-separated state, and the surfaces of the rolling elements 5, 5 are less likely to be damaged during the assembling work. [Structure] Second pockets 14, 14 are arranged between first pockets 13, 13. The diameter B ₁ of the circumscribed circle of the rolling elements 5 and 5 held in the first pockets 13 and 13 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer ring. Second pocket 14, 14
The diameter B ₂ of the circumscribed circle of the rolling elements 5 and 5 held at is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The cage for rolling bearings according to the present invention relates to an improvement of a cage incorporated in a rolling bearing which constitutes a rotation supporting portion of various mechanical devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to support various rotating parts,
Rolling bearings as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 are widely used.
Each of the rolling bearings shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 has an inner ring 2 having an inner ring raceway 1 on an outer peripheral surface, an outer ring 4 having an outer ring raceway 3 on an inner peripheral surface, and a portion between the inner ring raceway 1 and the outer ring raceway 3. A plurality of rolling elements 5 rotatably mounted on the inner ring raceway 1 and an outer ring raceway 3 with the plurality of rolling elements 5 held therein. It has and.

It should be noted that each of the four types of rolling bearings shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 incorporates a cage which is the object of the present invention. Of these, the structure of the first example shown in FIG.
As a ball, the inner ring 2 has a two-part structure,
The outer peripheral surface of the cage 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4 are brought close to each other. When the rolling bearing is used, the cage 6 rotates while being guided by the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4. Further, in the structure of the second example shown in FIG. 4, the outer ring 4 is divided into two parts instead of the inner ring 2 being integrated. When the rolling bearing is used, the cage 6 rotates while being guided by the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 2.

Further, the structures of the third to fourth examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 6 use rollers as the rolling elements 5. And FIG.
In the case of the structure of the third example shown in FIG. 2, the flanges 12 and 12 are formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends in the axial direction of the outer ring 4, and the rolling element 5 is sandwiched between the flanges 12 and 12. When the rolling bearing is used, the cage 6 rotates while being guided by the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4. Further, in the structure of the fourth example shown in FIG. 6, the flanges 12, 12 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of both axial end portions of the inner ring 2. When the rolling bearing is used, the cage 6 rotates while being guided by the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 2.

The cage 6 incorporated in the rolling bearing shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 is a so-called machined cage, and is formed of synthetic resin or metal in an annular shape as a whole. In such a cage 6, a plurality of pockets 7 for rotatably holding the rolling elements 5 are provided inside each of them in the circumferential direction. A retaining piece 8 called retention is provided at the opening of each pocket 7 to prevent the rolling element 5 from falling out of each pocket 7.

The shape of the retainer 6 having the holding piece 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 and FIGS. 8 to 10 by taking as an example a structure in which the holding piece 8 is provided on the inner peripheral side. The cage 6 has a main portion 15. The main portion 15 is formed by connecting a pair of left and right rim portions 9, 9 arranged in parallel to each other by a plurality of pillar portions 10, 10 arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The portions surrounded by the pair of rim portions 9, 9 and the adjacent pillar portions 10, 10 are respectively pockets 7,
7 is set. The thickness dimension of each of the pillar portions 10 and 10 in the circumferential direction is increased toward the outer peripheral side so that the side surfaces of the adjacent pillar portions 10 and 10 are parallel to each other.

The restraining pieces 8 and 8 are formed on the pillar portions 10 and 1 respectively.
It is provided in the middle portion of 0 in a state of protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the main portion 15. As shown in FIG. 9, the restraining pieces 8 and 8 are t
And a protruding dimension of L. Then, by making the cross-sectional shape of the tip end part trapezoidal, the portion that is closer to the base end by the distance H from the tip end edge is each of the pockets 7, 7.
It is made to project inward and it is set as the locking protrusions 11, 11. Locking protrusions 1 located on both sides of the same pocket 7 and facing each other
The distance d _p between 1 and 11 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D of the rolling element 5 to be held in the pocket 7 (d _p <D).
are doing. Therefore, the rolling elements 5 and 5 held in the pockets 7 and 7 do not fall off from the pockets 7 and 7 (even when the inner ring 2 is not mounted) to the inner peripheral side.

When the rolling bearing is used, the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4 are allowed to rotate relative to each other as the rolling elements 5 roll. For example, when the outer ring 4 is fixed and the inner ring 2 is rotated, the plurality of rolling elements 5 are
Revolves around the circumference of. At this time, the cage 6
Is the same as the revolution speed of the rolling element 5 and the inner ring 2
Rotate around.

Retainer 6 having restraining pieces 8, 8 as described above
When assembling a rolling bearing as described above using
Each pocket 7 of the cage 6 is
Assemble the rolling elements 5 and 5 in 7.

After arranging the retainer 6 inside the outer ring 4 (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or outside the inner ring 3 (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 6), the retainer 6 is placed. Pocket 7,
One rolling element is pushed into the inside of the retainer 6 from the inner diameter side (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or the outer diameter side (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) of the cage 6. At the time of pushing work, the tip portions of the pressing pieces 8 are elastically deformed in the circumferential direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, each pocket 7,
After inserting the rolling elements 5 and 5 into the outer ring 7, the cage 6 is placed inside the outer ring 4 together with the rolling elements 5 and 5 (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or outside the inner ring 2 (see FIG. (In the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 6), respectively. At the time of pushing, the tips of the restraining pieces 8, 8 are elastically deformed in the circumferential direction.

Whichever of the above-mentioned assembling methods is adopted, the rolling elements 5 and 5 are
The outer ring raceway 3 (in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) or the inner ring raceway 1 (FIGS.
(In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 2), the rolling elements 5 and 5, the cage 6 and the outer ring 4 or the inner ring 2 are prevented from being separated from each other. Therefore, for example, in the case of the structure shown in FIGS.
As shown in, the rolling element 5, in each pocket 7, 7 of the cage 6,
The diameter B of the circumscribed circle of each rolling element 5, 5 in the state of holding 5 is slightly larger than the inner diameter A of the outer ring 4 (B>
A) Yes. On the contrary, in the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the diameter of the inscribed circle of each rolling element 5, 5 in a state where the rolling elements 5, 5 are held in each pocket 7, 7 is It is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of 2.

[0013]

However, the cage 6 incorporated in the rolling bearing as described above has the following problems to be solved.

First, when the above-described assembling method is adopted, it is difficult to use a small rolling bearing, and even if it is adopted, the surfaces of the rolling elements 5 and 5 are easily scratched. That is, in the case of a small rolling bearing, a jig for pushing the rolling elements 5, 5 into the pockets 7, 7 cannot be used because of the space limitation, and the method of (3) cannot be used in many cases.

Further, even if the jig has such a size that it can be used, the restraining pieces 8, 8 are not easily elastically deformed, and the rolling elements 5, 5 are easily damaged. That is, in the case of the cage 6 incorporated in a small rolling bearing, the protrusion dimension L of the restraining pieces 8, 8 is
(FIG. 9) cannot be secured, and the ratio (t / L) between the base end thickness dimension t and the protrusion dimension L becomes large. As a result, the rigidity of the restraining pieces 8 and 8 is increased, and the tip portions of the restraining pieces 8 and 8 are less likely to be elastically deformed in the circumferential direction. The surfaces of the moving bodies 5 and 5 are easily damaged.

The distance d _p (FIG. 9) between the locking projections 11 and 11 is set close to the outer diameter dimension D of the rolling element 5, and the locking projections 11 and 11 are arranged.
If the pushing operation of the rolling elements 5 and 5 is possible without significantly deforming the rolling elements, it is possible to prevent the surfaces of the rolling elements 5 and 5 from being damaged. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the diameter B of the circumscribed circle of each rolling element 5, 5 in a state where the rolling elements 5, 5 are held in each pocket 7, 7 of the cage 6 is defined by the outer ring. It cannot be slightly larger than the inner diameter A of 4, and the rolling elements 5, 5, the cage 6, and the outer ring 4 (or the inner ring 2) cannot be combined in a non-separated state.

Also, when the above-described assembling method is adopted, the surfaces of the rolling elements 5 and 5 are easily scratched at the time of pushing. That is, the diameter B of the circumscribed circle is
It is unavoidable that a variation of about 0.1 mm occurs, and depending on the case, it is necessary to considerably reduce the diameter B with the pushing operation. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, as the rolling elements 5 and 5 are pushed into the pockets 7 and 7 as indicated by the arrow a, the tip portions of the respective restraining pieces 8 and 8 are indicated by the arrow b and the arrow b in FIG. As shown by b, rolling elements 5 present on both sides in the circumferential direction,
By 5, it is pressed in the opposite direction at the same time. As a result, the surfaces of the rolling elements 5 and 5 and the locking projections 11 of the restraining pieces 8 and 8,
The contact pressure with 11 is considerably increased, and the rolling elements 5, 5
The surface of is easily damaged.

While the outer ring 4 is heated during the pushing operation to increase its inner diameter A (FIG. 7) and reduce the amount of contraction of the diameter B, the expansion amount of the inner diameter A due to heating is several tens. Since it is about μm, a sufficient effect cannot be expected.

The rolling bearing cage according to the present invention was invented in view of the above-mentioned circumstances.

[0020]

A rolling bearing cage according to the present invention is formed at an annular main portion and at a plurality of circumferential positions of the main portion, and one rolling element is provided inside each of them. It is equipped with a plurality of pockets for movably holding, and the following (a)-
It is characterized by satisfying the condition (e). (A) Each of the plurality of pockets includes a plurality of first pockets and second pockets. (B) a position where the first pocket holds the rolling element,
The position where the second pocket holds the rolling element,
The main portion is displaced in the diametrical direction. (C) At least one second pocket exists between the first pockets. (D) At the position where each of the first pockets holds the rolling element, the plurality of rolling elements held in each of the first pockets elastically actuate the cage with respect to the bearing ring that constitutes the rolling bearing together with the cage. The position is such that it can be fitted while being deformed. (E) The position where each of the second pockets holds the rolling element is a position where the plurality of rolling elements held in each second pocket can be loosely engaged with the bearing ring.

[0021]

In order to assemble a rolling bearing using the rolling bearing cage of the present invention constructed as described above, the above-described method is adopted. When the rolling element is pushed in to engage the bearing ring with the rolling element, the rolling element held in the first pocket is pushed into the pocket while elastically deforming the cage. The rolling element held in the second pocket does not elastically deform the cage. Therefore, a part of the cage is not pressed in the opposite direction by the rolling elements adjacent in the circumferential direction. As a result, the rolling element held in the first pocket needs only a small force to elastically deform the cage, and the contact pressure between the cage and the rolling element is also small, so that the rolling element The risk of scratching the surface is reduced. After the pushing operation is completed, the rolling elements held in the first pocket and the races are engaged with each other, and the races, the rolling bodies, and the cage are in a non-separated state.

[0022]

1 and 2 show an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in FIGS.
The cage 6a to be incorporated in the rolling bearing as shown in FIG. The same parts as those of the conventional structure described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the overlapping description will be omitted. The characteristic parts of the present invention will be described below.

A plurality of (9 in the illustrated example) pockets provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction include a plurality of (3 in the illustrated example) first pockets 13 and 13. (In the example shown, six) second pockets 14, 14. The first pockets 13 and 13 therein are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and two second pockets 14 and 14 are provided between the first pockets 13 and 13, respectively.
Is present. Then, on the inner peripheral side surfaces of the respective pillar portions 10 and 10 constituting the main portion 15, the restraining pieces 8a and 8b for holding the rolling elements 5 and 5 in the pockets 13 and 14, respectively.
Is formed.

The rolling elements 5 and 5 can be held individually in the first and second pockets 13 and 14 by the holding pieces 8a and 8b. Particularly, in the case of the rolling bearing cage according to the present invention, the first pockets 13, 13 hold the rolling elements 5, 5 and the second pockets 14, 14 have the rolling elements 5, 5 respectively. And the holding position are offset in the diametrical direction of the main portion 15.

That is, on the side surfaces of the tips of the restraining pieces 8a, 8a provided so as to sandwich the first pockets 13, 13,
Locking projections 11a and 11a are provided in the portions facing the first pockets 13 and 13 so as to project into the first pockets 13 and 13, respectively. The distance H ₁ from the tip edge of each restraining piece 8a, 8a to each locking projection 11a, 11a is relatively large. Therefore, each of the first pockets 13,
The rolling elements 5 and 5 inserted from the outer peripheral side opening in 13 are
The locking projections 11a, 11a hold the cage relatively in the diametrically outward position.

Then, each of the first pockets 13 and 13 described above
Diameter B ₁ of the circumscribed circle of the plurality of rolling elements 5, 5 held on
Is slightly larger (B ₁ > A) than the inner diameter A (FIG. 7) of the outer ring 4 which constitutes the rolling bearing together with the rolling elements 5 and 5 and the cage 6a. As a result, the plurality of rolling elements 5, 5 held in the first pockets 13, 13 elastically deform the restraining pieces 8a, 8a, which are a part of the retainer 6a, and the outer race 4 and It will be held in a position where it can be fitted freely.

On the other hand, the retaining piece 8 provided between the first pockets 13 and 13 and the second pockets 14 and 14.
a, 8a on the other side surface of the tip portion, and on both side surfaces of the tip portions of the restraining pieces 8b, 8b provided between the adjacent second pockets 14, 14, on the portions facing the second pockets 14, 14. Has locking projections 11b, 11b projecting into the respective second pockets 14, 14. Each restraint piece 8
The distance H ₂ from the tip edges of a and 8b to the locking projections 11b and 11b is relatively small (H ₂ <H ₁ ). Therefore, the rolling elements 5 and 5 inserted into the second pockets 14 and 14 from the outer peripheral side opening are provided with the locking protrusions 11 respectively.
By b and 11b, it is relatively held in the diametrically inner position of the cage 6a.

Then, each of the second pockets 14 and 14 described above.
Diameter B ₂ of the circumscribed circle of the plurality of rolling elements 5, 5 held by
Is slightly smaller (B ₁ >A> B ₂ ) than the inner diameter A (FIG. 7) of the outer ring 4 which constitutes the rolling bearing together with the rolling elements 5 and 5 and the cage 6a. As a result, the plurality of rolling elements 5, 5 held in the respective second pockets 14, 14 are
Is held at a position where it can be loosely engaged with the outer ring 4.

To assemble a rolling bearing by using the rolling bearing cage 6a of the present invention having the above-described structure,
The method shown above is adopted. That is, the rolling elements 5 and 5 are inserted into the first and second pockets 13 and 14 one by one from the outer peripheral side openings, and then the cage 6a is pushed into the outer ring 4 together with the rolling elements 5 and 5.

At the time of this pushing operation, the three rolling elements 5, 5 held in the first pockets 13, 13 in the circumferential direction are a part of the cage 6a, and The restraining pieces 8a, 8a existing on both sides of the one pocket 13, 13 are elastically deformed and pushed into the respective first pockets 13, 13. The rolling elements 5 and 5 held in the respective second pockets 14 and 14 press the retaining pieces 8a and 8b existing on both sides of the respective second pockets 14 and 14 to push the retaining pieces 8a and 8b. It does not elastically deform.

For example, as the cage 6a and the rolling elements 5 and 5 are pushed into the outer ring 4, the rolling element 5 held in the first pocket 13 has a diameter as shown by an arrow A in FIG. When pushed inward in the direction and the rolling element 5 is displaced from the chain line position to the solid line position, the restraining pieces 8a, 8a sandwiching the first pocket 13 are elastically deformed from the chain line position to the solid line position. Then, based on the elastic deformation of the restraining pieces 8a, 8a, the rolling elements 5, 5 held in the adjacent second pockets 14, 14 are also displaced from the chain line position to the solid line position. The displacement of the rolling elements in these second pockets 14, 14 is performed with almost no force.

Therefore, the first and second pockets 13, 14
The pressing pieces 8a, 8a provided between the rolling elements are not pressed in the opposite directions by the rolling elements that are circumferentially adjacent to each other.
When the rolling elements 5 are pushed into the first pocket 13 to elastically deform the restraining pieces 8a, 8a, a wedge action is provided between the surface of the rolling elements 5 and the tip portions of the restraining pieces 8a, 8a. Can act to elastically deform each of the restraining pieces 8a, 8a with a comparatively light force.

As a result, the contact pressure between the tip of each restraining piece 8a, 8a and the surface of the rolling element 5 is also reduced, and the risk of damaging the surface of each rolling element 5, 5 is reduced. After the pushing operation is completed, the rolling elements 5 and 5 held in the first pockets 13 and 13 and the races are engaged with each other, so that the outer ring 4, the rolling elements 5 and 5, and the retainer 6a are connected to each other. The non-separated state.

The above-described embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to the structure in which the cage and the rolling elements and the outer ring are not separated as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6, it is needless to say that a structure in which the cage and the rolling elements and the inner ring are not separated can be applied almost as it is by only reversing the inner and outer peripheral directions.

[0035]

The cage for rolling bearings according to the present invention is constructed and operates as described above, but it is less likely to damage the rolling elements during the assembly work with the rolling elements and the races, and has excellent durability. It is possible to obtain a rolling bearing having high reliability and reliability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first example of a rolling bearing in which a cage, which is a target of the present invention, is incorporated.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the second example.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the third example.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the fourth example.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cage holding rolling elements and an outer ring are combined.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a conventional cage, corresponding to the XX cross section of FIG. 7.

9 is an enlarged top view of FIG. 8 showing the rolling elements omitted.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the upper part of FIG. 8, showing the forces applied to the rolling elements and the retainer during the pushing operation into the outer ring.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 inner ring raceway 2 inner ring 3 outer ring raceway 4 outer ring 5 rolling element 6, 6a cage 7 pockets 8, 8a, 8b restraining piece 9 rim portion 10 pillar portion 11, 11a, 11b locking protrusion 12 collar 13 first pocket 14 Second pocket 15 main part

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A main part having an annular shape, and a plurality of pockets formed at a plurality of circumferential positions of the main part, each of which has one rolling element rotatably held inside thereof. The cage for rolling bearings, which satisfies the conditions (a) to (e) of No. 1. (A) Each of the plurality of pockets includes a plurality of first pockets and second pockets. (B) a position where the first pocket holds the rolling element,
The position where the second pocket holds the rolling element,
The main portion is displaced in the diametrical direction. (C) At least one second pocket exists between the first pockets. (D) At the position where each of the first pockets holds the rolling element, the plurality of rolling elements held in each of the first pockets elastically actuate the cage with respect to the bearing ring that constitutes the rolling bearing together with the cage. The position is such that it can be fitted while being deformed. (E) The position where each of the second pockets holds the rolling element is a position where the plurality of rolling elements held in each second pocket can be loosely engaged with the bearing ring.