JP2006057742A - Retainer for thrust roller bearing and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a retainer for a thrust roller bearing at a low cost, which has excellent durability, stabilizes attitude, prevents slip-off of a roller, and is not increased in weight uselessly. <P>SOLUTION: An inside diameter side rim part 2a and an outside diameter side rim part 3a secure the axial dimension using the thickness of a metal plate with the direction of thickness of the metal plate aligned with the axial direction. Each post 7a is formed to have a non-linear sectional form related to the virtual plane including the central axis with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the metal plate by coining. In manufacture, it is not necessary to repeatedly bend each part, thereby preventing excessive reduction in thickness of each part. Since the thickness of a desired part is suitably made larger, the durability can be secured. Further, since the thickness of each post 7a is held down to the necessary minimum by coining, useless increase in weight can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cage constituting a thrust roller bearing incorporated in a rotation support portion of various mechanical devices such as an automobile transmission and a machine tool, and a manufacturing method thereof. Specifically, with regard to the improvement of thrust roller bearing cages and their manufacturing methods that can be manufactured at low cost by punching and plasticizing a single metal plate, it is possible to achieve excellent durability without stress concentration. A simple structure and a manufacturing method thereof.

  As a thrust roller bearing retainer and a manufacturing method thereof, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known. FIGS. 13 to 15 show a cage 1 for a thrust roller bearing described in Patent Document 2 among them. The cage 1 is integrally formed by bending a metal plate, and includes an inner diameter side rim portion 2, an outer diameter side rim portion 3, an intermediate plate portion 4, and a plurality of pockets 5, 5. Is provided. Among these, the inner diameter side rim portion 2 is present at the inner peripheral edge portion of the cage 1 and has an annular shape continuous over the entire circumference. The outer diameter side rim portion 3 is present on the outer peripheral edge portion of the cage 1 and has an annular shape that is concentric with the inner diameter side rim portion 2 and is continuous over the entire circumference. Further, the intermediate plate portion 4 exists between the inner diameter side rim portion 2 and the outer diameter side rim portion 3 and has a cross-sectional shape bent in the radial direction. Further, the pockets 5 and 5 are formed in the intermediate plate portion 4 intermittently with respect to the circumferential direction in the radial direction, and hold the rollers 6 and 6 in a freely rollable manner. . In the intermediate plate portion 4, the portions between the pockets 5, 5 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are column portions 7 and 7.

  The intermediate plate portion 4 includes a central flat plate portion 8, an outer diameter side flat plate portion 9, an inner diameter side flat plate portion 10, an inner diameter side continuous portion 11, and an outer diameter side continuous portion 12. Of these, the central flat plate portion 8 is formed at a portion closer to one end in the axial direction (the upper end in FIG. 14) in the middle portion in the radial direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 13 to 14). Further, the outer diameter side flat plate portion 9 is formed on a portion closer to the other end in the axial direction (lower end in FIG. 14) adjacent to the radially inner side (right side in FIGS. 13 to 14) of the outer diameter side rim portion 3. Yes. Further, the inner diameter side flat plate portion 10 is formed at a portion near the other end in the axial direction adjacent to the radially outer side of the inner diameter side rim portion 2 (left side in FIGS. 13 to 14). Further, the inner diameter side continuous portion 11 continues the outer peripheral edge of the inner diameter side flat plate portion 10 and the inner peripheral edge of the central flat plate portion 8, and the outer diameter side continuous portion 12 is an outer periphery of the central flat plate portion 8. The periphery and the inner periphery of the outer diameter side flat plate portion 9 are made continuous. The distance between the inner diameter side and outer diameter side continuous parts 11, 12 increases as the distance from the central flat plate part 8 increases.

  The cage 1 configured as described above is sandwiched between a pair of planes facing each other in the axial direction in a state where the rollers 6 and 6 are rotatably held in the respective pockets 5 and 5. Of the flat plate portions 8 to 10 constituting the intermediate plate portion 4 in the center, the outer diameter side, and the inner diameter side, both side edges in the circumferential direction of the column portions 7 and 7 are the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side. Compared to the side edge portions of both the continuous portions 11 and 12, engagement protrusions 13a, 13b, and 13c that slightly protrude into the pockets 5 and 5 are formed. When the rollers 6 are held in the pockets 5 and 5, the column portions 7 and 7 are elastically deformed in the circumferential direction. In the state where the rollers 6 are held in the pockets 5 and 5, the engagement protrusions 13 a, 13 b and 13 c are engaged with the rolling surfaces of the rollers 6. The axial displacement of the cage 1 is suppressed. That is, the positioning of the cage 1 in the axial direction is achieved by so-called roller guidance.

  As a manufacturing method for manufacturing the cage 1 as described above, Patent Document 2 describes a manufacturing method as shown in FIGS. In the case of the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 2, plastic processing is performed on the ring-shaped material 14 shown in FIG. 16A, which is formed by punching a metal plate. The first to fifth intermediate materials 15 to 19 having a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. Then, the fifth intermediate material 19 shown in (F) is punched to form a plurality of pockets 5, 5 (see FIGS. 13 to 15), whereby the cage 1 is completed. In addition, as a cage formed by bending a metal plate, in addition to the structure shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, a structure as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B has been conventionally known. Yes. Of these, the one shown in FIG. 17A is obtained by reducing the radial dimension of the outer diameter side rim portion 3a (to the thickness of one metal plate) compared to the structure shown in FIG. is there. In FIG. 17B, the radial dimension of the inner rim portion 2a is further reduced (by the thickness of two metal plates).

  Since the cage for thrust roller bearings and the manufacturing method thereof described in Patent Document 2 as described above are repeatedly bent on a relatively thin metal plate, the thickness of the bent portion is reduced. For example, in the structure shown in FIG. 17A, the thickness dimension of the bent portion indicated by the arrow in FIG. 17 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate that is a material based on the bending process. Therefore, it is inevitable that stress concentrates on the part. Stress concentration on the thin-walled portion is not preferable because it causes a decrease in durability based on damage such as cracks. In addition, the number of times of bending the metal plate is large, and the number of processing steps increases, which increases costs.

  In contrast to the invention relating to the thrust roller bearing retainer described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 and the manufacturing method thereof described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3, Patent Literature 4 describes the structure described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 above. In comparison, a cage for a thrust roller bearing is described in which a radially intermediate portion of a thick, annular metal plate is bent. In the case of the thrust roller bearing cage described in Patent Document 4, the structure for holding each roller in each pocket is asymmetric between the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side. The cage posture may become unstable. In addition, before assembling the cage and the roller to the rotation support portion, there is a possibility that these rollers may fall out of the pockets.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 5 describes an invention relating to a cage in which a metal plate that is thicker than the structure described in Patent Document 4 is used as it is. In the case of the invention described in Patent Document 5 as described above, the number of processing steps can be suppressed, and the posture of the cage can be stabilized and the rollers held in the pockets can be prevented from falling off, but it is inevitable that the weight increases. When the cage weight increases, not only the weight of various mechanical devices incorporating roller bearings increases, but also the increase in the inertial mass deteriorates the ability to follow sudden speed fluctuations. Sliding easily occurs between the surfaces.

JP-A-6-94038 JP 2000-213546 A JP 2002-206525 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-336751 JP 2000-81041 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention is a thrust roller bearing cage that has excellent durability, can stabilize the posture and prevent the rollers from falling off, and does not increase in weight. Has been invented to realize at a low cost.

  The thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention and the thrust roller bearing retainer that is the object of the manufacturing method are made of plastic on the metal plate that is the material in the same manner as the previously known thrust roller bearing retainer. It is made by processing and punching. An annular inner rim portion provided on the inner peripheral edge over the entire circumference, an annular outer rim portion provided on the outer peripheral edge over the entire circumference, and both ends A plurality of pillars arranged in the radial direction intermittently with respect to the circumferential direction in a state where the portion is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion. Prepare. Then, a plurality of portions surrounded by the four circumferences by both circumferential edges of each of the pillar portions, the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion are each rolled on a roller. As a pocket to hold freely.

  In particular, in the thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 1, the inner diameter side rim portion and the outer diameter side rim portion are formed by aligning the thickness direction of the metal plate with the respective axial directions. This axial dimension is secured by utilizing the thickness of the plate. In addition, each of the column portions has a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate by coining, and a cross-sectional shape related to a virtual plane including the central axis is made non-linear.

  In the thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 4, the inner diameter side rim portion and the outer diameter side rim portion are arranged such that the thickness direction of the metal plate coincides with each axial direction, and the thickness of the metal plate is increased. This axial dimension is ensured by utilizing this. In addition, each of the column portions has a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate by coining.

  Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the cage for thrust roller bearings described in claim 7 includes the following steps. That is, coining is performed by forming a plurality of pilot holes in the portions of the metal plate that are to become the pockets and then crushing a portion between the peripheral holes adjacent in the circumferential direction in the thickness direction of the metal plate. Apply. Then, the cross-sectional shape of each of the above-mentioned inter-portion portions relating to the virtual plane including the central axis of the thrust roller bearing cage to be manufactured is made to coincide with the cross-sectional shape of each post-finished column portion while expanding each inter-portion portion in the surface direction. . Thereafter, with respect to the circumferential direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer to be manufactured, the portions near both ends of each of the above-mentioned portions are removed, and these portions are defined as the above-mentioned pillar portions, and the pillar portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction The space between them is a pocket for holding the rollers.

In the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention and the manufacturing method thereof as described above, a thrust roller bearing retainer that has excellent durability and does not increase in weight at low cost can be obtained. can get. In addition, it is possible to stabilize the posture and prevent the rollers from falling off as necessary.
First of all, it is not necessary to repeatedly bend each part, and it is possible not only to prevent the thickness of each part from becoming too small, but also to appropriately increase the thickness of the desired part. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of damage such as cracks due to partial stress concentration, thereby ensuring durability.
Moreover, since the thickness of each pillar part is suppressed by coining, it is possible to prevent the weight from increasing. In addition to preventing the weight of various mechanical devices incorporating roller bearings from increasing, the increase in inertial mass is suppressed, and the followability to sudden speed fluctuations is improved. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of slippage and to prevent excessive wear on these surfaces.
In addition, since the number of processing steps can be reduced, it can be manufactured at low cost.
Furthermore, if necessary, the structure that holds each roller in each pocket can be made symmetrical between the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side, so that the posture of the cage relative to each roller can be stabilized and held at the same time. Before assembling the container and the roller to the rotation support portion, it is possible to prevent the roller from dropping from the pockets.

When the thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 1 is implemented, preferably, as described in claim 2, both end portions in the length direction of each column portion are arranged on the outer peripheral surface and outer diameter of the inner diameter side rim portion. The inner circumferential surface of the side rim portion is continued at a portion near one end in the axial direction of both rim portions, and the intermediate portion in the length direction of each of the column portions is positioned at a portion near the other end in the axial direction of both rim portions.
By adopting such a configuration, the structure for holding each roller in each pocket can be made symmetrical between the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side. For this reason, the attitude | position of the holder | retainer on the basis of these each roller can be stabilized.

Further, when the thrust roller bearing retainer described in claim 2 is carried out, more preferably, as described in claim 3, the longitudinal end portions and the longitudinal intermediate portion of each column portion are provided. Engaging protrusions that protrude in the circumferential direction are provided on both circumferential edges. Then, the positioning in the axial direction is achieved based on the engagement between each of the engaging protrusions and the rolling surface of the roller held in each pocket.
If comprised in this way, the attitude | position of the holder | retainer on the basis of each said roller can be stabilized, and it can prevent that a roller falls out from each said pocket before attaching a holder and a roller to a rotation support part. .

Further, when the thrust roller bearing retainer described in claim 4 is implemented, preferably, as described in claim 5, the thickness dimension in the axial direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer among the pillar portions. By engaging and deforming both end portions in the axial direction of the portion having a large length, an engaging projection that protrudes in the circumferential direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer is provided in the portion. Then, the thrust roller bearing retainer is positioned in the axial direction based on the engagement between the engagement protrusions and the rolling surfaces of the rollers held in the pockets.
Even with such a structure, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the cage with respect to each of the rollers, and at the same time, prevent the rollers from dropping from the pockets before the cage and the rollers are assembled to the rotation support portion. .

In the case of carrying out the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention, preferably, as described in claim 6, at least a part of the peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion or the outer diameter side rim portion is provided as a thrust roller bearing. The thrust roller bearing retainer is positioned in the radial direction by causing the retainer to approach the adjacent member. In this case, for example, the inner peripheral surface of this thrust roller bearing retainer is brought close to and opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft disposed on the inner diameter side of the thrust roller bearing. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the thrust roller bearing retainer is made to face and oppose the inner circumferential surface of the housing disposed on the outer diameter side of the thrust roller bearing.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the thrust roller bearing retainer from swaying during the operation of the thrust roller bearing (the rotation center and the geometric center are not shifted), and the operation state of the thrust roller bearing. Can be improved. Specifically, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vibration accompanying the swing of the cage, and to maintain a good rolling contact state between the rolling surface and the raceway surface of each roller.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the thrust roller bearing retainer described in claim 7, preferably, as described in claim 8, each pilot hole is formed in the metal plate, and each of these in the radial direction. After the positioning hole is formed in the inner center portion of the lower hole, coining is applied to the portions between the holes.
If comprised in this way, positioning of the said metal plate can be performed easily and reliably, and a coining can be accurately given to the said each part.

Further, when the thrust roller bearing cage manufacturing method according to any one of claims 7 to 8 is carried out, as described in, for example, claim 9, the thickness of each intermediate portion is reduced to the total length by coining. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of each of these portions is bent. Then, both end portions in the length direction of the respective inter-portion portions are made to be continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion at a portion near one end in the axial direction of both rim portions. At the same time, the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of each of the above-mentioned portions is positioned at the portion closer to the other end in the axial direction of both rim portions.
Alternatively, as described in claim 10, by coining, the thickness of each portion is smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate in a part of the length direction, and the thickness dimension of the metal plate is maintained in the remainder. And
By configuring in this way, the thickness of each column portion formed by crushing the above-described portions by coining can be suppressed as much as necessary. For this reason, it can prevent that the weight of the obtained cage for thrust roller bearings increases suddenly.

Further, when carrying out the method of manufacturing a thrust roller bearing retainer as described in claim 10, preferably, as described in claim 11, the remaining portion of the metal plate that has been left in its thickness dimension is preferably used. Among them, by engaging both ends of the thrust roller bearing retainer in the axial direction with plastic deformation, engagement protrusions projecting in the circumferential direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer are provided in that portion.
If comprised in this way, before attaching a holder | retainer and a roller to a rotation support part, the structure which can prevent that a roller falls out from each pocket can be obtained.

FIGS. 1-6 has shown Example 1 of this invention corresponding to Claims 1-3 and 7-9. First, the structure of the cage 1a of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The cage 1a is made by performing plastic working and punching on a metal plate 20 (see FIG. 2) as a raw material, and has an inner diameter side rim portion 2a and an outer diameter side rim portion 3a that are concentric with each other, And a plurality of column portions 7a. Among these, the inner diameter side rim portion 2a has an annular shape, and is provided on the inner peripheral edge portion over the entire circumference. Further, the outer diameter side rim portion 3a is annular and is provided on the outer peripheral edge portion over the entire circumference. In addition, each of the column portions 7a is intermittent in the circumferential direction in a state where both ends thereof are continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion 2a and the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion 3a. , Arranged in the radial direction. A plurality of portions surrounded by four circumferences by both circumferential edges of each column portion 7a, the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion 2a, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion 3a are respectively rolled. 6 (see FIGS. 13 to 15) is a pocket 5a for holding the roller 6 so as to freely roll.

In particular, in the case of the cage 1a of the present embodiment, the inner diameter side rim portion 2a and the outer diameter side rim portion 3a have the axial direction (FIG. 1) in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) of the metal plate 20. In the vertical direction). Then, by using the thickness T ₂₀ (see FIG. 2) of the metal plate 20, the axial dimension T _2a of the inner diameter side rim portion 2a and the outer diameter side rim portion 3a, it has secured T _3a. That is, in the present embodiment, the axial dimensions T _2a and T _{3a of} both the rim portions 2a and _3a and the thickness T ₂₀ of the metal plate 20 substantially coincide (T _2a ≈T _3a ≒ and T ₂₀₎ is allowed. The difference between these dimensions T _2a , T _3a , and T ₂₀ is only the non-uniform thickness of the metal plate 20 or the minute plastic deformation that occurs when the metal plate 20 is processed.

Further, each of the column portions 7a is related to a virtual plane including a central axis of the cage 1a having a thickness dimension T _7a (<< T ₂₀ ) sufficiently smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate T ₂₀ by coining. The cross-sectional shape is non-linear. In the case of the present embodiment, each of the column portions 7a includes, in order from the outside in the radial direction, the outer diameter side flat plate portion 9a, the outer diameter side continuous portion 12a, the central flat plate portion 8a, the inner diameter side continuous portion 11a, and the inner diameter. The side flat plate portion 10a is continuous in series and has a cross-sectional mountain shape. Each of the column portions 7a has an end portion of the outer diameter side flat plate portion 9a existing at each outer diameter side end portion, and one end portion in the axial direction of the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion 3a (see FIG. 1). The end of the inner-diameter side flat plate portion 10a, which is also present at the inner-diameter-side end, is continuously connected to the axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the inner-diameter-side rim 2a. In this state, the central flat plate portion 8a existing at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of each column portion 7a is positioned at the other axial end portion (upper end in FIG. 1) of the cage 1a.

  Among the circumferential side opposite edges of each column part 7a, a part of each circumferential side edge of each of the center, outer diameter side, and inner diameter side flat plate parts 8a to 10a is more than the other part. Engaging protrusions 13a, 13b, and 13c project slightly in the circumferential direction of the cage 1a toward the pocket 5a. When the rollers 6 are held in the pockets 5a, the column portions 7a are elastically deformed in the circumferential direction. In a state in which the rollers 6 are held in the pockets 5a, the engagement protrusions 13a, 13b, and 13c are engaged with the rolling surfaces of the rollers 6 to hold the rollers 6 with respect to the rollers 6. The axial displacement of the container 1a is suppressed. That is, the positioning of the cage 1a in the axial direction is achieved by so-called roller guidance.

Next, the manufacturing method of the above cage 1a will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 2, a metal plate 20 as a material is prepared. The planar shape of the metal plate 20 is arbitrary, but a circular shape is preferable in terms of improving the handleability of the metal plate 20. When the planar shape of the metal plate 20 is circular, the outer diameter D ₂₀ (see FIG. 2) of the metal plate 20 is the same as the outer diameter D _1a (see FIGS. 1 and 6) of the cage 1a after completion. or, slightly larger than the outer diameter D _1a of the retainer _{1a (D 20 ≧ D 1a)} . Further, as described above, the thickness T ₂₀ of the metal plate 20 is adjusted to the axial dimensions T _2a and T _3a of the inner diameter side and outer diameter side rim portions 2a and 3a of the cage 1a to be manufactured (T _2a ≒ T _3a ≒ T ₂₀ )

In the metal plate 20 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a plurality of pilot holes 21 and 21 are formed in portions to be the respective pockets 5a (see FIGS. 1, 5 and 6). At the same time, a positioning hole 22 is formed in the inner central portion of each of the lower holes 21 and 21 in the radial direction to form a first intermediate material 23. Each of these holes 21 and 22 is formed by punching with a press. Of these, the positioning hole 22 has a shape such as a non-circular shape such as a square, or a shape in which a notch is formed in a part of the circular shape so that the first intermediate material 23 can be positioned in the radial direction and the phase in the rotational direction can be matched. select. The lower holes 21 and 21 are formed in consideration of the shape and size of the pockets 5a to be manufactured. Specifically, each of the lower holes 21 and 21 is rectangular and is arranged radially around the positioning hole 22. Further, the width dimension W 21 in the circumferential direction of each of the lower holes 21 and ₂₁ is substantially the same as the width dimension W _5a of each pocket 5a to be _manufactured {see FIG. 5B} (W ₂₁ ≈W _5a ). To. Further, the length dimension L ₂₁ in the radial direction of each of the lower holes 21, 21 is substantially the same as the length dimension L _5a of each pocket 5 a to be made {see FIG. 5B} (L ₂₁ ≒ _L5a ). However, the dimensions of these parts may be changed as appropriate according to the amount of plastic deformation of each part during the coining process described below.

The first intermediate material 23 in which the lower holes 21 and 21 and the positioning holes 22 are formed as described above is then subjected to coining on the portions 24 and 24 between the lower holes 21 and 21. The intermediate portions 24, 24 are crushed in the thickness direction to obtain a second intermediate material 25 as shown in FIGS. At this time, the meat of each of the inter-space portions 24, 24 is released to both sides in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the width W _{21a in} the circumferential direction of each of the lower holes 21a, 21a provided in the second intermediate material 25 is greater than the width W _{21 in} the circumferential direction of the lower holes 21, 21 of the first intermediate material 23. _Is also smaller (W _21a <W ₂₁ ). Accordingly, the width W _{24a in} the circumferential direction of each of the intermediate portions 24a, 24a provided in the second intermediate material 25 is equal to the width W in the circumferential direction of the intermediate portions 24, 24 of the first intermediate material 23. _It is larger than ₂₄ (W _24a > W ₂₄ ).

  In the coining, the thickness dimension of each of the inter-space portions 24, 24 is set to an appropriate value (thinned) according to the thickness dimension and the cross-sectional shape of the column part 7a to be manufactured, and the first intermediate material 23 This is performed in order to bend the cross-sectional shape of each of the above-mentioned inter-portions 24 and 24 with respect to the virtual plane including the central axis. The coining applied to each of the inter-space portions 24, 24 may be performed simultaneously for all the inter-space portions 24, 24. However, when the capacity of the press machine is small, every one to a plurality of inter-space portions 24, You may do it before and after. Further, the coining for making the thickness dimension and the cross-sectional shape of each of the inter-space portions 24, 24 as desired may be performed in one step, but may be performed in a plurality of steps. In any case, by applying coining to the above-mentioned inter-space portions 24, 24, the cross-sectional shape is made to coincide with the cross-sectional shape of each post-finished column portion 7a while expanding the inter-space portions 24, 24 in the surface direction. Also, the new intermediate portions 24a and 24a are used.

Next, the second intermediate material 25 as described above is subjected to a punching process for removing the surplus portions of the new intermediate portions 24a and 24a, as shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B). A third intermediate material 26 is used. That is, the above-mentioned coining crushes each of the inter-space portions 24, 24 to form the new inter-space portions 24a, 24a, and thus the circles of the respective pilot holes 21a, 21a provided in the second intermediate material 25. width W _21a in the circumferential direction, smaller than the width dimension W _5a in the circumferential direction of the pocket _5a (W _21a <W 5a) to produce, moreover, about the smaller becomes unstable. Therefore, of the new intermediate portions 24a, 24a provided in the second intermediate material 25, the portion protruding in the circumferential direction from the portion to be the pocket 5a, that is, these new intermediate portions 24a, Of the 24a, the portions near both ends in the circumferential direction are removed. And while making each said part 24a, 24a into said each pillar part 7a, 7a, between the pillar parts 7a, 7a adjacent to the circumferential direction was made into the pocket 5a, 5a for holding a roller, The third intermediate material 26 is used. The punching process for removing the portions near the both ends in the circumferential direction of the inter-space portions 24a, 24a may be performed for each of the inter-space portions 24a, 24a, or may be performed simultaneously for all the inter-space portions 24a, 24a. . When the punching process is performed by pressing, the required capacity of the pressing device is not so large. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring the dimensional accuracy and pitch accuracy of the pockets 5a and 5a, It is preferable to carry out with respect to the intermediate portions 24a, 24a simultaneously. The engaging protrusions 13a, 13b, and 13c are formed on both side edges in the circumferential direction of the pillars 7a and 7a in the step of using the second intermediate material 25 as the third intermediate material 26. .

  In the third intermediate material 26 in which the pillar portions 7a and 7a and the pockets 5a and 5a are formed as described above, the inner diameter side surplus portion is subsequently formed as shown in FIG. A piercing process for removing and a trimming process for removing a surplus portion on the outer diameter side are performed. That is, a positioning hole 22 is provided in the central portion of the third intermediate material 26 for positioning (indexing in the radial direction and the rotational direction) when each part is processed. The positioning hole 22 and its peripheral part are necessary until the pillars 7a and 7a and the pockets 5a and 5a are formed, but are not necessary after the formation. Therefore, by punching the center portion of the third intermediate material 26 by piercing, the unnecessary portion is removed, and at the same time, the inner diameter side rim portion 2a is formed on the inner peripheral edge portion.

On the other hand, the regard to the outer peripheral edge portion of the third intermediate material 26, as described above, if the same as the outer diameter D _1a of the cage 1a after completion of the outer diameter D ₂₀ of the metal plate 20, most excess thickness There will be no part. However, the outer diameter of the metal plate 20 is considered in consideration of the plastic deformation of the peripheral portions 24, 24 due to the coining process, and the peripheral portions of the intermediate portions 24, 24 being somewhat deformed. the outer diameter D ₂₆ of the third intermediate material 26 by regulating the D _20, it is difficult to match to the outer diameter D _1a of the cage 1a after the completion. Therefore in the case of the embodiment, and the outer diameter D ₂₆ of the third intermediate material 26 slightly larger (D _26> D _1a) than the outer diameter D _1a of the cage 1a after the completion, the third The surplus portion on the outer diameter side of the intermediate material 26 is also removed by trimming. Then, the trimming process removes the surplus portion on the outer diameter side of the third intermediate material 26, and simultaneously forms the outer diameter side rim portion 3a on the outer peripheral edge portion.

  In this way, in the state where the surplus portion of each part is removed and the size and shape of each part are matched with the size and shape of the completed cage 1a, burrs and the like generated by punching processing on each surface part Exists. In addition, the surfaces of the pockets 5a and 5a, as well as the inner surfaces of the mating members in use, are rough. Accordingly, the fourth intermediate material 27 obtained through the piercing process and the trimming process shown in FIG. 6 is subjected to a finishing process such as a barrel process to remove the flash and the like, and the surface of the mating member is rubbed with the other member during use. The contacting surface is completed as a cage 1a as shown in FIG. 1 as a surface suitable for holding the oil film.

  In the case of the retainer 1a manufactured as described above, it is not necessary to repeatedly bend each part, and the thickness of each part can be prevented from becoming too small. Moreover, the thickness of each part can be regulated to a desired value, and the thickness of the part that requires strength compared to other parts can be appropriately increased because a particularly large force is easily applied. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of damage such as cracks due to partial stress concentration, thereby ensuring durability.

Further, as the metal plate 20 made of a material, but use the one having an inner diameter side rim portion 2a and the axial dimension T _2a of the outer diameter side rim portion 3a, T _3a and comparable T _20, each column by coining Since the thickness of the portions 7a and 7a is suppressed to be required, it is possible to prevent the weight of the cage 1a from increasing. And while preventing the increase in the weight of the various mechanical devices incorporating the roller bearing including the cage 1a, the increase in inertial mass is suppressed, and the followability of the cage 1a with respect to sudden fluctuations in the rotational speed is improved. Further, it is possible to prevent slippage between the rolling surface of the roller 6 and the raceway surface, and to prevent excessive wear from occurring on each of these surfaces. In addition, since the number of processing steps can be reduced, it can be manufactured at low cost.

  In the case of this embodiment, the structure for holding the rollers 6 in the pockets 5a and 5a is symmetric between the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side. Specifically, the engagement protrusions 13a and 13c are respectively disposed on one side of the both axial ends of the rolling surfaces of the rollers 6 and the engagement protrusion 13b is disposed on the other side in the axial direction so as to face each other. Each roller 6 is held in each of the pockets 5a and 5a. For this reason, the posture of the cage 1a with respect to these rollers 6 is stabilized, and at the same time, before the cage 1a and the rollers 6 are assembled to the rotation support portion, these rollers are inserted from the pockets 5a and 5a. 6 can be prevented from falling off.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3. In the case of the cage 1b of the present embodiment, a concave groove 28 is formed on one side surface in the axial direction of the inner diameter side rim portion _2b to secure a width dimension W2b in the radial direction of the inner diameter side rim portion 2b. However, the weight of the cage 1b including the inner diameter side rim portion 2b is reduced. The concave groove 28 is processed at the same time as or before or after the step shown in FIG. 4 (before the step shown in FIG. 5). Further, coining for forming the concave groove 28 is performed in a plurality of times as necessary. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 also shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 3. In the case of the cage 1c of the present embodiment, an extension wall portion 29 is formed by handling on the inner peripheral edge portion of the inner diameter side rim portion 2c, and the length dimension L _2c in the axial direction of the inner diameter side rim portion _2c is determined. Secured. The extension wall 29 is processed after the step shown in FIG. 6 and before finishing by barrel processing or the like. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to the fourth aspect. Also in the case of the cage 1d of the present embodiment, the inner diameter side rim portion 2a and the outer diameter side rim portion 3a have the thickness direction of the metal plate 20 aligned with the axial direction of the metal plate 20 (see FIG. 2). This axial dimension is ensured by utilizing this. In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, each pillar portion 7b is crushed by the coining by crushing the outer end portion and the inner end portion in the radial direction {left and right direction in FIG. 9A) of the cage 1d, The thin portions 30 and 30 have a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate 20. In the case of the present embodiment, the outer end portion and the inner end portion are crushed toward one axial end side (lower end side in FIG. 9) of the cage 1d. On the other hand, the intermediate part of each said pillar part 7b is made into the thick part 31 and 31 with the thickness dimension of the said metal plate 20 substantially, without crushing.

  Further, with respect to the circumferential direction of the retainer 1d (the left-right direction in FIG. 9B), the engaging protrusions 13a, 13c projecting in the circumferential direction at both end edges of the thin-walled portions 30, 30. Is provided. Each of the engaging protrusions 13a and 13c is formed by leaving a part of the surplus portion at the time of punching for removing the surplus portion as shown in FIG. Further, out of the thick portions 31, 31, the end portions on the opposite side to the thin portions 30, 30 in the axial direction of the cage 1 d (vertical direction in FIG. 9) protrude in the circumferential direction. Engaging protrusions 13b and 13b are formed. There is no particular limitation on the processing method of these engaging protrusions 13b and 13b. For example, a recess 32 is formed at the center of the end face of the thick part 31, 31 or the peripheral part of the end face of each thick part 31, 31 is subjected to processing such as chamfering, so that each of these thick parts Both circumferential edges of the end faces of 31 and 31 are projected in the circumferential direction. Although it is preferable from the standpoint of ensuring processing efficiency, it is preferable to unify the method of processing each of the engaging protrusions 13b and 13b with one cage 1d, but they may be mixed in terms of function.

  Also in the case of the cage 1d of the present embodiment configured as described above, the cage is based on the engagement between the engagement protrusions 13a to 13c and the rolling surfaces of the rollers 6 held in the pockets 5b. Positioning in the axial direction of 1d is attempted. The manufacturing method is basically the same as that of the first embodiment except that the shape of the coining mold when the intermediate portion is processed into the pillar portion is different.

  FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 4 and 5. In the case of the cage 1e of the present embodiment, with respect to the axial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 10) of the cage 1e, the circumferential direction of the cage 1e {in FIG. (B) Left and right direction} The protruding protrusions 13d and 13e are formed. In the case of the cage 1e of the present embodiment configured as described above, the engagement protrusions 13d and 13e are engaged with the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the rolling surface of the roller 6 held in each pocket 5b. Based on this, the cage 1e is positioned in the axial direction. The thin protrusions 30 and 30 are not particularly formed with engaging protrusions. Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the above-described fourth embodiment, a duplicate description is omitted.

  FIG. 11 also shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 4 and 5. Also in the case of the cage 1f of the present embodiment, the pillar portions 7c and 7c push the outer end portion and the inner end portion in the radial direction {left-right direction in FIG. 11A) of the cage 1f by coining. The thin portions 30 and 30 having a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate 20 (see FIG. 2) are crushed. In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, the outer end portion and the inner end portion are crushed toward the axially central portion of the cage 1f. On the other hand, the intermediate part of each said pillar part 7c, 7c is made into the thick part 31 and 31 with the thickness dimension of the said metal plate 20 substantially without crushing. Also in the case of the present embodiment, with respect to the axial direction of the cage 1f (vertical direction in FIG. 11), the circumferential direction of the cage 1f {the (B) in FIG. The left and right direction} projecting engaging projections 13d and 13e are formed. The configuration and operation other than the differences in the shapes of the pillars 7c and 7c are the same as those in the case of the above-described fifth embodiment.

  FIG. 12 also shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 4 and 5. In the case of the cage 1g of the present embodiment, each of the pillar portions 7d and 7d is formed with thick portions 31 and 31 at both inner and outer end portions and a thin portion 30 at the intermediate portion with respect to the radial direction of the cage 1g. is doing. And the engagement protrusions 13d and 13e which protrude in the circumferential direction {left-right direction of FIG. 12 (B)} of the cage 1g are formed at both ends of each of the thick portions 31 and 31, respectively. . Since the configuration and operation other than the differences in the shapes of the pillar portions 7d and 7d are the same as in the case of the above-described sixth embodiment, redundant description is omitted.

The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis which shows Example 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the half part of the metal plate used as the raw material for making this holder | retainer. A half section view and a partial plan view showing a first intermediate material formed by punching the metal plate. A half section view and a partial plan view showing a second intermediate material obtained by coining the first intermediate material. A half section view and a partial plan view showing a third intermediate material formed by punching the second intermediate material. The half part sectional view showing the process of giving piercing processing and trimming processing to the above-mentioned 3rd intermediate material, and making it the 4th intermediate material. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis which shows Example 2 of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis which shows the same Example 3. FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis and the 2nd virtual plane orthogonal to this virtual plane which shows the same Example 4. FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis and the 2nd virtual plane orthogonal to this virtual plane which shows the same Example 5. FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | requirement regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis and the 2nd virtual plane orthogonal to this virtual plane which shows the same Example 6. FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the holder | retainer regarding the virtual plane containing the central axis and the 2nd virtual plane orthogonal to this virtual plane which shows the same Example 7. FIG. The partial top view of the cage for thrust cylindrical roller bearings conventionally known. Similarly half sectional drawing. FIG. 14 is an enlarged XX sectional view of FIG. 13. Sectional drawing which shows the conventional manufacturing method in order of a process. The figure similar to FIG. 14 which shows the retainer for thrust cylindrical roller bearings of a conventional structure.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g Cage 2, 2a, 2b, 2c Inner diameter side rim part 3, 3a, 3b, 3c Outer diameter side rim part 4, 4a Intermediate plate part 5, 5a, 5b Pocket 6 Roller 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Column portion 8, 8a Central flat plate portion 9, 9a Outer diameter side flat plate portion 10, 10a Inner diameter side flat plate portion 11, 11a, 11b Inner diameter side continuous portion 12, 12a, 12b Outer diameter side continuous portion 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e Engaging protrusion 14 Material 15 First intermediate material 16 Second intermediate material 17 Third intermediate material 18 Fourth intermediate material 19 Fifth intermediate material 20 Metal plate 21, 21a Lower hole 22 Positioning hole 23 1st intermediate material 24, 24a part 25 2nd intermediate material 26 3rd intermediate material 27 4th intermediate material 28 Concave groove 29 Extension wall part 30 Thin part 31 Thick part 32 Indentation

Claims (11)

  An annular inner rim provided on the inner peripheral edge over the entire circumference, and an outer peripheral edge over the entire circumference. In the state where the annular outer diameter side rim portion provided in the state is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion, both end portions are related to the circumferential direction. Intermittently arranged with a plurality of pillars arranged radially, both circumferential edges of each pillar part, the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim part, and the inner circumference of the outer diameter side rim part A thrust roller bearing retainer comprising a plurality of portions surrounded by a surface as a pocket for holding a roller in a freely rolling manner, the inner diameter side rim portion and the outer diameter side rim portion are Match the thickness direction of the metal plate to each axial direction, and use this thickness of the metal plate to The pillars have a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate, and the cross-sectional shape with respect to the virtual plane including the central axis is made non-linear by coining. Thrust roller bearing cage characterized by being a thing.   Both end portions in the length direction of each column portion are continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion at a portion closer to one end in the axial direction of both rim portions, and the length of each column portion described above. The thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion in the vertical direction is located at a portion closer to the other axial end of both rim portions.   Engaging protrusions projecting in the circumferential direction are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of each column part and both circumferential edges of the intermediate part in the longitudinal direction, and are held in each engaging protrusion and each pocket. The thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 2, wherein positioning in the axial direction is achieved based on engagement with the rolling surface of the rolled roller.   An annular inner rim provided on the inner peripheral edge over the entire circumference, and an outer peripheral edge over the entire circumference. In the state where the annular outer diameter side rim portion provided in the state is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion, both end portions are related to the circumferential direction. Intermittently arranged with a plurality of pillars arranged radially, both circumferential edges of each pillar part, the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim part, and the inner circumference of the outer diameter side rim part A thrust roller bearing retainer comprising a plurality of portions surrounded by a surface as a pocket for holding a roller in a freely rolling manner, the inner diameter side rim portion and the outer diameter side rim portion are Match the thickness direction of the metal plate to each axial direction, and use this thickness of the metal plate to The thrust is characterized in that each of the pillars has a thickness dimension smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate by coining. Roller bearing cage.   Among the portions of each column portion where the axial dimension of the thrust roller bearing retainer is large, by plastically deforming both end portions in the axial direction, the thrust roller bearing retainer Engaging protrusions that protrude in the circumferential direction are provided, and the axial direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer is based on the engagement between the engaging protrusions and the rolling surfaces of the rollers held in the pockets. The thrust roller bearing retainer according to claim 4, wherein the positioning is performed.   The thrust roller bearing retainer is positioned in the radial direction by causing at least a part of the peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion or the outer diameter side rim portion to face the member adjacent to the thrust roller bearing retainer. The cage for a thrust roller bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   An annular inner rim provided on the inner peripheral edge over the entire circumference, and an outer peripheral edge over the entire circumference. In the state where the annular outer diameter side rim portion provided in the state is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outer diameter side rim portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim portion, both end portions are related to the circumferential direction. Intermittently arranged with a plurality of pillars arranged radially, both circumferential edges of each pillar part, the outer peripheral surface of the inner diameter side rim part, and the inner circumference of the outer diameter side rim part A method for manufacturing a thrust roller bearing retainer comprising a plurality of portions surrounded by a surface as a pocket for holding a roller in a freely rolling manner. After forming a plurality of pilot holes in the part, the part between the pilot holes adjacent in the circumferential direction Applying coining to crush in the thickness direction of the metal plate, expanding the portions between these in the plane direction, cross-sectional shape of the portions between the virtual plane including the central axis of the thrust roller bearing cage to be made Then, after matching the cross-sectional shape of each pillar portion after completion, with respect to the circumferential direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer to be manufactured, the portions near both ends of each of the above portions are removed, and the portions between these portions are replaced with the respective columns. A method for producing a thrust roller bearing retainer, comprising a step of forming a portion and a pocket for holding a roller between column portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.   The cage for a thrust roller bearing according to claim 7, wherein each pilot hole is formed in the metal plate, and a positioning hole is formed in an inner central portion of each of the pilot holes in the radial direction, and then coining is applied to each intermediate portion. Manufacturing method.   By coining, the thickness of each inter-part is reduced over the entire length, and the cross-sectional shape of each inter-part is bent so that both end portions in the length direction of each inter-part are outer circumferences of the inner diameter side rim part. And the inner circumferential surface of the outer rim portion and the outer circumferential side of the rim portion are continuous with each other at a portion near one end in the axial direction of both rim portions, The manufacturing method of the retainer for thrust roller bearings in any one of Claims 7-8 located in a part near the other end.   The thickness of each inter-part by coining is smaller than the thickness dimension of the metal plate in a part in the length direction, and the thickness dimension of the metal plate is left as it is in the remaining part. A manufacturing method of the described thrust roller bearing cage. Of the remaining portion of the thickness of the metal plate, both ends of the thrust roller bearing retainer in the axial direction are plastically deformed to project in the circumferential direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer. The manufacturing method of the retainer for thrust roller bearings of Claim 10 which provides an engaging protrusion.

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