JP2016056956A - Cage for thrust rolling bearing and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a structure which can entirely simultaneously perform work for inserting rollers into pockets 2a, 2a, and can make the accuracy of shapes of the pockets 2a, 2a favorable even if lengths of the pockets 2a, 2a are shortened in order to hold a short-length roller, related to the structure which can retain the rollers held in the plurality of pockets 2a, 2a.SOLUTION: The pockets 2a, 2a are formed in a plurality of points in a circumferential direction of a main body 1a which is annularly formed of a metal plate having elasticity. Retention pieces 6a, 6a which are bent to a single side in an axial direction are arranged at circumferential single-side edges of the pockets 2a, 2a, and retention pieces 6b, 6b which are bent to the other side in the axial direction are arranged at circumferential other-side edges of the pockets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of a cage constituting a roller bearing incorporated in a rotation support portion of various machine devices such as an automobile transmission and a machine tool.

  20 to 22 show an example of a cage for a thrust roller bearing which is described in Patent Document 1 and the like and is widely known in the past. This cage is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity, such as a steel plate, to plastic working and punching. Such a cage is formed in an annular shape as a whole, and has a main body 1 whose cross-sectional shape is bent with respect to the radial direction, and a plurality of circumferentially equidistant portions of the central portion of the main body 1. It is provided with rectangular pockets 2 and 2 that are long in the radial direction and are provided so as to penetrate the portion in the axial direction. Of a pair of circumferential side edges facing each other in the circumferential direction of the main body 1 among the inner peripheral edges of the pockets 2 and 2, a radial intermediate portion approaching one axial side, an axial direction, and the like In a state where the engaging protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c are slightly protruded in the circumferential direction toward the inside of the pockets 2, 2 as compared with the other parts, respectively, at the portions closer to both ends in the radial direction that are closer to the side. Provided. The intervals between the engaging projections 3a, 3b, 3c provided on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2 and 2 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 so as to be freely rollable in a free state. The outer diameter of the power rollers 4 and 4 is slightly smaller. Further, at the intermediate portion in the radial direction of the main body 1, the portions between the pockets 2 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are column portions 5 and 5.

  When the cage having the above-described configuration is used, each of the rollers 4 and 4 is in a ring shape in a state where the rollers 4 and 4 are rotatably held in the pockets 2 and 2. It is sandwiched between a pair of parallel orbital surfaces which are planes. In this case, when the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted into the pockets 2 and 2, the rollers 4 and 4 are elastically spaced from each other in the circumferential direction between the column portions 5 and 5. It is pushed into the pockets 2 and 2 while expanding. When the rollers 4 and 4 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 in this manner, the engagement protrusions 3a, 3b and 3c are engaged with the outer peripheral surface which is the rolling surface of the rollers 4 and 4, respectively. In combination, the rollers 4 and 4 are prevented from coming out of the pockets 2 and 2. Moreover, in the state at the time of use mentioned above, the axial displacement of the said holder | retainer with respect to each said roller 4 and 4 is suppressed by the said engagement. That is, the positioning of the cage in the axial direction is achieved by so-called roller guidance.

  In the case of the conventional cage described above, if the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2 and 2 is to be performed at the same time, the column parts 5 and 5 are Since the rollers 4 and 4 are stretched in the circumferential direction, the interval between the column portions 5 and 5 adjacent in the circumferential direction cannot be expanded elastically by a sufficient amount. Therefore, in the case of the conventional cage described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2 and 2 cannot be performed at the same time. Therefore, conventionally, when the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted into the pockets 2 and 2, the rollers are inserted into the even-numbered pockets 2 and 2 arranged in the circumferential direction. 4 and 4 are inserted at the same time, and then the rollers 4 and 4 are simultaneously inserted into the odd-numbered pockets 2 and 2 (first method), and the pockets 2 and 2 are rotated while the cage is rotated. In general, one of the methods (second method) in which the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted one by one in order is adopted.

  However, when the first method is adopted, when the total number of the pockets 2 and 2 is an odd number, the pockets 2 and 2 are adjacent to each other at one place in the circumferential direction. It is necessary to insert the rollers 4 and 4 simultaneously. In this case, at the time of insertion, one pillar portion 5 existing between the two pockets 2 and 2 is in a state of stretching in the circumferential direction between the rollers 4 and 4. Therefore, with the insertion, there is a possibility that the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 are damaged. On the other hand, when the second method is adopted, it is necessary to rotate the cage once until the rollers 4 and 4 are completely inserted into all the pockets 2 and 2. . For this reason, the time required for the insertion operation becomes longer as the diameter dimension of the target cage increases (the total number of pockets increases). Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is desired to realize a structure in which the operations for inserting each roller into each pocket can be performed simultaneously.

  Further, in the case of the above-described conventional cage, in order to provide the engaging protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2, 2, the radial intermediate portion of the main body 1 is provided. The cross-sectional shape of the portion (where the pockets 2 and 2 are formed) is bent with respect to the radial direction. However, in the case of the cage having such a configuration, in order to hold the rollers 4 and 4 having a short length, when the length of each of the pockets 2 and 2 is shortened, the intermediate portion in the radial direction of the main body 1 is used. It becomes difficult to bend the cross-sectional shape of the portion as desired, and as a result, it becomes difficult to improve the shape accuracy of the pockets 2 and 2.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-55322

  In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention can perform the operation of inserting each roller into each pocket at the same time, with respect to the structure capable of preventing the rollers held in a plurality of pockets from being removed. The present invention has been invented to realize a structure capable of improving the shape accuracy of each pocket even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to hold short rollers.

The roller bearing retainer of the present invention is made of a metal plate having elasticity, and is provided in a state of penetrating in the thickness direction through a plurality of circumferential directions of an annular main body and a widthwise intermediate portion of the main body, A pocket (not including a needle) that can hold a roller (including a needle) so as to be able to roll is provided on each inner side.
In particular, in the roller bearing retainer of the present invention, each pocket includes at least one retaining piece. Each of these retaining pieces is either one of the circumferential edges of each pocket (a pair of side edges facing each other in the circumferential direction of the main body among the inner circumferential edges of each pocket). Are bent in the thickness direction of the main body from the side edge in the circumferential direction of the main body, and each tip side portion is provided in a state of protruding inside the pocket in the circumferential direction. The retaining pieces guide the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers held inside the pockets by the inner side surfaces of the respective tip side portions, so that the respective rollers have both ends of the pockets. It is possible to prevent the respective retaining pieces of the opening from coming out to the outside through the bent side opening.
Further, in the case of the present invention, each of the pockets includes at least one of the one that is bent on one side in the thickness direction of the main body and the other that is bent on the other side as the retaining piece. In addition, those bent on either side of the pockets are provided only on one of the circumferential side edges of each pocket in the same direction.

When implementing such a roller bearing retainer of the present invention, for example, as in the invention described in claim 2, the main body is in the shape of a ring, and the width direction of the main body is the radial direction, The thickness direction of the main body is defined as the axial direction. And it is used by being incorporated in a thrust roller bearing.
Or like the invention described in Claim 3, while making the said main body cylindrical shape, let the width direction of this main body be an axial direction, and let the thickness direction of this main body be a radial direction. And it is used by incorporating it into a radial roller bearing.

Further, when carrying out the present invention, for example, as in the invention described in claims 4 to 5, each pocket is bent to one side in the thickness direction of the main body as the retaining piece, and Have both sides bend on the other side.
In this case, for example, as in the invention described in claim 4, both of them are provided on the circumferential side edges opposite to each other among the circumferential side edges of the pockets.
Alternatively, for example, as in the invention described in claim 5, the both are provided on the circumferential side edges on the same side among the circumferential side edges of the pockets.
Alternatively, unlike the inventions described in claims 4 to 5 described above, for example, as in the invention described in claim 6, each pocket is bent to one side in the thickness direction of the main body as the retaining piece. It is also possible to have only the thing provided.

In carrying out the present invention, preferably, the roller bearing retainer of the present invention is made of a single metal plate having elasticity, as in the seventh aspect of the present invention.
Further, when carrying out the invention described in claims 4 to 5 described above (however, only when claim 2 is cited), the main body is connected to the main body as in the invention described in claim 8. It is also possible to include two metal plates having elasticity and arranged in the thickness direction. In this case, among each of the retaining pieces, one bent in the thickness direction of the main body is formed by one of the two metal plates, and similarly bent in the other side. A thing is formed with the other metal plate.

According to the roller bearing cage of the present invention configured as described above, the operations of inserting the rollers into the pockets can be performed simultaneously.
That is, in the case of the roller bearing retainer of the present invention, the tip end side portion of the retaining piece is at least one of the opening on one side and the opening on the other side of each pocket. It protrudes.
Therefore, first, among the opening portion on one side and the opening portion on the other side of each pocket, the tip end side portion of the retaining piece protrudes, and into each pocket through the opening portion on either side. Consider the case where the rollers are inserted. In this case, these rollers are pushed into the respective pockets while expanding the circumferential width of the openings of the respective pockets by elastically deforming the front end portions of the respective retaining pieces. In this case, since the tip side portion of each retaining piece protrudes to the outside of each pocket, it can be elastically deformed independently of the main body of the roller bearing retainer. Therefore, in this case, even if all the operations for inserting the rollers into the pockets are performed at the same time, during insertion, the pockets between the pockets adjacent in the circumferential direction in the main body are inserted. The existing column portion does not stretch in the circumferential direction between the rollers. For this reason, all the operations for inserting the respective rollers into the respective pockets can be performed simultaneously without being obstructed by the respective column portions. In particular, in the case of the present invention, the tip side portion of the retaining piece protruding from the opening of each pocket is close to the circumferential side edge of either one of both circumferential edges of each opening. Placed only in position. For this reason, the operation of inserting the respective rollers into the respective pockets is performed by tilting each of the rollers obliquely from the other circumferential side edge of the circumferential side edges of the openings of the respective pockets. It will be done like pushing. As a result, it is possible to easily elastically deform the front end side portion of each retaining piece in the direction in which the circumferential width of each opening portion increases in accordance with the pushing. Therefore, workability when inserting the rollers into the pockets can be improved.
Next, the respective rollers are inserted into the respective pockets through the opening on the side where the front end side portion of the retaining piece does not protrude out of the opening on one side and the opening on the other side of each pocket. Think about the case. In this case, if the circumferential width of the opening on the side where the tip end portion of the retaining piece does not protrude has a size equal to or larger than the diameter of each roller at least in a free state, All the operations for inserting the rollers into the pocket can be performed simultaneously.

In the case of the roller bearing retainer of the present invention, the shape accuracy of each pocket can be improved even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to hold a short roller.
That is, in the case of the roller bearing retainer of the present invention, it is not necessary to bend the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the width direction, which is a portion forming the pockets, in the main body. Therefore, even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to hold the short roller, the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body can be formed in a desired shape. As a result, the shape accuracy of the pockets formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction can be improved.
In the case of the present invention, the length of the retaining piece in the width direction of the main body can be the same as the length of each pocket. For this reason, even when a roller having a short length is held, the length of the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of this roller and the inner surface of the tip side portion of the retaining piece can be sufficiently secured. Therefore, the posture of each roller in each pocket can be stabilized.

  Further, in the case of carrying out the present invention, if the configuration of the invention described in claim 8 is adopted, a retaining piece that is bent to one side in the thickness direction of the main body and a retaining piece that is also bent to the other side are separately provided. Since it is formed by a metal plate, it is possible to easily form each of the retaining pieces as compared with the case of forming by a single metal plate.

The perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. The a section enlarged view of FIG. The b arrow line view of FIG. Cc sectional drawing of FIG. The figure similar to FIG. 2 shown in the state before forming a retaining piece. The fragmentary perspective view shown in the state which hold | maintained the roller in each pocket. Dd sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. Ee sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 3rd example of embodiment of this invention. Ff sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 4th example of embodiment of this invention. Gg sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 5th example of embodiment of this invention in the state before superimposing the ring part of a pair of holder | retainer element. The figure equivalent to the hh cross section of FIG. 14 shown in the state after superimposing the ring parts of a pair of holder | retainer element. The partial perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 6th example of embodiment of this invention in the state assembled | attached to the bearing ring while holding a roller in each pocket. Ii sectional drawing of FIG. The figure seen from the right side of FIG. The perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 7th example of embodiment of this invention. The partial top view of the cage for thrust roller bearings conventionally known. Similarly half sectional drawing. FIG. 21 is an enlarged jj sectional view of FIG. 20.

[First example of embodiment]
FIGS. 1-7 has shown the 1st example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claim 1, 2, 4, 7. The roller bearing cage of this example is used by being incorporated in a thrust roller bearing, and is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity such as a steel plate to plastic working and punching. Such a roller bearing retainer of this example is in a state of penetrating through each of these portions in the axial direction at a plurality of circumferentially equidistant locations in the annular intermediate body 1a and the radial intermediate portion of the body 1a. It is provided with rectangular pockets 2a and 2a that are long in the radial direction. Inside these pockets 2a and 2a, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, cylindrical rollers 4 and 4 can be movably held. Moreover, the part between each pocket 2a, 2a adjacent to the circumferential direction in the radial direction intermediate part of the said main body 1a becomes the pillar part 5a, 5a.

  In the case of this example, retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. Of these retaining pieces 6a, 6b, one retaining piece 6a, 6a provided on one circumferential edge of each pocket 2a, 2a (left edge in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7) is In addition, each of the circumferential side folds from one side edge of the main body 1a to the one side in the axial direction (upper side in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7 and nearer side in FIG. 3), and each tip side portion is circumferentially related. It protrudes inside each of the pockets 2a, 2a. On the other hand, the other retaining pieces 6b and 6b provided on the other circumferential edge of each pocket 2a and 2a (the right edge in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7) are provided in the circumferential direction. While bending from the other side edge to the other side in the axial direction of the main body 1a (the lower side in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7 and the back side in FIG. 3), the respective front end portions are each pocket 2a in the circumferential direction. 2a protrudes inside. That is, with respect to the axial direction of the main body 1a, the leading end portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b protruding outside the pockets 2a and 2a are moved toward the leading end side of the pockets 2a and 2a. Inclined in the direction toward the center in the circumferential direction. Further, in the case of this example, the rollers 4 and 4 (FIGS. 6 to 7) of the rollers 4 and 4 (FIGS. 6 to 7) in which the inner side surfaces of the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are held in the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. The concave surface is a partial cylindrical shape that is inclined in the same direction as the moving surface. At the same time, the radius of curvature of the concave surface is the same as or slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the rolling surface.

  When making the roller bearing retainer of the present example having the above-described configuration, after punching a metal plate as a material and making the annular body 1a, or simultaneously with making the body 1a, H-shaped through-holes 7 and 7 as shown in FIG. 5 are formed at a plurality of equally spaced circumferential positions of the main body 1a. Along with the formation of the through holes 7 and 7, a pair of rectangular tongue pieces 8a and 8b facing each other in the circumferential direction are formed at a plurality of equally spaced circumferential positions on the main body 1a. . Thereafter, each of the pair of tongue pieces 8a and 8b, one tongue piece 8a is bent in one axial direction, bending is performed by pressing, and the other tongue piece 8b is bent in the other axial direction. Bending by press. As a result, the pair of tongue pieces 8a and 8b are used as the pair of retaining pieces 6a and 6b, respectively, and between the pair of retaining pieces 6a and 6b, respectively, Pockets 2a and 2a are formed.

  When the roller bearing retainer of the present example having the above-described configuration is used, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the rollers 4 and 4 are held in the pockets 2a and 2a so as to be freely rollable. Thus, each of the rollers 4 and 4 is sandwiched between a pair of raceway surfaces parallel to each other, each of which is an annular plane. In this case, when inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a, as shown in the order of “chain line state” → “solid line state” in FIG. The pockets 2a and 2a are pushed through the openings on one side (or the other side) of the pocket 2a. This pushing operation is performed by elastically deforming the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) in the direction of arrow A (or B), so that the circumferential width of the opening on the one side (or the other side) is reduced. It is performed while expanding. When the rollers 4 and 4 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 in this manner, the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 and the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided. Based on the engagement with the side surfaces, the rollers 4 and 4 are prevented from coming out of the pockets 2a and 2a. Moreover, in the state at the time of use mentioned above, the displacement of the axial direction of the said roller bearing retainer with respect to each said roller 4 and 4 is suppressed based on the said engagement. That is, the roller bearing retainer is positioned in the axial direction by so-called roller guidance. However, the leading edges of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b do not protrude outwardly with respect to the axial direction of the roller bearing retainer from the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4.

  Further, according to the roller bearing cage of this example as described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a can be performed from the opening on one side of the pockets 2a and 2a. Whether it is performed or from the opening on the other side, all can be performed simultaneously. In other words, as described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed on the tip side portion of the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) as shown in FIG. This is performed while elastically deforming in the direction of the arrow A (or B). Here, since the tip side portion of the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) protrudes outside the pockets 2a and 2a, it can be elastically deformed independently of the main body 1a. it can. Therefore, in the case of this example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed simultaneously through the openings on one side (or the other side) of the pockets 2a and 2a. However, at the time of insertion, the column portions 5a and 5a constituting the main body 1a do not stretch in the circumferential direction between the rollers 4 and 4. For this reason, all the operations of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a can be performed simultaneously without being obstructed by the pillars 5a and 5a.

  In the case of this example, the tip side portion of the retaining piece 6a (or 6b) protruding from the opening on one side (or the other side) of the pockets 2a and 2a is the opening on the one side (or the other side). It is arrange | positioned only in the position which approached the circumferential direction one side (or other side) of the part. For this reason, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed by inserting the rollers 4 and 4 on one side of the pockets 2a and 2a (see FIG. 7). Alternatively, the opening is performed obliquely from the other side edge (or one side edge) in the circumferential direction of the opening on the other side. As a result, in accordance with this pushing, the tip side portion of each retaining piece 6a (or 6b) extends in the direction in which the circumferential width of the opening portion on each one side (or the other side) increases {the arrow a in FIG. It can be easily elastically deformed in the (or b) direction}. Accordingly, workability when inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a can be improved. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a, 6a (or 6b, 6b) protruding from the openings on the respective one side (or the other side) are both on the one side in the circumferential direction (or the other side). It is arranged at a position close to the side. For this reason, the direction in which the rollers 4 and 4 are obliquely pushed through the openings on the one side (or the other side) can be made to coincide with each other in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the workability | operativity at the time of inserting all the said rollers 4 and 4 simultaneously in each said pocket 2a and 2a can be improved.

  In the case of this example, the shape accuracy of each of the pockets 2a and 2a can be improved even when the length of each of the pockets 2a and 2a is shortened in order to hold the short roller. That is, in the case of this example, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the width direction, which is the portion forming the pockets 2a, 2a, of the main body 1a is not bent with respect to this width direction. Therefore, even when the lengths of the pockets 2a and 2a are shortened in order to hold the short rollers 4 and 4, the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body 1a can be formed in a desired shape. As a result, the shape accuracy of each of the pockets 2a and 2a formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body 1a can be improved.

  Further, in the case of this example, the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided on both side edges in the circumferential direction of the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. For this reason, the portion of the inner periphery of each pocket 2a, 2a that is in sliding contact with the rolling surface of each roller 4, 4 is not a sheared surface (rough surface) formed by punching, but each retainer It becomes the inner surface (smooth surface) of the pieces 6a, 6b. Accordingly, an oil film is easily formed on the sliding contact portion between the inner peripheral edge of each of the pockets 2a and 2a and the rolling surface of each of the rollers 4 and 4. As a result, the aggressiveness of the inner peripheral edge of each of the pockets 2a and 2a with respect to the rolling surfaces of these rollers 4 and 4 can be reduced.

  Further, in the case of this example, the lengths of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b in the radial direction of the main body 1a are set to be substantially the same as the lengths of the pockets 2a and 2a. For this reason, even when the rollers 4 and 4 having a short length are held, the length of the contact portion between the rolling surface of each of the rollers 4 and 4 and the inner surface of the tip side portion of each of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b. Can be secured sufficiently. Therefore, the posture of the rollers 4 and 4 in the pockets 2a and 2a can be stabilized.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
8 to 9 show a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, and 7. FIG. In the case of the roller bearing retainer of this example, the retaining pieces bent to the one axial side or the other side of the main body 1a only at the both radial ends of the circumferential edges of the pockets 2b and 2b, respectively. 6a ₁ and 6b ₁ are provided.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Third example of embodiment]
FIGS. 10-11 has shown the 3rd example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claim 1,2,4,7. In the case of the roller bearing cage of this example, the shafts of the main body 1a are respectively provided only at both ends in the radial direction of the circumferential one side edge of the pockets 2c and 2c and the radial intermediate portion of the other circumferential edge. The retaining pieces 6a ₁ and 6b ₂ bent in one direction or the other are provided.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[Fourth Example of Embodiment]
12 to 13 show a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, 5 and 7. FIG. In the case of the roller bearing retainer of this example, retaining pieces 6a ₁ and 6a ₁ bent at one axial side of the main body 1a are provided at both ends in the radial direction of the circumferential one side edges of the pockets 2d and 2d. Similarly, a retaining piece 6b ₂ bent in the other axial direction is provided at the radially intermediate portion. In the case of this example, no retaining piece is provided on the other circumferential edge of each of the pockets 2d, 2d.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[Fifth Example of Embodiment]
14 to 15 show a fifth example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, and 8. FIG. The roller bearing cage of the present example, in a completed state, has substantially the same configuration as the roller bearing cage of the first example shown in FIGS. However, the roller bearing cage of the first example described above is made of one metal plate, whereas the roller bearing cage of this example is made of two metal plates. Yes. That is, the roller bearing cage of this example is configured by combining a pair of cage elements 9a and 9b, each made of a metal plate having elasticity such as a steel plate.

  These two retainer elements 9a, 9b are similar to the roller bearing retainer of the first example described above in the axial direction as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, respectively. It has such a shape that it is divided (divided into two at the center in the thickness direction of the main body 1a). Both of these cage elements 9a and 9b are respectively circular portions 10a and 10b and rectangular transparent holes which are provided at a plurality of circumferentially equidistant positions in the circular portions 10a and 10b. And holes 11a and 11b. Further, one cage element 9a includes retaining pieces 6a and 6a that are bent to one axial side at the circumferential one side edges of the through holes 11a and 11a, respectively. On the other hand, the other cage element 9b is provided with retaining pieces 6b, 6b bent at the other axial ends on the other circumferential edges of the through holes 11b, 11b, respectively.

  When the roller bearing retainer of this example is completed by combining both the retainer elements 9a and 9b, the retaining pieces 6a, The side surfaces on the side where 6b does not protrude are overlapped with each other, and the through holes 11a and 11b provided in the two annular portions 10a and 10b are aligned with each other. Then, in this state, by applying spot welding to a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the two annular portions 10a, 10b, or a tongue piece formed on a part of the peripheral portion of one annular portion is the other circle. The cage elements 9a and 9b are coupled and fixed to each other by caulking to the peripheral edge of the ring portion. Thus, the main body 1b is constituted by the two annular portions 10a, 10b, and the pocket 2e is constituted by the pair of through holes 11a, 11b.

In the case of the roller bearing cage of the present example configured as described above, the retaining pieces 6a and 6a that are bent to one side in the thickness direction of the main body 1b and the retaining pieces 6b and 6b that are also bent to the other side are provided. Since these are formed by separate metal plates, each of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming by one metal plate. In this example, for the sake of convenience, the description of the two retainer elements 9a and 9b has been made using different symbols, but the two retainer elements 9a and 9b are a pair of parts having the same shape. It is.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[Sixth Example of Embodiment]
FIGS. 16-18 has shown the 6th example of embodiment of this invention corresponding to Claim 1,2,6,7. In the case of the roller bearing retainer of this example, retaining pieces 6a and 6a bent on one axial side of the main body 1a are provided only on one circumferential edge of each pocket 2f and 2f. There are no retaining pieces on the other side edge in the direction.

  Also, in the case of the roller bearing cage of this example, in use, the rollers 4 and 4 are respectively circularly held in the pockets 2f and 2f in a state where the rollers 4 and 4 are rotatably held. A ring-shaped plane, which is sandwiched between a pair of raceways parallel to each other, one of the raceways is used as one side surface of an annular portion 13 constituting the raceway ring 12 as shown. . The race 12 includes a cylindrical portion 14 that is bent at a right angle from the inner peripheral edge portion of the circular ring portion 13 toward one side in the axial direction. A caulking portion 15 that is bent toward the outer diameter side is formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 14 in a state where the roller bearing retainer of the present example is loosely fitted on the cylindrical portion 14. In the state shown in the drawing, the roller bearing retainer of this example moves to one axial side (the upper side in FIGS. 16 to 18) based on the engagement between the caulking portion 15 and the inner peripheral edge portion of the main body 1 a. The displacement is restricted, and the other side in the axial direction (FIGS. 16 to 18) based on the engagement between the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 and the inner surface of the tip side portion of the retaining pieces 6a and 6a. The displacement to the lower side is regulated.

In the case of this example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2f and 2f is performed by combining the bearing ring 12 and the roller bearing cage with each other by forming the caulking portion 15. After that, it is performed through the opening on one axial side of each of the pockets 2f and 2f. In the case of this example, among the openings at both ends of each pocket 2f, 2f, the retaining piece does not protrude inward in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential width of the opening on the other side in the axial direction is in a free state. And has a size slightly larger than the diameter of each of the rollers 4 and 4. For this reason, in the case of this example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2f and 2f is performed in a state before the race 12 and the roller bearing retainer are combined with each other. It can also be performed through the opening on the other axial side of 2f. The insertion work at this time can be performed at the same time.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[Seventh example of embodiment]
FIG. 19 shows a seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to the first, third, sixth and seventh aspects. The roller bearing cage of this example is used by being incorporated in a radial roller bearing, and is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity, such as a steel plate, to plastic working and punching. Such a roller bearing retainer of this example has a cylindrical main body 1c and a plurality of circumferentially equidistant positions in the axially intermediate portion of the main body 1c in a state of passing through each of these positions in the radial direction. Provided are rectangular pockets 2g and 2g which are long in the axial direction. Inside each of these pockets 2g and 2g, cylindrical rollers can be rotatably held. Further, at the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the main body 1c, the portion between the pockets 2g and 2g adjacent in the circumferential direction is a column portion 5b and 5b. Further, in the case of this example, retaining pieces 6c and 6c that are bent toward the inner diameter side of the main body 1c are provided only on one circumferential edge of each of the pockets 2g and 2g, and also on the other circumferential edge. Does not have a retaining piece.

When using the roller bearing retainer of the present example having the above-described configuration, each of the rollers is a cylindrical surface in a state in which the rollers are rotatably held in the pockets 2g and 2g. It is sandwiched between both outer diameter side and inner diameter side raceway surfaces. In the case of this example, the roller insertion operation into each of the pockets 2g and 2g is performed in the state where the roller bearing retainer is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side raceway surface and the inner diameters of the pockets 2g and 2g. Through the opening on the side. In the case of this example, among the openings at both ends of each pocket 2g, 2g, the retaining piece does not protrude in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential width of the opening on the outer diameter side is in a free state. It has a dimension slightly larger than the diameter of each roller. For this reason, in the case of this example, the operation of inserting the rollers into the pockets 2g and 2g is performed in the state before the roller bearing retainer is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side raceway surface. It can also be carried out through openings on the outer diameter side of 2g and 2g. In any case, all the operations of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2g and 2g can be performed simultaneously.
Except for the point that the shape of the cage has changed from an annular shape to a cylindrical shape, the basic structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example shown in FIGS. The description is omitted.

In carrying out the present invention, for example, the structure of the second example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 9 described above, the structure of the third example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. Even in the structure of the fourth example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 13 described above, in the same manner as in the case of the fifth example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It can also be made from a metal plate.
In the case of carrying out the present invention, not only a retaining piece bent to the inner diameter side but also a retaining piece bent to the outer diameter side can be provided for the radial roller bearing retainer.

1,1a~1c body 2,2a~2g pocket 3a~3c engagement projection 4 rollers 5, 5a, 5b pillar portions _{6a, 6b, 6a 1, 6b} 1, 6b 2, 6c retaining piece 7 holes 8a, 8b Tongue piece 9a, 9b Cage element 10a, 10b Ring part 11a, 11b Through hole 12 Race ring 13 Ring part 14 Cylindrical part 15 Caulking part

The present invention relates to a cage constituting a thrust roller bearing incorporated in a rotation support portion of various machine devices such as an automobile transmission and a machine tool, and an improvement of a manufacturing method thereof .

  20 to 22 show an example of a cage for a thrust roller bearing which is described in Patent Document 1 and the like and is widely known in the past. This cage is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity, such as a steel plate, to plastic working and punching. Such a cage is formed in an annular shape as a whole, and has a main body 1 whose cross-sectional shape is bent with respect to the radial direction, and a plurality of circumferentially equidistant portions of the central portion of the main body 1. It is provided with rectangular pockets 2 and 2 that are long in the radial direction and are provided so as to penetrate the portion in the axial direction. Of a pair of circumferential side edges facing each other in the circumferential direction of the main body 1 among the inner peripheral edges of the pockets 2 and 2, a radial intermediate portion approaching one axial side, an axial direction, and the like In a state where the engaging protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c are slightly protruded in the circumferential direction toward the inside of the pockets 2, 2 as compared with the other parts, respectively, at the portions closer to both ends in the radial direction that are closer to the side. Provided. The intervals between the engaging projections 3a, 3b, 3c provided on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2 and 2 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 so as to be freely rollable in a free state. The outer diameter of the power rollers 4 and 4 is slightly smaller. Further, at the intermediate portion in the radial direction of the main body 1, the portions between the pockets 2 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are column portions 5 and 5.

  When the cage having the above-described configuration is used, each of the rollers 4 and 4 is in a ring shape in a state where the rollers 4 and 4 are rotatably held in the pockets 2 and 2. It is sandwiched between a pair of parallel orbital surfaces which are planes. In this case, when the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted into the pockets 2 and 2, the rollers 4 and 4 are elastically spaced from each other in the circumferential direction between the column portions 5 and 5. It is pushed into the pockets 2 and 2 while expanding. When the rollers 4 and 4 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 in this manner, the engagement protrusions 3a, 3b and 3c are engaged with the outer peripheral surface which is the rolling surface of the rollers 4 and 4, respectively. In combination, the rollers 4 and 4 are prevented from coming out of the pockets 2 and 2. Moreover, in the state at the time of use mentioned above, the axial displacement of the said holder | retainer with respect to each said roller 4 and 4 is suppressed by the said engagement. That is, the positioning of the cage in the axial direction is achieved by so-called roller guidance.

  In the case of the conventional cage described above, if the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2 and 2 is to be performed at the same time, the column parts 5 and 5 are Since the rollers 4 and 4 are stretched in the circumferential direction, the interval between the column portions 5 and 5 adjacent in the circumferential direction cannot be expanded elastically by a sufficient amount. Therefore, in the case of the conventional cage described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2 and 2 cannot be performed at the same time. Therefore, conventionally, when the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted into the pockets 2 and 2, the rollers are inserted into the even-numbered pockets 2 and 2 arranged in the circumferential direction. 4 and 4 are inserted at the same time, and then the rollers 4 and 4 are simultaneously inserted into the odd-numbered pockets 2 and 2 (first method), and the pockets 2 and 2 are rotated while the cage is rotated. In general, one of the methods (second method) in which the rollers 4 and 4 are inserted one by one in order is adopted.

  However, when the first method is adopted, when the total number of the pockets 2 and 2 is an odd number, the pockets 2 and 2 are adjacent to each other at one place in the circumferential direction. It is necessary to insert the rollers 4 and 4 simultaneously. In this case, at the time of insertion, one pillar portion 5 existing between the two pockets 2 and 2 is in a state of stretching in the circumferential direction between the rollers 4 and 4. Therefore, with the insertion, there is a possibility that the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 are damaged. On the other hand, when the second method is adopted, it is necessary to rotate the cage once until the rollers 4 and 4 are completely inserted into all the pockets 2 and 2. . For this reason, the time required for the insertion operation becomes longer as the diameter dimension of the target cage increases (the total number of pockets increases). Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is desired to realize a structure in which the operations for inserting each roller into each pocket can be performed simultaneously.

  Further, in the case of the above-described conventional cage, in order to provide the engaging protrusions 3a, 3b, 3c on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2, 2, the radial intermediate portion of the main body 1 is provided. The cross-sectional shape of the portion (where the pockets 2 and 2 are formed) is bent with respect to the radial direction. However, in the case of the cage having such a configuration, in order to hold the rollers 4 and 4 having a short length, when the length of each of the pockets 2 and 2 is shortened, the intermediate portion in the radial direction of the main body 1 is used. It becomes difficult to bend the cross-sectional shape of the portion as desired, and as a result, it becomes difficult to improve the shape accuracy of the pockets 2 and 2.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-55322

In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention relates to the structure of a thrust roller bearing retainer that can prevent the rollers held in a plurality of pockets from being removed. Invented to realize a structure capable of improving the shape accuracy of each pocket even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to hold a roller having a short length and a manufacturing method thereof . Is.

The roller bearing retainer of the present invention is made of a metal plate having elasticity, and is provided in a state of penetrating in the thickness direction through a plurality of circumferential directions of an annular main body and a widthwise intermediate portion of the main body, A pocket (not including a needle) that can hold a roller (including a needle) so as to be able to roll is provided on each inner side.
In particular, in the roller bearing retainer of the present invention, each pocket includes at least one retaining piece. Each of these retaining pieces is either one of the circumferential edges of each pocket (a pair of side edges facing each other in the circumferential direction of the main body among the inner circumferential edges of each pocket). Are bent in the thickness direction of the main body from the side edge in the circumferential direction of the main body, and each tip side portion is provided in a state of protruding inside the pocket in the circumferential direction. Further, each retaining piece is formed on the basis of the engagement between the inner side surface of each tip end portion and the outer peripheral surface of each roller held inside each pocket. It is possible to prevent the slip-off preventing pieces from coming out to the outside through the opening on the bent side.
Further, in the case of the present invention, each of the pockets includes at least one of the one that is bent on one side in the thickness direction of the main body and the other that is bent on the other side as the retaining piece. In addition, those bent on either side of the pockets are provided only on one of the circumferential side edges of each pocket in the same direction.

The roller bearing cage of the present invention is a thrust roller bearing cage , wherein the main body is in the shape of a ring, the width direction of the main body is set to the radial direction, and the thickness direction of the main body is set to the axial direction. And And it is used by being incorporated in a thrust roller bearing.
Alternatively, although not included in the technical scope of the present invention, the main body is cylindrical, the width direction of the main body is set to the axial direction, and the thickness direction of the main body is set to the radial direction, which is incorporated in the radial roller bearing. It can also be used.

Further, the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention includes both the one bent in the thickness direction of the main body and the one bent in the other side as the retaining pieces in the pockets. obtain Bei the.
Then, those of both, of the circumferential side edges of each pocket, Ru Tei provided in the circumferential direction side edge opposite to each other.
Or although it remove | deviates from the technical scope of this invention, both said things can also be provided in the circumferential direction side edge of the mutually same side among the circumferential direction both side edges of each said pocket.
Or although it remove | deviates from the technical scope of this invention , each said pocket can be made to equip only the thing bent in the thickness direction one side of the said main body, respectively.

Further, when the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention (and the roller bearing retainer deviating from the technical scope of the present invention described above) is carried out, it is preferable that these roller bearing retainers be elastic. It can be made from a single metal plate.
Further, when the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention (and the above-mentioned thrust roller bearing retainer out of the technical scope of the present invention having both of them as the retaining piece) is implemented. to the pre-Symbol body, which are disposed so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the body, it can also be configured to include two metal plates having elasticity. In this case, among each of the retaining pieces, one bent in the thickness direction of the main body is formed by one of the two metal plates, and similarly bent in the other side. A thing is formed with the other metal plate.

Further, the thrust roller bearing retainer that is the object of the manufacturing method of the present invention is made of a metal plate having elasticity, and an annular main body and a plurality of circumferential portions of the main body in the radial direction are axially arranged. Provided in a state of penetrating the roller, and a pocket for allowing the roller to freely roll and hold inside.
Such a method for manufacturing a thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention comprises a punching process and a pressing process.
Of these, the punching process is performed by punching a metal plate as a raw material to make a ring-shaped main body, or at the same time as making this main body, and at the same time in the circumferential direction of this main body at a plurality of equally spaced locations in the H-shape. By forming the through holes, a pair of rectangular tongues each facing in the circumferential direction are formed.
In the pressing step, after the punching step, the pair of rectangular tongue pieces are each bent one tongue piece in the axial direction, and subjected to bending by pressing, and the other tongue piece. Is bent by the press. Thereby, the pockets are formed. At the same time, each of the pockets bends from one circumferential edge on each circumferential side to the one axial side of the main body, and each of the front end portions protrudes to the inside of each pocket with respect to the circumferential direction. Each of the pockets is bent from the other side edge in the circumferential direction to the other side in the axial direction of the main body, and the tip end portion of each pocket is the other retaining piece protruding inside the pocket with respect to the circumferential direction. Form.

According to the thrust roller bearing cage of the present invention configured as described above, the operations of inserting the rollers into the pockets can be performed at the same time.
That is, in the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention, the tip end portion of the retaining piece protrudes from the opening on one side and the opening on the other side of each pocket.
Therefore, among the previous SL side of the opening and the other side of the opening of each pocket, something Re or through an opening in the one side, we consider the case of inserting the respective rollers in said respective pockets. In this case, these rollers are pushed into the respective pockets while expanding the circumferential width of the openings of the respective pockets by elastically deforming the front end portions of the respective retaining pieces. In this case, since the tip side portion of each retaining piece protrudes to the outside of each pocket, it can be elastically deformed independently of the main body of the thrust roller bearing retainer. Therefore, in this case, even if all the operations for inserting the rollers into the pockets are performed at the same time, during insertion, the pockets between the pockets adjacent in the circumferential direction in the main body are inserted. The existing column portion does not stretch in the circumferential direction between the rollers. For this reason, all the operations for inserting the respective rollers into the respective pockets can be performed simultaneously without being obstructed by the respective column portions. In particular, in the case of the present invention, the tip side portion of the retaining piece protruding from the opening of each pocket is close to the circumferential side edge of either one of both circumferential edges of each opening. Placed only in position. For this reason, the operation of inserting the respective rollers into the respective pockets is performed by tilting each of the rollers obliquely from the other circumferential side edge of the circumferential side edges of the openings of the respective pockets. It will be done like pushing. As a result, it is possible to easily elastically deform the front end side portion of each retaining piece in the direction in which the circumferential width of each opening portion increases in accordance with the pushing. Therefore, workability when inserting the rollers into the pockets can be improved .

In the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer according to the present invention, the shape accuracy of each pocket can be improved even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to retain the short roller.
That is, in the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present invention, it is not necessary to bend the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the width direction, which is the portion forming the pockets, in the main body. Therefore, even when the length of each pocket is shortened in order to hold the short roller, the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body can be formed in a desired shape. As a result, the shape accuracy of the pockets formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction can be improved.
In the case of the present invention, the length of the retaining piece in the width direction of the main body can be the same as the length of each pocket. For this reason, even when a roller having a short length is held, the length of the contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of this roller and the inner surface of the tip side portion of the retaining piece can be sufficiently secured. Therefore, the posture of each roller in each pocket can be stabilized.

The perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 1st example of embodiment of this invention. The a section enlarged view of FIG. The b arrow line view of FIG. Cc sectional drawing of FIG. The figure similar to FIG. 2 shown in the state before forming a retaining piece. The fragmentary perspective view shown in the state which hold | maintained the roller in each pocket. Dd sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. Ee sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 3rd example of embodiment of this invention. Ff sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 1st example of the reference example relevant to this invention. Gg sectional drawing of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 4th example of embodiment of this invention in the state before superimposing the ring part of a pair of holder | retainer element. The figure equivalent to the hh cross section of FIG. 14 shown in the state after superimposing the ring parts of a pair of holder | retainer element. The partial perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 2nd example of the reference example relevant to this invention in the state assembled | attached to the bearing ring while holding a roller in each pocket. Ii sectional drawing of FIG. The figure seen from the right side of FIG. The perspective view which shows the holder | retainer of the 3rd example of the reference example relevant to this invention. The partial top view of the cage for thrust roller bearings conventionally known. Similarly half sectional drawing. FIG. 21 is an enlarged jj sectional view of FIG. 20.

[First example of embodiment]
1 to 7 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention. The thrust roller bearing cage of this example is used by being incorporated in a thrust roller bearing, and is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity, such as a steel plate, to plastic working and punching. . The thrust roller bearing retainer of this example has a ring-shaped main body 1a and a state in which these portions are penetrated in the axial direction at a plurality of circumferentially equidistant positions in the radial intermediate portion of the main body 1a. The rectangular pockets 2a and 2a that are long in the radial direction are provided. Inside these pockets 2a and 2a, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, cylindrical rollers 4 and 4 can be movably held. Moreover, the part between each pocket 2a, 2a adjacent to the circumferential direction in the radial direction intermediate part of the said main body 1a becomes the pillar part 5a, 5a.

  In the case of this example, retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided on both circumferential edges of the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. Of these retaining pieces 6a, 6b, one retaining piece 6a, 6a provided on one circumferential edge of each pocket 2a, 2a (left edge in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7) is In addition, each of the circumferential side folds from one side edge of the main body 1a to the one side in the axial direction (upper side in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7 and nearer side in FIG. 3), and each tip side portion is circumferentially related. It protrudes inside each of the pockets 2a, 2a. On the other hand, the other retaining pieces 6b and 6b provided on the other circumferential edge of each pocket 2a and 2a (the right edge in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7) are provided in the circumferential direction. While bending from the other side edge to the other side in the axial direction of the main body 1a (the lower side in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7 and the back side in FIG. 3), the respective front end portions are each pocket 2a in the circumferential direction. 2a protrudes inside. That is, with respect to the axial direction of the main body 1a, the leading end portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b protruding outside the pockets 2a and 2a are moved toward the leading end side of the pockets 2a and 2a. Inclined in the direction toward the center in the circumferential direction. Further, in the case of this example, the rollers 4 and 4 (FIGS. 6 to 7) of the rollers 4 and 4 (FIGS. 6 to 7) in which the inner side surfaces of the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are held in the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. The concave surface is a partial cylindrical shape that is inclined in the same direction as the moving surface. At the same time, the radius of curvature of the concave surface is the same as or slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the rolling surface.

In the case of making the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present example having the above-described configuration, a metal plate as a material is punched out to make the annular body 1a or simultaneously with making the body 1a. H-shaped through holes 7 and 7 as shown in FIG. 5 are formed at a plurality of equally spaced circumferential positions of the main body 1a. Along with the formation of the through holes 7 and 7, a pair of rectangular tongue pieces 8a and 8b facing each other in the circumferential direction are formed at a plurality of equally spaced circumferential positions on the main body 1a. . Thereafter, each of the pair of tongue pieces 8a and 8b, one tongue piece 8a is bent in one axial direction, bending is performed by pressing, and the other tongue piece 8b is bent in the other axial direction. Bending by press. As a result, the pair of tongue pieces 8a and 8b are used as the pair of retaining pieces 6a and 6b, respectively, and between the pair of retaining pieces 6a and 6b, respectively, Pockets 2a and 2a are formed.

When the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present example having the above-described configuration is used, the rollers 4 and 4 are rotatably held in the pockets 2a and 2a as shown in FIGS. In this state, each of the rollers 4 and 4 is sandwiched between a pair of track surfaces parallel to each other, each of which is an annular plane. In this case, when inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a, as shown in the order of “chain line state” → “solid line state” in FIG. The pockets 2a and 2a are pushed through the openings on one side (or the other side) of the pocket 2a. This pushing operation is performed by elastically deforming the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) in the direction of arrow A (or B), so that the circumferential width of the opening on the one side (or the other side) is reduced. It is performed while expanding. When the rollers 4 and 4 are held in the pockets 2 and 2 in this manner, the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 and the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided. Based on the engagement with the side surfaces, the rollers 4 and 4 are prevented from coming out of the pockets 2a and 2a. Moreover, in the state at the time of use mentioned above, based on the said engagement, the displacement of the axial direction of the said retainer for thrust roller bearings with respect to each said roller 4 and 4 is suppressed. That is, the axial positioning of the thrust roller bearing retainer is achieved by so-called roller guides. However, the tip edges of the retaining pieces 6a, 6b do not protrude outwardly with respect to the axial direction of the thrust roller bearing retainer than the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4, 4.

Further, according to the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present example as described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed by opening one side of the pockets 2a and 2a. This can be done all at the same time, whether from the other side or from the opening on the other side. In other words, as described above, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed on the tip side portion of the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) as shown in FIG. This is performed while elastically deforming in the direction of the arrow A (or B). Here, since the tip side portion of the one (or the other) retaining piece 6a (or 6b) protrudes outside the pockets 2a and 2a, it can be elastically deformed independently of the main body 1a. it can. Therefore, in the case of this example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed simultaneously through the openings on one side (or the other side) of the pockets 2a and 2a. However, at the time of insertion, the column portions 5a and 5a constituting the main body 1a do not stretch in the circumferential direction between the rollers 4 and 4. For this reason, all the operations of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a can be performed simultaneously without being obstructed by the pillars 5a and 5a.

  In the case of this example, the tip side portion of the retaining piece 6a (or 6b) protruding from the opening on one side (or the other side) of the pockets 2a and 2a is the opening on the one side (or the other side). It is arrange | positioned only in the position which approached the circumferential direction one side (or other side) of the part. For this reason, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a is performed by inserting the rollers 4 and 4 on one side of the pockets 2a and 2a (see FIG. 7). Alternatively, the opening is performed obliquely from the other side edge (or one side edge) in the circumferential direction of the opening on the other side. As a result, in accordance with this pushing, the tip side portion of each retaining piece 6a (or 6b) extends in the direction in which the circumferential width of the opening portion on each one side (or the other side) increases {the arrow a in FIG. It can be easily elastically deformed in the (or b) direction}. Accordingly, workability when inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2a and 2a can be improved. Furthermore, in the case of this example, the tip side portions of the retaining pieces 6a, 6a (or 6b, 6b) protruding from the openings on the respective one side (or the other side) are both on the one side in the circumferential direction (or the other side). It is arranged at a position close to the side. For this reason, the direction in which the rollers 4 and 4 are obliquely pushed through the openings on the one side (or the other side) can be made to coincide with each other in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the workability | operativity at the time of inserting all the said rollers 4 and 4 simultaneously in each said pocket 2a and 2a can be improved.

  In the case of this example, the shape accuracy of each of the pockets 2a and 2a can be improved even when the length of each of the pockets 2a and 2a is shortened in order to hold the short roller. That is, in the case of this example, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion in the width direction, which is the portion forming the pockets 2a, 2a, of the main body 1a is not bent with respect to this width direction. Therefore, even when the lengths of the pockets 2a and 2a are shortened in order to hold the short rollers 4 and 4, the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body 1a can be formed in a desired shape. As a result, the shape accuracy of each of the pockets 2a and 2a formed in the intermediate portion in the width direction of the main body 1a can be improved.

  Further, in the case of this example, the retaining pieces 6a and 6b are provided on both side edges in the circumferential direction of the pockets 2a and 2a, respectively. For this reason, the portion of the inner periphery of each pocket 2a, 2a that is in sliding contact with the rolling surface of each roller 4, 4 is not a sheared surface (rough surface) formed by punching, but each retainer It becomes the inner surface (smooth surface) of the pieces 6a, 6b. Accordingly, an oil film is easily formed on the sliding contact portion between the inner peripheral edge of each of the pockets 2a and 2a and the rolling surface of each of the rollers 4 and 4. As a result, the aggressiveness of the inner peripheral edge of each of the pockets 2a and 2a with respect to the rolling surfaces of these rollers 4 and 4 can be reduced.

  Further, in the case of this example, the lengths of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b in the radial direction of the main body 1a are set to be substantially the same as the lengths of the pockets 2a and 2a. For this reason, even when the rollers 4 and 4 having a short length are held, the length of the contact portion between the rolling surface of each of the rollers 4 and 4 and the inner surface of the tip side portion of each of the retaining pieces 6a and 6b. Can be secured sufficiently. Therefore, the posture of the rollers 4 and 4 in the pockets 2a and 2a can be stabilized.

[Second Example of Embodiment]
8 to 9 show a second example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the case of the retainer for the thrust roller bearing of this example, only the both ends in the radial direction of the circumferential edges of the respective pockets 2b and 2b are prevented from being bent to one side or the other side of the main body 1a. The pieces 6a ₁ and 6b ₁ are provided.
Since the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[Third example of embodiment]
10 to 11 show a third example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of this example, each of the pockets 2c and 2c has a main body 1a only at both ends in the radial direction on one side edge in the circumferential direction and on the middle portion in the other side edge in the circumferential direction. The retaining pieces 6a ₁ and 6b ₂ which are bent on one side or the other side in the axial direction are provided.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[ First example of reference example ]
12-13 has shown the 1st example of the reference example relevant to this invention. In the case of the cage for the thrust roller bearing of this reference example, the retaining pieces 6a ₁ and 6a ₁ bent at the one end in the axial direction of the main body 1a at both ends in the radial direction of the circumferential one side edges of the pockets 2d and 2d. Are similarly provided at the radially intermediate portion with retaining pieces 6b ₂ bent in the other axial direction. In the case of this reference example, no retaining piece is provided on the other circumferential edge of each of the pockets 2d, 2d.
Since the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

[ Fourth Example of Embodiment]
14 to 15 show a fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention. The thrust roller bearing cage of the present example, in a completed state, has substantially the same configuration as the thrust roller bearing cage of the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. However, the thrust roller bearing retainer of the first example of the above-described embodiment is made of one metal plate, whereas the thrust roller bearing retainer of this example is composed of two metals. It is made from a board. That is, the thrust roller bearing retainer of this example is configured by combining a pair of retainer elements 9a and 9b, each made of a metal plate having elasticity such as a steel plate.

These two retainer elements 9a and 9b are the same as the thrust roller bearing retainer of the first example of the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 14 before the combination and in FIG. 15, respectively. It has a shape such that it is divided into two equal parts in the axial direction (divided into two at the center in the thickness direction of the body 1a). Both of these cage elements 9a and 9b are respectively circular portions 10a and 10b and rectangular transparent holes which are provided at a plurality of circumferentially equidistant positions in the circular portions 10a and 10b. And holes 11a and 11b. Further, one cage element 9a includes retaining pieces 6a and 6a that are bent to one axial side at the circumferential one side edges of the through holes 11a and 11a, respectively. On the other hand, the other cage element 9b is provided with retaining pieces 6b, 6b bent at the other axial ends on the other circumferential edges of the through holes 11b, 11b, respectively.

When the thrust roller bearing retainer of this example is completed by combining both the retainer elements 9a and 9b, the retaining pieces 6a on both side surfaces of the annular portions 10a and 10b. , 6b are overlapped in a state where the side surfaces on which the side does not protrude are brought into contact with each other, and the through holes 11a, 11b provided in the two annular portions 10a, 10b are aligned with each other. Then, in this state, by applying spot welding to a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the two annular portions 10a, 10b, or a tongue piece formed on a part of the peripheral portion of one annular portion is the other circle. The cage elements 9a and 9b are coupled and fixed to each other by caulking to the peripheral edge of the ring portion. Thus, the main body 1b is constituted by the two annular portions 10a, 10b, and the pocket 2e is constituted by the pair of through holes 11a, 11b.

In the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present example configured as described above, the retaining pieces 6a and 6a that are bent to one side in the thickness direction of the main body 1b, and the retaining pieces 6b and 6b that are also bent to the other side, Are formed by separate metal plates, the retaining pieces 6a and 6b can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming by a single metal plate. In this example, for the sake of convenience, the description of the two retainer elements 9a and 9b has been made using different symbols, but the two retainer elements 9a and 9b are a pair of parts having the same shape. It is.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[ Second example of reference example ]
FIGS. 16-18 has shown the 2nd example of the reference example relevant to this invention. In the case of the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present reference example, retaining pieces 6a and 6a bent on one axial side of the main body 1a are provided only on one circumferential edge of each pocket 2f and 2f. A retaining piece is not provided on the other side edge in the circumferential direction.

Also, in the case of the thrust roller bearing cage of this reference example, in use, the rollers 4 and 4 are respectively held in the pockets 2f and 2f so as to be freely rollable. Is a ring-shaped plane, and is sandwiched between a pair of parallel raceways. One of the raceways is one side surface of the annular portion 13 constituting the race 12 as shown in the figure. And The race 12 includes a cylindrical portion 14 that is bent at a right angle from the inner peripheral edge portion of the circular ring portion 13 toward one side in the axial direction. Then, in the state where the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present reference example is loosely fitted to the cylindrical portion 14, a caulking portion 15 bent toward the outer diameter side is formed at the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 14. Yes. In the illustrated state, the thrust roller bearing retainer of the present reference example is axially one side (the upper side of FIGS. 16 to 18) based on the engagement between the caulking portion 15 and the inner peripheral edge portion of the main body 1 a. And the other side in the axial direction (FIG. 16) based on the engagement between the rolling surfaces of the rollers 4 and 4 and the inner surface of the tip side portion of the retaining pieces 6a and 6a. The displacement to the lower side of -18 is regulated.

Further, in the case of this reference example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2f and 2f is performed by forming the caulking portion 15 to connect the bearing ring 12 and the thrust roller bearing cage. After being combined with each other, it is performed through the opening on one axial side of each of the pockets 2f and 2f. In the case of this reference example, of the openings at both ends of each of the pockets 2f and 2f, the retaining piece does not protrude inward in the circumferential direction. In the state, it has a dimension slightly larger than the diameter of each of the rollers 4 and 4. For this reason, in the case of this reference example, the operation of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2f and 2f is performed in the state before the race ring 12 and the thrust roller bearing retainer are combined with each other. It can also be performed through the opening on the other axial side of the pockets 2f, 2f. The insertion work at this time can be performed at the same time.
Since the structure and operation of other parts are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 described above, overlapping illustrations and descriptions are omitted.

[ Third example of reference example ]
FIG. 19 shows a third example of the reference example related to the present invention. The roller bearing cage of this reference example is used by being incorporated in a radial roller bearing, and is integrally formed by subjecting one metal plate having elasticity, such as a steel plate, to plastic working and punching. . Such a roller bearing retainer of this reference example has a cylindrical main body 1c and a plurality of circumferentially equidistant positions in the axially intermediate portion of the main body 1c, each of which is penetrated in the radial direction. Provided with the rectangular pockets 2g and 2g which are long in the axial direction. Inside each of these pockets 2g and 2g, cylindrical rollers can be rotatably held. Further, at the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the main body 1c, the portion between the pockets 2g and 2g adjacent in the circumferential direction is a column portion 5b and 5b. In the case of this reference example, retaining pieces 6c and 6c bent on the inner diameter side of the main body 1c are provided only on one circumferential edge of each of the pockets 2g and 2g. Is not provided with a retaining piece.

When the roller bearing retainer of the present reference example having the above-described configuration is used, each of the rollers is a cylindrical surface in a state where the rollers are rotatably held in the pockets 2g and 2g. It is sandwiched between both outer diameter side and inner diameter side raceway surfaces. Further, in the case of this reference example, the roller insertion operation into each of the pockets 2g and 2g is performed with the roller bearing retainer disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side raceway surface. This is done through the opening on the inner diameter side. In the case of this reference example, among the openings at both ends of these pockets 2g and 2g, the retaining piece does not protrude in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential width of the opening on the outer diameter side is in a free state. And has a size slightly larger than the diameter of each roller. For this reason, in the case of this reference example, the operation of inserting the rollers into the pockets 2g and 2g is performed before the roller bearing retainer is disposed on the inner diameter side of the outer diameter side raceway surface. It can also be performed through the openings on the outer diameter side of the pockets 2g and 2g. In any case, all the operations of inserting the rollers 4 and 4 into the pockets 2g and 2g can be performed simultaneously.
The basic structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 except that the shape of the cage is changed from an annular shape to a cylindrical shape. The overlapping illustrations and explanations are omitted.

In carrying out the present invention, for example, the structure of the second example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 9 described above, the structure of the third example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. Even in the structure of the first example of the reference example shown in FIGS. 12 to 13, the two metals are formed in the same manner as in the case of the fourth example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It can also be made from a board.
Further, when the structure of the reference example related to the present invention is carried out, regarding the retainer for the radial roller bearing, not only a retaining piece bent on the inner diameter side but also a retaining piece bent on the outer diameter side may be provided. it can.

1,1a~1c body 2,2a~2g pocket 3a~3c engagement projection 4 rollers 5, 5a, 5b pillar portions _{6a, 6b, 6a 1, 6b} 1, 6b 2, 6c retaining piece 7 holes 8a, 8b Tongue piece 9a, 9b Cage element 10a, 10b Ring part 11a, 11b Through hole 12 Race ring 13 Ring part 14 Cylindrical part 15 Caulking part

Claims (8)

An annular main body, and a pocket that is provided in a state of penetrating in the thickness direction at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the intermediate portion of the main body in the thickness direction, and each of which has a pocket that can freely hold the roller in a rollable manner. In the roller bearing cage made of elastic metal plate,
Each of these pockets is provided with at least one retaining piece, and each of these retaining pieces is disposed from the circumferential side edge of one of the circumferential side edges of each pocket. Each tip side portion is bent in the thickness direction and provided in a state of projecting inside each pocket with respect to the circumferential direction, and the inside surface of each pocket by the inner side surface of each tip side portion. By guiding the outer peripheral surface of each of the rollers held by the roller, it is possible to prevent these rollers from coming out to the outside through the bent side opening portions of the retaining pieces of the opening portions at both ends of the pockets. And
Each of the pockets includes at least one of a bent piece on one side in the thickness direction of the main body and a bent piece on the other side as the retaining pieces, and on either side thereof. Roller bearing holders characterized by being provided only on one of the circumferential side edges of each of the pockets in the circumferential direction with respect to those bent in the same direction. vessel.   2. The roller bearing according to claim 1, wherein the main body has an annular shape, the width direction of the main body is a radial direction, and the thickness direction of the main body is an axial direction, and is used by being incorporated in a thrust roller bearing. Retainer.   The roller bearing according to claim 1, wherein the main body is cylindrical, the width direction of the main body is an axial direction, and the thickness direction of the main body is a radial direction, and is used by being incorporated in a radial roller bearing. Retainer.   Each of the pockets is provided with both of the retaining pieces, one bent in the thickness direction of the main body and the other bent in the other side. The roller bearing retainer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roller bearing retainer is provided on a circumferential side edge opposite to each other in both circumferential edges of the pocket.   Each of the pockets is provided with both of the retaining pieces, one bent in the thickness direction of the main body and the other bent in the other side. The roller bearing retainer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roller bearing retainer is provided on a circumferential side edge on the same side among both circumferential edges of the pocket.   Each said pocket is a cage for roller bearings as described in any one of Claims 1-3 provided only with what was bent in the thickness direction one side of the said main body as the said retaining piece, respectively.   The roller bearing cage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the roller bearing cage is made of a single metal plate having elasticity.   The main body is configured to include two elastic metal plates arranged in an overlapping manner in the thickness direction of the main body, and among the retaining pieces, on the one side in the thickness direction of the main body The one that is bent is formed by one metal plate of the two metal plates, and the one that is bent to the other side is formed by the other metal plate. Item 6. The roller bearing retainer according to any one of Items 4 to 5.

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