MXPA96003796A - Assembly of retain of cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, characterized in that it comprises an internal member having an axis and an axially extending external surface, an external member having an axially extending internal surface, said internal and external members rotatable one in relation to the other. with the other around said shaft, a bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, said bearing having a radially extending bearing surface, and a bearing retainer assembly including a first retainer engaging said bearing surface and the which has a first tapered surface, a second detent having a second tapered surface which engages with said first tapered surface, an axially extending detent surface engaging with one of said internal and external members, and a detent surface which is radially extending, each of said first and second tapered surfaces tapering away from each other one of said members internally and externally and axially away from said bearing, a spring engaging said retainer surface, and a cap which is fixed to one of said internal and external members and which engages said spring so that the spring is compressed between said cap and said retainer surface and exerts a force on said retainer surface whereby said second detent is wedged between said first detent and one of said internal and external members.

Description

ASSEMBLY PE RETAIN BEARING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION All bearings (tapered rollers, cylinders, balls, etc.) require some type of retainer to hold them in place. Typically, the retainer can be located very precisely (especially in multiple bearing applications). This usually means using the adjustable nuts and bolts or a variety of shims under the retainer cover. When nuts and bolts are used, they are typically tightened to a specific value to generate the preload, which is very commonly required with the tapered roller bearings. The tightening bolts p > For a specific preload it is imprecise as many variable variables intervene, such as the pitch of the threads, lubrication, precision of tightening, etc. When multiple nuts / bolts are used, an uneven load situation may also occur. The use of calzas allows obtaining a preload or space. This provides means to tighten the bolt on the retainer, but the user typically must use a trial and error approach to determine the correct number / thickness of shims. This requires that the end cap be assembled on the part, the resulting measured space and the correct thickness of the calculated shims. This must then be disassembled and reassembled with the shims now in place. A sufficient supply of shims must also be nro fo p n i amcn r *. the anus at this time. Due to the nature of tapered roller bearings and some ball-type bearings, a radial load on the bearing will produce a separation force trying to push the bearings to separate them. If the separation is significant, it can reduce the contact area between the rollers (balls) and the bearing surfaces, severely shortening the life of the bearing. To help combat this, some bearing manufacturers recommend pre-loading the bearings to help maintain the contact area. This preload typically has a scale at which the life of the bearing remains constant. Cylindrical bearings and most ball bearings require a clear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a retainer using a spring, preferably a polymer washer (polyurethane), to preload the bearings. The washer can also be of the cone or wave type depending on the preload needs. The washer is compressed into the assembly when an external cap is screwed and pushed against a tapered ring. This ring is divided radially so it can be shaped to the size of either the inner hub or the external hub. In various modalities, the internal mass and / or external handle can rotate. Another tapered ring is held axially by the bearing and compresses the separation ring against the hub. The angle of the thrust is calculated in such a way that the compression load and friction generated must be greater than the axial separation force of the bearings. In one embodiment of the invention, the separation ring is an internal ring that conforms to the inner hub, and the other ring is an outer ring that compresses the separation ring against the inner hub. The tapered roller bearings travel around the inner hub and are separated by an internal flange on the outer mass. The inner tapered ring travels partially inside the outer tapered ring that travels against the bearing. The polymer (polyurethane) washer (preload ring) is compressed between the end cap and the inner tapered ring. The compressed preload ring provides the necessary preload on the bearings. For most applications, the radial load on the bearings creates a greater separation force than the preload. With this seal, the separation force acts on the outer ring. The outer ring has an internal taper, and the inner ring has coincident external taper. In an embodiment of the invention, it is the clamping force of the two rings together with the backing force of the polyurethane washer that keeps the bearings from separating. In the event that the outer ring slips or breaks, there is an internal flange in the end layer that will keep the bearing so that it does not separate completely. The outer layer also holds the assembly so that it does not fall apart completely. The axial load acting on the rings creates a clamping load between the inner ring and the inner hub, thus keeping the assembly rigid. In another embodiment of the invention, in cases such as when the clamping force is not sufficient to hold the rings in place and to prevent them from sliding relatively to the hub, additional screws may be used to hold the two rings together. . This arrangement can also be used when a prescribed space is required for the bearings. The preload ring will still apply a preload to the inner and outer rings of the bearings. However, the screws will pull the outer ring towards the inner ring. The valve of this can be calculated in the torque of the ring, and the geometry of the inner / outer ring. The preload compression minus the amount that the inner ring is pulled on the inner ring equal to the space. The screws provide additional support for the rings. This can, but does not have to, provide a space for the bearings. Although the invention is described in relation to a pulley in a drag bucket, it should be understood that the invention can be applied to bearing assemblies for other applications and for other rotation members, such as, for example, rollers or gears.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent p > for those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a drag bucket that modalizes the invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation view of the bucket and a tipping block. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a flip block side. The figure is a perspective view of the other side of the turning block. Figure 5 is an elevation view of the side of the flip block shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a view taken at along line 7-7 of Figure 5. Figure 8 is an enlarged portion of Figure 6, with the pulley and frame partially shown. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 8 of an alternative bearing arrangement.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 8 of another alternative bearing arrangement. Before explaining in detail one embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following specification or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may have other modalities and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODEL IDFLED MODEL A movable grab bucket 10 employing the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drag bucket 10 comprises (see in figure 1) a main housing 12. A winch mechanism 20 with bucket and bucket drive 22 mounted on the main housing 12. A boom 24 that extends upwards and outwards of the main housing 12. The upper end of the boom 24 has therein the pulley 26 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis. A winch rope 28 extends from the winch mechanism 20 of the bucket on the pulley 26 to a bucket 26 to produce a vertical movement of the bucket 29 relative to the boom 24. The manner in which the winch rope 28 is connected to bucket 29 is described below. A tow rope 31 extends from the bucket drive 22 to the bucket 29 to produce a horizontal movement of the bucket 29. The boom 24 is supported relative to the main housing 12 by a conventional mast assembly 32. The lines of support 33 are supported between the upper end of the mast assembly 32 and the boom 24 to support the boom 24 relative to the mast assembly 28. When the driving bucket 10 is digging, the main housing 12 is supported by a base 32 that sits on the ground. A pair of movable (or displacement) mechanisms 34 (shown one) move the main housing 12 on the floor between digging operations. The main housing 12 includes an operator's cab 35. The drag bucket 10 which is now described is conventional. As best shown in Figure 2, the end of the winch rope 28 is connected to a pair of turn blocks 40 (only one is shown). The tumbling blocks 40 are substantially identical and only one will be described in detail. The tipping block 40 includes a pulley 44 (see Figures 3, 4 and 6), and a tipping rope 48 (see Figures 2 and 7) extend over the pulley 44 and have one end connected to the pull cord 31 and an opposite end connected to the bucket 29. The tipping block 40 is illustrated in greater detail in Figures 3-9. The tipping block 40 includes a frame 52 having a main portion 56 connected to the tipping rope 48 with upper rigging 58 (see Figure 2). The upper end of the main portion of the frame 56 has on it a roller 60 (see FIGS., 4 and 6). And the upper rig 48 includes (see Figure 2) a fork 64 connected to the roller 60 such that the main frame portion 56 can rotate pivotally relative to the upper rig 58 about the axis of the roller 60. The frame 52 also includes (See Figure 6) A cantilevered use 68 extending from the main portion of the frame 56 (to the left in Figure 6). The spindle 6ß (see figure 8) has a cylindrical external surface 72 and has there through (see figure 6) an internal passage 66. The frame 52 also includes an integral pulley protection 80 to protect one side (the right side in 6) of the pulley 44 of the turning block, which is mounted on the spindle 68 for rotation relative thereto about a pulley shaft 84 concentric with the surface of the spindle 72. The pulley 44 is supported in relation to the spindle 68 by a bearing assembly 88 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) which is described in detail below. The bearing assembly 88 is lubricated through one or more lubricant injectors (see Figure 6) accessible through the internal passage 76.

Two pulley constructions are illustrated in Figure 6. As shown below the spindle 68, the pulley 44 is a piece and is made of steel. As shown above the spindle 68, the pulley 44 includes an annular nylon pulley 26 mounted on an annular steel pulley support 100, which is supported on the spindle 68 by the bearing assembly 68. The pulley support 100 has a radially extending shoulder 102 (see Figure 6). The tumbler block 40 also includes an end cap 104 secured to the outer end of the spindle 68 by suitable means by bolts 108. The end cap 104 supports the pulley 44 and the bearing assembly 88 on the spindle 68 and also provides adjustment and protection for the spindle 68. the bearing assembly 88, as described later. A pulley guard 112 is secured to the outside either of the pulley 44 or of the pulley bracket 100 by suitable means such as bolts 116. When used with the nylon pulley 96, the pulley shield 112 attached to the nylon pulley 96 instead in relation to the pulley support 100. Specifically, the pulley protection 112 presses the nylon pulley 96 axially against the shoulder 102 on the pulley support 100. The pulley shield 112 rotates with the pulley 44 and protects the outside of the pulley 44 (the left side in figure 6). Alternatively, the pulley protection 112 may be integral with the outer cap 104, in which case the protection of the pulley 44 will not rotate with the pulley 44.

Turning block 40 also includes (see Figures 3-5 and 7) retaining assemblies 120 and 124 to substantially prevent tipping rope 48 from coming off pulley 44. Retaining assemblies 120 and 124 are substantially identical and only assembly 124 will be written in detail. The retainer assembly 124 includes (see Figure 7) a roller 128 mounted on a roller support 132 for rotation about a roller shaft 136 that moves with the roller holder 132. The roller support 132 includes a generally rectangular block portion 140 in a spindle portion 144 that extends from the block portion 140. The roller 128 is rotatably mounted on the use portion 144 and is held in place by a bolt. 148 and a washer 152. The block portion 140 has through it the first and second right and left openings 156 and 160, respectively. A pin 161 extends through the ears 162 (see Figures 3-5) on the main frame portion 56 and through the right opening 156 such that the roller support 132 can rotate pivotally relative to the frame 52 about a support shaft 164 (see Figures 5 and 7) which is transverse to the pulley shaft 84. The support of the roller 132 is pivotally rotatable in relation to the frame 52 between a retention position (shown in solid lines in the figure 7) and a release position (shown in imaginary line in Figure 7). When the roller support 132 is in the detent position, the axis of the roller 136 is parallel to the axis of the pulley 84 and the roller 128 extends over the pulley 44 to retain the turning rope 48 on the pulley 44. The end external of the roller 128 has on it (see figure 7) a flange 168 to substantially prevent the tipping rope 48 from being wedged between the roller 128 and the pulley 44. When the roller support 132 is in the release position, the Roller 128 allows removal of tipping rope 48 from pulley 44. Means are provided to securely secure roller support 132 in the detent position. Although several suitable means may be employed, in the illustrated construction, the ears of the frame 162 in openings therein (not shown) that are aligned with the left opening 160 in the roller support 132 when the roller support 132 is in place. holding position, and a pin 176 (see figures 3, 5 and 7) is removably inserted into the openings in the ears 162 and the openings 160 to releasably secure the roller support 132 in its detent position. The tipping rope 48 can be easily removed from the tipping block 40 by simply moving the rollers 128 to their release positions and removing the rope 48 from the pulley 44 in the direction away from the main portion of the frame 56. The tighteners 176 They can be removed manually. No tools are required. This is much easier and consumes less time than the prior art arrangements. It should be understood that the other roller arrangements could be used to prevent the rope 48 from coming out of the pulley 44. For example, the rollers could rotate pivotally about a radially extending axis of the pulley 44, and other means could be used. to releasably secure the rollers. The bearing assembly 48 will now be described in detail. The spindle 68 can be considered as an internal member having shaft 84, an axial surface 72 extending axially, and a radially extending surface 180 (see Figure 8) perpendicular to the outer surface 72. The p >olea 44 can be considered as an external member rotatable about the axis 84 relative to the inner member or spindle 68. The outer member or pulley 44 has an axial surface extending axially including a first internal shoulder or shoulder 188 that it looks inward or towards the surface 180 (on the right in Figure 8) and a second external shoulder or shroud 192 that faces outward or away from the surface 180 (left in Figure 8). The bearing assembly 88 includes (see FIG. 8) axially internal and external bearings 196 and 200, respectively, which are preferably axle roller bearings. Each of the bearings 196 and 200 includes an inner bearing surface 204 that abuts the outer surface of the spindle 72, an outer bearing surface 208 that abuts the inner surface of the pulley 184, and a plurality of rollers 212 between the internal and external bearing surfaces. The internal bearing surface 204 of the bearing 200 has a radially extending bearing surface 214. This construction is conventional and will now be described in greater detail. The inner bearing 196 is captured between the inner shoulder 188 of the pulley and the surface of the spindle 180. A spacer 216 is preferably located between the inner bearing 196 and the surface of the spindle 180, and a seal 220 surrounds the separator 216 between the pulley 44 and the surface of the spindle 180. The outer bearing 200 is captured between a bearing retainer assembly 224 and the external shoulder 192 of the pulley. The bearing retainer assembly 124 includes a first radially outer ring or ring 228 that engages the surface 214 of the outer bearing 200 such that the outer bearing 200 is captured between the ring 228 and the external shoulder 192. The ring 228 it also has an annular tapered surface 232 which faces radially inwardly and which is tapered radially away from the spindle 168 and axially away from the outer bearing 200 (left in Figure 8). The bearing retainer assembly 224 also includes a second radially inner ring or ring 236 having an axially extending inner surface 240 which engages the inner surface of the spindle 72. The ring 236 is divided to have a variable diameter, whereby the ring 236 can conform to the external surface of the spindle 72. The inner ring 236 also has a tapered surface 244 complementary to and engaging the tapered surface 232 of the outer ring 228. In this manner, the tapered surface 244 of the inner ring 236 rotates radially outwardly and radially abuts away from spindle 68 and axially away from outer bearing 200. Inner ring 236 also has a radially extending end surface 248 that faces away from outer bearing 200 (at left in figure 8). As shown in Figure 8, the ring 236 preferably has a generally L-shaped cross-section with a radially outwardly extending flange 252 that overlaps the outer ring 228. An annular spring 256 engages the end surface 248 of the inner ring 236. Although the preferred spring 256 is a polyurethane spring washer, it should be understood that p > You may use other suitable springs, such as a conical disc or a wave type washer. The end cap 104 engages the spring 256 whereby the spring 256 is compressed between the end cap 104 and the inner ring 236 and exerts a force on the inner ring 236, whereby the inner ring 236 is wedged between the outer ring 228 and the outer surface 72 of the spindle due to engagement of the tapered surfaces 232 and 244. This effectively locks the rings 228 and 236 in position. The angle of incidence is calculated in such a way that the friction forces between the spindle 68 and the inner ring 236 are greater than the axial separation force of the bearings. The spring 256 provides a predetermined preload on the bearings. It is not necessary to tighten the pins 108 to a particular torque. This makes it easier to properly pre-load the bearings than with the known arrangements. A seal 260 surrounds the outer ring 228 between the end cap 104 and the pulley 44. As shown in Fig. 8, the end cap 104 axially overlaps the outer ring 228 to radially limit the outward movement of the outer ring 228 relative to the spindle 68. In other words, the end cap 104 prevents the bearing assembly 88 from separating completely in case that the outer ring 228 slides or breaks. An alternative bearing retainer assembly 300 is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Except as described below, the bearing retainer assembly 300 is identical to the bearing retainer assembly 224 and reference numerals have been given equal to elements common. The bearing retainer assembly 300 includes means for axially securing the rings 228 and 236. Although several suitable means may be employed, in the illustrated construction, said means includes a plurality of engaging bolts 304 engageable between the rings 228 and 236. Very particularly, each bolt 304 extends through an opening 308 in the flange of the inner ring 252 and is threaded in the outer ring 228. The openings 308 in the inner ring 236 are large enough to allow some radial movement of the bolts 304 in relationship with the inner ring 236. The spring 256 has in the same grooves or cuts 312, each of which receives the head of a respective bolt 304 whereby the bolt heads do not interfere with the spring 256. The bolts 304 they can be used either to retain the rings 228 and 236 in place and prevent them from slipping relative to the spindle 68, or to provide space for the bearings. In the latter case, the spring 256 applies a preload to the bearings, and the bolts 304 are used to pull the outer ring 228 toward the inner ring 236 p >to provide the space. It should be understood that this detent assembly 300 can also be used with cylindrical or non-tapered bearings to provide a desired space. Another alternative bearing arrangement 400 is illustrated in FIG. 12. The bearing arrangement 400 includes an inner member or hub 404 (such as a spindle) with an outer surface 408 having opposed internal and external shoulders 412 and 416, respectively. An outer member or hub 420 surrounds the inner hub 404 and has a cylindrical internal surface 424 and a radially outwardly extending surface 428. An inner bearing 432 is captured between the inner shoulder 412 and the surface 428. An outer bearing 436 Captured between the outer shoulder 416 and a bearing retainer assembly 440. The assembly 440 includes a radially inner ring 444 which engages the outer bearing 436 such that the outer bearing 436 is captured between the ring 444 and the shoulder 416. The ring 444 also has the annular tapered surface 448 that faces radially outwards and that is tapered radially away from the outer hub 420 and axially away from the outer bearing 436 (left in Figure 2). The bearing retainer assembly 440 +? Rn > -) ie includes a radially external ring 452 having an axially extending outer surface 456 which engages the inner surface 424 of the external hub 420. The ring 452 is divided to have a variable diameter, whereby ring 452 can be formed to the internal surface 424. The outer ring 452 also has a tapered surface 460 complementary to and engaging the tapered surface 448 of the inner ring 444. The outer ring 452 also has a radially extending end surface 464 that faces away from external bearing 436 (on the left in figure 12). An annular spring 468 engages the end surface 464 of the. outer ring 452. An end cap 472, which is attached to the external hub 420 for rotation therewith, engages the spring 468 such that the spring 468 is compressed between the end cap 472 and the outer ring 452 and exerts a force on the outer ring 452 whereby the outer ring 452 is wedged between the inner ring 444 and the inner surface 424 of the external hub 420. A seal 476 is located within the inner ring 444 between the end cap 472 and the inner hub 404 Several features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (9)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. An apparatus comprising an internal member having an axis of an axially extending external surface, an external member having an axially extending internal surface, said inner and outer members being rotatable one relative to another around said axis , a bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, said bearing having a radially extending bearing surface, and a bearing retainer assembly including a first retainer engaging said bearing surface and having a first tapered surface, a second detent having a second tapered surface which engages with said first tapered surface, an axially extending detent surface which engages one of said internal and external members, and a radially extending detent surface, each said first and second tapered surfaces being tapered radially away from one of said internal members and externally and axially away from said bearing, a spring that engages with said retainer surface, and a cap that is fixed to one of the internal and external members and that engages with said spring so that the spring is compressed between the cap and the detent surface and exerts a force on said retainer surface whereby said second detent is wedged between the first detent and one of the inner and outer members. 2.- An ap > Arato in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that said detents and said reeortes surround the internal member, and in that said second detent is divided to have a variable diameter. 3.- An apparatus in accordance with the claim 2, further characterized in that said internal and external surfaces are cylindrical, wherein said detents are rings and wherein said spring is annular. 4.- An ap > Arate according to claim 1, further characterized in that said axially extending detent surface engages said outer surface of the inner member, wherein said first tapered surface faces radially inwardly, wherein said second tapered surface radially faces outwardly. and where each of the first and second eup > The tapered surfaces are tapered radially away from the inner member and axially away from the bearing. 5. An apparatus in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that one of the inner and outer members has a radially-extending system member surface, and wherein said bearing is captured between the surface of the radially extending member and the first retainer. 6.- An apparatus in accordance with the claim 6, further characterized in that the other of the inner and outer members have a first shoulder facing the surface of the radially extending member, and a second shoulder facing away from the first shoulder, where said apparatus further comprises a second captured bearing between the first shoulder and said radially extending member surface, and wherein said first mentioned bearing is captured between the first retainer and the second shoulder. 1. - An apparatus according to claim 6, further characterized in that said bearings are tapered roller bearings. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said spring is made of polyurethane. 9.- An ap > Arato in accordance with "" - claim 1, further characterized in that said bearing is a tapered roller bearing. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said retainer assembly also includes means for axially securing said detents. 11. An apparatus in accordance with the claim 10, further characterized in that said means includes a plurality of tapered fasteners engaging in a manner to said detents. 1

2. An apparatus comprising an internal member having an axis, an axially extending external surface, and a surface of the extending member? ? radially outward, an outer member having an axially extending inner surface, said inner and outer members being rotatable one relative to another about said axis, a tapered roller bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, said bearing having a radially extending bearing surface and a bearing retainer assembly including an outer ring that engages with the bearing surface whereby the bearing is captured between said surface of the radially extending member and said outer ring, the outer ring having a first tapered surface facing radially inward, an internal split ring having a second tapered surface facing radially outward and engaging with the first tapered surface, said split ring also a ring surface extending axially engaging the external surface of said internal member, and a surface radially extending ring, each of the first and second tapered surfaces, tapering radially away from the inner member and axially away from said bearing an annular reecer that engages the surface of the ring, and a cover that is fixed to the ring. internal member and which hooks with the spring so that said spring is compressed between the cover and the surface of the ring and forces the surfaces taper against each other. 1

3. An apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that said external member has a first shoulder facing the radially extending member surface, and a second shoulder facing away from the first shoulder, wherein said device further comprises a second tapered roller bearing captured between the first shoulder and the surface of the radially extending member, and wherein said first mentioned bearing is captured between the outer ring and the second shoulder. 1

4. An apparatus in accordance with the claim 12, further characterized in that said spring is made of polyurethane. 1

5. An apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that said retainer assembly also includes means for axially clamping the rings. 1

6. An apparatus according to claim 15, further characterized in that said means includes a plurality of threaded fasteners that engage clamped to said rings. 1

7. An apparatus in accordance with the claim 12, further characterized in that said end cap axially overlaps said outer ring to radially limit the outward movement of the outer ring relative to the inner member. 1

8. An apparatus comprising an internal member having an axis of an external surface extending axially, an external member having an axially extending internal surface, said inner and outer members being rotatable one relative to another around said shaft, a bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, said bearing having a radially extending bearing surface, and a bearing shaft assembly including a first ring that engages said bearing surface and having a first tapered surface , a second ring having a second tapered surface engaging said first tapered surface, an axially extending ring surface engaging one of said inner and outer members, and a radially extending ring surface, means for fastening axially said rings, a spring engaging with said ring surface, and a stage which is fixed au not of the internal and external members and that it engages the spring so that the spring is compressed between the lid and the surface of the ring. 1

9. An apparatus in accordance with the claim 18, further characterized in that said means includes a plurality of threaded fasteners that engage clammatically to said rings. 20. A method of retaining a bearing in an apparatus that includes an apparatus comprising an internal member having an axially extending axis of an external surface, an outer member having an axially extending internal surface, said inner and outer members being rotatable one relative to another around said axis, a bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, said bearing having a bearing surface extending radially, said method comprising the steps of providing a first ring that engages said bearing surface and having a first tapered surface, providing a second split ring having a second tapered surface engaging the first tapered surface, a ring surface extending axially engaging with one of the inner and outer members, and a radially extending ring surface, providing a spring engaging said ring surface, attaching a cover to one of the inner and outer members and engaging with spring so that said spring is compressed between the cover and the surface of the ring and so that the hook of said tapered surfaces force said split ring against one of the inner and outer members, and then axially fix said rings. 21. A method according to claim 20, further characterized in that said rings are axially clamped to pull the first ring away from the bearing to provide a small space. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An apparatus comprising an internal member having an axis of an axially extending external surface, an external member having an axially extending internal surface, said inner and outer members being rotatable one relative to another about said axis, a bearing between said inner and outer surfaces, the bearing having a radially extending bearing surface, and a bearing retainer assembly including a first retainer engaging said bearing surface and having a first tapered surface, a second retainer having a second tapered surface engaging said first tapered surface, an axially extending detent surface engaging one of said internal and external members, and a radially extending detent surface, each said first and second second tapering surfaces being tapered radially away from one of said internal members and ext and axially away from said bearing, a spring that engages with said detent surface, and a cap that is fixed to one of the internal and external members and that engages with said spring so that the spring is compressed between the cap and the detent surface and exerts a force on said retainer surface whereby said second detent is wedged between the first detent and one of the internal and external members. J3 / mvs * crm P96 / 421