Segmented bearing retainer
AssigneeThe Timken Company
InventorsGerald P. Fox, Brian Werner, Thomas J. Rybkoski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bearing cage assembly consisting of a plurality of discrete bridge elements coupled between first and second cage support wire rings having selected tensions, and conforming to the surfaces of associated rolling elements. The discrete bridge elements maintain rolling element in separation, provide rolling element retention within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir for grease lubricated bearings. The discrete bridge elements may be disposed between adjacent rolling elements, or may be configured to pass through axial bores of hollow rolling elements
Claims30
A bearing cage structure for use with a bearing assembly having a plurality of rolling elements disposed about a circumference of a race member, comprising:
- a first wire support ring disposed adjacent an axially first end of the rolling elements and bearing assembly;
- a second wire support ring disposed adjacent an axially second end of the rolling elements and bearing assembly;
- and
- a plurality of discrete bridge elements coupled between the first and second wire support rings, each of said bridge elements configured to maintain a spacing between adjacent rolling elements and to retain said rolling elements relative to said race member;
- and
- a plurality of tubular spacers disposed on at least one of said first and second wire support rings annularly between adjacent discrete bridge elements, said tubular spacers configured to maintain a spacing between said adjacent discrete bridge elements.
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A method for assembling a bearing cage structure of a bearing assembly, comprising:
- selecting first and second discontinuous wire support ring segments, said wire support ring segments having circumferential lengths selected to accommodate dimensions of the bearing assembly;
- coupling said first and second wire support rings together in an axially spaced arrangement by threading a plurality of discrete bridge elements onto said first and second wire support rings, said plurality of discrete bridge elements each being threaded onto said first and second wire support rings at said discontinuities via eyelets at opposite axial ends of said discrete bridge elements, such that said first and second wire support ring segments are coupled together by said plurality of discrete bridge elements arrayed substantially uniformly about a circumference of said first and second wire support rings;
- disposing tubular spacers on said first and second support rings between a plurality of adjacent discrete bridge elements;
- securing opposite ends of said first discontinuous wire support ring segment together to form a first closed wire support ring;
- securing opposite ends of said second discontinuous wire support ring segment together to form a second closed wire support ring;
- and
- fitting a plurality of rolling elements into said assembly, said spacing between adjacent rolling elements determined by spacing between adjacent discrete bridge elements coupling said first and second wire support rings.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.