Modular retainer assembly
AssigneeThe Torrington Company
InventorsStephen T. Podhajecki, John H. Rhodes, Walter P. Waskiewicz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A plurality of wedge-shaped separator elements are pivotably mounted on a retainer ring such that the separator elements may space rollers of a roller bearing circumferentially. The separator elements include a narrow portion for engagement with a thrust flange of one of the inner and outer bearing rings to restrain the bearing retainer in the axially outward direction and include a wide portion for engagement with the rollers to retain the rollers in one of the radially outward and radially inward directions. The retainer ring engages the rollers to retain the bearing retainer in the axially inward direction.
Claims16
A bearing retainer for use with a roller bearing having rollers between an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, the bearing retainer comprising:
- an annular retainer ring to be positioned between the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring such that the retainer ring engages first ends of the rollers to limit axially inward movement of the bearing retainer;
- and
- a plurality of wedge-shaped separator elements pivotably mounted on the retainer ring such that the separator elements space the rollers circumferentially, the separator elements including a narrow portion for engagement with a thrust flange of one of the inner and outer bearing rings to restrain the bearing retainer in the axially outward direction and including a wide portion for engagement with the rollers to retain the rollers in one of the radially outward and radially inward directions.
A roller bearing assembly comprising:
- a roller bearing retainer having rollers between an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring, one of the inner and outer bearing rings having a thrust flange;
- an annular retainer ring between the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring and in engagement with first ends of the rollers to limit axially inward movement of the bearing retainer;
- and
- a plurality of wedge-shaped separator elements pivotably mounted on the retainer ring such that the separator elements space the rollers circumferentially, the separator elements including a narrow portion engaging the thrust flange to restrain the bearing retainer in the axially outward direction and including a wide portion in engagement with the rollers to retain the rollers in one of the radially outward and radially inward directions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.