Method for assembling ball bearing combined piece

Abstract

A method of assembling a ball bearing assembly includes the steps of forming a one-piece metallic ball bearing cage having an initial configuration with ball pockets and bridge portions (16) between the ball pockets, at least a portion of the bridge portions (16) having a predetermined chordal length. The bearing balls (52) are positioned within an annulus between inner and outer bearing rings (68, 70), the bearing balls (52) being separated by an average chordal distance less than said predetermined chordal length and then the ball bearing cage is inserted into the annulus such that circumferential movement of the bearing balls (52) allows the bridge portions (16) of the ball bearing cage to pass between adjacent bearing balls (52) as the bearing balls (52) sequentially enter the ball pockets.

Description

technical field [0001] This invention relates generally to methods of assembling ball bearing assemblies and, more particularly, to methods of "stamping" or "snaking" bearing balls into ball bearing assemblies with a one-piece ball bearing cage. Background technique [0002] One common type of ball bearing cage consists of two pieces joined together by welding, riveting, or mechanical locking. Two-piece ball bearing cages require insertion of the two pieces of the cage from both sides of the ball bearing after the bearing balls are seated between the bearing rings. Welding is difficult because the arc may have to pass through the bearing balls, and riveting is also difficult because of the many small rivets that need to be inserted. Additional costs are incurred for the inspection and scrapping of defective bearing assemblies. [0003] An additional problem with two-piece ball bearing cages arises from their space requirements. Such ball bearing cages require sufficient c...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this polymer ball bearing cage can only be limited to low temperature and low strength applications

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