Tapered roller bearing and cage

Abstract

The tapered roller bearing (1) comprises: an inner ring (2); an outer ring (3); a plurality of tapered rollers (4) that roll in contact with the inner ring raceway (21) and the outer ring raceway (31); and an annular cage (5B) having a plurality of pockets (9) for receiving the tapered rollers (4). The cage (5B) has a plurality of first sides (8a) and a plurality of second sides (8b). The plurality of first sides (8a) are respectively opposite to the outer peripheral surface (43) of the tapered rollers (4) respectively received in the plurality of pockets (9) from one circumferential side of the cage (5B). The plurality of second side surfaces (8b) are respectively opposite to the outer peripheral surface (43) of the tapered roller (4) respectively housed in the plurality of pockets (9) from the other side of the circumference of the retainer (5B). The plurality of pockets (9) include a first pocket (9C) and a second pocket (9D). The first pocket (9C) sets the angle between the first side surface (8a) and the second side surface (8b) as a first angle (θ1), and the second pocket (9D) sets the angle between the first side surface (8a) and the second side surface (8b) as a second angle (θ2) smaller than the first angle (θ1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to tapered roller bearings and cages.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-169083, filed on October 6, 2020, and invokes all the contents of that Japanese application. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a tapered roller bearing. The tapered roller bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of tapered rollers, and an annular cage. The cage has a plurality of pockets for receiving the tapered rollers, holding the tapered rollers circumferentially spaced apart. During assembly of the tapered roller bearing, each pocket has an anti-dislodgement portion that allows it to contact the tapered rollers radially outward to prevent the tapered rollers received in the pockets from falling outward.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-221592 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The assembly of tapered roller bearings is as follows. For example... Figure 15A As shown, tapered rollers 109 are received in each pocket 102 of the cage 101, resulting in a group 100 of multiple tapered rollers 109 and the cage 101. This group 100 is brought axially towards the inner ring 108, and the group 100 is assembled with the inner ring 108. In the group 100, the diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 109a of the multiple tapered rollers 109 is smaller than the outer diameter Dc of the small flange portion 107 of the inner ring 108. Therefore, during the assembly of the group 100 with the inner ring 108 (refer to...), the... Figure 15B The small-diameter side portion 109a of the tapered roller 109 needs to pass over the small flange portion 107, thus displacing radially outward. However, its displacement is restricted by the anti-detachment portion 103 provided by the pocket 102, making the assembly of the assembly 100 with the inner ring 108 not easy.

[0009] Therefore, by using a stamping or similar method, the inner ring 108 is pressed axially against the cage 101 of the assembly 100 with a large force, forcing the small diameter side portion 109a of the tapered roller 109 to pass over the small flange portion 107. At this time, the tapered roller 109 presses against the anti-detachment portion 103, and the cage 101 elastically deforms in the diameter expansion direction.

[0010] By using the above assembly method, an inner ring unit is obtained, consisting of the inner ring 108, cage 101, and tapered rollers 109. The outer ring is then assembled from this inner ring unit, thus completing the tapered roller bearing.

[0011] When the small-diameter side portion 109a of the tapered roller 109 passes over the small flange portion 107, an unreasonable force acts on the cage 101. Therefore, if the deformation of the cage 101 exceeds the allowable range, the cage 101 may whiten or undergo plastic deformation, or the cage 101 may break.

[0012] Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the size of the anti-detachment portion 103 or lower its protrusion height. This increases the allowable displacement of the tapered roller 109, making the assembly of the assembly 100 with the inner ring 108 easier. However, in this case, with the inner ring unit obtained by assembling the assembly 100 with the inner ring 108, the tapered roller 109 can displace significantly, and the cage 101 can also displace significantly. As a result, the tapered roller 109 of the inner ring unit may detach from the pocket 102 over the small flange portion 107, increasing the likelihood of the inner ring 108, tapered roller 109, and cage 101 separating.

[0013] As described above, if the anti-detachment part 103 is reduced in size, etc., making the assembly of the assembly 100 and the inner ring 108 easier, the inner ring unit consisting of the inner ring 108, the tapered roller 109, and the cage 101 will easily separate. Conversely, if the anti-detachment part 103 is increased in size, etc., making the inner ring unit difficult to separate, the assembly of the assembly 100 and the inner ring 108 will become difficult.

[0014] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a tapered roller bearing and cage that simultaneously facilitates the assembly of a cage with a group of multiple tapered rollers and an inner ring, and makes it difficult to separate the inner ring unit obtained by assembling the group with the inner ring.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] The tapered roller bearing disclosed herein comprises: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway, a small flange portion, and a large flange portion on its outer circumferential side, the small flange portion being disposed on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange portion being disposed on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential side; a plurality of tapered rollers making rolling contact with the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway; and an annular cage having a plurality of pockets for receiving the tapered rollers, the cage having a plurality of first sides and a plurality of second sides, the plurality of first sides respectively The cage has one circumferential side facing the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets. The plurality of second side surfaces face the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets from the other circumferential side of the cage. The plurality of pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a first angle. The second pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0017] The cage disclosed herein is a cage for tapered roller bearings, the tapered roller bearing comprising: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway, a small flange, and a large flange on its outer circumferential side, the small flange being disposed on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange being disposed on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential side; and a plurality of tapered rollers that roll in contact with the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway, wherein the cage has: a plurality of pockets for receiving the tapered rollers; and a plurality of first side faces, each opening from the inner ring raceway... One circumferential side of the cage is opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets; and a plurality of second side surfaces are opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets from the other circumferential side of the cage. The plurality of pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a first angle, and the second pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to this disclosure, it is possible to simultaneously achieve the situation where it is easy to assemble the cage with a group of multiple tapered rollers and the inner ring, and the situation where the inner ring unit obtained by assembling the group with the inner ring is difficult to separate. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tapered roller bearing, including the first pocket.

[0021] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tapered roller bearing, including the first pocket.

[0022] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tapered roller bearing, including the second pocket.

[0023] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tapered roller bearing, including the second pocket.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cage in the first configuration.

[0025] Figure 4A This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the first type of cage, including the first pocket.

[0026] Figure 4B This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the first type of cage, including the second pocket.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view representing the second type of cage.

[0028] Figure 6A This is an explanatory diagram of the first pocket, viewed along the roller axis.

[0029] Figure 6B This is an explanatory diagram of the second pocket, viewed along the roller axis.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing a third-party cage.

[0031] Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram of the cage and tapered rollers as viewed from the axial side.

[0032] Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram showing the displacement of the tapered roller when viewed from the axial side.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cage and tapered rollers as viewed from the axial side.

[0034] Figure 10A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of tapered roller bearings.

[0035] Figure 10B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of tapered roller bearings.

[0036] Figure 11A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of tapered roller bearings.

[0037] Figure 11B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of tapered roller bearings.

[0038] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of the conical rollers in the first and second pockets.

[0039] Figure 13A This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the cage of a modified example, including the first pocket.

[0040] Figure 13B This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the cage of a modified example, including the second pocket.

[0041] Figure 14A This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the cage of a modified example, including the first pocket.

[0042] Figure 14B This is a centerline cross-sectional view of the cage of a modified example, including the second pocket.

[0043] Figure 15A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of traditional tapered roller bearings.

[0044] Figure 15B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly sequence of traditional tapered roller bearings. Detailed Implementation

[0045] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0046] The embodiments of this disclosure include at least the following as their main points.

[0047] (1) The tapered roller bearing of this disclosure comprises: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway, a small flange portion, and a large flange portion on its outer circumferential side, the small flange portion being disposed on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange portion being disposed on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential side; a plurality of tapered rollers making rolling contact with the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway; and an annular cage having a plurality of pockets for receiving the tapered rollers, the cage having a plurality of first side surfaces and a plurality of second side surfaces, the plurality of first side surfaces... The cage has multiple second side faces each other from one circumferential side and the outer circumferential surfaces of the tapered rollers housed in the multiple pockets. The multiple pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket has a first angle formed by the first side and the second side, and the second pocket has a second angle formed by the first side and the second side that is smaller than the first angle.

[0048] According to the tapered roller bearing described above, the allowable displacement of the tapered rollers housed in the second pocket, compared to that housed in the first pocket, can be increased. Therefore, when assembling the cage with the group of multiple tapered rollers and the inner ring, the tapered rollers in the second pocket more easily pass over the small flange of the inner ring. As a result, the assembly of the group with the inner ring becomes easier compared to the case where all pockets are the first pocket.

[0049] Furthermore, compared to the tapered roller housed in the second pocket, the allowable displacement of the tapered roller housed in the first pocket, having a radial component, can be reduced. Therefore, if the assembly is combined with the inner ring to obtain an inner ring unit, the tapered roller in the first pocket is less likely to displace relative to the cage. As a result, compared to the case where all pockets are second pockets, the tapered rollers housed in each pocket are less likely to detach from the inner ring unit, and the inner ring unit is less likely to fall apart.

[0050] (2) In addition, the first side and the second side in the second pocket have a recess on one axial side, which widens the gap between the tapered roller housed in the second pocket and the first side and the second side.

[0051] According to this structure, by providing the recessed portion, when assembling the assembly with the inner ring, the tapered roller of the second pocket contacts the small flange of the inner ring. Even if the small-diameter side of the tapered roller displaces radially outward, this displacement is not hindered. Therefore, the allowable displacement of the tapered roller in the second pocket, including radial displacement, can be further increased. Furthermore, by providing the recessed portion, compared to the case without the recessed portion, the columns constituting the first and second sides can be deformed with less force, thus making the assembly of the assembly with the inner ring easier.

[0052] Furthermore, due to the structure in which the recess is formed on one axial side of both the first and second sides, when the tapered roller of the second pocket is tilted, the position where the tilted tapered roller contacts the first and second sides is such that it moves from the ends of each side towards the center. This allows the column to be deformed with less force, thus making the assembly of the assembly with the inner ring easier.

[0053] (3) In addition, preferably, the first side and the second side are arranged such that there is a first gap between the conical roller received in the first pocket in the radial direction of the cage and the conical roller received in the second pocket, and are arranged such that there is a second gap between the conical roller received in the second pocket in the radial direction of the cage and the conical roller received in the second pocket, which is larger than the first gap.

[0054] According to this structure, the allowable displacement of the conical roller with radial component in the second pocket is greater than that in the first pocket.

[0055] (4) In addition, preferably, the cage has a plurality of small-diameter side faces and a plurality of large-diameter side faces, the plurality of small-diameter side faces being opposite to the small-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets, and the plurality of large-diameter side faces being opposite to the large-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets. When the distance between the small-diameter side face in the first pocket and the large-diameter side face in the first pocket is set as a first distance, the distance between the small-diameter side face in the second pocket and the large-diameter side face in the second pocket becomes a second distance that is larger than the first distance.

[0056] According to this structure, by further adjusting the first angle of the first pocket and the second angle of the second pocket, the allowable displacement of the tapered roller housed in each pocket can be finely adjusted.

[0057] (5) In addition, preferably, the cage has a plurality of small-diameter side surfaces, which are respectively opposite to the small-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets. The small-diameter side surfaces have a first small-diameter side surface and a second small-diameter side surface. The first small-diameter side surface is located radially inward of the cage, and the second small-diameter side surface is located radially outward of the cage than the first small-diameter side surface. When the distance between the first small-diameter side surface in the first pocket and the small-diameter end face in the first pocket is set as a third distance, the distance between the first small-diameter side surface in the second pocket and the small-diameter end face in the second pocket becomes a fourth distance that is larger than the third distance, and the distance between the second small-diameter side surface in the second pocket and the small-diameter end face in the second pocket becomes a fifth distance that is smaller than the fourth distance.

[0058] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the tapered roller housed in the second pocket from displacing in an unexpected direction, and to increase the allowable displacement of the tapered roller in the specified displacement direction required for assembly.

[0059] (6) In addition, preferably, the cage has a plurality of large-diameter side surfaces, which are respectively opposite to the large-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets. The large-diameter side surfaces have a large-diameter first side surface and a large-diameter second side surface. The large-diameter first side surface is located radially outward of the cage, and the large-diameter second side surface is located radially inward of the cage than the large-diameter first side surface. When the distance between the large-diameter first side surface in the first pocket and the large-diameter end face in the first pocket is set as a sixth distance, the distance between the radially outward end of the large-diameter first side surface in the second pocket and the large-diameter end face in the second pocket becomes a seventh distance that is larger than the sixth distance, and the distance between the large-diameter second side surface in the second pocket and the large-diameter end face in the second pocket becomes an eighth distance that is smaller than the seventh distance.

[0060] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the tapered roller housed in the second pocket from displacing in an unexpected direction, and to increase the allowable displacement of the tapered roller in the specified displacement direction required for assembly.

[0061] (7) In addition, preferably, the plurality of second pockets are arranged circumferentially apart in such a way that the first pocket is sandwiched between the plurality of second pockets.

[0062] According to this structure, when assembling the cage with the group of multiple tapered rollers and the inner ring, circumferential unevenness of the forces acting on the cage can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where forces are concentrated on a portion of the cage when assembling the group with the inner ring disappears, and cage breakage can be prevented.

[0063] (8) This disclosure relates to a cage for a tapered roller bearing, the tapered roller bearing comprising: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway, a small flange portion, and a large flange portion on its outer circumferential side, the small flange portion being disposed on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange portion being disposed on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway on its inner circumferential side; and a plurality of tapered rollers that roll in contact with the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway, wherein the cage has: a plurality of pockets for receiving the tapered rollers; and a plurality of first side surfaces, each opening from the inner ring raceway... One circumferential side of the cage is opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets; and a plurality of second side surfaces are opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets from the other circumferential side of the cage. The plurality of pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a first angle, and the second pocket sets the angle between the first side surface and the second side surface as a second angle smaller than the first angle.

[0064] According to the cage, the allowable displacement of the tapered rollers housed in the second pocket, compared to that housed in the first pocket, can be increased. Therefore, when assembling the cage with the set of multiple tapered rollers and the inner ring, the tapered rollers in the second pocket more easily pass over the small flange of the inner ring. As a result, the assembly of the set with the inner ring becomes easier compared to the case where all pockets are the first pocket.

[0065] Furthermore, compared to the tapered rollers housed in the second pocket, the allowable displacement of the tapered rollers housed in the first pocket, with a radial component, can be reduced. Therefore, if the assembly is combined with the inner ring to obtain an inner ring unit, the tapered rollers in the first pocket and the cage are less likely to shift relative to each other. As a result, compared to the case where all pockets are second pockets, the tapered rollers housed in each pocket are less likely to detach from the inner ring unit, and the inner ring unit is less likely to fall apart.

[0066] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] [Structure of tapered roller bearings]

[0069] Here, based on Figure 1A B and Figure 2A The tapered roller bearing 1 shown in Figures B and C illustrates the structure of the tapered roller bearing 1 of this disclosure. Figure 1A B and Figure 2A The tapered roller bearing 1 shown in Figure B has a cage 5A as a first type of cage 5. In the following description, when describing the common structure of cage 5A with other types of cage 5 described later (cages 5B to 5E), it is abbreviated as "cage 5".

[0070] Figure 1A B and Figure 2A The tapered roller bearing 1 shown in Figure B comprises: an inner ring 2; an outer ring 3 disposed radially outward of the inner ring 2; a plurality of tapered rollers 4 disposed between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3; and an annular cage 5 for holding the tapered rollers 4.

[0071] The terms "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" are defined in the descriptions of the inner ring 2, outer ring 3, and cage 5. "Axial" refers to the direction along the centerline of each of the inner ring 2, outer ring 3, and cage 5. It should be noted that this axial direction also includes directions parallel to the centerline. "Radial" refers to the direction orthogonal to the respective centerline. "Circumferential" refers to the direction along a circle centered on the respective centerline. In the figures, the centerline of the inner ring 2, outer ring 3, and cage 5 is designated as "C0" when they are aligned.

[0072] The terms "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" in the description of the tapered roller 4 are defined as follows: The "axial" direction of the tapered roller 4 is along its centerline C1. To distinguish it from the axial directions of the inner ring 2, outer ring 3, and cage 5, the axial direction of the cage 5, etc., is sometimes simply referred to as "axial," while the axial direction of the tapered roller 4 is called the "roller axial direction." It should be noted that the roller axial direction also includes directions parallel to the centerline C1. "Radial" is the direction orthogonal to the centerline C1 of the tapered roller 4, sometimes called the "roller radial." "Circumferential" is the direction along a circle centered on the centerline C1 of the tapered roller 4, and can be called the "roller circumferential direction."

[0073] The inner ring 2 is a ring-shaped component formed using bearing steel or mechanical structural steel. The inner ring 2 has a tapered inner ring raceway 21 on its outer circumference. The inner ring 2 has a raceway 21 on one axial side (in...) Figure 1A , Figure 2A The middle is the left side, in Figure 1B , Figure 2B The small flange 22 (located on the right side) and the axial flange 22 on the other side of the inner raceway 21 (in the middle) Figure 1A , Figure 2A The middle is the right side, in Figure 1B , Figure 2B The large flange portion 23 is provided on the left side (in the middle). The small flange portion 22 and the large flange portion 23 protrude radially outward. When the plurality of tapered rollers 4 are held by the cage 5 and are located between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 3, the diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small diameter side portion 4a of the plurality of tapered rollers 4 is smaller than the outer diameter Dc of the small flange portion 22.

[0074] The outer ring 3 is a ring-shaped component formed using bearing steel or mechanical structural steel. The outer ring 3 has a tapered outer ring raceway 31 on its inner circumference.

[0075] The tapered roller 4 is a frustum-shaped component formed using bearing steel or the like. The tapered roller 4 is located on one side of the roller's axial direction (in...). Figure 1A , Figure 2A The middle is the left side, in Figure 1B , Figure 2B The middle (right side) has a small-diameter circular end face 41, on the other side of the roller axis (in Figure 1A , Figure 2A The middle is the right side, in Figure 1B , Figure 2B The tapered roller 4 (left side) has a large-diameter circular end face 42. It makes rolling contact with the inner raceway 21 and the outer raceway 31. The large-diameter end face 42 makes sliding contact with the side surface (flange surface) 24 of the large flange portion 23.

[0076] The cage 5 has a small-diameter annular body 6 on one axial side, a large-diameter annular body 7 on the other axial side with an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter annular body 6, and a plurality of columns 8 spaced apart circumferentially (see reference). Figure 3 The small-diameter annular body 6 and the large-diameter annular body 7 are circular in shape and are separated along the axial direction. A column 8 connects the small-diameter annular body 6 and the large-diameter annular body 7. The space formed between the small-diameter annular body 6 and the large-diameter annular body 7, and between two adjacent columns 8, 8 in the circumferential direction, is called a pocket 9. A tapered roller 4 is accommodated in each pocket 9.

[0077] The cage 5 has a plurality of pockets 9 for receiving tapered rollers 4, which hold the tapered rollers 4 with equal circumferential spacing. The cage 5 has two types of pockets 9 with different shapes ("first pocket" and "second pocket"), which will be described later.

[0078] The sides of the two posts 8, 8 face each other inside the pocket 9. One side of post 8 is a first side 8a, which faces the outer peripheral surface 43 of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 from one circumferential side, and the other side of post 8 is a second side 8b, which faces the outer peripheral surface 43 of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 from the other circumferential side. The first side 8a and the second side 8b are at a predetermined angle such that the distance between their surfaces decreases radially outward from the cage 5. The first side 8a and the second side 8b function as anti-detachment parts to prevent the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 from falling radially outward.

[0079] A small-diameter side surface 6a is formed on the small-diameter annular body 6. The small-diameter side surface 6a is the part opposite to the small-diameter side end face 41 of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9. When the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 is tilted, the small-diameter side surface 6a has the function of restricting the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 from displacing radially outward, as will be explained later.

[0080] A large-diameter side surface 7a is formed on the large-diameter annular body 7. The large-diameter side surface 7a is the part opposite to the large-diameter side end face 42 of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9. When the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 is tilted, the large-diameter side surface 7a has the function of restricting the large-diameter side portion 4b of the tapered roller 4 from displacing radially inward, as will be explained later.

[0081] A space is formed inside the pocket 9 by the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, the small-diameter side surface 6a, and the large-diameter side surface 7a. The spindle-shaped outer peripheral surface 43 of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 is opposite to the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b. Moreover, in the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9, the small-diameter end face 41 is opposite to the small-diameter side surface 6a, and the large-diameter end face 42 is opposite to the large-diameter side surface 7a.

[0082] The retainer 5 is made of synthetic resin and is formed by injection molding. In this embodiment, the retainer 5 is, for example, made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin. This retainer 5 has resistance to lubricating oil (oil resistance), is relatively rigid, and is not easily deformed elastically. The retainer 5 can be manufactured using a 3D printer.

[0083] In this disclosure, the cage 5 is capable of sliding contact with a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 3, thereby guiding the rotation of the cage 5 by the outer ring 3. That is, the tapered roller bearing 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an outer ring guided bearing where the cage 5 is guided by the outer ring 3.

[0084] like Figure 1A B and Figure 2A As shown in Figure B, the centerline of the cage 5 coincides with the centerline of the inner ring 2. The state in which the plurality of tapered rollers 4 held by the cage 5 are in proper contact with the inner ring raceway 21 and the side surface 24 of the large flange 23 is defined as the "reference state". In this reference state, i.e., when the tapered rollers 4 are in contact with the outer ring raceway 31, the tapered rollers 4 cannot be displaced radially or axially. In the reference state, a gap is provided between the small-diameter end face 41 of the tapered roller 4 and the small-diameter annular body 6, and a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the tapered roller 4 and the side surfaces 8a, 8b of the column 8. Therefore, the cage 5 can be slightly displaced radially and axially relative to the tapered rollers 4. Furthermore, the reference state in which the tapered rollers 4 are removed from the outer ring 3 (refer to...) Figure 4A B) It can initially move slightly along the axial and radial directions.

[0085] In the reference state, the imaginary circle connecting the centers of the respective minor diameter end faces 41 of the multiple tapered rollers 4 is defined as the (designed) minor diameter pitch circle of the tapered rollers 4, and the imaginary circle connecting the centers of the respective major diameter end faces 42 of the multiple tapered rollers 4 is defined as the (designed) major diameter pitch circle of the tapered rollers 4. The assembly in which the tapered rollers 4 are housed in the pockets 9 of the cage 5 (see reference) Figure 10A The cage 5 and the tapered roller 4 are "group 10". The assembly of group 10 combined with the inner ring 2 (see reference) Figure 11B () is "inner circle unit 11".

[0086] In group 10 and inner ring unit 11, unless otherwise specified, multiple tapered rollers 4 are arranged along the pitch circles of the minor diameter side and the major diameter side. It should be noted that in this disclosure, this state is sometimes described as the tapered rollers 4 being arranged "along the pitch circles". Each tapered roller 4 can slightly displace radially outward from its position along the pitch circles until it contacts the sides 8a, 8b of the column 8.

[0087] [Depression]

[0088] During assembly, the tapered roller bearing 1 requires the column 8 to deflect. For example... Figure 1A B and Figure 2A As shown in Figure B, in the retainer 5, recesses 8c are formed on the first side 8a and the second side 8b of the column 8. The circumferential thickness of the recesses 8c of the column 8 is smaller than the circumferential thickness of the parts of the column 8 other than the recesses 8c. Therefore, compared with a column without recesses 8c, the column 8 requires less force to generate a certain degree of deflection in both the circumferential and radial directions.

[0089] A recess 8c is provided on one axial side of the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, and is adjacent to the small-diameter annular body 6. The recess 8c forms a portion of space for the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 to enter when it is tilted in a manner that its small-diameter side portion 4a is displaced radially outward towards the cage 5. Furthermore, by providing the recess 8c, the cage 5, when assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2, does not impede the displacement of the tapered roller 4 when it contacts the small flange portion 22 of the inner ring 2 and the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 is displaced radially outward. Therefore, by providing the recess 8c, the pocket 9 increases the allowable radially outward displacement of the cage 5 with the small-diameter side portion 4a compared to the case without the recess 8c.

[0090] The column 8 forms an ridge at the junction of the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b with the recess 8c. In this description, the part forming this ridge is referred to as the junction 8d. During the assembly of the tapered roller bearing 1, the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 tilts its small-diameter side portion 4a toward the radially outward displacement of the cage 5. At this time, the tapered roller 4 comes into contact with the junction 8d. The junction 8d, in contact with the tapered roller 4, becomes the fulcrum when the tapered roller 4 tilts.

[0091] In a structure where a recess 8c is formed on one axial side of the first side 8a and the second side 8b, the junction 8d can be positioned near the center of the ends of each side 8a and 8b along the length of the column 8. Therefore, when the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 is tilted and contacts the junction 8d of the first side 8a and the second side 8b, the tapered roller 4 presses against a position near the center along the length of the column 8.

[0092] [Small diameter lateral surface and large diameter lateral surface]

[0093] When the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 is tilted with the junction 8d as the fulcrum and the small-diameter side portion 4a is displaced radially outward toward the cage 5, if the tapered roller 4 is tilted at a predetermined angle or greater, the small-diameter side end face 41 contacts the small-diameter side surface 6a, and the large-diameter side end face 42 contacts the large-diameter side surface 7a. The small-diameter side surface 6a restricts the radially outward displacement of the small-diameter side portion 4a, and the large-diameter side surface 7a restricts the radially inward displacement of the large-diameter side portion 4b.

[0094] Thus, in the cage 5, the allowable displacement of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the pocket 9 when it is radially outward is increased by the recess 8c, and this displacement is restricted by the small-diameter side surface 6a and the large-diameter side surface 7a.

[0095] [First method of cage maintenance]

[0096] From this point onward, the cage 5A of the first type will be described. In the following description, the "first pocket" in the cage 5A will be referred to as the first pocket 9A, and the "second pocket" in the cage 5A will be referred to as the second pocket 9B, to distinguish them from the "first pocket" and "second pocket" in the cage 5 of other types.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the cage 5A has two types of pockets 9 with different shapes, namely the first pocket 9A and the second pocket 9B.

[0098] Figure 4A Figure B is a partial view of a cross-section of cage 5 including the center line. Figure 4A This is a diagram showing a cross-section including the first pocket 9A. Figure 4B This is a diagram showing a cross-section including the second pocket 9B. (Example) Figure 4A As shown in Figures B and C, the distance from the small-diameter side surface 6a to the large-diameter side surface 7a in the first pocket 9A is the first distance L1, and the distance from the small-diameter side surface 6a to the large-diameter side surface 7a in the second pocket 9B is the second distance L2. Furthermore, in the cage 5A, the second distance L2 is larger than the first distance L1 (L2>L1). Therefore, in the cage 5A, when the size of the gap between the small-diameter side surface 6a and the small-diameter end face 41 is the same in both the first pocket 9A and the second pocket 9B, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B has a larger gap between the large-diameter end face 42 and the large-diameter side surface 7a compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A.

[0099] Because of the gap between the large-diameter end face 42 and the large-diameter side face 7a, the tapered roller 4 housed in each pocket 9A, 9B is allowed to undergo axial or radial displacement (tilting) along with the radial inward displacement of its large-diameter side portion 4b towards the cage 5. When the tapered roller 4 is tilted in this way, if the axial displacement of the large-diameter side portion 4b becomes larger, the radial inward displacement of the large-diameter side portion 4b also becomes larger.

[0100] Due to the aforementioned relationship L2>L1, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B has a larger gap between its large-diameter end face 42 and its large-diameter side face 7a compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A. Therefore, in the second pocket 9B, the allowable radial inward displacement of the large-diameter side portion 4b accompanying the axial displacement is greater than that in the first pocket 9A.

[0101] When the tapered roller 4 housed in each pocket 9A, 9B tilts radially inward due to the radial inward displacement of its larger diameter side portion 4b, the smaller diameter side portion 4a, located on the opposite axial side, displaces radially outward due to the axial displacement. As the radial inward displacement of the larger diameter side portion 4b increases, the radial outward displacement of the smaller diameter side portion 4a also increases. Therefore, compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A, the allowable radial outward displacement of the smaller diameter side portion 4a is greater for the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B.

[0102] Here, the allowable amount of radial outward displacement of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A is defined as "first displacement amount X1" (refer to...). Figure 4A The allowable displacement of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B in the radially outward direction is defined as "second displacement Y1" (refer to...). Figure 4B "First displacement X1" and "Second displacement Y1" are also referred to as the radially outward displacement of the conical roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle.

[0103] In the cage 5A of this disclosure, the second distance L2 is larger than the first distance L1 (L2>L1). Therefore, the "second displacement Y1" is larger than the "first displacement X1" (Y1>X1). As a result, in the cage 5A, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B can further increase the diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 4a compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A.

[0104] It should be noted that in the cage 5A illustrated in this description, the large-diameter annular body 7 in the second pocket 9B is recessed to form a large-diameter side surface 7a, resulting in the structure with the relationship L2>L1 mentioned above. However, it is also possible to recess the small-diameter annular body 6 in the second pocket 9B to form a small-diameter side surface 6a, resulting in the structure with the relationship L2>L1 mentioned above.

[0105] In the cage 5A, when the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B tilts with its minor diameter side portion 4a displaced radially outward, the fulcrum (the contact point with the junction 4d) of the tapered roller 4 is biased towards the minor diameter side end face 41. At this time, the distance from the fulcrum to the major diameter side portion 4b is greater than the distance from the fulcrum to the minor diameter side portion 4a. Therefore, when the tapered roller 4 tilts, the radially outward displacement of the major diameter side portion 4b towards the axial direction is greater than the radially inward displacement of the minor diameter side portion 4a towards the axial direction. Therefore, increasing the clearance on the major diameter side portion 4b side can increase the skewness of the tapered roller 4 compared to increasing the clearance on the minor diameter side portion 4a side. Therefore, in order to further increase the "second displacement Y1" of the second pocket 9B, in terms of obtaining a structure that has the relationship of L2>L1, it is preferable to make the large diameter annular body 7 in the second pocket 9B recessed to form the large diameter side surface 7a, rather than making the small diameter annular body 6 in the second pocket 9B recessed to form the small diameter side surface 6a.

[0106] [Second method of cage maintenance]

[0107] From this point onward, the second type of cage 5B will be described. In the following description, the "first pocket" in the cage 5B will be referred to as the first pocket 9C, and the "second pocket" in the cage 5B will be referred to as the second pocket 9D, to distinguish them from the first pocket and second pocket in the cage 5 of other types.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown, the cage 5B has two types of pockets 9 with different shapes, namely the first pocket 9C and the second pocket 9D.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, in the cage 5B, the angle formed by the first side 8a and the second side 8b of the first pocket 9C is the first angle θ1, and the angle formed by the first side 8a and the second side 8b of the second pocket 9D is the second angle θ2. Furthermore, in the cage 5B, the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 (θ2 < θ1). The angles θ1 and θ2 are defined in the cross-section of the cage 5B when cut using a plane perpendicular to the roller axis (see Figure 6). Figure 6A (B) The angles formed by the lines passing through the upper and lower ends of the first side surface 8a and the lines passing through the upper and lower ends of the second side surface 8b. Moreover, each angle θ1 and θ2 is constant along the roller axis in the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, except for the recessed portion 8c.

[0110] like Figure 6A As shown, in the first pocket 9C, a gap D1 is provided radially between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b and the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle. Furthermore, in the first pocket 9C, a first gap K1 is provided radially between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b and the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle, along the cage 5B. The first gap K1 is the gap between the positions where the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b can contact the tapered roller 4. Through the first gap K1, the tapered roller 4 of the first pocket 9C is allowed to have a radial component displacement. Here, the allowable amount of this displacement is defined as "first displacement amount X2". "First displacement amount X2" is also referred to as the radially outward displacement of the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle.

[0111] like Figure 6B As shown, in the second pocket 9D, a radial clearance D2 is provided between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b and the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle. In the second pocket 9D, a second clearance K2 is provided radially between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b and the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle, with respect to the cage 5B. The second clearance K2 is the gap between the positions where the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b can contact the tapered roller 4. The second clearance K2 allows the tapered roller 4 of the second pocket 9D to have a radial component displacement. Here, the allowable amount of this displacement is defined as "second displacement amount Y2". "Second displacement amount Y2" is also called the radially outward displacement of the tapered roller 4 arranged along the pitch circle. It should be noted that the clearance D1 of the first pocket 9C is approximately equal to the clearance D2 of the second pocket 9D.

[0112] In the cage 5B of this disclosure, the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 (θ2 < θ1), therefore the second gap K2 is larger than the first gap K1 (K2 > K1), and thus the "second displacement Y2" is larger than the "first displacement X2" (Y2 > X2). Consequently, in the cage 5B, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9D can further increase the diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 4a compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9C.

[0113] [Third method of cage maintenance]

[0114] From this point onward, the third-party type cage 5C will be described. In the following description, the "first pocket" in cage 5C will be referred to as the first pocket 9E, and the "second pocket" in cage 5C will be referred to as the second pocket 9F, to distinguish them from the "first pocket" and "second pocket" in other types of cages 5. It should be noted that in the following description, for parts of cage 5C that are identical to those of the aforementioned cages 5A and 5B, the reference numerals used in the description of each cage 5A and 5B will be used unchanged, and the description will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, the cage 5C has two types of pockets 9 with different shapes, namely the first pocket 9E and the second pocket 9F.

[0116] exist Figure 7 Although the illustration is omitted, the cage 5C has both...

[0117] • A structure identical to cage 5A, in which the second distance L2 is larger than the first distance L1.

[0118] • The same structure as cage 5B, in which the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 and the second gap K2 is larger than the first gap K1.

[0119] In the first pocket 9E, the distance from the small diameter side surface 6a to the large diameter side surface 7a is the first distance L1 (refer to...). Figure 4A Furthermore, the angle between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b is the first angle θ1 (refer to...). Figure 6A Furthermore, in the second pocket 9F, the distance from the small-diameter side surface 6a to the large-diameter side surface 7a is the second distance L2 (refer to...). Figure 4B Furthermore, the angle between the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b is the second angle θ2 (refer to...). Figure 6B Furthermore, in cage 5C, the second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1. Also, in cage 5C, the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1, and the second gap K2 is greater than the first gap K1.

[0120] In the cage 5C of this disclosure, the second distance L2 is larger than the first distance L1 (L2>L1), and the second gap K2 is larger than the first gap K1 (K2>K1). Therefore, similarly to cages 5A and 5B, the "second displacement" of cage 5C is larger than the "first displacement". Consequently, in cage 5C, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9F can have a further increased diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 4a compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9E.

[0121] In the cage 5C of this disclosure, since the relationship between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2, and the relationship between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, can be adjusted separately, the "first displacement" and the "second displacement" can be adjusted more finely. It should be noted that in the cage 5C of this disclosure, an example is shown where each pocket 9E and 9F has both a structure that makes the second distance L2 larger than the first distance L1 and a structure that makes the second angle θ2 smaller than the first angle θ1 and the second gap K2 larger than the first gap K1. However, it is also possible to configure a structure in which pockets 9E and 9F having only one of the aforementioned structures are not mixed together with a misalignment.

[0122] Thus, in the cages 5A, 5B, and 5C of this disclosure, the allowable radial displacement of the tapered roller 4, which is housed in pockets 9 formed by the "first pocket" and the "second pocket," are different. Specifically, the cages 5A, 5B, and 5C each have a "first pocket" with a displacement allowable of a "first displacement amount" and a "second pocket" with a displacement allowable of a "second displacement amount" that is greater than the "first displacement amount."

[0123] [Regarding the displacement of tapered roller 4]

[0124] Figure 8A This illustrates the arrangement of multiple tapered rollers 4 along the pitch circle as described. In contrast, Figure 8B This illustrates a state where multiple tapered rollers 4 are not arranged along the pitch circle, and each tapered roller 4 has been displaced by a "first displacement amount" or a "second displacement amount." That is, Figure 8B This shows the contact state between each tapered roller 4 and the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b. It should be noted that... Figure 8B In this diagram, the cage 5A is omitted, and the tapered rollers 4 of the first pocket 9A and the second pocket 9B are indicated by cross-sectional lines. Furthermore, the thickness of these cross-sectional lines is used to differentiate them. Figure 8B In this design, the inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4, which is housed in the first pocket 9A and contacts the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, is designated as Q1. The inscribed circle of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4, which is housed in the second pocket 9B and contacts the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, is designated as Q2.

[0125] As described above, in cage 5A, the "first displacement" and the "second displacement" are different, therefore the diameter of the first inscribed circle Q1 is different from the diameter of the second inscribed circle Q2 (the diameter of the inscribed circle Q2 > the diameter of the inscribed circle Q1). It should be noted that in Figures 1 and 2, the outer diameter (maximum outer diameter) Dc of the small flange 22 of the inner ring 2 can be less than the diameter of the second inscribed circle Q2 and greater than the diameter of the first inscribed circle Q1; however, in this disclosure, the outer diameter (maximum outer diameter) Dc is greater than the diameter of the first inscribed circle Q1 and greater than the diameter of the second inscribed circle Q2. It should be noted that here, the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A and the second pocket 9B of cage 5A is described as an example, but the displacement of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9C and the second pocket 9D of cage 5B, and the first pocket 9E and the second pocket 9F of cage 5C, can also be described similarly.

[0126] [Regarding the circumferential configuration of the pocket]

[0127] exist Figure 8A In the diagram, the tapered roller 4 of the first pocket 9A and the tapered roller 4 of the second pocket 9B are indicated by a cross-sectional line, and the thickness of the cross-sectional line is used to distinguish them. Figure 8A The cage 5A shown has a total of 17 pockets 9, of which 8 are second pockets 9B and the remaining 9 are first pockets 9A. Furthermore, each second pocket 9B is arranged circumferentially separate from the cage 5A such that one or more first pockets 9A are sandwiched between them. Moreover, each pocket 9A and 9B in the cage 5A can be configured as follows: Figure 9 The configuration shown.

[0128] Figure 9 The cage 5A shown has a total of 16 pockets 9, half of which (8) are second pockets 9B, and the remaining half (8) are first pockets 9A. Furthermore, each second pocket 9B is evenly arranged circumferentially between each second pocket 9B, separating them. In the cage 5A, the first pockets 9A and second pockets 9B are preferably arranged as circumferentially as possible without any deviation, but this is not always the case. Figure 9 The cage 5A shown is configured in a completely uniform manner. For example, in... Figure 8A In the cage 5A shown, there is only one continuous section between the two first pockets 9A between the second pockets 9B, but as long as the unevenness is this degree, it can be said to be arranged without deviation in the circumferential direction.

[0129] In the cage 5A, a plurality of second pockets 9B are arranged circumferentially apart such that the first pocket 9A is sandwiched between the plurality of second pockets 9B. With this configuration, the first pockets 9A and the second pockets 9B are arranged without skew along the circumference of the cage 5. Furthermore, in this structure, when assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2, circumferential unevenness of the force acting on the cage 5A can be suppressed. Thus, the situation where force is concentrated on a portion of the cage 5 when assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2 is eliminated. If force were concentrated on a portion of the cage 5, there would be whitening or plastic deformation at the point of force application, or even breakage of the cage 5; however, in this cage 5, such defects such as breakage can be suppressed. It should be noted that, here, the arrangement of the first pockets 9A and the second pockets 9B of the cage 5A has been described, but the first pockets 9C and the second pockets 9D of the cage 5B, and the first pockets 9E and the second pockets 9F of the cage 5C, can also be described in the same way.

[0130] [Number of first pocket holes and second pocket holes]

[0131] exist Figure 8A In the cage 5A shown, the number of first pockets 9A is greater than the number of second pockets 9B, and... Figure 9 In the cage 5A shown, the number of first pockets 9A and second pockets 9B is the same. However, in the cage 5A of this disclosure, the number of second pockets 9B can be greater than the number of first pockets 9A. For example, if... Figure 8A By having fewer second pockets 9B than first pockets 9A, a structure is obtained where the cage 5 is less prone to displacement relative to the inner ring 2. Conversely, by having more second pockets 9B than first pockets 9A, a structure is obtained where assembling assembly 10 with the inner ring 2 becomes easier. It should be noted that, here, the number of first pockets 9A and second pockets 9B in cage 5A has been explained, but the number of first pockets 9C and second pockets 9D in cage 5B, and the number of first pockets 9E and second pockets 9F in cage 5C can also be explained in the same way.

[0132] [Assembly of Tapered Roller Bearing 1]

[0133] The tapered roller bearing 1 having the aforementioned structure can be assembled as follows. It should be noted that in this disclosure, the assembly sequence of the tapered roller bearing 1 is described based on the tapered roller bearing 1 having cage 5A, but the tapered roller bearing 1 having cages 5B and 5C can also be assembled using the same sequence as described herein.

[0134] like Figure 10AAs shown, tapered rollers 4 are received from the inner circumference of cage 5A into pockets 9A and 9B, thus assembling cage 5A and tapered rollers 4. This results in a group 10 consisting of multiple tapered rollers 4 and cage 5A. The group 10 is then brought axially towards the inner ring 2 (see reference). Figure 10B Assemble group 10 into inner ring 2. In the state of group 10 and during the assembly, the tapered rollers 4 housed in each pocket 9A, 9B are prevented from detaching radially outward by the first side 8a and the second side 8b of the post 8.

[0135] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of the tapered rollers 4 in the first pocket 9A and the second pocket 9B. (See diagram below.) Figure 10A and Figure 12 As shown, in group 10, the diameter Di of the inscribed circle of the small diameter side portion 4a of the plurality of tapered rollers 4 arranged along the pitch circle is smaller than the outer diameter Dc of the small flange portion 22 of the inner ring 2.

[0136] Furthermore, the diameter Dj1 of the inscribed circle Q1 of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9A, which has been displaced radially outward (refer to...). Figure 12 ), and the diameter Dj2 of the inscribed circle Q2 of the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9B, which has been displaced radially outward (refer to Figure 12 The outer diameter Dc of the small flange 22 of the inner ring 2 is smaller than that of the inner ring 2. Therefore, during the assembly of assembly 10 and inner ring 2 (refer to...), Figure 10B The small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 needs to pass over the small flange portion 22, and therefore is displaced radially outward. In order for the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 to pass over the small flange portion 22, the inner ring 2 is pressed axially against the cage 5A, causing a portion of the cage 5A to elastically deform.

[0137] like Figure 11A As shown, each tapered roller 4 uses the contact point that contacts the junction 8d as the fulcrum. Figure 11A The tapered roller 4 oscillates in a clockwise direction. That is, the tapered roller 4 oscillates with the smaller diameter side portion 4a facing radially outward. The tapered roller 4 is displaced along with the oscillation, so that the smaller diameter side portion 4a can easily pass over the small flange portion 22.

[0138] Furthermore, as described above, the cage 5A has two types of pockets 9A and 9B. In the second pocket 9B, as described above, the allowable displacement with a radial component is called the second displacement amount Y1, which is larger than the allowable displacement (first displacement amount X1) in the first pocket 9A. That is, the allowable displacement with a radial component of the tapered roller 4 in the second pocket 9B is larger than that of the tapered roller 4 in the first pocket 9A. Therefore, when assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2, in the second pocket 9B, the "elastic deformation amount" (refer to...) of a portion of the cage 5A... Figure 12 (See the left side of the diagram) The tapered roller 4 of the second pocket 9B can easily pass over the small flange 22. As a result, the operation of assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2 becomes easier. Even if the axial pressing force of the inner ring 2 is small, the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 can easily pass over the small flange 22.

[0139] Each pocket 9A, 9B has a recess 8c in its first side surface 8a and second side surface 8b. The force required for the column 8 with the recess 8c to produce a certain degree of circumferential deflection is less than that required for the column without the recess 8c, and the force required to elastically deform a portion of the cage 5A is also less. Therefore, the tapered rollers 4 of each pocket 9A, 9B pass over the small flange 22 with less force compared to the case without the recess 8c. As a result, even with a small axial pressing force on the inner ring 2, the small-diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 can easily pass over the small flange 22. Consequently, the assembly of the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2 becomes easier.

[0140] In each pocket 9A, 9B, a recess 8c is formed on one axial side of the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b. In this structure, when the tapered roller 4 housed in each pocket 9A, 9B is inclined and contacts the junction 8d of the first side surface 8a and the second side surface 8b, the tapered roller 4 can press against a position near the center in the longitudinal direction of the column 8. Compared to pressing against the end of the column 8 in the longitudinal direction, the force required to generate a certain degree of deflection along the circumference and radial direction of the cage 5A is smaller when pressing against the center in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the cage 5A can be elastically deformed with less force. As a result, even if the axial pressing force of the inner ring 2 is small, the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 can easily pass over the small flange portion 22. As a result, the operation of assembling the assembly 10 with the inner ring 2 becomes easier.

[0141] And, as Figure 11B As shown, when the inner ring unit 11 is obtained by assembling the group 10 with the inner ring 2, the tapered roller 4 of the first pocket 9A and the cage 5A are difficult to move relative to each other. This is because, as Figure 12As shown, in the first pocket 9A, the allowable displacement of the tapered roller 4 with a radial component becomes a "first displacement" smaller than the "second displacement". The cage 5A is difficult to displace relative to the inner ring 2; therefore, not only is it difficult for the tapered roller 4 held by the first pocket 9A of the cage 5A to displace radially as a whole, but also for the tapered roller 4 held by the second pocket 9B. It should be noted that, in the state of the inner ring unit 11, in the first pocket 9A, a large "elastic deformation" (see reference) is required for a portion of the cage 5A in order for the tapered roller 4 to pass over the small flange 22. Figure 12 The large external force (as shown in the diagram on the right) makes it difficult to cross.

[0142] It should be noted that, in Figure 11B In the state shown for the inner ring unit 11, when the tapered roller 4 of the pocket 9 tilts radially, the displacement is limited by the small-diameter side surface 6a. As a result, the inner ring unit 11 is difficult to spread out.

[0143] By using the above assembly method, an inner ring unit 11 is obtained, which integrates the inner ring 2, the cage 5A, and multiple tapered rollers 4. The tapered roller bearing 1 is completed by assembling the outer ring 3 into the inner ring unit 11.

[0144] If all the pockets 9 of the cage 5A are the first pockets 9A, whose displacement tolerance is smaller than that of the second pocket 9B, then during the assembly of the assembly 10 and the inner ring 2, a large force (load) is required for the assembly, making assembly difficult. Furthermore, if all the pockets 9 of the cage 5A are the second pockets 9B, whose displacement tolerance is larger than that of the first pocket 9A, then in the state of the inner ring unit 11, the tapered roller 4 and the cage 5A are prone to separating from the inner ring 2.

[0145] However, the cage 5A of this disclosure has a plurality of pockets 9, including a first pocket 9A for which the allowable displacement is set to a "first displacement amount X1" and a second pocket 9B for which the allowable displacement is set to a "second displacement amount Y1" that is larger than the "first displacement amount X1". Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously facilitate the assembly of the cage 5A with the group 10 of the plurality of tapered rollers 4 and the inner ring 2, and to make it difficult for the inner ring unit 11 obtained by assembling the group 10 with the inner ring 2 to fall apart.

[0146] [Example 1 of a cage variation]

[0147] Reference Figure 13A and Figure 13BThis section describes the modified cage 5D. In the following description, the "first pocket" in cage 5D will be referred to as the first pocket 9G, and the "second pocket" in cage 5D will be referred to as the second pocket 9H, to distinguish them from the "first pocket" and "second pocket" in other types of cages 5. It should be noted that in the following description, for parts of cage 5D that are identical to those of the aforementioned cages 5A to 5C, the reference numerals used in the description of each cage 5A to 5C will be used unchanged, and descriptions will be omitted unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0148] Figure 13A and Figure 13B It is a view showing a section of cage 5D including the center line C0. Figure 13A A cross-section including the first pocket 9G is shown. Figure 13B A cross-section including the second pocket 9H is shown. The second pocket 9H is different from the second pocket 9B of the first type. Figure 8A or Figure 9 Similarly, the cage 5D is arranged circumferentially apart such that one or more first pockets 9G are sandwiched between the second pockets 9H.

[0149] The cage 5D has a small-diameter annular body 60 on one axial side, a large-diameter annular body 7 on the other axial side, and a plurality of posts 8 connecting the small-diameter annular body 60 and the large-diameter annular body 7. The shape of the small-diameter annular body 60 in this variation is different from that of the small-diameter annular body 6 in the cage 5A. The small-diameter annular body 60 has a plurality of small-diameter side surfaces 61, which are respectively opposite to the small-diameter side end surfaces 41 of the tapered rollers 4 respectively housed in a plurality of pockets 9.

[0150] Multiple small-diameter side surfaces 61 each have a first small-diameter side surface 61a and a second small-diameter side surface 61b. The first small-diameter side surface 61a is located radially inward of the cage 5D, and the second small-diameter side surface 61b is located radially outward of the cage 5D than the first small-diameter side surface 61a. A recess 62 is provided radially between the first small-diameter side surface 61a and the second small-diameter side surface 61b of the cage 5D. The recess 62 reduces the rigidity of the small-diameter annular body 60 and is provided to reduce the force required to cause the column 8 to deflect to a certain extent during the assembly of the tapered roller bearing 1.

[0151] It should be noted that the recess 62 is not mandatory; the recess 62 may not be provided between the first side surface 61a and the second side surface 61b on the small diameter side. That is, the first side surface 61a and the second side surface 61b on the small diameter side can be directly connected radially.

[0152] like Figure 13AAs shown, the distance W1 (the "third distance" of the present invention) between the first side surface 61a of the small diameter side facing the first pocket 9G and the end face 41 of the small diameter side is equal to the distance W2 (W1 = W2) between the second side surface 61b of the small diameter side facing the first pocket 9G and the end face 41 of the small diameter side. Therefore, the first side surface 61a and the second side surface 61b of the small diameter side facing the first pocket 9G are located on the same plane. It should be noted that the distance W1 can be larger than the distance W2.

[0153] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the distance W3 (the "fourth distance" of the present invention) between the first side surface 61a of the small diameter side facing the second pocket 9H and the end face 41 of the small diameter side is greater than the distance W1 between the first side surface 61a of the small diameter side facing the first pocket 9G and the end face 41 of the small diameter side (W3>W1). Furthermore, the distance W3 is greater than the distance W4 (the "fifth distance" of the present invention) between the second side surface 61b of the small diameter side facing the second pocket 9H and the end face 41 of the small diameter side (W3>W4). The distance W4 is equal to the distance W2 (W4=W2).

[0154] Therefore, if we compare the small-diameter side surface 61 facing the first pocket 9G with the small-diameter side surface 61 facing the second pocket 9H, the positions of the small-diameter side second side surface 61b relative to the small-diameter side end face 41 are the same. On the other hand, the small-diameter side first side surface 61a facing the second pocket 9H has a larger gap relative to the small-diameter side end face 41 compared to the small-diameter side first side surface 61a facing the first pocket 9G.

[0155] There is a larger gap between the first side surface 61a on the small diameter side facing the second pocket 9H and the end face 41 on the small diameter side. Therefore, the allowable amount of radial outward displacement (second displacement Y3) of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9H is greater than the allowable amount of radial outward displacement (first displacement X3) of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9G (Y3>X3).

[0156] As described above, according to the cage 5D of this modified example, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9H has a larger allowable displacement compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9G. Therefore, compared to a cage in which all pockets 9 are composed of the first pocket 9G, the assembly 10, which integrates the cage 5D and the multiple tapered rollers 4, with the inner ring 2 becomes easier to perform. Moreover, compared to a cage in which all pockets 9 are composed of the second pocket 9H, the inner ring unit 11, which integrates the inner ring 2, the cage 5D, and the multiple tapered rollers 4, is less likely to separate.

[0157] Furthermore, in the first pocket 9G and the second pocket 9H of this modified example, the distances W2 and W4 between the second side surface 61b on the small diameter side and the end face 41 on the small diameter side are the same, and the distances W2 and W4 are smaller than the distance W3. With this configuration, the allowable amount of radially inward displacement of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9H is almost unchanged from the allowable amount of radially inward displacement of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9G. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the case where the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9H is displaced in an unexpected direction (e.g., the direction in which the small diameter side portion 4a is inclined radially inward), and to increase the allowable amount of displacement in the specified displacement direction required for assembly (the direction in which the small diameter side portion 4a is inclined radially outward) (i.e., the second displacement amount Y3).

[0158] [Example 2 of the cage variation]

[0159] Reference Figure 14A and Figure 14B This section describes the modified cage 5E. In the following description, the "first pocket" in cage 5E will be referred to as the first pocket 9I, and the "second pocket" in cage 5E will be referred to as the second pocket 9J, to distinguish them from the "first pocket" and "second pocket" in other types of cages 5. It should be noted that in the following description, for parts of cage 5E that are identical to those of the aforementioned cages 5A to 5D, the reference numerals used in the description of each cage 5A to 5D will be used unchanged, and descriptions will be omitted unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0160] Figure 14A and Figure 14B It is a diagram that partially shows a cross-section of the cage 5E including the centerline C0. Figure 14A A cross-section including the first pocket 9I is shown. Figure 14B A cross-section including the second pocket 9J is shown. The second pocket 9J is different from the second pocket 9B of the first type. Figure 8A or Figure 9 Similarly, the cage 5E is arranged circumferentially apart such that one or more first pockets 9I are sandwiched between the second pockets 9J.

[0161] Cage 5E has a small-diameter annulus 60 on one axial side, a large-diameter annulus 70 on the other axial side, and a plurality of columns 8 connecting the small-diameter annulus 60 and the large-diameter annulus 70. The shapes of the small-diameter annulus 60 and the large-diameter annulus 70 in this variant are different from those of the small-diameter annulus 6 and the large-diameter annulus 70 in cage 5A.

[0162] The small-diameter annular body 60 of the retainer 5E has the same shape for its small-diameter side surface 61 as the small-diameter side surface 61 of the retainer 5D facing the first pocket 9G, whether it is the portion facing the first pocket 9I or the portion facing the second pocket 9J. That is, in this modified example, there is no difference in shape between the first pocket 9I and the second pocket 9J of the small-diameter annular body 60.

[0163] The large-diameter annular body 70 has multiple large-diameter side surfaces 71, each of which faces the large-diameter end faces 42 of the tapered rollers 4, which are respectively housed in multiple pockets 9 of the cage 5E. Each of the multiple large-diameter side surfaces 71 has a first large-diameter side surface 71a and a second large-diameter side surface 71b. The first large-diameter side surface 71a is located radially outward of the cage 5E, and the second large-diameter side surface 71b is located radially inward of the cage 5E than the first large-diameter side surface 71a. A recess 72 is provided radially between the first large-diameter side surface 71a and the second large-diameter side surface 71b of the cage 5E. The recess 72 is provided as an oil groove for retaining lubricating oil for lubricating various parts of the rolling bearing 1.

[0164] It should be noted that the recess 72 is not mandatory; the recess 72 may not be provided between the first side surface 71a and the second side surface 71b on the large diameter side. That is, the first side surface 71a and the second side surface 71b on the large diameter side can be directly connected radially.

[0165] like Figure 14A As shown, the distance W5 (the "sixth distance" of the present invention) between the large-diameter side surface 71a and the large-diameter side end face 42 facing the first pocket 9I is equal to the distance W6 between the large-diameter side surface 71b and the large-diameter side end face 42 facing the first pocket 9I (W5 = W6). Therefore, the large-diameter side surface 71a and the large-diameter side surface 71b facing the first pocket 9I are located on the same plane. It should be noted that the distance W5 can be larger than the distance W6.

[0166] like Figure 14B As shown, the first side surface 71a on the larger diameter side facing the second pocket 9J is inclined at an angle θ3 to the opposite side of the axial direction compared to the second side surface 71b on the larger diameter side facing the second pocket 9J. Therefore, the distance W7 (the "seventh distance" of the present invention) between the radially outward end 73 of the first side surface 71a on the larger diameter side facing the second pocket 9J and the large diameter side end face 42 is greater than the distance W5 (W7>W5). Moreover, the distance W7 is greater than the distance W8 (the "eighth distance" of the present invention) between the second side surface 71b on the larger diameter side facing the second pocket 9J and the large diameter side end face 42 (W7>W8). The distance W8 is equal to the distance W6 (W8=W6).

[0167] Therefore, if we compare the large-diameter side surface 71 facing the first pocket 9I with the large-diameter side surface 71 facing the second pocket 9J, the positions of the large-diameter side second side surface 71b relative to the large-diameter side end face 42 are the same. On the other hand, the large-diameter side first side surface 71a facing the second pocket 9J has a larger gap relative to the large-diameter side end face 42 compared to the large-diameter side first side surface 71a facing the first pocket 9I.

[0168] Because there is a larger gap between the first side surface 71a on the large diameter side facing the second pocket 9J and the end face 42 on the large diameter side, the allowable radially inward displacement of the large diameter side portion 4b of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9J is greater than the allowable radially inward displacement of the large diameter side portion 4b of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9I. As a result, the allowable radially outward displacement (second displacement Y4) of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9J is greater than the allowable radially outward displacement (first displacement X4) of the small diameter side portion 4a of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9I (Y4>X4).

[0169] As described above, according to the cage 5E of this modified example, the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9J has a larger allowable displacement compared to the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9I. Therefore, compared to a cage where all pockets 9 are composed of the first pocket 9I, the assembly of the cage 5E and the multiple tapered rollers 4 as a single unit, the inner ring 2, is easier to assemble. Moreover, compared to a cage where all pockets 9 are composed of the second pocket 9J, the inner ring unit 11, which integrates the inner ring 2, the cage 5E, and the multiple tapered rollers 4 as a single unit, is less likely to separate.

[0170] Furthermore, in the first pocket 9I and the second pocket 9J of this modified example, the distances W6 and W8 between the second side surface 71b on the large diameter side and the end face 42 on the large diameter side are the same, and the distances W6 and W8 are smaller than the distance W7. With this configuration, the allowable amount of radially outward displacement of the large diameter side portion 4b of the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9J is almost unchanged from the allowable amount of radially outward displacement of the large diameter side portion 4b of the tapered roller 4 housed in the first pocket 9I. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the case where the tapered roller 4 housed in the second pocket 9J is displaced in an unexpected direction (e.g., the direction in which the large diameter side portion 4b is inclined radially outward), and to increase the allowable amount of displacement in the specified displacement direction (the direction in which the large diameter side portion 4b is inclined radially inward) required for assembly (i.e., the second displacement amount Y4).

[0171] In the cage 5A of the first embodiment, the large-diameter side surface 7a facing the second pocket 9B is located on the opposite side of the axial direction compared to the large-diameter side surface 7a facing the first pocket 9A. Therefore, when the tapered roller 4 rotates, the large-diameter side surface 7a facing the first pocket 9A easily contacts the large-diameter end face 42, but the gap between the large-diameter side surface 7a facing the second pocket 9B and the large-diameter end face 42 is large, making contact difficult. As a result, the number of large-diameter side surfaces 7a in contact with the tapered roller 4 is reduced by the amount of the second pocket 9B, and the contact surface pressure between the large-diameter side surface 7a facing the first pocket 9A and the large-diameter end face 42 tends to increase. When the contact surface pressure between the large-diameter side surface 7a and the large-diameter end face 42 increases, the cage may wear more easily.

[0172] In contrast, in the cage 5E of this modified example, the second large-diameter side surface 71b facing the second pocket 9J is in the same position as the second large-diameter side surface 71b facing the first pocket 9I. Therefore, when the tapered roller 4 rotates, the ease of contact between the second large-diameter side surface 71b facing the first pocket 9I and the large-diameter end face 42 is the same as the ease of contact between the second large-diameter side surface 71b facing the second pocket 9J and the large-diameter end face 42. As a result, even if the second displacement Y4 of the tapered roller 4 is further increased in the second pocket 9J, the number of large-diameter side surfaces 71 in contact with the tapered roller 4 is the same as the number of pockets 9, which can suppress the increase of the contact surface pressure between the large-diameter side surfaces 71 and the large-diameter end face 42. Therefore, wear of the cage 5E can be suppressed.

[0173] It should be noted that the above-mentioned methods and variations can be combined. For example, the cages 5D and 5E of the variations can be combined with the second method described above. Specifically, in cage 5D (or 5E), the angle θ2 between the first side 8a and the second side 8b in the second pocket 9H (or 9J) can be smaller than the angle θ1 between the first side 8a and the second side 8b in the first pocket 9G (or 9I).

[0174] [Other variations]

[0175] The disclosure describes a single-row tapered roller bearing 1 in which multiple tapered rollers 4 are arranged in a circumferential row. Although not shown, a double-row tapered roller bearing may also have a cage with the aforementioned structure. Furthermore, as another option, when a portion of a wheel bearing assembly (also called a hub unit) supporting the wheels of a motor vehicle is composed of tapered roller bearings, i.e., when a portion of the wheel bearing assembly has tapered rollers as rolling elements, the cage holding these tapered rollers may have the aforementioned structure.

[0176] The method disclosed herein is illustrative at all points and is not limited thereto. The scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described method, but includes all modifications within the range equivalent to the structure described in the claims.

[0177] Label Explanation

[0178] 1. Tapered roller bearing

[0179] 2 Inner circle

[0180] 21 Inner raceway

[0181] 22 Small flange

[0182] 23 Large flanges

[0183] 24 Side surfaces (flange surfaces)

[0184] 3 Outer ring

[0185] 31 Outer raceway

[0186] 4a Small diameter side portion

[0187] 4b Large-diameter side portion

[0188] 4D boundary

[0189] 41 Small diameter side end face

[0190] 42 Large-diameter side end face

[0191] 43 Outer Peripheral Surface

[0192] 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E cages

[0193] 6 Small-diameter annular bodies

[0194] 60 small diameter annular body

[0195] 6a Small diameter side surface

[0196] 61. Side profile of the small path

[0197] 61a Small diameter side first lateral surface

[0198] 61b Second lateral side of the small diameter

[0199] 62 recess

[0200] 7 Large-diameter annular bodies

[0201] 70 Large-diameter annular body

[0202] 7a Large-diameter side surface

[0203] 71 Large-diameter lateral surface

[0204] 71a Large-diameter side first lateral surface

[0205] 71b Large-diameter side second lateral surface

[0206] 72 recess

[0207] 73 end

[0208] 8 columns

[0209] 8a First side view

[0210] 8b Second side view

[0211] 8c Recess

[0212] 8d boundary

[0213] 9 pockets

[0214] 9A First Pocket

[0215] 9B Second pocket

[0216] 9C First pocket

[0217] 9D Second Pocket

[0218] 9E First pocket

[0219] 9F Second Pocket

[0220] 9G First Pocket

[0221] 9H Second pocket

[0222] 9I First Pocket

[0223] 9J Second pocket

[0224] 10 groups

[0225] 11 Inner Ring Units

[0226] 100 sets

[0227] 101 Cage

[0228] 102 pockets

[0229] 103 Anti-hair loss section

[0230] 107 Small flange

[0231] 108 Inner Circle

[0232] 109 Tapered Roller

[0233] 109a Small diameter side section

[0234] C1 Centerline

[0235] L1 First Distance

[0236] L2 Second Distance

[0237] W1 Distance

[0238] W2 distance (third distance)

[0239] W3 distance (fourth distance)

[0240] W4 distance (fifth distance)

[0241] W5 distance (sixth distance)

[0242] W6 Distance

[0243] W7 distance (seventh distance)

[0244] W8 distance (eighth distance)

[0245] θ1 First angle

[0246] θ2 Second angle

[0247] θ3 angle

[0248] D1 gap

[0249] D2 gap

[0250] K1 gap

[0251] K2 gap

[0252] Q1 Circle

[0253] Q2 Circle

[0254] Dj1 diameter

[0255] Dj2 diameter

[0256] X1 First displacement

[0257] X2 First displacement

[0258] X3 First displacement

[0259] X4 First displacement

[0260] Y1 Second displacement

[0261] Y2 Second displacement

[0262] Y3 Second displacement

[0263] Y4 Second displacement

Claims

1. A tapered roller bearing, comprising: The inner ring has an inner ring raceway, a small flange portion and a large flange portion on its outer peripheral side. The small flange portion is located on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange portion is located on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway. The outer ring has an outer ring raceway on the inner circumference side; Multiple tapered rollers make rolling contact with the inner raceway and the outer raceway; and The annular cage has multiple pockets that house the tapered rollers. The cage has a plurality of first sides and a plurality of second sides. The plurality of first sides are respectively opposite to the outer peripheral surfaces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets from one circumferential side of the cage, and the plurality of second sides are respectively opposite to the outer peripheral surfaces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the plurality of pockets from the other circumferential side of the cage. The plurality of pockets includes a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first pocket has a first angle formed by the angle between the first side and the second side, and the second pocket has a second angle formed by the angle between the first side and the second side that is smaller than the first angle. The first angle and the second angle are the angles formed by the intersection of a first line passing through the radial inner and radial outer ends of the first side and a second line passing through the radial inner and radial outer ends of the second side in a cross-section of the cage when cut using a predetermined plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the tapered roller. The first side and the second side are arranged such that they have a first gap between the conical roller received in the first pocket in the radial direction of the cage, and a second gap larger than the first gap between the conical roller received in the second pocket in the radial direction of the cage.

2. The tapered roller bearing according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second sides of the second pocket have a recess on one axial side, which widens the gap between the tapered roller housed in the second pocket and the first and second sides.

3. The tapered roller bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cage has multiple small-diameter side faces and multiple large-diameter side faces. The multiple small-diameter side faces are respectively opposite to the small-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets, and the multiple large-diameter side faces are respectively opposite to the large-diameter end faces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets. When the distance between the small-diameter side surface and the large-diameter side surface in the first pocket is set as the first distance, the distance between the small-diameter side surface and the large-diameter side surface in the second pocket becomes a second distance that is larger than the first distance.

4. The tapered roller bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cage has multiple small-diameter side faces, each of which is opposite to the small-diameter end face of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets. The small-diameter side has a first small-diameter side and a second small-diameter side. The first small-diameter side is located radially inward of the cage, and the second small-diameter side is located radially outward of the cage than the first small-diameter side. When the distance between the first side surface of the small diameter side in the first pocket and the end face of the small diameter side in the first pocket is defined as the third distance, the distance between the first side surface of the small diameter side in the second pocket and the end face of the small diameter side in the second pocket becomes a fourth distance that is larger than the third distance. The distance between the second side of the small diameter side in the second pocket and the end face of the small diameter side in the second pocket becomes a fifth distance that is smaller than the fourth distance.

5. The tapered roller bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cage has multiple large-diameter side faces, each of which is opposite to the large-diameter end face of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets. The large-diameter side has a first large-diameter side and a second large-diameter side. The first large-diameter side is located radially outward of the cage, and the second large-diameter side is located radially inward of the cage than the first large-diameter side. When the distance between the first side surface of the large-diameter side in the first pocket and the end face of the large-diameter side in the first pocket is defined as the sixth distance, the distance between the radially outward end of the first side surface of the large-diameter side in the second pocket and the end face of the large-diameter side in the second pocket becomes a seventh distance, which is larger than the sixth distance. The distance between the second side surface of the larger diameter side in the second pocket and the end face of the larger diameter side in the second pocket becomes an eighth distance that is smaller than the seventh distance.

6. The tapered roller bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of second pockets are arranged circumferentially apart in such a way that the first pocket is sandwiched between the plurality of second pockets.

7. A cage for a tapered roller bearing, the tapered roller bearing comprising: The inner ring has an inner ring raceway, a small flange portion and a large flange portion on its outer peripheral side. The small flange portion is located on one axial side of the inner ring raceway, and the large flange portion is located on the other axial side of the inner ring raceway. The outer ring has an outer ring raceway on the inner circumference side; and Multiple tapered rollers make rolling contact with the inner raceway and the outer raceway, wherein... The cage has: Multiple pockets for accommodating the tapered roller; Multiple first sides are respectively opposite to the outer peripheral surfaces of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets from one circumferential side of the cage; and Multiple second sides, each facing the outer peripheral surface of the tapered rollers respectively housed in the multiple pockets, are located on the other side of the cage in the circumferential direction. The plurality of pockets includes a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first pocket has a first angle formed by the angle between the first side and the second side, and the second pocket has a second angle formed by the angle between the first side and the second side that is smaller than the first angle. The first angle and the second angle are the angles formed by the intersection of a first line passing through the radial inner and radial outer ends of the first side and a second line passing through the radial inner and radial outer ends of the second side in a cross-section of the cage when cut using a predetermined plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the tapered roller. The first side and the second side are arranged such that they have a first gap between the conical roller received in the first pocket in the radial direction of the cage, and a second gap larger than the first gap between the conical roller received in the second pocket in the radial direction of the cage.

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