Rolling bearings

Abstract

To provide a rolling bearing that can stably maintain the bonded state between the divided parts of the cage. [Solution] A rolling bearing 1 is provided with a cage 10 that holds a plurality of rolling elements 5, the cage comprising a first annular member 20 and a second annular member 30 that are arranged opposite each other with the rolling elements in between. The first annular member 20 comprises a first long column portion 8 that abuts against the second annular member 30, a first short column portion 7 that abuts against the second annular member 30, a first pocket portion 6 arranged between the first long column portion 8 and the first short column portion 7, a first projection portion 71 that protrudes in a first direction D1, and a first engagement hole 9 provided in the first long column portion 8. The second annular member 30 comprises a second projection portion 71A that is inserted into the first engagement hole 9 and locked into the first engagement hole 9, and a second engagement hole 9A that receives the first projection portion 71 and locks the first projection portion 71. The height H2 of the first long column 8 in the first direction D1 is higher than the height H1 of the first short column 7 in the first direction D1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rolling bearing provided with a cage for holding rolling elements. The cage includes a plurality of pocket portions for holding the rolling elements and a plurality of column portions for partitioning the pocket portions in the circumferential direction. Further, the cage includes two annular portions arranged to face each other in the axial direction, and the column portions are formed by the engagement of a split column portion provided on one annular portion and a split column portion provided on the other annular portion. A locking claw facing the cage radial direction is provided on one of the split column portions, and a recess for locking the locking claw is provided on the other split column portion in the cage radial direction. The one split column portion and the other column portion have different heights (lengths) in the direction facing each other, and the locking claw is provided so as to project from the higher split column portion, and a recess is provided in the lower split column portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the cage described in Patent Document 1, a recess is provided in the lower split column portion. If radial collapse deformation occurs in the split column portion after molding, the engagement margin of the claw may be insufficient, or the recess for receiving the locking claw may become shallow. As a result, the engagement between the locking claw and the recess is likely to be disengaged, and there is a risk of impairing the stable coupling state between the divided bodies.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a rolling bearing capable of stably maintaining the coupling state between divided bodies of a cage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a rolling bearing comprising: [1] an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a cage that holds the plurality of rolling elements so as to be able to roll, wherein the cage comprises an annular first divided body and a second divided body disposed opposite to each other with the rolling elements in between, the first divided body having a first long column portion that abuts against the second divided body, a first short column portion that abuts against the second divided body, a first pocket portion disposed between the first long column portion and the first short column portion, and the first short A rolling bearing comprising: a first projection protruding from a column portion in a direction opposite to the second divided body; and a first engagement hole provided in the first long column portion, wherein the second divided body comprises: a second projection inserted into the first engagement hole and locked to the first engagement hole; and a second engagement hole that receives and locks the first projection, wherein the height of the first long column portion in the direction opposite to the second divided body is greater than the height of the first short column portion in the direction opposite to the second divided body.

[0007] In this rolling bearing, the height of the first long column portion having the first engagement hole is greater than the height of the first short column portion having the first projection. Therefore, the depth of the first engagement hole that receives the first projection can be increased, and the first projection can be locked at a deeper position in the first engagement hole. The coupled state between the first and second divided parts can be stably maintained.

[0008] The rolling bearing of the present invention may also be [2] "the rolling bearing according to [1], wherein the second divided body further comprises a second short column portion that abuts against the first long column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, a second long column portion that abuts against the first short column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, and a second pocket portion that is positioned opposite to the first pocket portion between the second short column portion and the second long column portion, the first divided body has a back surface opposite to the opposing surface facing the second divided body, the first long column portion has a column-fitting surface that abuts against the second short column portion, and the height from the back surface to the column-fitting surface is greater than the height from the back surface to the tip of the first projection." When the first divided bodies are stacked for storage, the back surface of the upper first divided body is placed on the column-fitting surface of the lower first divided body. Here, the height from the back of the lower first segment to the column-joint surface is greater than the height from the back of the lower first segment to the tip of the first projection. Therefore, multiple first segments can be stacked without the first projection getting in the way. Also, when removing the lower first segment, for example, by pulling it out, the tip of the first projection does not get in the way, making it easy to remove.

[0009] The rolling bearing of the present invention may also be [3] "the rolling bearing according to [1] or [2], wherein the first projection extends in a direction opposite to the second divided body and comprises an elastically deformable body portion and a locking claw protruding from the body portion in the circumferential direction of the first divided body, and the second engagement hole comprises a stepped portion that abuts against the locking claw and locks the locking claw." For example, even if the first projection is molded in a tilted position when the first divided body is resin-molded, the locking claw that engages with the stepped portion protrudes from the body portion in the circumferential direction of the first divided body, so it does not easily affect the locking relationship between the locking claw and the stepped portion, and the first projection is stably engaged with the second engagement hole.

[0010] The rolling bearing of the present invention may also be [4] "the rolling bearing according to [3], wherein the first divided body protrudes from the first short column portion in a direction opposite to the second divided body and has an opposing projection portion arranged opposite to the first projection portion in the circumferential direction of the first divided body, the opposing projection portion has an opposing locking claw that protrudes in the opposite direction to the locking claw in the circumferential direction of the first divided body, and the second engagement hole has an opposing step portion that abuts against the opposing locking claw and locks the opposing locking claw." Forces can act on the cage of the rolling bearing in both circumferential directions. The locking claw of the first projection protrudes to one side in the circumferential direction and is locked to the step portion, and the opposing locking claw of the opposing projection protrudes to the other side in the circumferential direction and is locked to the opposing step portion. Therefore, even if forces act on the cage in both circumferential directions, the locking claw or the opposing locking claw can maintain a state in which it is locked to the step portion or the opposing step portion, and the engagement state can be stably maintained.

[0011] The rolling bearing of the present invention may also be the rolling bearing described in [1], [5] "the second divided body further comprises a second short column portion that abuts against the first long column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, a second long column portion that abuts against the first short column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, and a second pocket portion that is positioned opposite the first pocket portion between the second short column portion and the second long column portion, wherein the first long column portion has a column mating surface that abuts against the second short column portion, and the first engagement hole has an inlet provided on the column mating surface, and the inlet has an inclined surface that abuts against the second projection portion and guides the second projection portion into the first engagement hole." The second projection portion is smoothly inserted into the first engagement hole by being guided by the inclined surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the bonded state between the divided parts of the retainer can be stably maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the retainer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a disassembled perspective view of the retainer. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing a state in which multiple first annular members are stacked. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rolling bearing according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as bearing 1) comprises an inner ring 2, an outer ring 3, and a plurality of rolling elements 5. The bearing 1 also includes a cage 10 that holds the rolling elements 5. The bearing 1 supports the rotating shaft S within the inner ring 2. In the example shown in the figures, the bearing 1 is a ball bearing, and the rolling elements 5 are balls. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the centerline A of the bearing 1 will be referred to as the axial direction Ds, the direction perpendicular to the centerline A will be referred to as the radial direction Dr, and the direction along the circumference of the circle centered on the centerline A when viewed from a direction parallel to the centerline A will be referred to as the circumferential direction Dc. For example, the axial direction Ds refers to the axial direction Ds of the cage 10, the radial direction Dr refers to the radial direction Dr of the cage 10, and the circumferential direction Dc refers to the circumferential direction of the cage 10. Furthermore, for example, the inside of the radial direction Dr refers to the inner side that is closer to the center line A, while the outside of the radial direction Dr refers to the opposite side of the inside, the outer side that is further away from the center line A.

[0016] The inner ring 2 is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the axial direction Ds, and has an inner ring raceway surface on the outside in the radial direction Dr. The outer ring 3 is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the axial direction Ds, and has an outer ring raceway surface on the inside in the radial direction Dr. The outer ring 3 is positioned radially outside Dr relative to the inner ring 2.

[0017] The plurality of rolling elements 5 are arranged between the inner ring raceway surface and the outer ring raceway surface. The plurality of rolling elements 5 are held by a cage 10 and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction Dc. The cage 10 is arranged between the inner ring raceway surface of the inner ring 2 and the outer ring raceway surface of the outer ring 3, and holds the plurality of rolling elements 5 in a rotatable manner. The rolling elements 5 roll on the inner ring raceway surface and the outer ring raceway surface. The cage 10 has a plurality of pockets 10a (see FIG. 3), and the rolling elements 5 are arranged in each pocket 10a.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cage 10 includes, for example, an annular first divided body (for example, the first annular member 20) and an annular second divided body (for example, the second annular member 30) that are coupled by snap fit. The first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 are arranged to face each other in the axial direction Ds so as to hold the rolling elements 5 between them. The first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 are coupled to each other to form an annular cage 10. The first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 are, for example, made of resin and are formed by injection molding. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first annular member 20 faces the second annular member 30 is, for example, the direction in which the first annular member 20 faces the second annular member 30 along the axial direction Ds, and may be referred to as the "first direction D1". Also, the direction in which the second annular member 30 faces the first annular member 20 is, for example, the opposite direction of the first direction D1 along the axial direction Ds, and may be referred to as the "second direction D2".

[0019] The first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 have substantially the same shape and are coupled to each other with a phase difference in the circumferential direction Dc by one pocket 10a. Hereinafter, the first annular member 20 will be described as a representative, and for the second annular member 30, the description will focus on the structure coupled to the first annular member 20. Regarding the second annular member 30, for the same structure as the first annular member 20, the same reference numerals as those of the first annular member 20 may be used and detailed description may be omitted. As a supplement, the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 may have different shapes and structures as long as they can be coupled to each other.

[0020] The first annular member 20 includes an inner peripheral surface that is on the inner side in the radial direction Dr and an outer peripheral surface that is on the outer side in the radial direction Dr. Further, the first annular member 20 includes a facing surface (hereinafter, the first facing surface 20a) that faces the second annular member 30 in the axial direction Ds and a back surface (hereinafter, the first back surface 20b) that is on the opposite side of the first facing surface 20a in the axial direction Ds.

[0021] The first annular member 20 includes a plurality of first short columns 7 and a plurality of first long columns 8 that abut against the second annular member 30. The first short columns 7 and the first long columns 8 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction Dc. A first pocket portion 6 capable of holding the rolling elements 5 is provided between adjacent first short columns 7 and first long columns 8.

[0022] The first short column 7 includes a column mating surface (hereinafter, the first short column end surface 7a) that abuts against the second long column 8A of the second annular member 30. Further, a through hole 7H for forming a reduced thickness is provided in the first short column 7. <0000!01> The first annular member 20 includes a plurality of protrusions that protrude in the direction (the first direction D1) from the first short column 7 toward the second annular member 30. The first short column 7 includes, for example, two protrusions, one of which is the first protrusion 71 and the other is the first opposing protrusion 72. The first opposing protrusion 72 is arranged to face the first protrusion 71 in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the first projection 71 has a plate-shaped body portion (e.g., first body portion 71a) extending along the first direction D1, and the base of the first body portion 71a is positioned in the through hole 7H of the first short column portion 7 and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 7H. The first opposing projection 72 has a plate-shaped body portion (e.g., first opposing body portion 72a) extending along the first direction D1, and the base of the first opposing body portion 72a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 7H. The first body portion 71a and the first opposing body portion 72a are arranged so that their plate surfaces face the circumferential direction Dc and have an elastically deformable structure. The first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 have flexibility such that their tips 71b and 72b can move in the circumferential direction Dc relative to the first short column portion 7.

[0025] A hook-shaped locking claw (for example, a first locking claw 73) is formed at the tip 71b of the first projection 71. The first locking claw 73 forms an overlap allowance by protruding in a bending direction from the first body portion 71a. A hook-shaped locking claw (for example, a first opposing locking claw 74) is formed at the tip of the first opposing projection 72. The first opposing locking claw 74 forms an overlap allowance by protruding in a bending direction from the first opposing body portion 72a. The first locking claw 73 protrudes from the first body portion 71a in the circumferential direction Dc, and the first opposing locking claw 74 protrudes from the first opposing body portion 72a in the circumferential direction Dc. For example, the first locking claw 73 protrudes in the opposite direction to the direction opposite to the first opposing projection 72, and the first opposing locking claw 74 protrudes in the opposite direction to the direction opposite to the first projection 71.

[0026] The first locking claw 73 includes a locking surface that forms an engagement gap (e.g., a first locking surface 73a) and an inclined surface (e.g., a first inclined surface 73b) provided on the opposite side of the first locking surface 73a in the axial direction Ds. The first opposing locking claw 74 includes a locking surface that forms an engagement gap (e.g., a first opposing locking surface 74a) and an inclined surface (e.g., a first opposing inclined surface 74b) provided on the opposite side of the first opposing locking surface 74a in the axial direction Ds. The first inclined surface 73b and the first opposing inclined surface 74b serve as guides when the first locking claw 73 and the first opposing locking claw 74 are inserted into the second engagement hole 9A of the second annular member 30.

[0027] The first long column portion 8 has a column-fitting surface (for example, the first long column end surface 8a) that abuts against the second short column portion 7A of the second annular member 30. The first long column end surface 8a is part of the first opposing surface 20a. The first long column portion 8 has a first engagement hole 9 that penetrates in the axial direction Ds from the first long column end surface 8a to the first back surface 20b. Multiple stepped portions are provided inside the first engagement hole 9. For example, the first engagement hole 9 has two stepped portions arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction Dc, one of which is the first stepped portion 91 that engages with the second locking claw 75 of the second annular member 30, and the other is the first opposing stepped portion 92 that engages with the second opposing locking claw 76.

[0028] The first engagement hole 9 includes an introduction hole 93 close to the first long column end face 8a and a back hole 94 close to the first back surface 20b, with reference to the first step portion 91 and the first opposing step portion 92. The width (inner diameter) of the back hole 94 in the circumferential direction Dc is larger than the width (inner diameter) of the introduction hole 93 in the circumferential direction Dc. The first step portion 91 and the first opposing step portion 92 are formed by the difference between the width of the introduction hole 93 and the width of the back hole 94. In addition, the width of the back hole 94 and the width of the introduction hole 93 may be the same, or the width of the back hole 94 may be smaller than the width of the introduction hole 93. In such cases, the first step portion 91 and the first opposing step portion 92 may be formed by grooves formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first engagement hole 9.

[0029] The first column end face 8a is provided with an inlet (for example, a first inlet 95) which is the entrance to the inlet hole 93. The first inlet 95 has a plurality of inclined surfaces. The first inlet 95 has, for example, two inclined surfaces arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction Dc, one of which is a first guide surface 95a and the other is a first opposing guide surface 95b. The first guide surface 95a and the first opposing guide surface 95b are inclined such that the distance between them in the circumferential direction Dc decreases as they move away from the first column end face 8a. The first guide surface 95a has the function of contacting the second projection 71A of the second annular member 30 and guiding the second projection 71A into the first engagement hole 9. The first opposing guide surface 95b has the function of contacting the second opposing projection 72A of the second annular member 30 and guiding the second opposing projection 72A into the first engagement hole 9.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second annular member 30 has an inner circumferential surface that is on the inside in the radial direction Dr and an outer circumferential surface that is on the outside in the radial direction Dr. The second annular member 30 also has a second opposing surface 30a that faces the second annular member 30 in the axial direction Ds, and a second back surface 30b that is on the opposite side of the second opposing surface 30a in the axial direction Ds.

[0031] The second annular member 30 comprises a plurality of second short column portions 7A and a plurality of second long column portions 8A that abut against the first annular member 20. The second short column portions 7A and the second long column portions 8A are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction Dc. A second pocket portion 6A capable of holding the rolling element 5 is provided between adjacent second short column portions 7A and second long column portions 8A. The second short column portions 7A have a column-fitting surface (hereinafter referred to as the second short column end surface 7b) that abuts against the first long column portion 8 of the first annular member 20. The first long column portion 8 has a column-fitting surface (hereinafter referred to as the second long column end surface 8b) that abuts against the second short column portion 7A of the first annular member 20.

[0032] The second annular member 30 has two projections that protrude from the second short column portion 7A in a direction opposite to the first annular member 20 (second direction D2). One is the second projection 71A, and the other is the second opposing projection 72A, which is opposed to the second projection 71A in the circumferential direction Dc. The second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A have an elastically deformable structure and are flexible such that their tips 71c and 72c can move in the circumferential direction Dc with the second short column portion 7A as a fulcrum.

[0033] The tip 71c of the second projection 71A has a second locking claw 75 formed thereon, which engages with the first step 91 of the first engagement hole 9. The tip 72c of the second opposing projection 72A has a second opposing locking claw 76 formed thereon, which engages with the first opposing step 92 of the first engagement hole 9. The second locking claw 75 and the second opposing locking claw 76 are provided to protrude in opposite directions in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0034] The second locking claw 75 includes a second locking surface 75a and a second inclined surface 75b that form an engagement gap. The second opposing locking claw 76 includes a second opposing locking surface 76a and a second opposing inclined surface 76b that form an engagement gap. The second inclined surface 75b and the second opposing inclined surface 76b serve as guides when the second locking claw 75 and the second opposing locking claw 76 are inserted into the first engagement hole 9 of the first annular member 20.

[0035] The second elongated column portion 8A is provided with a second engagement hole 9A. Inside the second engagement hole 9A are a second stepped portion 91A and a second opposing stepped portion 92A, which are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction Dc. The second elongated column end face 8b of the second elongated column portion 8A is provided with a second inlet 95A for the second engagement hole 9A. The second inlet 95A is provided with a second guide surface 95c and a second opposing guide surface 95d, which are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction Dc. The second guide surface 95c has the function of contacting the first projection 71 of the first annular member 20 and guiding the first projection 71 into the second engagement hole 9A. The second opposing guide surface 95d has the function of contacting the first opposing projection 72 of the first annular member 20 and guiding the first opposing projection 72 into the second engagement hole 9A.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 are inserted into the second engagement hole 9A. In this state, the first locking claw 73 of the first projection 71 is locked to the second step 91A, and the first opposing locking claw 74 of the first opposing projection 72 is locked to the second opposing step 92A. "Locked" means that when the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 attempt to move in the axial direction Ds, the second step 91A is located on the movement trajectory of the first locking claw 73, interfering with the first locking claw 73 and restricting its movement. Alternatively, it means that the second opposing step 92A is located on the movement trajectory of the first opposing locking claw 74, interfering with the first opposing locking claw 74 and restricting its movement.

[0037] For example, the protruding length of the first projection 71 can be set to a size that creates a small gap between the first locking surface 73a of the first locking claw 73 and the second step portion 91A. Similarly, the protruding length of the first opposing projection 72 can be set to a size that creates a small gap between the first opposing locking surface 74a of the first opposing locking claw 74 and the second opposing step portion 92A. By setting the dimensions in this way, even if there is variation in the position of the claws due to variations in the quality of the product, the first locking claw 73 or the first opposing locking claw 74 can reliably overcome the second step portion 91A or the second opposing step portion 92A. As a result, the first locking surface 73a is locked to the second step portion 91A, and the first opposing locking surface 74a is locked to the second opposing step portion 92A.

[0038] Furthermore, the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A are inserted into the first engagement hole 9 and locked to the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92, respectively. In this state, the protruding length of the second projection 71A can be set to a size that creates a small gap between the second locking surface 75a of the second locking claw 75 and the first step portion 91. Similarly, the protruding length of the second opposing projection 72A can be set to a size that creates a small gap between the second opposing locking surface 76a of the second opposing locking claw 76 and the first opposing step portion 92. By setting the dimensions in this way, the second locking claw 75 or the second opposing locking claw 76 can reliably overcome the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92. As a result, the second locking surface 75a is locked to the first step portion 91, and the second opposing locking surface is locked to the first opposing step portion 92.

[0039] The height H1 of the first short column section 7 is, for example, the width from the first back surface 20b to the first short column end surface 7a in the axial direction Ds (first direction D1), as shown in Figure 5. The height H2 of the first long column section 8 is, for example, the width from the first back surface 20b to the first long column end surface 8a in the axial direction Ds (first direction D1). The height H3 of the second short column section 7A is, for example, the width from the second back surface 30b to the second short column end surface 7b in the axial direction Ds (second direction D2). The height H4 of the second long column section 8A is, for example, the width from the second back surface 30b to the second long column end surface 8b in the axial direction Ds (second direction D2). Here, the height H2 of the first long column section 8 is higher than the height H1 of the first short column section 7, and also higher than the height H3 of the second short column section 7A. Furthermore, the height H4 of the second long column section 8A is higher than the height H1 of the first short column section 7, and also higher than the height H3 of the second short column section 7A.

[0040] The height Ha from the first back surface 20b to the tip 71b of the first projection 71 is the sum of the height H1 of the first short column 7 and the protruding length of the first projection 71. For example, the height from the first back surface 20b to the tip 72b of the first opposing projection 72 is the same as the height Ha from the first back surface 20b to the tip 71b of the first projection 71.

[0041] The height Hb from the second back surface 30b to the tip 71c of the second projection 71A is the sum of the height H3 of the second short column 7A and the protruding length of the second projection 71A. For example, the height from the second back surface 30b to the tip 72c of the second opposing projection 72A is the same as the height Hb from the second back surface 30b to the tip 71c of the second projection 71A.

[0042] The height H2 of the first long column 8 is higher than the height Ha from the first back surface 20b to the tip of the first projection 71, and higher than the height Hb from the second back surface 30b to the tip of the second projection 71A. Also, the height H4 of the second long column 8A is higher than the height Hb from the second back surface 30b to the tip of the second projection 71A, and higher than the height Ha from the first back surface 20b to the tip of the first projection 71.

[0043] Next, the functions and effects of the bearing 1 described above will be explained. The bearing 1 includes a cage 10 that holds the rolling elements 5, and the cage 10 includes a first annular member 20 and a second annular member 30 that are divided so as to be opposed to each other in the axial direction Ds. For example, with the electrification of various automobiles, if the E-Axle (EV drive motor system) can be made smaller, more batteries can be installed, and the degree of freedom in mounting it on the vehicle will also improve. Miniaturization of the E-Axle can be achieved not only in the radial direction Dr but also by reducing the unit length. A structure in which the cage 10 is divided into two in the axial direction Ds can reduce the thickness of the pocket bottom, and as a result, the size of the bearing 1 in the width direction can be reduced, so it is effective in reducing the unit length of the E-Axle.

[0044] When the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 are fastened together, the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 of the first annular member 20 are inserted into the second engagement hole 9A of the second annular member 30, and the second locking claw 75 and the second opposing locking claw 76 of the second annular member 30 are inserted into the first engagement hole 9 of the first annular member 20.

[0045] When the first projection 71 is inserted into the second engagement hole 9A, the first inclined surface 73b of the first locking claw 73 comes into contact with the second guide surface 95c and is inserted while undergoing elastic deformation. The first locking claw 73 returns to its original shape after overcoming the second step 91A and locks into the second step 91A. Similarly, the first opposing locking claw 74 returns to its original shape after overcoming the second opposing step 92A and locks into the second opposing step 92A.

[0046] On the other hand, when the second projection 71A is inserted into the first engagement hole 9, the second inclined surface 75b of the second locking claw 75 comes into contact with the first guide surface 95a and is inserted while undergoing elastic deformation. Similarly, when the second opposing projection 72A is inserted, the second opposing inclined surface 76b of the second opposing locking claw 76 comes into contact with the first opposing guide surface 95b and is inserted while undergoing elastic deformation. The second locking claw 75 returns to its original shape after overcoming the first step 91 and locks onto the first step 91. Similarly, the second opposing locking claw 76 returns to its original shape after overcoming the first opposing step 92 and locks onto the second opposing step 92A.

[0047] The first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction Dc, and both the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 elastically deform in the circumferential direction Dc. Therefore, the distance between the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 must be within a range that does not interfere with each other's elastic deformation. Similarly, the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction Dc, and both the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A elastically deform in the circumferential direction Dc. Therefore, the distance between the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A must be within a range that does not interfere with each other's elastic deformation. For example, the distance between the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 can be more than twice the protruding length of the first engagement hole 9 and the second opposing locking claw 76 in the circumferential direction Dc. Furthermore, the distance between the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A can be made to be more than twice the protruding length of the second locking claw 75 and the second opposing locking claw 76 in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0048] The first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 are fastened together by the first locking claw 73 and the first opposing locking claw 74 being locked to the second step portion 91A or the second opposing step portion 92A, and the second locking claw 75 and the second opposing locking claw 76 being locked to the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92. As a result, the movement of the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 in the circumferential direction Dc, axial direction Ds, and radial direction Dr is restricted, and they are fixed together without shifting.

[0049] The dimensions by which the first locking claw 73, the first opposing locking claw 74, the second locking claw 75 or the second opposing locking claw 76 and the second step portion 91A, the second opposing step portion 92A, the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92 interfere with each other and lock together can be set to a range that ensures secure locking while considering the finished appearance when the retainer 10 or bearing 1 is completed, and that does not result in damage due to strain stress generated during assembly.

[0050] Furthermore, the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72 of the first annular member 20, and the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A of the second annular member 30 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction Dc, for example, enabling alternating fastening. As a result, the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 can be stably joined without bias in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0051] In the first annular member 20, the height H2 (see Figure 5) of the first long column 8 having the first engagement hole 9 is higher than the height H1 of the first short column 7 having the first projection 71 and the first opposing projection 72. Therefore, the depth of the first engagement hole 9 that receives the second projection 71A, etc. can be increased compared to the case where the engagement hole is formed in the first short column 7. Also, in the second annular member 30, the height H4 of the second long column 8A having the second engagement hole 9A is higher than the height H3 of the second short column 7A having the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A. Therefore, the depth of the second engagement hole 9A that receives the first projection 71, etc. can be increased compared to the case where the engagement hole is formed in the second short column 7A. As a result, the second projection 71A and the second opposing projection 72A can be locked at a deep position in the first engagement hole 9, and the first projection 71 and the second opposing projection 72A can be locked at a deep position in the second engagement hole 9A. Therefore, the connection between the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 can be stably maintained.

[0052] For example, when stacking and storing the first annular members 20 (see Figure 6), the first back surface 20b of the upper first annular member 20 is placed on the first long column end surface 8a (column mating surface) of the lower first annular member 20. Here, the height H2 of the first long column portion 8 of the lower first annular member 20 is higher than the height Ha from the first back surface 20b of the lower first annular member 20 to the tip 71b of the first projection 71, so that multiple first annular members 20 can be stacked without the first projection 71 getting in the way. Also, for example, when removing the lower first annular member 20 by pulling it out, the tip 71b of the first projection 71 does not get in the way, making it easy to remove. As a side note, in this embodiment, the first annular member 20 and the second annular member 30 have the same shape. Therefore, the stacked identical members can be pulled out and used as the first annular member 20 or the second annular member 30 as appropriate.

[0053] Furthermore, the first projection 71 comprises an elastically deformable first body portion 71a and a first locking claw 73 protruding from the first body portion 71a in the circumferential direction Dc, and the second engagement hole 9A comprises a second step portion 91A that abuts against the first locking claw 73 and locks the first locking claw 73. For example, when the first annular member 20 is resin-molded, the first projection 71 may be molded in a state where it is tilted inward in the radial direction Dr, for example, in a state where it is bent inward. However, since the first locking claw 73 that locks into the second step portion 91A protrudes in the circumferential direction Dc relative to the first body portion 71a, even if the first projection 71 is bent inward, it does not significantly affect the locking relationship between the first locking claw 73 and the second step portion 91A, and the first projection 71 is stably engaged with the second engagement hole 9A.

[0054] The first locking claw 73 of the first projection 71 or the first opposing locking claw 74 of the first opposing projection 72 is structured to be inserted into the second engagement hole 9A of the second ring member 30. Therefore, even if the first projection 71 or the first opposing projection 72 is deformed by tilting, the first locking claw 73 or the first opposing locking claw 74 is guided along the radial edge (inner wall surface) of the second engagement hole 9A to the second step portion 91A or the second opposing step portion 92A, and is securely locked into the second step portion 91A or the second opposing step portion 92A. In addition, the second locking claw 75 of the second projection 71A or the second opposing locking claw 76 of the second opposing projection 72A is structured to be inserted into the first engagement hole 9 of the first ring member 20. Therefore, even if the second projection 71A or the second opposing projection 72A is deformed by tilting, the second locking claw 75 or the second opposing locking claw 76 is guided along the radial edge (inner wall surface) of the first engagement hole 9 to the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92, and is securely locked to the first step portion 91 or the first opposing step portion 92.

[0055] The cage 10 of the bearing 1 may be subjected to forces in both directions of the circumferential direction Dc due to the rotation of the rotating shaft S. The first locking claw 73 of the first projection 71 protrudes to one side of the circumferential direction Dc and is locked to the second step 91A, and the first opposing locking claw 74 of the first opposing projection 72 protrudes to the other side of the circumferential direction Dc and is locked to the second opposing step 92A. Therefore, even if forces are applied to the cage in both directions of the circumferential direction Dc, the first locking claw 73 or the first opposing locking claw 74 can maintain a locked state to the step or opposing step, and the engagement state can be stably maintained.

[0056] The first engagement hole 9 of the first long column 8 is provided with a first inlet 95 on the first long column end face 8a (column mating surface), and the first inlet 95 has a first guide surface 95a that abuts against the second projection 71A and guides the second projection 71A into the first engagement hole 9. The second projection 71A is smoothly inserted into the first engagement hole 9 by being guided by the first guide surface 95a. In addition, the first inlet 95 has a first opposing guide surface 95b that abuts against the second opposing projection 72A and guides the second opposing projection 72A into the first engagement hole 9. The second opposing projection 72A is smoothly inserted into the first engagement hole 9 by being guided by the first opposing guide surface 95b.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, the materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, but can be made from a variety of materials and shapes.

[0058] For example, although the above description illustrates an example where the first and second divided parts have the same shape, they may have different shapes or structures. Furthermore, the number of multiple first long columns, first short columns, multiple second long columns, and second short columns described above is not limited to an even number. For example, the number of first long columns and second short columns may be the same and their circumferential arrangement coincides, and the number of second long columns and first short columns may be the same and their circumferential arrangement coincides. In addition, the rolling bearing is not limited to a ball bearing, but may be a roller bearing, for example, and the rolling element may be a roller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Bearing (rolling bearing), 2...Inner ring, 3...Outer ring, 5...Rolling element, 7...First short column section, 7A...Second short column section, 8...First long column section, 8a...First long column end face (column mating surface), 8A...Second long column section, 9...First engagement hole, 9A...Second engagement hole, 10...Cage, 20...First annular member, 30...Second annular member, 71...First projection, 72...First opposing projection, 71a...First body section, 7 2a...First opposing body section, 73...First locking claw, 74...First opposing locking claw, 91A...Second stage section (step section), 92A...Second opposing stage section (opposing stage section), 95...First inlet, 95a...First guide surface (inclined surface), Dc...Circumferential direction, D1...First direction (direction opposite the second divided body), D2...Second direction (direction opposite the first divided body), H1...Height, H2...Height, Ha...Height.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a cage that holds the plurality of rolling elements so that they can roll freely, The aforementioned retainer is, The system comprises an annular first divided body and a second divided body arranged opposite to each other with the rolling element in between, The first divided body comprises a first long column portion that abuts against the second divided body, a first short column portion that abuts against the second divided body, a first pocket portion disposed between the first long column portion and the first short column portion, a first projection portion that protrudes from the first short column portion in a direction facing the second divided body, and a first engagement hole provided in the first long column portion. The second divided body comprises a second projection that is inserted into the first engagement hole and locked into the first engagement hole, and a second engagement hole that receives and locks the first projection. A rolling bearing in which the height of the first long column in the direction opposite to the second divided body is greater than the height of the first short column in the direction opposite to the second divided body.

2. The second divided body further comprises a second short column portion that abuts against the first long column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, a second long column portion that abuts against the first short column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, and a second pocket portion that is positioned opposite the first pocket portion between the second short column portion and the second long column portion. The first divided body has a back surface opposite to the opposing surface facing the second divided body, The first long column portion is provided with a column-joint surface that abuts against the second short column portion. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the height from the rear surface to the column mating surface is greater than the height from the rear surface to the tip of the first projection.

3. The first projection extends in a direction opposite to the second divided body and comprises an elastically deformable body portion and a locking claw protruding from the body portion in the circumferential direction of the first divided body. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement hole has a stepped portion that contacts the locking claw and locks the locking claw.

4. The first divided body has a projection that extends from the first short column portion in a direction opposite to the second divided body, and also has an opposing projection that is positioned opposite to the first projection in the circumferential direction of the first divided body. The opposing projection comprises opposing locking claws that protrude in the opposite direction to the locking claws in the circumferential direction of the first divided body, The rolling bearing according to claim 3, wherein the second engagement hole has an opposing stepped portion that contacts the opposing locking claw and locks the opposing locking claw.

5. The second divided body further comprises a second short column portion that abuts against the first long column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, a second long column portion that abuts against the first short column portion and is provided with the second engagement hole, and a second pocket portion that is positioned opposite the first pocket portion between the second short column portion and the second long column portion. The first long column portion is provided with a column-joint surface that abuts against the second short column portion. The first engagement hole is provided with an inlet on the column mating surface, The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the inlet has an inclined surface that contacts the second projection and guides the second projection into the first engagement hole.

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