Roller and cage assembly
The retainer design with annular and columnar portions and resin retaining ring addresses fit issues in roller bearings, ensuring stable roller retention and improved load capacity by preventing radial detachment and simplifying assembly.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NTN CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing retainers for roller bearings in planetary gear reducers face issues with dimensional fit between the retainer body and retaining ring, leading to improper holding of rollers due to distortion or loose interference, which affects the high load capacity and assembly stability.
A retainer design with a retainer body and resin retaining ring that includes a pair of annular portions and columnar portions, featuring projections and fall-stopping parts to ensure proper interference fit and prevent radial detachment of rollers, allowing for adjustable interference fit and improved assembly stability.
The design ensures stable retention of rollers by preventing radial inward and outward detachment, facilitating easy assembly and reducing parts procurement costs through standardized retaining ring specifications, enhancing load capacity and assembly efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure JP2025042696_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Roller with retainer 【0001】 This invention relates to a roller with a retainer in which a plurality of rollers and a retainer are assembled into a unit. 【0002】 In automotive and industrial machinery where space saving and high load capacity are required for shaft support, sun gears, planetary gears, planetary carriers that enable the revolution of planetary gears, planetary gear reducers composed of internal gears, and a two-stage reduction type precision reducer in which a spur gear reducer is provided in the front stage of an eccentric differential type reducer using pin gears for internal teeth and trochoid gears for external teeth, mainly used for robot applications, a track surface is formed on the shaft and housing of the mechanism respectively, and a plurality of rollers and a retainer are arranged between these two track surfaces to form a roller bearing without raceways. 【0003】 On the other hand, to increase the high load capacity of roller bearings, it is effective to increase the number of rollers or expand the roller diameter. As a retainer suitable for adopting such effective measures, there is a cage type having a pair of annular portions and a plurality of column portions separating them, and these column portions are provided only at positions radially outward from the pitch circle diameter of the plurality of rollers. In this type of cage retainer, each column portion can restrict each roller from dropping radially outward, but there is no portion to restrict each roller from dropping radially inward. 【0004】 Therefore, in order to be able to handle the retainer and a plurality of rollers integrally during the assembly of a planetary gear reducer, a precision reducer, etc., a retainer with a roller is proposed, which is composed of a cage-shaped retainer body that keeps a plurality of rollers at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction and a retaining ring connected to the retainer body, and the retaining ring restricts each roller from dropping radially inward (Patent Document 1). 【0005】The retainer body and retaining ring disclosed in Patent Document 1 are configured such that the annular portion of the retaining ring is fitted into the annular portion of the retainer body and opposed to it radially, with the inner diameter surface of the rib portion of the annular portion fitting together with the cylindrical outer diameter surface of the annular portion. The retaining ring is made of resin and has multiple claw portions that protrude axially inward at equal intervals in the circumferential direction from the annular portion. Two or more of these claw portions, or all of them, have retaining portions that form a step radially outward. These retaining portions can engage with the annular portion of the retainer body from the axially inward to the axially outward direction. Furthermore, these claw portions are located between adjacent rollers in the circumferential direction at a position radially inward from the pitch circle of the multiple rollers. Each claw portion functions as a fall-stopping portion that restricts the radially inward detachment of the roller. That is, two claw portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction between rollers are positioned at a distance smaller than the roller diameter and can catch both ends of the roller that is about to fall radially inward. 【0006】 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-99162 【0007】 However, the retained roller disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that, if the dimensional relationship between the annular portion of the retainer body and the retaining ring has a tight fit, the retaining ring cannot be press-fitted into the annular portion, or even if it can be press-fitted, a part of the retaining ring becomes distorted and unable to properly hold the roller. 【0008】 In light of the above background, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to widen the range of interference fit between the annular portion of the retainer body and the retaining ring in a retainer with a retainer that holds multiple rollers, in a retainer with a retaining ring connected to the annular portion of the retainer body. 【0009】To solve the above problems, this invention provides a plurality of rollers and a retainer that holds the plurality of rollers, wherein the retainer has a retainer body that maintains the plurality of rollers at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction and a resin retaining ring connected to the retainer body, wherein the retainer body has a pair of annular parts that face each other in the axial direction and a plurality of columnar parts that connect the pair of annular parts at a position radially outward from the pitch circle of the plurality of rollers and divide the space between the pair of annular parts at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, wherein the retaining ring has a fitting part that is fitted radially inward on the inner circumference of the annular part, a plurality of fall-stopping parts that are continuous axially inward from the fitting part and axially outward from the axially inward relative to the annular part A retained roller has a retaining portion that engages toward the roller, the plurality of columnar portions are provided to restrict the plurality of rollers from falling out radially outward, and the plurality of fall-stopping portions are provided to restrict the plurality of rollers from falling out radially inward, wherein the fitting portion has two or more projections that protrude radially outward at intervals in the circumferential direction, the tightening allowance between the fitting portion and the annular portion is provided by the difference in diameter between the virtual circumscribed circle diameter for the two or more projections and the inner diameter of the annular portion, and the retaining portion is provided at a position radially outward from the virtual circumscribed circle for the two or more projections. This configuration 1 is adopted for a retained roller. 【0010】 According to the above configuration 1, the interference fit between the annular portion of the retainer body and the resin retaining ring is determined by the space between two or more circumferential protrusions in the fitting portion of the retaining ring and the inner circumference of the annular portion. If the interference fit is excessive, the excess interference fit is absorbed not only by the deformation of the ring portion of the resin fitting portion but also by the crushing of the resin protrusions. This makes it possible to widen the range of interference fit that allows for a proper fit between the annular portion of the retainer body and the retaining ring. 【0011】In the above configuration 1, a configuration 2 can be adopted in which the retainer body is formed from a single metal plate, the annular portion has a flange that protrudes radially inward from the plurality of columnar portions, the retaining ring is fitted to the annular portion by press-fitting the two or more projections into the inner diameter surface of the flange and by engagement of the retaining portion at the axially inward end face of the flange, and each of the projections is provided to protrude radially outward at a certain height along the axial direction. 【0012】 According to the above configuration 2, the projection does not become a forced-release part when the retaining ring is demolded, resulting in good dimensional accuracy of the projection in the radial direction. The retainer body has the same structure as a general squirrel-cage press retainer with a flange, so it is possible to use an existing retainer as the retainer body. There may be specifications in which the flange is inclined with respect to the radial direction, or in which the punched cross section forming the inner diameter surface of the flange is inclined with respect to the plate thickness direction (axial direction), but even with such specifications, the projection that protrudes at a constant height along the axial direction in the fitting part of the retaining ring contacts the smallest inner diameter part on the inner diameter surface of the flange, and the interference fit is reliably determined here. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations in which the interference fit is loose due to the sagging of the projection or the inclination of the inner diameter surface of the flange. 【0013】 In the above configuration 2, one retaining ring is fitted to each of the pair of annular portions, and configuration 3 can be adopted in which the inner diameter dimension of the flange of the first annular portion and the inner diameter dimension of the flange of the second annular portion differ within the range of a certain protrusion height. 【0014】 According to the above configuration 3, since the difference in the inner diameter of the flanges of the pair of annular parts is within a certain protrusion height range of the projection of the retaining ring, it becomes possible to make the two retaining rings identical in specifications. 【0015】 In any one of the above configurations 1 to 3, configuration 4 can be adopted in which the circumferential phases of the two or more protrusions are arranged in a different phase from the circumferential phases of the plurality of fall-stopping parts. 【0016】According to the above configuration 4, when the fitting portion of the retaining ring is pressed into the annular portion of the retainer body, even if the portion of the fitting portion with a protrusion deforms radially inward, it becomes possible to suppress the radially inward displacement of the stopper portion, and consequently, it becomes possible to hold the roller properly. 【0017】 In any one of the above configurations 1 to 4, configuration 5 can be adopted, in which the ends on both sides in the circumferential direction of each fall-stop portion are provided in a shape that follows the end of the adjacent roller. 【0018】 According to the above configuration 5, since the circumferential tip edge of the stopper portion is thin and easily bendable in the radial direction, it becomes easy to insert the retaining ring from the radially inward while it is connected to the annular portion. 【0019】 In any one of the above configurations 1 to 4, configuration 6 can be adopted in which each of the fall-stopping parts is provided in a cylindrical or hemispherical shape that extends inward in the axial direction. 【0020】 According to the above configuration 6, when inserting the retaining ring from the radially inward while it is connected to the annular portion of the retainer body, it becomes easier to gradually widen the gap between the stopper portions with the rollers, thus making insertion easier. 【0021】 In any one of the above configurations 1 to 4, a configuration 7 can be adopted in which each of the fall-stopping parts consists of two parts that extend axially inward at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction. 【0022】 According to the above configuration 7, when inserting the retaining ring from the radially inward while it is connected to the annular portion of the retainer body, it becomes easier to gradually widen the gap between the stopper portions with the rollers, thus making insertion easier. 【0023】 As described above, by adopting the above configuration 1, this invention makes it possible to widen the range of interference fit between the annular portion of the retainer body and the retaining ring in a retainer that holds multiple rollers with a retainer in which a retaining ring is connected to the annular portion of the retainer body. 【0024】A partial cross-sectional view of the retainer rollers according to the first embodiment of this invention, shown in the cross-section along line I-I in Figure 2; a partial cross-sectional view of the retainer rollers shown in Figure 1, shown in the cross-section along line II-II in Figure 1; a partially exploded perspective view of the retainer according to the first embodiment; a partial perspective view of the retaining ring according to the first embodiment; a perspective view showing the rollers inserted into the retainer body according to the first embodiment; a partial perspective view of the retaining ring according to the second embodiment of this invention; a partial cross-sectional view of the retainer rollers according to the second embodiment, including the cross-section along line VII-VII in Figure 6; a partial perspective view showing the area near the stopper according to the third embodiment of this invention; a partial perspective view showing the area near the stopper according to the fourth embodiment of this invention; a partial perspective view showing the area near the stopper according to the fifth embodiment of this invention; and a partial perspective view showing the area near the stopper according to the sixth embodiment of this invention. 【0025】 Hereinafter, a retained roller (hereinafter simply referred to as "this retained roller") according to the first embodiment of this invention will be described based on Figures 1 to 5 of the attached drawings. 【0026】 The retained roller shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a plurality of rollers 1 and a retainer 2 that holds the plurality of rollers 1. This retained roller does not have raceways and consists of a plurality of rollers 1 and a retainer 2, assembled into a unit in which the rollers 1 do not fall out of the retainer 2. 【0027】 Roller 1 is a cylindrical roller. 【0028】 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the retainer 2 consists of a cage-shaped retainer body 3 and two resin retaining rings 4 connected to the retainer body 3. 【0029】 The retainer body 3 seamlessly comprises a pair of annular portions 5 facing each other in the axial direction, and a plurality of column portions 6 that divide the pair of annular portions 5 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of column portions 6 are located only at positions radially outward from the pitch circle PC of the plurality of rollers 1. 【0030】Here, the axial direction refers to the direction parallel to the central axis of the retainer body 3. The radial direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the central axis. The radially outward direction refers to the side that is radially away from the central axis. The circumferential direction refers to the direction along the circumference that revolves around the central axis. The pitch circle PC of multiple rollers refers to the circumference that passes through the centers of all rollers 1. In the illustration, the center of the pitch circle PC is depicted as being located on the central axis of the retainer body 3. 【0031】 The two columnar sections 6 adjacent to the roller 1 in the circumferential direction have opposing ends facing each other in a virtual radial plane intersecting the roller 1, with a circumferential spacing smaller than the diameter of the roller 1. Therefore, even if the roller 1 tries to fall radially outward from the retainer 2, these two columnar sections prevent the roller 1 from falling out. Note that each figure shows the roller 1 in a neutral state relative to the retainer 2. In the neutral state, the roller 1's central axis intersects the pitch circle PC in a direction parallel to the axial direction and lies in a virtual axial plane that bisects the circumferential spacing between the two adjacent columnar sections 6. 【0032】 The entire retainer body 3 is formed from a single metal plate. The retainer body can also be changed to a turned retainer (symmetrical), in which case the basic retainer shape remains the same as in the illustrated example. 【0033】 The annular portion 5 has flanges 5a that are bent radially inward relative to the multiple column portions 6. By forming flanges 5a on each of the pair of annular portions 5, the rigidity of the retainer body 3 is improved. The flanges 5a protrude radially inward from the pitch circle PC. The inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a extends linearly in the axial cross-section. 【0034】 Here, "radially inward" refers to the side that is radially closer to the central axis of the retainer body 3. Also, "axial cross-section" refers to the cross-section along the axial direction, that is, the cross-section in a virtual axial plane with the central axis of the retainer body 3 as one side. 【0035】The overall shape of the retainer body 3 is formed by press working, similar to a typical cage-type press retainer. Specifically, a metal sheet is drawn into a cup shape, flange bending and pocket punching are performed on the peripheral wall of the cup shape, and the bottom of the cup shape is punched out. To avoid interference between the punch used to punch out the bottom of the cup shape and the aforementioned flange bending, the inner diameters of the pair of annular parts 5, 5 are set to be different. That is, when comparing the inner diameter of the annular part 5 defined by the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a formed by flange bending with the inner diameter of the annular part 5 defined by the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a formed by punching out the bottom of the cup shape, the inner diameter of the flange bending is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the bottom punching. In the illustration, the case is shown where the flange 5a is press-formed to extend straight in the radial direction and the inner diameter surface 5b is a cylindrical surface along the axial direction, but it is possible to omit the aforementioned press working in order to reduce the cost of the retainer body. 【0036】 The material and manufacturing method for the retainer body should be determined according to the scale of mass production and the required rigidity. If high rigidity is required for large-scale production, the retainer body may be manufactured using steel plates by the aforementioned press forming method. Alternatively, an existing squirrel-cage press retainer may be used as the retainer body. 【0037】 The retaining ring 4 seamlessly includes a fitting portion 7 that faces radially toward the inner diameter surface 5b of the inner circumference of the annular portion 5, a plurality of fall-preventing portions 8 that are located radially inward from the pitch circle PC and between adjacent rollers 1, 1 in the circumferential direction, and a detachment-preventing portion 9 that engages with the annular portion 5 from the axially inward to the axially outward direction. 【0038】 Here, the axial outward side refers to the side that is further in the axial direction from the virtual radial plane that bisects the entire width of the retainer body 3. Conversely, the axial inward side refers to the side that is closer in the axial direction to that virtual radial plane. 【0039】As shown in Figures 1 and 3, an inner diameter surface 7a extending linearly in the axial cross-section is formed around the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the fitting portion 7. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, on the outer circumference of the fitting portion 7, arc surfaces 7b located on a virtual circle with a smaller diameter than the inner diameter surface 5b of the corresponding flange 5a facing radially, and projections 7c protruding radially outward from the circumferential end of the arc surface 7b are alternately formed in the circumferential direction. The arc surfaces 7b and projections 7c are present in two or more locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. 【0040】 As shown in Figure 1, the radial tightening allowance δ between the fitting portion 7 and the corresponding annular portion 5 is determined by the difference in diameter between the virtual circumscribed circle diameter (diameter of the virtual circumscribed circle VC) for all the protrusions 7c of the fitting portion 7 and the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a that defines the inner diameter of the corresponding annular portion 5. The tightening allowance δ is set to be greater than or equal to the difference in inner diameter between the pair of annular portions 5 (see Figure 2). This is to enable the assembly of the retainer 2 using the retainer body 3 having a pair of annular portions 5 with different inner diameters and two mass-produced retaining rings 4 of the same specifications. Since the fitting portion 7 is press-fitted into the inner diameter surface 5b of the corresponding flange 5a at each protrusion 7c (see Figures 1 and 3), it is connected to the corresponding annular portion 5 in a way that prevents radial movement. 【0041】 The projection 7c is provided in a linear shape that extends axially with a constant projection height radially outward. In order to ensure contact between the projection 7c and the smallest inner diameter portion of the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a when connecting the retaining ring 4 and the corresponding annular portion 5, the axial length of the projection 7c is provided to be greater than or equal to the total width of the inner diameter surface 5b of the corresponding annular portion 5. 【0042】When the flange 5a extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction, or when the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a is formed by a shear cross-section or a fracture cross-section generated in a direction inclined with respect to the plate thickness direction during punching of the metal plate, the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a becomes a substantially tapered surface inclined with respect to the axial direction. Even in such a case, the tightening margin δ is surely determined between the protrusion 7c extending with a constant protrusion height in the axial direction and the minimum inner diameter portion of the substantially tapered inner diameter surface 5b. Even when a linear protrusion extending in the circumferential direction with a constant protrusion height is adopted, it is possible to perform the radial positioning of the holding ring with respect to the cage body. However, in this case, the tightening margin increases or decreases depending on the axial position of the protrusion with respect to the substantially tapered inner diameter surface 5b, so that the management of the tightening margin becomes difficult. 【0043】 Among the axial inner side surfaces of the fitting portion 7, the concave bottom portion 7d facing the end surface of the roller 1 in the axial direction is along the circumferential direction. The axial outer side surface of the fitting portion 7 is entirely along the circumferential direction. 【0044】 The retaining portion 8 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) is composed of a single cantilever portion extending axially inward from a circumferential part of the fitting portion 7. The two retaining portions 8 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with the roller 1 in between have circumferential leading edges 8a facing each other with a circumferential interval smaller than the diameter of the roller 1 in a virtual radial plane intersecting the roller 1 and these two retaining portions 8. For this reason, even when the roller 1 tries to fall off radially inward from the cage 2, the two retaining portions 8 prevent the roller 1 from falling off. 【0045】The circumferential ends 8b of the retaining portion 8 are shaped to follow the ends 1a of the adjacent roller 1. The ends 8b of the retaining portion 8 are curved surfaces that follow the ends 1a of the roller 1 in a virtual radial plane that intersects the end 1a of the roller 1, which is neutral with respect to the retainer 2, and the retaining portion 8. As the distance from the circumferential tip edge 8a of the retaining portion 8 increases radially, the ends 8b on both sides of the retaining portion 8 become closer to each other in the circumferential direction, so the radial thickness of the retaining portion 8 becomes thinner near the circumferential tip edge 8a. Most of the end 1a of the roller 1 that the retaining portion 8 can face in the circumferential direction is occupied by the chamfered portion of the roller 1, and the axial length over which the retaining portion 8 can face the rolling surface of the roller 1 in the circumferential direction is small, so the obstruction of the flow of oil that lubricates the roller 1 by the retaining portion 8 during roller bearing operation is suppressed. 【0046】 The circumferential phase of the projections 7c on the retaining ring 4 is positioned in a different phase from the circumferential phase of the multiple fall-stopping portions 8. That is, the projections 7c are positioned in the intermediate portion of the fitting portion 7 that does not face the fall-stopping portions 8 in the axial direction. One projection 7c is positioned in each of these intermediate portions, and projections 7c are also positioned at positions that bisect each intermediate portion in the circumferential direction. 【0047】 The retaining portion 9 is positioned radially outward from the virtual circumscribed circle VC for all of the projections 7c of the retaining ring 4. This ensures that even when the fitting portion 7 is press-fitted into the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a on the corresponding side of each projection 7c, the retaining portion 9 remains axially opposed to the flange 5a. 【0048】 The retaining portions 9 are provided intermittently in the circumferential direction. This facilitates the connection process of inserting the retaining ring 4 into the corresponding annular portion 5 until it is positioned axially inward relative to the corresponding flange 5a. Furthermore, these retaining portions 9 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. This is to avoid uneven deformation of the retaining ring 4 in the circumferential direction during the connection process. In addition, the retaining portions 9 also serve as the radially outward ends of the fall-stop portions 8. This is to ensure the strength of the retaining portions 9 by utilizing the fall-stop portions 8. 【0049】 The entire holding ring 4 is integrally injection-molded using an axially split mold. The straight protrusions 7c extending in the axial direction have good dimensional accuracy in the radial direction when the holding ring 4 is removed from the mold because the protrusions 7c do not become undercuts. 【0050】 It is possible to employ one type of resin or a plurality of types of resins for the resin forming the holding ring 4. Further, in order to improve the rigidity of the holding ring 4 when it is fitted into the annular portion 5 of the retainer body 3, a fiber-reinforced resin in which appropriate fillers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers are blended in a matrix resin obtained by mixing one type of resin or a plurality of types of resins may be employed. 【0051】 The holding ring 4 is connected to the corresponding annular portion 5 by press-fitting each protrusion 7c of the fitting portion 7 against the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a on the corresponding side and engaging each retaining portion 9 with the end surface on the inner side in the axial direction of the flange 5a. 【0052】 Note that the method of implementing the step of connecting the holding ring 4 to the corresponding flange 5a is not particularly limited, and forced fitting may be performed by axially pushing the holding ring 4 into the flange 5a from each retaining portion 9. Further, when such forced fitting is difficult, for example, after passing the inner side of the flange 5a while elastically deforming the retaining portion 9 radially inward with a ring-shaped jig, the jig is removed, and the protrusion 7c is press-fitted against the inner diameter surface 5b by the elastic restoration of the holding ring 4, and at the same time, the retaining portion 9 can be brought into a state facing the inner side in the axial direction of the flange 5a. 【0053】When a relatively low-rigidity resin retaining ring 4 is connected to the relatively high-rigidity annular portion 5 of the retainer body 3, the fitting portion 7 is press-fitted into the inner diameter surface 5b of the annular portion 5 based on the interference fit δ at two or more projections 7c spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, the projections 7c become compressed compared to the shape of the projections 7c that define the virtual circumscribed circle VC. That is, the shape of the projections 7c that define the virtual circumscribed circle VC (shown by a dashed line in the enlarged area of Figure 1) is the shape of the projections 7c when the retaining ring 4 exists alone, and corresponds to the shape during molding. On the other hand, each projection 7c in the press-fitted state is pressurized in the radial direction, so it spreads out to both sides in the circumferential direction into the gaps between adjacent projections 7c in the circumferential direction and becomes lower radially inward (shown by a solid line in the enlarged area of Figure 1). When the retaining ring 4, which is made in a way that results in excessive tightening allowance δ, is connected to the corresponding annular portion 5, each projection 7c collapses as described above to absorb the excessive tightening allowance δ, thereby preventing the fitting portion 7 from becoming distorted. In this way, excessive displacement and changes in the posture of each stopper portion 8 due to the deformation of the fitting portion 7 during press-fitting are suppressed, making it possible to properly hold multiple rollers 1 in the retainer 2. 【0054】 Here, for the retainer 2 to properly hold the multiple rollers 1 means that the radial outward detachment of each roller 1 can be restricted by two adjacent column portions 6, the radial inward detachment of each roller 1 can be restricted by two adjacent drop-stop portions 8, and the range in which the retainer 2 can move freely relative to the multiple rollers 1 when the multiple rollers 1 revolve in the circumferential direction while rotating on their own axis along the axial direction and passing through the pitch circle PC can be restricted based on the pocket gap between the retainer body 3 and each roller 1, and within this range, the retainer 2 holds the multiple rollers 1 in such a way that each roller 1 cannot come into contact with the two adjacent drop-stop portions 8. 【0055】The step of connecting the retaining ring 4 to the retainer body 3 is preferably performed with multiple rollers 1 placed between the column portions 6, 6 of the retainer body 3 (see Figure 5). In this way, when inserting the retaining ring 4 into the corresponding annular portion 5 from the axial outside toward the axial inside, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, excessive insertion toward the axial inside can be restricted by contact with the recessed bottom portion 7d 1 of the retaining ring 4. Alternatively, it is also possible to connect two retaining rings 4 to the retainer body 3 and assemble them into a retainer 2, and then hold the rollers 1 in the retainer 2. In this case, the rollers 1 are pushed from the radial inside of the retainer 2 between the stopper portions 8 of the retaining ring 4 and forced to pass through. At this time, the vicinity of the circumferential tip edges 8a of the two adjacent stopper portions 8 in the circumferential direction with the roller 1 in between are thin in the radial direction, so they bend when pressed by the end 1a of the roller 1, allowing the roller 1 to pass through easily. 【0056】 As described above, this retained roller (see Figures 1, 2, and 4) comprises a plurality of rollers 1 and a retainer 2 that holds the plurality of rollers 1. The retainer 2 has a retainer body 3 that holds the plurality of rollers 1 at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction, and a resin retaining ring 4 connected to the retainer body 3. The retainer body 3 has a pair of annular parts 5 that face each other in the axial direction, and a plurality of columnar parts 6 that connect the pair of annular parts 5 at a position radially outward from the pitch circle PC of the plurality of rollers 1, and divide the space between the pair of annular parts 5 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. The retaining ring 4 has a fitting part 7 that is fitted radially inward into the inner circumference of the annular part 5, a plurality of fall-stopping parts 8 that are continuous axially inward from the fitting part 7, and a detachment part 9 that engages with the annular part 5 from the axially inward direction. The plurality of columnar parts 6 are provided to restrict the fall of the plurality of rollers 1 radially outward, and the plurality of fall-stopping parts 8 are provided to restrict the fall of the plurality of rollers 1 radially inward. 【0057】In particular, this retainer roller has a fitting portion 7 that has two or more projections 7c that protrude radially outward at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the tightening allowance δ between the fitting portion 7 and the annular portion 5 is determined by the difference in diameter between the virtual circumscribed circle diameter (diameter of the virtual circumscribed circle VC) for the two or more projections 7c and the inner diameter of the annular portion 5, and the retaining portion 9 is provided at a position radially outward from the virtual circumscribed circle VC for the two or more projections 7c, so that the tightening allowance δ between the annular portion 5 of the retainer body 3 and the resin retaining ring 4 is determined by the two or more circumferential projections 7c on the fitting portion 7 of the retaining ring 4 and the inner circumference of the annular portion 5, and if the tightening allowance δ is excessive, the excess tightening allowance is absorbed not only by the deformation of the ring portion of the resin fitting portion 7 but also by the crushing of the resin projections 7c, so that the range of tightening allowance δ in which a proper fit is achieved between the annular portion 5 of the retainer body 3 and the retaining ring 4 can be widened. 【0058】 Furthermore, in this cage-type roller, the cage body 3 is formed from a single metal plate, and the annular portion 5 has a flange 5a that protrudes radially inward from the multiple column portions 6. The retaining ring 4 is fitted into the annular portion 5 by press-fitting two or more projections 7c into the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a and by engagement of a retaining portion 9 on the axially inner end face of the flange 5a. Since each projection 7c is provided to protrude radially outward at a certain height along the axial direction, the projections 7c do not become forced-removal parts when the retaining ring 4 is demolded, resulting in good radial dimensional accuracy of the projections 7c. In addition, since the cage body 3 has the same structure as a general squirrel-cage press cage with a flange, it is possible to use existing cages as the cage body 3. There may be specifications in which the flange 5a is inclined with respect to the radial direction, or in which the punched cross section forming the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a is inclined with respect to the plate thickness direction (axial direction). However, even in such specifications, the projection 7c that protrudes at a certain height along the axial direction in the fitting portion 7 of the retaining ring 4 contacts the smallest inner diameter portion of the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a, and the tightening allowance δ is reliably determined at this point. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations in which the tightening allowance δ becomes loose due to the sagging of the projection 7c or the inclination of the inner diameter surface 5b of the flange 5a. 【0059】Furthermore, in this retained roller, one retaining ring 4 is fitted to each of the pair of annular sections 5. The inner diameter of the flange 5a of the first annular section 5 and the inner diameter of the flange 5a of the second annular section 5 differ within the range of a certain protrusion height. As a result, the difference in the inner diameters of the flanges of the pair of annular sections 5 is within the range of a certain protrusion height of the projection 7c of the retaining ring 4, so that the two retaining rings 4 can be made to the same specifications. In other words, even if a retainer body 3 with a specification in which the inner diameters of the pair of annular sections 5 differ is adopted, the fit between either retaining ring 4 and the corresponding annular section 5 will be appropriate, eliminating the need to use two retaining rings with different dimensions, and thus reducing parts procurement costs. 【0060】 Furthermore, in this retained roller, the circumferential phases of two or more protrusions 7c are arranged in a different phase from the circumferential phases of the multiple drop-stopping parts 8. Therefore, when the fitting part 7 of the retaining ring 4 is press-fitted into the annular part 5 of the retainer body 3, even if the part of the fitting part 7 where the protrusions 7c are located deforms radially inward, the deformation is greatest at a point far from the nearest drop-stopping part 8. This suppresses radially inward displacement of the drop-stopping part 8 due to press-fitting, and consequently makes it easier to properly hold the roller 1. 【0061】 Furthermore, in this retained roller, the ends 8b on both sides of the circumferential direction of each stopper portion 8 are shaped to follow the ends 1a of the adjacent roller 1. As a result, the circumferential tip edge 8a of the stopper portion 8 is thin and easily bendable in the radial direction, making it easy to insert the rollers from the radially inward while the retaining ring 4 is connected to the annular portion 5. 【0062】 The number, arrangement, and shape of the retaining rings connected to the retainer body can be changed in various ways, as long as the retainer can properly hold multiple rollers. As an example of such changes, a second embodiment of this invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and parts corresponding to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. 【0063】In the second embodiment, in order to improve the resistance of the retaining ring 4 to coming loose from the flange 5a, the number of protrusions 7c is increased and the retaining portion 9 is made continuous around the entire circumference of the retaining ring 4. Two protrusions 7c are arranged in the intermediate portion of the fitting portion 7 that does not face the fall-stop portion 8 in the axial direction. The retaining portion 9 extends around the entire circumference with the same constant radial height as the fall-stop portion 8. 【0064】 In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the projection of the fitting portion and the fall-stop portion were arranged in different phases. However, if there is no impediment to the normal retention of the roller, it is permissible to change them to be in the same phase. An example of such a change is shown in Figure 8, which is the third embodiment of this invention. In this third embodiment, the projection 7c and the circumferential center of the fall-stop portion 8 are positioned opposite each other in the axial direction. The retaining portion 9 is the same as in the second embodiment. 【0065】 Furthermore, while the embodiments described above show examples where the stopper portion is shaped to follow the end of the roller, the shape of the stopper portion can be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not interfere with the normal holding or lubrication of the roller. An example of such a change is shown in Figure 9, which shows a fourth embodiment of this invention. 【0066】 In the fourth embodiment, each stopper portion 10 is provided in a cylindrical shape extending axially inward. Therefore, the space between two adjacent stopper portions 10 in the circumferential direction widens from the minimum distance toward the radially inward portion. When rolling in the retaining ring 4 (see Figure 1; the same applies hereafter) from the radially inward direction while it is connected to the annular portion 5 of the retainer body 3, it becomes easier to gradually widen the space between the stopper portions 10 in the circumferential direction with the roller 1 compared to the first embodiment, thus making it easier to roll in. 【0067】 Figure 10 shows a fifth embodiment of this invention as another example of a modification of the fall-stopping portion. In this fifth embodiment, each fall-stopping portion 11 is provided in a hemispherical shape. Therefore, the space between two adjacent fall-stopping portions 11 in the circumferential direction widens from the minimum distance toward the radially inward portion. When inserting the rollers from the radially inward direction in the aforementioned retaining ring connected state, it becomes easier to gradually widen the space between the fall-stopping portions 11 in the circumferential direction with the rollers 1, thus facilitating insertion. 【0068】Figure 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention as yet another modification of the stopper. In this sixth embodiment, each stopper 12 consists of two horn-shaped parts 12a and 12b that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each horn-shaped part 12a and 12b is a thinner cylindrical shape than the cylindrical stopper of the fourth embodiment. The space between two adjacent stopper parts 12 in the circumferential direction is formed by the horn-shaped part 12a of one stopper part 12 and the horn-shaped part 12b of the other stopper part 12, and widens as it moves radially inward from the minimum spacing point. When inserting the roller from the radial inward in the aforementioned retaining ring connected state, the two relatively thin horn-shaped parts 12a and 12b that sandwich the roller 1 are easily bent by being pressed by the roller 1, and therefore it becomes easier to gradually widen the space between the stopper parts 12 in the circumferential direction, thus making it easier to insert the roller. 【0069】 In the fourth to sixth embodiments, examples were shown in which the retaining portion is provided around the entire circumference, but it is also possible to provide it intermittently in the circumferential direction. 【0070】 The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended. 【0071】 1 Roller 2 Retainer 3 Retainer body 4 Retaining ring 5 Annular part 5a Flange 5b Inner diameter surface 6 Column part 7 Fitting part 7c Projection 8, 10, 11, 12 Drop-off stopper part 8b End part 9 Removal stopper part 12a, 12b Horn part
Claims
1. A roller with a retainer comprising a plurality of rollers and a retainer that holds the plurality of rollers, wherein the retainer has a retainer body that maintains the plurality of rollers at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction and a resin retaining ring connected to the retainer body, the retainer body has a pair of annular parts that face each other in the axial direction and a plurality of columnar parts that connect the pair of annular parts at a position radially outward from the pitch circle of the plurality of rollers and divide the space between the pair of annular parts at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, the retaining ring has a fitting part that is fitted radially inward on the inner circumference of the annular part, a plurality of fall-stopping parts that are continuous axially inward from the fitting part, and a fall-stopping part that engages with the annular part from the axially inward to the axially outward, the plurality of columnar parts are provided to restrict the radially outward detachment of the plurality of rollers and the plurality of fall-stopping parts are provided to restrict the radially inward detachment of the plurality of rollers, wherein the fitting part has two or more projections that protrude radially outward at intervals in the circumferential direction, A retainer-equipped roller characterized in that the tightening allowance between the fitting portion and the annular portion is provided by the difference in diameter between the virtual circumscribed circle diameter for the two or more protrusions and the inner diameter of the annular portion, and the retaining portion is provided at a position radially outward from the virtual circumscribed circle for the two or more protrusions.
2. The retainer roller according to claim 1, wherein the retainer body is formed from a single metal plate, the annular portion has a flange that protrudes radially inward from the plurality of columnar portions, the retaining ring is fitted to the annular portion by press-fitting of the two or more projections into the inner diameter surface of the flange and engagement of the retaining portion at the axially inward end face of the flange, and each of the projections is provided to protrude radially outward at a certain height along the axial direction.
3. The retainer roller according to claim 2, wherein one retaining ring is fitted to each of the pair of annular portions, and the inner diameter dimension of the flange of the first annular portion and the inner diameter dimension of the flange of the second annular portion differ within the range of a certain protrusion height.
4. The retainer-equipped roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circumferential phases of the two or more protrusions are arranged in a different phase from the circumferential phases of the plurality of stopper portions.
5. The retained roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ends on both sides in the circumferential direction of each of the stopper portions are provided in a shape that is aligned with the end of the adjacent roller.
6. The retaining roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the retaining portions is provided in a cylindrical or hemispherical shape extending inward in the axial direction.
7. The retaining roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the stopper portions comprises two parts extending axially inward at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction.