Bearing Retainer Structure for Higher Roller Count and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearings used in speed reducers face challenges in securing sufficient strength and rigidity due to the reduction in roller diameters and the narrowing of gaps between adjacent rollers, which can compromise the retainer's integrity.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an annular retainer with column portions and flange portions extending radially outside the rollers, securing the thickness of the column portions between adjacent rollers, enhancing the retainer's strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If roller diameters are reduced to increase roller count, then bearing capacity is improved, but the retainer thickness at roller gaps must be reduced which weakens the retainer structure
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the load-bearing column portions to the axial dimension (extending beyond the inner ring's outer periphery), the patent eliminates the need to reduce retainer thickness in the radial direction. This allows roller diameters to be reduced and roller count increased while the retainer maintains sufficient thickness for structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, an annular retainer, and rollers. The inner ring is located radially outside a central axis. The outer ring is located radially outside the inner ring. The retainer is located between the inner ring and the outer ring. The rollers are positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction by the retainer between the inner ring and the outer ring. The retainer includes column portions and a flange portion. The column portions are located between adjacent pairs of the rollers. The flange portion connects end portions on one axial side of the column portions in the circumferential direction. The flange portion extends radially inside from an end portion on one axial side of the column portions. The radial center of the column portions is located radially outside the radial center of the roller.