Patent ID: 6619850
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A roller retainer assembly for an axial-thrust bearing, the assembly comprising:a first annular retainer plate; a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed substantially rectangular first roller pockets extending through the first annular plate, each first pocket defined by opposed first side edges and a first radially inner edge opposed with a first radially outer edge; a second annular retainer plate; a plurality of circumferentially-arrayed substantially rectangular second roller pockets extending through the second annular plate, each second pocket defined by opposed second side edges and a second radially inner edge opposed with a second radially outer edge; a plurality of rollers; the first and second annular retainer plates being interconnected such that the first roller pockets are substantially circumferentially aligned with the second roller pockets with the first roller pocket inner edges radially offset a distance Y from the corresponding second roller pocket inner edges and the first roller pocket outer edges radially offset a distance X from the corresponding second roller pocket outer edges such that a plurality of roller retaining areas are defined for receipt and retention of a roller, each roller retaining area defined by the first and second opposed side edges and the first inner radial edge and the second outer radial edge; each first pocket defining a first fluid passage gap through the first annular plate between the roller and the first outer edge; and each second pocket defining a second fluid passage gap through the second annular plate between the roller and the second inner edge.