IMPROVEMENTS IN CAGES FOR SPLIT ROLLER BEARINGS

Abstract: A cage (14) for a split roller bearing (10) is composed of two semi-circular components (15) detachably interconnected at their ends. Each of the components (15) is itself constructed from a pair of blanks (17). Each blank (17) takes the form of a mild steel pressing with a continuous semi-circular wall portion (18) with spaced-apart projections (19, 20) at the sides. The projections (19, 20) are bent along fold lines (L, M) so that the wall portions (18) form the sides (24) of the cage and some of the projections (20) overlap at a centre region (30) of the cage and are fixed together. The rollers (11) are located in pockets (40) between side edges of the projections (19, 20).

Description: IMPROVEMENTS IN CAGES FOR SPLIT ROLLER BEARINGS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to split roller bearings and more particularly to cages and cage components therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, a split roller bearing of conventional design employs inner and outer rings between which a series of rollers are held in spaced apart relationship by a cage to locate in raceways formed by the rings. The bearing is made to separate into two halves about a diametric plane and each half of the bearing is then composed of semi-circular inner and outer ring components and a semi-circular cage component. It is necessary for the individual cage components to retain the associated rollers when the bearing is separated. Conventional cage components are made from die-cast aluminium or from machined aluminium or gun metal. To fasten the cage components together to form a continuous ring it is conventional to employ separate fastening clips or spring plates. A general object of the invention is to provide an improved form of cage component for use in split roller bearings. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the invention provides a semi-circular cage component for use in a split roller bearing and made from a pair of parts or blanks bent to shape and joined together wherein the blanks have spaced apart joined wall portions extending in the same general direction to overlap one another at a region extending in the general direction axially between the rollers during use. Each blank can be shaped by bending to provide a continuous wall portion for overlapping the ends of the rollers as a side of the cage component and projections spaced apart around the wall portion for extending axially of the rollers. The overlapping regions are then end regions of at least some of the projections. The gaps between the projections form pockets for receiving and locating the rollers. A semi-circular cage component constructed in accordance with the invention is made from a pair of separate parts each having a continuous curvilinear wall portion which forms one of two opposed side walls of an assembled circular cage overlapping the ends of rollers during use and a plurality of spaced projections extending axially of the rollers and defining pockets for locating and retaining the rollers. Conveniently, the separate parts of the cage component are made from blanks or sections pressed or otherwise cut from mild steel sheet and then bent to shape. The projections or some of the projections of the parts overlap at a central region and are fixed together to create the cage component. In one design, the continuous wall portion of each blank has spaced-apart projections along both its side edges and these projections are bent to extend perpendicular to the wall portion and parallel to one another to define the reception pockets for the rollers. In another design, the continuous wall portion has spaced-apart projections along just one of its side edges Inner regions of the projections adjacent the wall portion are bent perpendicular to the wall portion and outer regions are bent at an obtuse angle, e.g. 135° in one direction and another opposite direction axially outwardly from the wall portion which forms the side of the cage component. Outermost regions of the projections remote from the side wall portion then extend parallel to the innermost regions but in a different axial plane. Between the projections there are inclined intermediate regions preferably formed with semi-circular side edges which match the curvature of the rollers. These side edges then define the pockets for the rollers. The outermost regions of the projections of the separate parts overlap one another and are joined together as described previously to create the semi-circular cage component. To assemble a complete cage, two cage components constructed as described can be fitted together. To enable this fixing each cage component may have one or more integral hook-like projections at one end. These hook-like projections can each engage in a recess or opening in the opposite end. In a preferred construction the hook like projections simply overlap with end regions of the continuous wall portion at the opposite end. Dimples and holes can locate the hook-like projections of the cage components to the opposite end so that the cage components can be snap-fitted together. Notches can be provided at the ends of the cage components to provide a location for a tool used to detach the cage components from one another. In a further aspect the invention provides a method of making a cage component for a split roller bearing which comprises producing blanks each with a continuous semicircular continuous wall portion with projections spaced apart around the wall portion, bending the wall portion relative to the projections so that at least regions of the projections extend perpendicular to the wall portion and interconnecting a pair of the blanks after bending so that the wall portions are spaced apart by at least some of the projections which extend in the same general direction overlap and are fixed to one another at a region between the wall portions. As a further process step, the blanks and the subsequent formed sections can be provided with complementary inter-engageable integral fixing means, such as: a) hooks or lugs at one end b) receiving means for the hooks or lugs such as recesses, openings or cut-outs at their opposite ends and/or c) dimples and holes which snap-fit together. A complete cage can then be assembled by inter-fitting the fixing means at the ends of the previously formed cage components. The invention may be understood more readily, and various other aspects and features of the invention may become apparent, from consideration of the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a sectional end view of part of a split roller bearing assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional end view of a two-part cage component used in the assembly shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a sectional end view of the cage component shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the cage component, the view being taken along the line IN-IV in Figure 3; Figure 5 depicts a blank pressing used to create one part of the cage component shown in Figures 2 to 4; Figure 6 is a sectional end view of part of another split roller bearing assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 7 is a sectional end view of a two-part cage component used in the assembly shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a sectional end view of the cage component shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the cage component, the view being taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 8; Figure 10 depicts a blank pressing used to create one part of the cage component shown in Figures 6 to 9; Figure 11 is a sectional end view of a two-part cage component usable in a further split roller bearing assembly constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 is a sectional end view of the cage component shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a sectional side view of the cage component shown in Figures 11 and 12, the view being taken along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 12 and Figure 14 depicts a blank pressing used to create one part of the cage component shown in Figures 11 to 13. BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As shown in Figure 1, a split roller bearing 10 employs rollers 11 guided for progressive rolling around raceways defined between inner and outer rings 12,13. A cage 14 locates and guides the rollers 11 and maintains the rollers 11 in spaced- apart relationship. The rings 12, 13 and the cage 14 are designed to separate along a common diametric plane so that each of these components is made of two separable halves. The reference numeral 15 in the drawings designate one of the half-cage component. The present invention is concerned with the construction of the cage 14 and the cage component 15 which forms one half of the cage 14. As shown particularly in Figures 2 to 5, the cage component 15 is itself made up of two complementary half sections 16,16' each made from a semi-circular piece-part or blank 17 as shown in Figure 5. The blank 17 is in the form of a mild steel pressing, typically 1mm in thickness. The blank 17 has a main continuous semi-circular wall portion 18. Extending from the sides of the wall portion 18 there are pairs of aligned radial projections 19,20 spaced apart regularly around the circumference of the wall portion 18. Each projection 20 is somewhat longer than the associated projection 19 and each projection 20 has an inner portion 20' adjacent the main wall portion 18 and an outer portion 20" of reduced width. One end of the blank 17 has a circumferential projection 21 forming a continuation of the wall portion 18 with relief cut-outs 21' between the side edges of the projection 21 and the end of the main wall portion 18. At the other end of the blank 17 there is a circumferential projection 23 extending from the outer edge of the end most radial projection portion 20'. Similarly the side edges of the projection 23 have relief cut-outs 23' at the adjacent edge of the projection portion 20'. The projection 23 matches with a complementary recess 38 at the inner edge of the end projection portion 20' adjacent the wall portion 18 at the opposite end. The blank 17 is subjected to a bending treatment along fold lines K between the main wall portion 18 and the projections 19,20 along fold lines L between the outer and inner portions 20', 20" of the projections 20 and along fold lines M between the projection 23 and the associated wall portion 20' between the projection 21 and the wall portion 18 and at the end region of the projection 23. After bending the wall portion 18 is perpendicular to both the projections 19,20. After bending, the two separate complementary parts or half sections 16, 16' are fixed together so that their wall portions 18 provide the opposite sides 24 of the individual cage component 15. The outer portions 20" of the projections 20 extend axially inwardly of the sides 24 and are bent shallowly (line L) to overlap one another at an axial central region as indicated by reference numeral 30. The overlapped portions 20" can be fixed together in a variety of ways for example, by welding, riveting, clinching or by adhesive. The projections 23 of the two parts 16, 16' are bent (lines M) into a shallow U shaped profile to act as hooks 31 to fit in the recesses 38 of another component 15 fashioned in the same manner to form one complete cage 14. The projections 21 are similarly bent at a shallow angle relative to the wall portions 18 (lines M) to overlap with the wall portions 18 of the end of the other components 15 with the projections 23. The whole cage 14 can thus be assembled or disassembled by inter-engaging or releasing the projections 21, 23. The rollers 11 are reliably located and retained in pockets 40 defined between the side edges of parallel projections 19,20 as represented in Figure 4. In Figures 6 to 10, like reference numerals are used to denote like parts in a second embodiment of the invention. As shown, in Figures 6 to 10 the blank 17 used to form one of the half sections 16, 16' only has the inner radial projections 20 each composed of portions 20', 20" with the outer portion 20" being of increased width. The projections 20 also each have an intermediate portion 28 between the portions 20', 20" and the intermediate portion 28 has curvilinear edges 29 matching the curvature of the rollers 11. At one end of the blank 17 the endmost projection 20 has a circumferential projection 21 extending from the outer edge of the inner portion 20'. At the opposite end, the matching portion 20' of the endmost projection 21 is provided with a rectangular opening 39. The reference K again denotes the bending lines between the main body portion 18 and projections 20 which are perpendicular and the reference L bending lines between the intermediate portion 28 and the inner and outer portions 20', 20". These lines L are substantially at 135° in opposite directions. As a result of the profile shown in Figures 6 to 8 is created. The projection 21 is bent along lines M as before to create the hook-like profile 31. Again the overlapping region 30 at the centre of the cage component is produced by the overlapping projection portions 20" which lie parallel to the inner portions 20' but in a different plane. The overlapping portions 20" are joined for example in the manner described above. The rollers 11 are located and retained in pockets 40 defined between the curvilinear edges 29 of the portions 28. The complete 14 cage is established by fitting the hooks 31 in the openings 39 at opposite ends of the components 15 constructed from the half section 16, 16'. In Figures 11 to 14 like reference numerals are again used to denote like parts in a third embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 14 the blank 17 used to form one of the half sections 16,16' is similar to the blank 17 used in the first embodiment with the pairs of aligned radial projections 19,20 spaced apart around the semi-circular wall portion 18. Each projection 20 again has an inner portion 20' and an outer portion 20" of reduced width. The blank 17 in this third embodiment differs from the blank in the first embodiment essentially in the construction of the end regions of the blank 17. At one end region the blank 17 has the cricumferential projection 21 as a continuation of the main wall portion 18 with relief cut-outs 21' between the side edge of the projection 21 and the end of the wall projection 18. A pressed-out dimple 90 is provided in the projection 21. The projection 20 at this end region of the blank 17 has the inner portion 20' and the outer portion 20" sharing a common outer edge 92 while the inner edges 93, 94 of these portions 20', 20" are offset. The endmost projection 20 at the other end region of the blank 17 is formed in a similar manner as shown. At this other region however, there is no circumferential projection 21 and a hole 98 is provided in the main wall portion 18 to correspond to the dimple 90. A notch 95 is provided in the outer edge of the projection 19 at this other end region. The blank 17 is again subjected to bending along the fold lines K, L, M and the two half sections 16, 16' are fixed together with the outer portions 20" of the projections 20 overlapping as before. As shown in Figure 11 and 13, the dimples 90 on the locating hooks 31 formed by the bent projections 21 at one end of the sub-assembly can be snap-fitted into the holes 98 at the other end of a complementary sub-assembly to form the whole cage 14. The notches 95 serves as a tool location and thus as an aid for dismantling the sub- assemblies. It is of course possible to provide the holes 98 in the projections 21 and the dimples 90 in the main wall portions 18.

Claims: Claims 1. A semi-circular cage component (15) for use in a split roller bearing (10); said component being made from a pair of separate parts or blanks (16, 16', 17) bent to shape and joined together; wherein the blanks (17) have spaced apart joined wall portions (20") extending in the same general direction to overlap one another at a region (30) extending in the general direction axially between the rollers (11) during use. 2. A component according to claim 1, wherein each blank (16, 16', 17) is bent to provide a continuous wall portion (18) for overlapping the ends of the rollers (11) as a side of the component and projections (20) spaced apart around the continuous wall portion to form pockets therebetween for receiving and locating the rollers (11), the projections (20) having the joined wall portions (20") at their end regions remote from the continuous wall portion (18) which constitute said overlapping regions (30). 3. A component according to claim 1, wherein each blank (16, 16', 17) has: i) a continuous curvilinear wall portion (18) which forms half of one of the two opposed side walls of an assembled circular cage (14) composed of two of the cage components (15) and which overlaps the ends of rollers (11) in the assembled cage and ii) a plurality of spaced apart projections (20) extending away from the continuous wall portion and axially between the rollers in the assembled cage to define pockets (40) locating and guiding the rollers (11). 4. A component according to claim 3, wherein the blanks (17) are made from sections (16, 16') pressed or otherwise cut from mild steel sheet and then bent to shape. 5. A component according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least some of the projections (20) of the separate parts overlap at the axial region (30) of the cage component between the continuous wall portions (18) and are fixed together. 6. A component according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein each part (17) has two sets of projections (19, 20) extending generally perpendicular to the continuous wall portions (18), the sets of projections (19, 20) lying in different planes. 7. A component according to claim 5, wherein each part (17) has two sets of projections (19,20) extending generally perpendicular to the continuous wall portion in different planes, one set of projections including said at least some overlapping projections having a greater axial dimension than the other set of projections. 8. A component according to claim 3,4, or 5 wherein the projections (20) of each part are bent to provide inner regions (20') adjacent the continuous wall portion (18) and outer regions (20") remote from the continuous wall portion (18), the inner and outer regions of the projections lying in different planes substantially perpendicular to the continuous wall portion. 9. A component according to claim 8, wherein the projections (20) of each part (17) also have intermediate regions (28) between the inner and outer regions (20', 20"), the intermediate regions (28)extending at an obtuse angle relative to the associated inner and outer regions (20', 20") and having curved edges (29) which define the pockets (40) for the rollers (11). 10. A component according to any one or more of claims 3 to 10, wherein the blanks (17)have integral interenageable fixing means, such as hook-like projections and complementary recesses (21, 23, 38, 39) or other locations (90) at their ends which enable two such components to be assembled into and disassembled from a complete cage. 11. A component according to claim 10, wherein the fixing means takes the form of hook-like projections (31) at one end of the component and sets of dimples and holes (90, 98) at the opposite ends of the component. 12. A component according to claim 12, wherein the dimples (90) are provided on the hook-like projections (31) and the holes (98) are provided in an opposite end region of the continuous wall portion. 13. A component according to claim 12, wherein one or more notches (95) are provided in one or other end region of the blanks to aid disassembly of two said components. 14. A cage (14) for a split roller bearing constructed from two cage components (15) in accordance with any one or more of the preceding claims. 15. A method of making a cage component (15) for a split roller bearing; said method comprising producing blanks or sections (16, 16', 17) each with a continuous semicircular wall portion (18) with projections (20) spaced apart around the wall portion, bending the continuous wall portion (18) relative to the projections (20) so that at least regions of the projections (20) extend perpendicular to the wall portion (18) and interconnecting a pair of the blanks after bending so that the wall portions (18) are spaced apart by at least some of the projections (20) which extend in the same general direction, overlap one another axially of the wall portions (18) and are fixed together between the wall portions (18). 16. A method of making a cage component according to claim 15, wherein each blank (16, 16', 17) has projections (19, 20) extending from each side edge of the continuous wall portion (18) to form first and second sets of projections (19, 20) and the sets of projections (19, 20) are bent to extend perpendicular to the wall portion in different parallel planes to define pockets (40) for locating and retaining rollers (11) with said at least some overlapping projections being formed by at least some of the first set of projections (20). 17. A method according to claim 15, wherein each blank (16, 16', 17) has projections (20) extending from one side edge of the continuous wall portion (18) and the projections are bent to provide inner and outer regions (20', 20") respectively adjacent and remote from the wall portion (18), the inner and outer regions (20', 20") extending perpendicular to the wall portion (18) in different planes and intermediate regions (28) between the inner and outer regions which extend at an obtuse angle to the associated inner and outer regions (20', 20"). 18. A method according to claim 17, and further comprising providing the intermediate regions with curved side edges (29) to provide pockets (40) for locating and retaining rollers. 19. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 18 and further comprising providing the banks with inter-engageable integral fixing means (21, 23, 38, 39, 90, 98) at their opposite ends to permit the assembly of a circular cage from two cage components thus made.

Inventors: EARTHROWL BRIAN EDWARD, EARTHROWL, BRIAN, EDWARD
Applicants: COOPER ROLLER BEARINGS COMPANY, EARTHROWL BRIAN EDWARD, COOPER ROLLER BEARINGS COMPANY LIMITED, EARTHROWL, BRIAN, EDWARD
Application year: 1999
Main classification: F16C33
IPC codes: F16C33