Dual function retainer clip

Details Dual function retainer clip Dual function retainer clip

1999-09-01

2002-04-09

Saether, Flemming (Department: 3627)

Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr

Fastener securing element

Resilient metallic

C411S544000, C310S091000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06368039

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to fasteners and, more particularly, to retainer clips.
BACKGROUND ART
In many situations it is necessary to secure a motor component located on a motor shaft against axial displacement that would detach the component from the shaft. For example, it is often necessary to affix and axially retain a component, such as an impeller, on a motor shaft after the motor shaft and a motor housing are assembled.
FIG. 1
is a cross-sectional view of a conventional motor assembly that includes a threaded motor shaft
10
, a bearing
12
, a motor housing
14
, a barrel spacer
16
, first and second washers
18
,
22
, a motor component
20
, such as an impeller, and a hex nut
24
. After the bearing
12
is pressed onto the shaft
10
, the shaft
10
is installed into the motor housing
14
with one end of the shaft
10
protruding from the housing
14
. The barrel spacer
16
is then fitted onto the shaft
10
into abutment with the bearing
12
. After placement on the shaft
10
, the barrel spacer
16
also protrudes from the motor housing
14
. The first washer
18
is slid onto the protruding end of the shaft
10
and into abutment with the barrel spacer
16
. The motor component
20
is slid onto the protruding end of the shaft
10
into abutment with the first washer
18
and the second washer
22
is placed onto the shaft
10
to sandwich the motor component
20
between the two washers
18
,
22
. The hex nut
24
is then threaded onto the end of the protruding shaft
10
to hold all components on the shaft
10
together in an axial direction. The hex nut
24
applies pressure to the washers
18
,
22
, which in turn hold the motor component
20
to insure that it rotates as the shaft
10
rotates.
Such conventional motor assemblies are overly difficult to assemble. The hex nut
24
is difficult to tighten because the threaded motor shaft
10
has a tendency to rotate as the hex nut
24
is tightened. Accordingly, assembly of conventional motor components on the threaded shaft requires additional time and the use of additional tools to stabilize the shaft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a retainer clip for retaining a component on a shaft is provided. The retainer clip includes a main body having a hole for accommodating the shaft, a plurality of teeth for engaging the shaft and projecting radially inwardly from the main body, and a plurality of spring members projecting in a direction transverse to the main body.
The present invention may also be embodied in a motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a motor shaft, a motor component placed on the motor shaft and a retainer clip in abutment with the motor component for retaining the motor component on the motor shaft. In this embodiment the retainer clip includes a main body having a hole for accommodating the shaft, a plurality of teeth for engaging the shaft and projecting radially inwardly from the main body, and a plurality of spring members projecting in a direction transverse to the main body.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the attached specification and drawings.


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McMaster-Carr Supply Company Catalog, pp. 1, 2361 and 2641, dated 1999.
Specification Sheet from the D.B. Roberts Company, 1 page, dated 1997.
PCT/US00/24462 International Search Report dated Dec. 22, 2000.

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