Method and equipment for manufacturing wheel bearing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for a wheel bearing device, the wheel bearing device comprising: an outer ring member (3); an inner shaft member (4), comprising a shaft portion having an inner raceway (7a) and a flange portion (11); a plurality of rolling elements; a seal (30), arranged at an end portion of the outer ring member (3) on a first axial side and comprising an axial lip (34a); and a lip contact surface, arranged on one side of the inner shaft member (4) and contacted by the axial lip (34a), the method comprising: machining an outer raceway (3b) while managing a distance in an axial direction from a first reference position (3c), the first reference position (3c) being set on the outer ring member (3); and setting the seal (30) at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the outer ring member (3) relative to the first reference position (3c).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and equipment for manufacturing a wheel bearing device. Background Art

[0002] A hub unit (wheel bearing device) mounted on a vehicle such as a car to support a wheel in a rotatable manner includes an inner shaft member and an outer ring member arranged concentrically with each other. The inner shaft member is configured to be able to rotate relative to the outer ring member through rolling elements arranged between the inner shaft member and the outer ring member. A flange portion extending outward in a radial direction is provided at the end of the inner shaft member on the outer side of the vehicle. The wheel and the brake disc are attached to the flange portion. In this hub unit, a sealing device is installed between the two ends in the axial direction to the annular space between the inner shaft member and the outer ring member (in which the rolling elements are arranged) so as to prevent muddy water and the like from entering the annular space from the external space (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-196455 (JP2011-196455A)).

[0003] exist Figure 7 1 and 2 show an example of a sealing device for use on the outside of a vehicle in a hub unit. This sealing device includes a seal 130 attached to an outer ring member 103. The seal 130 includes an axial lip 134a and a radial lip 134b. The respective distal ends of the lips contact the outer peripheral surface 101a of the inner shaft member 104 and the side surface 111a of the flange portion 111 on the inside of the vehicle (hereinafter, these surfaces will also be referred to as "lip contact surfaces"). Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to improve the sealing performance of the seal, it is effective to increase the contact pressure of the lip with the lip contact surface by increasing the interference of the lip relative to the lip contact surface. However, if the interference of the lip is too large, the resistance to the rotation of the inner shaft member is disadvantageously large. Therefore, considering both the sealing performance and the resistance to the rotation of the inner shaft member, it is desirable that the interference of the lip of the seal is set to an appropriate value.

[0005] However, the interference of the axial lip tends to vary due to the influence of the attachment position of the seal relative to the outer ring member in the axial direction or the position where the axial lip contacts the lip contact surface in the axial direction, and it is difficult to make the axial lip contact the lip contact surface with appropriate interference. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately position the seal and / or the lip contact surface in the axial direction.

[0006] The present invention provides a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a wheel bearing device, in which an axial lip of a seal can contact a lip contact surface with appropriate interference in a sealing device on a first axial side arranged on an outer side of a vehicle.

[0007] A first form of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a wheel bearing device, wherein the wheel bearing device includes an outer ring component, an inner shaft component, a plurality of rolling elements, a seal and a lip contact surface, the outer ring component has an outer raceway at the inner periphery, the inner shaft component includes a shaft portion and a flange portion, the shaft portion is arranged closer to the inside than the outer ring component in a radial direction, and the shaft portion has an inner raceway, the inner raceway faces the outer raceway, the flange portion is arranged to be closer to a first axial side than the outer ring component is to the first axial side, and the flange portion protrudes outward from the shaft portion in the radial direction, and the plurality of rolling elements The element is arranged between the outer raceway and the inner raceway, the seal is arranged at the end of the outer ring member on the first axial side, and the seal includes an axial lip, the lip contact surface is arranged on one side of the inner shaft member, and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip, and the manufacturing method includes: processing the outer raceway while the distance in the axial direction from a first reference position is managed, the first reference position is set on the outer ring member; and setting the seal at a predetermined position of the outer ring member in the axial direction relative to the first reference position.

[0008] By using the manufacturing method described above, the rolling elements and the seal arranged on the outer raceway are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. At the same time, the rolling elements on the outer raceway are also arranged on the inner raceway of the inner shaft member, and therefore the seal and the inner shaft member are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal to contact the lip contact surface on the side of the inner shaft member with as appropriate interference as possible.

[0009] In the above-mentioned form, the manufacturing method may further include: machining the inner raceway while the distance from a second reference position in the axial direction is managed, the second reference position being set on the inner shaft member; and setting the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft member in the axial direction relative to the second reference position. Using the manufacturing method described above, the rolling elements arranged on the inner raceway and the lip contact surface are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, the lip contact surface and the seal are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction, and it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal to contact the lip contact surface with a more appropriate interference fit.

[0010] A second form of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a wheel bearing device, wherein the wheel bearing device includes an outer ring component, an inner shaft component, a plurality of rolling elements, a seal and a lip contact surface, the outer ring component having an outer raceway at the inner periphery, the inner shaft component including a shaft portion and a flange portion, the shaft portion being arranged closer to the inside than the outer ring component in a radial direction, and the shaft portion having an inner raceway, the inner raceway facing the outer raceway, the flange portion being arranged closer to a first axial side than the outer ring component is to the first axial side, and the flange portion protruding outward from the shaft portion in the radial direction, the plurality of rolling elements The element is arranged between the outer raceway and the inner raceway, the seal is arranged at the end of the outer ring member on the first axial side, and the seal includes an axial lip, the lip contact surface is arranged on one side of the inner shaft member, and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip, and the manufacturing method includes: processing the inner raceway while the distance in the axial direction from a second reference position is managed, the second reference position is set on the inner shaft member; and setting the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft member in the axial direction relative to the second reference position.

[0011] By using the manufacturing method described above, the rolling elements arranged on the inner raceway and the lip contact surface are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. At the same time, the rolling elements on the inner raceway are also arranged on the outer raceway of the outer ring member, and therefore the lip contact surface and the outer ring member are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal provided on one side of the outer ring member to contact the lip contact surface with as appropriate interference as possible.

[0012] In the above form, the first reference position may be the end surface of the outer ring member on the first axial side. With the above-described configuration, the first reference position is set near the seal, and the seal can be easily disposed at the end of the outer ring member relative to the first reference position.

[0013] In the above form, the second reference position may be a side surface of the flange portion on the second axial side. With the above-described configuration, the second reference position is set near the lip contact surface, and the lip contact surface can be easily disposed on the side of the inner shaft member relative to the second reference position.

[0014] In the above-described form, an oil slinger may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the oil slinger being arranged at a predetermined interval on the second axial side from the second reference position, and the lip contact surface may be provided on the surface of the oil slinger on the second axial side. With the above-described configuration, the lip contact surface can also be provided at an appropriate position relative to the second reference position in a condition where the lip contact surface is provided on the oil slinger being arranged at a certain interval on the second axial side from the second reference position.

[0015] The third form of the present invention provides a manufacturing device for a wheel bearing device, wherein the wheel bearing device includes an outer ring component, an inner shaft component, a plurality of rolling elements, a seal and a lip contact surface, the outer ring component has an outer raceway at the inner periphery, the inner shaft component includes a shaft portion and a flange portion, the shaft portion is arranged closer to the inside than the outer ring component in a radial direction, and the shaft portion has an inner raceway, the inner raceway faces the outer raceway, the flange portion is arranged to be closer to a first axial side than the outer ring component is to the first axial side, and the flange portion protrudes outward from the shaft portion in the radial direction, and the plurality of rolling elements are arranged on the outer raceway and Between the inner raceways, the seal is arranged at the end of the outer ring member on the first axial side, and the seal includes an axial lip, the lip contact surface is arranged on one side of the inner shaft member, and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip, and the manufacturing equipment includes: a first processing tool, which processes the outer raceway while the distance from a first reference position in the axial direction is managed, and the first reference position is set on the outer ring member; and a press-fit fixture, which presses the seal at a predetermined position of the outer ring member in the axial direction relative to the first reference position.

[0016] By using the manufacturing equipment described above, the rolling elements and the seal arranged on the outer raceway are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. At the same time, the rolling elements on the outer raceway are also arranged on the inner raceway of the inner shaft member, and therefore the seal and the inner shaft member are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal to contact the lip contact surface provided on the side of the inner shaft member with as appropriate interference as possible.

[0017] In the above-mentioned form, the manufacturing equipment may further include: a second machining tool, which machines the inner raceway while the distance from a second reference position in the axial direction is managed, and the second reference position is set on the inner shaft member; and a second press-fit fixture, which presses the oil slinger including the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft member in the axial direction relative to the second reference position. Using the manufacturing equipment described above, the rolling elements arranged on the inner raceway and the lip contact surface are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, the lip contact surface and the seal are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction, and it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal to contact the lip contact surface with a more appropriate interference fit.

[0018] A fourth form of the present invention provides a manufacturing device for a wheel bearing device, wherein the wheel bearing device includes an outer ring component, an inner shaft component, a plurality of rolling elements, a seal and a lip contact surface, the outer ring component having an outer raceway at the inner periphery, the inner shaft component including a shaft portion and a flange portion, the shaft portion being arranged closer to the inside than the outer ring component in a radial direction, and the shaft portion having an inner raceway, the inner raceway facing the outer raceway, the flange portion being arranged closer to a first axial side than the outer ring component is to the first axial side, and the flange portion protruding outwardly from the shaft portion in the radial direction, the plurality of rolling elements being arranged between the outer raceway and the inner raceway The seal is arranged at the end of the outer ring component on the first axial side, and the seal includes an axial lip, the lip contact surface is arranged on one side of the inner shaft component, and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip, and the manufacturing equipment includes: a second processing tool, the second processing tool processes the inner raceway while the distance in the axial direction from a second reference position is managed, the second reference position is set on the inner shaft component; and a second press-fit fixture, the second press-fit fixture presses the oil slinger including the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft component in the axial direction relative to the second reference position.

[0019] By the manufacturing equipment described above, the rolling elements arranged on the inner raceway and the lip contact surface are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. At the same time, the rolling elements on the inner raceway are also arranged on the outer raceway of the outer ring member, and therefore the lip contact surface and the outer ring member are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to cause the axial lip of the seal provided on one side of the outer ring member to contact the lip contact surface with as appropriate interference as possible.

[0020] With the above-described aspect, the interference of the axial lip of the seal with respect to the lip contact surface can be appropriately set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a sealing device;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of machining the outer raceway in the outer ring member;

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of machining the inner raceway in the inner shaft member;

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a step of attaching a seal to an outer ring member;

[0027] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the step of attaching the slinger to the inner shaft member; and

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sealing device of a wheel bearing device according to the related art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Structure of wheel bearing device

[0031] Figure 1 : is a cross-sectional view of a wheel bearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A wheel bearing device (hub unit) 1 according to the present embodiment supports a wheel so as to be rotatable relative to a suspension device provided to a body of a vehicle. The wheel bearing device 1 includes an outer ring member 3, an inner shaft member (hub shaft) 4, rolling elements 9, and a cage 10. In the following description, a direction parallel to the center axis C of the wheel bearing device 1 ( Figure 1 The left-right direction in the figure is referred to as the "axial direction", and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction is referred to as the "radial direction". In the case where the wheel bearing device 1 is provided to the body of the vehicle, the radial direction corresponding to the outer side of the vehicle Figure 1 The left side in the figure is referred to as the "first axial side" and corresponds to the inner side of the vehicle. Figure 1 The right side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the “second axial side”.

[0032] The outer ring member 3 and the inner shaft member 4 are arranged concentrically with each other. In the present embodiment, the inner shaft member 4 is rotatable relative to the outer ring member 3 about the central axis C. The wheel bearing device 1 is capable of supporting the inner shaft member 4 so as to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body, wherein the inner shaft member 4 includes a flange portion 11 to which a wheel and a brake disc (not shown) are fixed.

[0033] The outer ring member 3 is made of carbon steel for mechanical structural purposes, etc. The outer ring member 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape and includes a flange 5 on the outer peripheral surface 3a. The flange 5 is fixed to the suspension device on one side of the vehicle body by bolts. The inner peripheral surface of the outer ring member 3 is provided with a double row of outer raceways 3b.

[0034] The inner shaft member 4 includes an inner shaft 6 and an inner ring 8. The inner shaft 6 is made of carbon steel for mechanical structural purposes. The inner ring 8 is made of high-carbon chromium bearing steel. The inner shaft 6 includes a body portion 7 extending in the axial direction and a flange portion 11 protruding outward from the body portion 7 in the radial direction. The body portion 7 and the flange portion 11 are formed integrally with each other. The flange portion 11 is provided on a first axial side of the body portion 7. A gear and a brake disc (not shown) are attached to the flange portion 11.

[0035] The inner ring 8 is formed in an annular shape, is assembled with the end of the inner shaft 6 on the second axial side on the outside, and is fixed by riveting. The body portion 7 of the inner shaft 6 and the inner ring 8 constitute the shaft portion according to the present invention, which is arranged in the outer ring member in the radial direction. The flange portion 11 of the inner shaft 6 constitutes the flange portion according to the present invention, which is arranged closer to the first axial side than the outer ring member 3.

[0036] The outer peripheral surface of the body portion 7 is provided with an inner raceway 7a on the first axial side, and the inner raceway 7a faces the inner side of the outer raceway 3b in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 8 is provided with an inner raceway 8a on the second axial side, and the inner raceway 8a faces the inner side of the outer raceway 3b in the radial direction. A plurality of rolling elements 9 are arranged between the double-row outer raceway 3b and the inner raceways 7a and 8a. In the present embodiment, the rolling elements 9 are balls. The plurality of balls 9 on the raceway are held by a retainer 10 at predetermined intervals therebetween in the circumferential direction. The cross-sections of the outer raceway 3b and the inner raceways 7a and 8a are each formed into a concave arc shape. The ball 9 is in point contact with the outer raceway 3b and the inner raceways 7a and 8a at a contact angle.

[0037] The sealing devices 12 and 13 are attached between the two ends of the outer ring member 3 and the inner shaft member 4 in the axial direction, more specifically, between the end of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side and the body portion 7 and between the end of the outer ring member 3 on the second axial side and the inner ring 8. The sealing devices 12 and 13 have the following functions: prevent foreign matter such as muddy water from entering the annular space formed between the outer ring member 3 and the inner shaft member 4, and seal the annular space so that the lubricant in the annular space does not leak.

[0038] Figure 2 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing device 12. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing device 12 arranged on the first axial side includes a seal 30 and an oil slinger 31. The oil slinger 31 is formed into an annular shape by pressing a metal sheet of a hard material that is not easy to rust, such as stainless steel.

[0039] The slinger 31 includes a cylindrical portion 31 a and an annular portion 31 b. The cylindrical portion 31 a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted with an outer peripheral surface 7 b of the body portion 7 of the inner shaft member 4 to be fixed to the body portion 7 .

[0040] The annular portion 31b is formed in an annular shape and extends outward in the radial direction from the end of the cylindrical portion 31a on the first axial side (the outer side in the axial direction). The annular portion 31b is spaced apart from the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side (the inner side in the axial direction). The annular portion 31b is arranged to be closer to the second axial side than the end surface 3c of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side. The side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side is connected to the outer peripheral surface 7b of the body portion 7 via a curved surface 11c in an arc shape. In the present embodiment, the side surface 11b is arranged outside the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 in the radial direction. The side surface 11b is positioned on the first axial side relative to the side surface 11a via a step portion. However, it should be noted that the side surfaces 11a and 11b may be flush with each other.

[0041] The seal 30 includes a metal ring 32 and an elastic member 33. The metal ring 32 is formed in an annular shape by extruding a sheet of steel such as a cold-rolled steel plate (defined as SPCC in Japanese Industrial Standards). The metal ring 32 is fixed to the outer ring member 3. The metal ring 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32a and an annular portion 32b. The cylindrical portion 32a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted with an inner circumferential surface 3d of an end portion of the outer ring member 3 on a first axial side. The annular portion 32b is formed in an annular shape and extends inward in a radial direction from an end portion of the cylindrical portion 32a on a second axial side (inner side in the axial direction).

[0042] The elastic member 33 is formed in an annular shape by nitrile rubber or the like. The elastic member 33 is bonded to the metal ring 32 by vulcanization. The elastic member 33 includes a plurality of lips 34a and 34b. The plurality of lips 34a and 34b include an axial lip 34a and a radial lip 34b.

[0043] The axial lip 34a extends from the annular portion 32b of the metal ring 32 toward the first axial side. The lip distal end of the axial lip 34a contacts the side surface 31c of the annular portion 31b of the oil slinger 31 on the second axial side with a predetermined interference. Therefore, the side surface 31c of the annular portion 31b of the oil slinger 31 on the second axial side serves as a lip contact surface contacted by the axial lip 34a. The interference of the axial lip 34a is defined as the distance in the axial direction between the position of the lip distal end of the axial lip 34a in a state where the lip distal end does not contact the lip contact surface 31c and no external force acts on the axial lip 34a and the position of the lip distal end of the axial lip 34a in a desired state where the lip distal end contacts the lip contact surface 31c and the annular space is defined from the external space.

[0044] The radial lip 34b extends radially inward from the inner end portion in the radial direction of the annular portion 32b of the metal ring 32. The lip distal end of the radial lip 34b contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31a of the slinger 31.

[0045] The step of machining the outer raceway 3 b in the method of manufacturing the wheel bearing device 1 will be described. Figure 3 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of machining the outer raceway 3b of the outer ring member 3. The outer raceway 3b of the outer ring member 3 is polished or ground by a grinding wheel (first machining tool) 38 for finishing to be machined into a final shape as a product. The grinding wheel 38 rotates around a central axis O1 that is aligned with the central axis C of the outer ring member 3 (see Figure 1 )parallel.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as discussed later, the end surface 3c of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side corresponds to a reference surface (first reference position) for determining the position of the seal 30 in the axial direction. The reference surface 3c is used as a reference (origin) to determine the machining position of the grinding wheel 38 in the axial direction. The grinding wheel 38 moves to the machining position, and machines the outer raceway 3b. Thus, the surface shape of the outer raceway 3b is machined while the distance from the reference surface 3c in the axial direction is managed, or in other words, at a position a predetermined distance from the reference surface 3c. Figure 3 In the figure, the center of the ball 9 rolling on the outer raceway 3b is indicated by reference numeral 9a when the wheel bearing device 1 is assembled. Since the distance from the reference surface 3c to the outer raceway 3b is set to a predetermined value by the grinding wheel 38, the distance L1 between the reference surface 3c and the center 9a of the ball 9 on the outer raceway 3b is also set to a predetermined size.

[0047] The steps of machining the inner raceway 7a will be described. Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of machining the inner raceway 7a of the inner shaft member 4. The inner raceway 7a of the body portion 7 of the inner shaft member 4, the outer peripheral surface 7b of the body portion 7, and the side surfaces 11a and 11b on the second axial side of the inner side (root) of the flange portion 11 in the radial direction and the curved surface 11c are polished or ground by a grinding wheel (second machining tool) 39 for finishing to be machined into the final shape of the product. The grinding wheel 39 rotates around the central axis O2, which is inclined relative to the central axis C of the inner shaft member 4.

[0048] In the present embodiment, as discussed later, the side surface 11b of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side corresponds to a reference surface (second reference position) for determining the position of the slinger 31 in the axial direction. The reference surface 11b and the inner raceway 7a are polished using the same grinding wheel 39. Therefore, the surface shape of the inner raceway 7a is processed while the distance from the reference surface 11b in the axial direction is managed, or in other words, while the interval from the reference surface 11b in the axial direction is kept constant. Since the distance in the axial direction from the reference surface 11b to the inner raceway 7a is set to a predetermined value by the grinding wheel 39, the distance L4 in the axial direction between the reference surface 11b and the center 9a of the ball 9 on the inner raceway 7a is also set to a predetermined size.

[0049] The step of attaching the sealing member 30 will be described. Figure 5 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the step of attaching the seal 30 to the outer ring member 3. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the seal 30 is press-fitted together with the inner circumferential surface 3d of the end of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side using a press-fit fixture (first press-fit fixture) 51. The press-fit fixture 51 is movable in the axial direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). The press-fit fixture 51 includes an extrusion portion 51a and a positioning portion 51b. The extrusion portion 51a contacts the side surface of the seal 30 on the first axial side. The positioning portion 51b is arranged on the first axial side of the extrusion portion 51a and protrudes to a position outside the extrusion portion 51a in the radial direction. The distance between the end surface of the extrusion portion 51a on the second axial side and the end surface of the positioning portion 51b on the second axial side is consistent with the design dimension L2 between the end surface 3c (which serves as a reference surface) of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side and the side surface of the seal 30 on the first axial side.

[0050] The cylindrical portion 32a of the seal 30 is press-fitted with the inner peripheral surface 3d of the outer ring member 3 using a press-fitting jig 51. In this case, the end of the cylindrical portion 32a on the second axial side is positioned at the end of the inner peripheral surface 3d on the first axial side, and the end of the seal 30 on the first axial side is pressed in the direction of the arrow b by the pressing portion 51a. This causes the end surface of the positioning portion 51b on the second axial side to contact the reference surface 3c. Thus, the seal 30 is attached to an appropriate position in the axial direction.

[0051] As discussed earlier, the distance L1 from the reference surface 3c to the center 9a of the ball 9 on the outer raceway 3b is calculated by using Figure 3 Therefore, when the wheel bearing device 1 is assembled, the distance L3 between the end surface of the seal 30 on the first axial side and the center 9a of the ball 9 is also a predetermined size.

[0052] The step of attaching the slinger 31 will be described. Figure 6 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the step of attaching the slinger 31 to the inner shaft member 4. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the oil slinger 31 is press-fitted on the outer peripheral surface 7b of the body portion 7 of the inner shaft member 4 using a press-fitting jig (second press-fitting jig) 52. The press-fitting jig 52 can be moved in the axial direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). The press-fitting jig 52 includes a pressing portion 52a and a positioning portion 52b. The pressing portion 52a contacts the side surface 31c of the annular portion 31b of the oil slinger 31 on the second axial side. The positioning portion 52b is arranged on the outer side of the pressing portion 52a in the radial direction and protrudes toward the first axial side relative to the pressing portion 52a. The distance between the end surface of the pressing portion 52a on the first axial side and the end surface of the positioning portion 52b on the first axial side corresponds to the design dimension L5 between the side surface 11b of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side (which serves as a reference surface) and the side surface (lip contact surface) 31c of the annular portion 31b of the oil slinger 31 on the second axial side.

[0053] The cylindrical portion 31a of the oil slinger 31 is press-fitted with the outer peripheral surface 7b of the body portion 7 using the press-fit jig 52. In this case, the annular portion 31b of the oil slinger 31 positioned at the end portion of the outer peripheral surface 7b of the body portion 7 on the second axial side is pressed in the direction of the arrow a by the pressing portion 52a. This causes the end surface of the positioning portion 52b on the first axial side to contact the reference surface 11b. Thus, the oil slinger 31 is attached at an appropriate position in the axial direction.

[0054] As discussed earlier, the distance L4 from the reference surface 11b to the center 9a of the ball 9 on the inner raceway 7a is calculated by using Figure 4Therefore, the distance L6 between the lip contact surface 31c of the slinger 31 and the center 9a of the ball 9 is also a predetermined dimension.

[0055] As described above, the seal 30 attached to the outer ring member 3 and the center 9a of the ball 9 arranged on the outer raceway 3b are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. The lip contact surface 31c of the slinger 31 and the center 9a of the ball 9 arranged on the inner raceway 7a of the inner shaft member 4 are positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction. Therefore, the seal 30 and the lip contact surface 31c are also positioned in a predetermined relationship in the axial direction, and it is possible to cause the axial lip 34a of the seal 30 to contact the lip contact surface 31c with an appropriate interference.

[0056] Only the method of machining the outer raceway 3b and the method of attaching the seal 30 or the method of machining the inner raceway 7a and the method of attaching the slinger 31 can be performed as described above. Even in this case, compared with the case where the method described above is not applied to any one of the outer ring member 3 and the inner shaft member 4, it is possible to cause the axial lip 34a to contact the lip contact surface 31c with appropriate interference.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, the reference surface (first reference position) as a reference for the position of the seal 30 in the axial direction is constituted by the end surface 3c on the first axial side of the outer ring member 3. Therefore, the distance between the reference surface 3c and the seal 30 can be short, and the seal 30 can be easily attached using the reference surface 3c as a reference.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the reference surface (second reference position) as a reference for the position of the lip contact surface 31c of the oil slinger 31 in the axial direction is constituted by the side surface 11b on the second axial side of the flange portion 11. Therefore, the distance between the reference surface 11b and the oil slinger 31 can be short, and the oil slinger 31 can be easily attached using the reference surface 11b as a reference.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the lip contact surface 31c is provided to the oil slinger 31, and the oil slinger 31 is provided at an interval on the second axial side from the reference surface 11b of the flange portion 11. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to position the oil slinger 31 in the axial direction compared with a condition in which the oil slinger 31 is made to abut against the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side. However, the oil slinger 31 can be provided at an appropriate distance relative to the seal 30 by positioning the oil slinger 31 at a position far away by a predetermined distance by using the reference surface 11b as a reference.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and design changes may be made as appropriate without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims. For example, in the embodiment described above, the slinger 31 is arranged at a certain interval on the second axial side from the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side. However, the slinger 31 may be made to abut against the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, the axial lip 34a of the seal 30 contacts the lip contact surface 31c of the oil slinger 31. However, the oil slinger 31 may be omitted, and the axial lip 34a may be made to contact the side surface 11a of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side, which side surface 11a serves as the lip contact surface. In this case, the lip contact surface 11a is provided at a predetermined position in the axial direction relative to the reference surface 11b. Also, in this case, the lip contact surface 11a and the reference surface 11b may be the same surface arranged flush with each other.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, only the surface shape of the outer raceway 3b on the first axial side is machined relative to the reference surface 3c. However, the surface shape of the outer raceway 3b on the second axial side can be machined using the same grinding wheel. The outer raceway 3b on the first axial side and the end surface 3c of the outer ring member 3 on the first axial side (which serves as a reference surface) can be machined using the same grinding wheel. And, in this case, the surface shape of the outer raceway 3b is machined while the distance from the end surface (reference surface) 3c in the axial direction is managed, or in other words, while the interval from the reference surface 3c in the axial direction is kept constant.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the side surface 11b of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side (which serves as a reference surface) and the surface shape of the inner raceway 7a on the first axial side are processed simultaneously. However, the surface shape of the inner raceway 7a may be processed without processing the reference surface 11b by moving the grinding wheel using the side surface 11b of the flange portion 11 on the second axial side as a reference surface (origin).

[0064] In the embodiment described above, the outer raceway 3b and the inner raceway 7a on the first axial side (vehicle outer side) are processed while the reference distances from the reference surfaces 3c and 11b are managed. However, the outer raceway and the inner raceway are not limited to the outer raceway and the inner raceway on the first axial side (vehicle outer side), as long as the same rolling element rolls on them. The rolling element is not limited to a ball, and may be a roller, such as a tapered roller.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a wheel bearing device, the wheel bearing device comprising an outer ring member (3), an inner shaft member (4), a plurality of rolling elements, a seal (30) and a lip contact surface, the outer ring member (3) having an outer raceway (3b) at the inner periphery, the inner shaft member (4) comprising a shaft portion and a flange portion (11), the shaft portion being arranged radially inwardly of the outer ring member (3), and the shaft portion having an inner raceway (7a), the inner raceway (7a) facing the outer raceway (3b), the flange portion (11) being arranged to be closer to the first axial side than the outer raceway (3b), and the flange portion (11) being arranged to be closer to the first axial side than the outer raceway (3b). The outer ring member (3) is close to the first axial side, and the flange portion (11) protrudes outward from the shaft portion in the radial direction, the plurality of rolling elements are arranged between the outer raceway (3b) and the inner raceway (7a), the seal (30) is provided at the end of the outer ring member (3) on the first axial side, and the seal (30) includes an axial lip (34a), the lip contact surface is provided on one side of the inner shaft member (4), and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip (34a), and the manufacturing method includes: machining the inner raceway (7a) while managing the distance in the axial direction from a reference position set on the inner shaft member (4); as well as providing the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft member (4) in the axial direction relative to the reference position, wherein the reference position is a side surface of the flange portion (11) on the second axial side, and An oil slinger is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the oil slinger is arranged at a predetermined interval on the second axial side from the reference position, and the lip contact surface is provided on a surface of the oil slinger on the second axial side.

2. A manufacturing device for a wheel bearing device, the wheel bearing device comprising an outer ring member (3), an inner shaft member (4), a plurality of rolling elements, a seal (30) and a lip contact surface, the outer ring member (3) having an outer raceway (3b) at the inner periphery, the inner shaft member (4) comprising a shaft portion and a flange portion (11), the shaft portion being arranged inwardly of the outer ring member (3) in a radial direction, and the shaft portion having an inner raceway (7a), the inner raceway (7a) facing the outer raceway (3b), the flange portion (11) being arranged to be closer to the first axial side than the outer raceway (3b), and the flange portion (11) being arranged to be closer to the first axial side than the outer raceway (3b). The outer ring member (3) is close to the first axial side, and the flange portion (11) protrudes outward from the shaft portion in the radial direction, the plurality of rolling elements are arranged between the outer raceway (3b) and the inner raceway (7a), the seal (30) is provided at the end of the outer ring member (3) on the first axial side, and the seal (30) includes an axial lip (34a), the lip contact surface is provided on one side of the inner shaft member (4), and the lip contact surface is contacted by the axial lip (34a), and the manufacturing equipment includes: a second machining tool for machining the inner raceway (7a) while managing a distance in an axial direction from a reference position set on the inner shaft member (4); and a second press-fitting jig for press-fitting an oil slinger including the lip contact surface at a predetermined position of the inner shaft member (4) in the axial direction relative to the reference position, wherein the reference position is a side surface of the flange portion (11) on the second axial side, and An oil slinger is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the oil slinger is arranged at a predetermined interval on the second axial side from the reference position, and the lip contact surface is provided on a surface of the oil slinger on the second axial side.

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