Method for manufacturing roller with thrust holder, and encapsulation container

Abstract

To encapsulate grease inside a holder after a roller with a thrust holder is assembled.SOLUTION: An encapsulation container 50 has a first part 51 having a first surface 61 in contact with a roller 11 exposed from a first pocket 24 of a holder 12, a second part 52 having a second surface 62 in contact with a part of an axial second side of the holder 12, and a third part 53 having an inner peripheral surface 64 located radially outward of the holder 12. Grease is placed on at least one of an axial first side surface of a roller 10 with a thrust holder and an axial second side surface of the roller 10 with a thrust holder. With the first surface 61 in contact with the roller 11 exposed from the first pocket 24 and the second surface 62 in contact with a part of the axial second side of the holder 12, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are rotated relatively around an axial central axis C0.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly, and to an enclosure used in the manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a thrust roller and cage assembly. The thrust roller and cage assembly includes a plurality of rollers and a cage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-2449 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a thrust roller and cage assembly. The cage 90 has a first cage member 91 and a second cage member 92 that is combined with the first cage member 91.

[0005] The first retainer member 91 has a first inner annular body 93, a first outer annular body 94, and a plurality of first pillars 95. The first pillars 95 connect the first inner annular body 93 and the first outer annular body 94. A space surrounded by the first inner annular body 93, the first outer annular body 94, and two first pillars 95 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is a first pocket 96.

[0006] The second retainer member 92 has a second inner annular body 97, a second outer annular body 98, and a plurality of second pillars 99. The second pillars 99 connect the second inner annular body 97 and the second outer annular body 98. A space surrounded by the second inner annular body 97, the second outer annular body 98, and two second pillars 99 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is a second pocket 100.

[0007] Grease lubrication may be adopted as the lubrication method for thrust roller and cage assemblies, in which case grease is enclosed inside the cage during the manufacturing process of the thrust roller and cage assemblies. In the case of the thrust roller and cage assembly shown in Fig. 11, the manufacturing method thereof includes a step of plastically deforming a first inner annular body 93 and a first outer annular body 94. This step is a crimping process in which a second inner annular body 97 and a second outer annular body 98 are crimped. The first cage member 91 and the second cage member 92 are combined by the crimping process. Grease is applied between the first cage member 91 and the second cage member 92 prior to the crimping process.

[0008] In the case of Patent Document 1, a hole serving as a grease injection port is provided in a part of a member constituting the cage. In this case, the grease can be filled after the crimping process, that is, after the thrust roller and cage assembly are assembled.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly that makes it possible to seal grease inside the cage after the thrust roller and cage assembly is assembled, even if a hole serving as a grease injection port is not provided in one of the components that make up the cage, and an enclosure container for use in said manufacturing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The present invention provides a manufacturing method including a step of sealing grease into a thrust roller and cage assembly having a plurality of rollers and a cage using a sealing container, the retainer includes an inner annular body, an outer annular body, a plurality of first posts, and a plurality of second posts; the first pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a first axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent first pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a first pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, the second pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a second axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent second pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a second pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, The enclosure comprises: a first portion having a first surface exposed from the first pocket and contacting the roller; a second portion having a second surface that contacts the roller exposed from the second pocket or a part of the cage on a second axial side; a third portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially outward of the cage; having Grease is disposed on at least one of a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on a first side in an axial direction and a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on a second side in an axial direction; the first surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket, and the second surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket or a part of a second axial side of the cage, The first portion and the second portion are rotated relatively about a central axis in the axial direction.

[0011] According to the manufacturing method, when the first and second parts of the sealed container are rotated relative to each other about the central axis in the axial direction, the rollers revolve around the central axis of the cage while rotating about their own axes. Grease is disposed on at least one of the axial first side surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly and the axial second side surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly. As a result, the grease adhering to the rollers is sealed inside the cage between the inner and outer annular bodies and between the first and second posts by the rotating rollers.

[0012] (2) Preferably, The cage has a first cage member on a first axial side and a second cage member on a second axial side, the first retainer member has a first inner annular body and a first outer annular body, the first pillar connects the first inner annular body and the first outer annular body, and a space surrounded by the first inner annular body, the first outer annular body, and two of the first pillars adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is the first pocket, the second retainer member has a second inner annular body and a second outer annular body, the second pillar connects the second inner annular body and the second outer annular body, and a space surrounded by the second inner annular body, the second outer annular body, and two of the second pillars adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is the second pocket, the first outer annular body and the second outer annular body constitute the outer annular body, the first inner annular body and the second inner annular body constitute the inner annular body; the first surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket, and the second surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the second pocket or the second cage member, The first portion and the second portion are rotated relatively about a central axis in the axial direction.

[0013] According to the manufacturing method having the above configuration, the grease is sealed inside the cage between the first cage member and the second cage member by the rotating rollers.

[0014] (3) In the manufacturing method according to (1) or (2) above, the first surface is preferably a plane that is continuous along the circumferential direction. In this case, the rollers roll on the first surface, and thereby rotate about the roller central axis while revolving about the cage central axis.

[0015] (4) In any one of the manufacturing methods (1) to (3), preferably, the second portion has the second surface in contact with a part of the cage on a second axial side, and a third surface located on the second axial side of the second surface and facing the rollers, a distance in the axial direction between the second surface and the third surface is greater than an exposed height along the axial direction of a portion of the roller exposed from the second pocket, The second surface is in contact with a portion of the cage on a second axial side, The first portion and the second portion are rotated relatively about a central axis in the axial direction. In this case, when the first and second parts rotate relatively about the central axis in the axial direction with the second surface in contact with a part of the cage, the cage rotates about the central axis together with the rollers, so that the rollers revolve about the cage central axis while rotating about the roller central axis, accompanied by the cage.

[0016] (5) Or, in any one of the manufacturing methods described above in (1) to (3), preferably, the second surface contacts the rollers, and the second surface is a plane that is continuous along the circumferential direction. In this case, when the first part and the second part rotate relatively around the central axis in the axial direction with the second surface in contact with the multiple rollers, the multiple rollers rotate around the central axis of the rollers while being guided by the retainer and revolving around the central axis.

[0017] (6) The present invention provides a container for sealing grease in a thrust roller and cage assembly having a plurality of rollers and a cage, comprising: the retainer includes an inner annular body, an outer annular body, a plurality of first posts, and a plurality of second posts; the first pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a first axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent first pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a first pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, the second pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a second axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent second pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a second pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, The enclosure comprises: a first portion having a first surface that contacts the plurality of rollers exposed from the first pocket; a second portion having a second surface that contacts the rollers exposed from the second pocket or a portion of the cage on a second axial side; a third portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially outward of the cage; having The first part and the second part are relatively rotatable about a central axis in an axial direction, At least one of the area between the axial first side surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly and the part, and the area between the axial second side surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly and the second part is an area in which grease is placed.

[0018] According to the sealed container, when the first part and the second part are rotated relative to each other about the central axis in the axial direction, the rollers revolve around the central axis of the cage while rotating about the roller central axis. Grease is disposed at least one of between the thrust roller and cage assembly and the first part and between the thrust roller and cage assembly and the second part. Therefore, the grease adhering to the rollers is sealed inside the cage between the inner annular body and the outer annular body and between the first pillar and the second pillar by the rotating rollers. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, even if a hole serving as a grease injection port is not provided in one of the components constituting the cage, it is possible to seal grease inside the cage after the thrust roller and cage assembly is assembled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a thrust roller and cage assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thrust roller and cage assembly shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure in an exploded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the enclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the enclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the enclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the enclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a thrust roller and cage assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] [Thrust roller and cage assembly and manufacturing method thereof] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a thrust roller and cage assembly. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thrust roller and cage assembly shown in Fig. 1. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 has a plurality of rollers 11 and an annular cage 12 that holds the plurality of rollers 11. The present invention relates to a manufacturing method including a step of sealing grease G in the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 by means of a sealing container 50 (see Fig. 4), and to the sealing container 50 used in the manufacturing method.

[0022] The following defines each direction of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10. The direction along the central axis C1 of the cage 12 and the direction parallel to the central axis C1 are defined as the "axial direction." The direction perpendicular to the central axis C1 is defined as the "radial direction." The direction along a circle centered on the central axis C1 is defined as the "circumferential direction."

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, grease G is enclosed in the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 by using an enclosed container 50. The enclosed container 50 holds the thrust roller and cage assembly 10. In the case of this embodiment, when the grease G is enclosed, the central axis C1 of the cage 12 and the central axis C0 of the enclosed container 50 coincide with each other, and these central axes C1 and C0 face in the vertical up-down direction. In the following description of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the enclosed container 50, the "lower side" in the vertical direction is defined as the "first axial side", and the "upper side" in the vertical direction is defined as the "second axial side".

[0024] The configuration of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The cage 12 has a lower first cage member 20 and an upper second cage member 30. The first cage member 20 and the second cage member 30 are each manufactured by plastically deforming an annular plate-shaped member.

[0025] The second retainer member 30 has one second inner annular body 31, one second outer annular body 32, and a plurality of second pillars 33. The second inner annular body 31 and the second outer annular body 32 have a cylindrical shape. The second pillars 33 have a shape that is long in the radial direction. The second pillars 33 connect the second inner annular body 31 and the second outer annular body 32. A space surrounded by the second inner annular body 31, the second outer annular body 32, and two circumferentially adjacent second pillars 33 is a second pocket 34. A portion of the rollers 11 is exposed from the second pocket 34.

[0026] The first cage member 20 has one first inner annular body 21, one first outer annular body 22, and a plurality of first pillars 23. The first inner annular body 21 and the first outer annular body 22 have a cylindrical shape. The first pillar 23 has a shape that is long in the radial direction. The first pillar 23 connects the first inner annular body 21 and the first outer annular body 22. A space surrounded by the first inner annular body 21, the first outer annular body 22, and two first pillars 23 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is a first pocket 24. A portion of the rollers 11 is exposed from the first pocket 24.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III in Fig. 1. One first pillar 23 and one second pillar 33 are located at the same position in the circumferential direction. One first pocket 24 and one second pocket 34 are located at the same position in the circumferential direction. One pocket 15 that holds a roller 11 is formed by one first pocket 24 and one second pocket 34 located at the same position in the circumferential direction.

[0028] Cage 12 has a portion where spacing E1 between two circumferentially adjacent first posts 23 is smaller than diameter D of roller 11. Cage 12 has a portion where spacing E2 between two circumferentially adjacent second posts 33 is smaller than diameter D of roller 11. With this configuration, roller 11 does not fall out of pocket 15 in the axial direction of cage 12. In the case of this embodiment (see FIG. 1), two rollers 11 are held in one pocket 15 side by side in the radial direction of the cage 12. Although not shown, a configuration in which one roller 11 is held in one pocket 15 may also be used.

[0029] Each of the first cage member 20 and the second cage member 30 has a bent shape as shown in Fig. 2 by plastically deforming an annular plate-shaped member. However, with the rollers 11 and the second cage member 30 placed on the first cage member 20, the outer peripheral edge portion and the inner peripheral edge portion of the first cage member 20 are plastically deformed. These outer peripheral edge portion and the inner peripheral edge portion are in close contact with the second outer annular body 32 and the second inner annular body 31. As a result of the crimping process performed by this plastic deformation, the first cage member 20 and the second cage member 30 become integrated.

[0030] The cage 12 assembled as described above has an inner annular body 14, an outer annular body 13, a plurality of first posts 23, and a plurality of second posts 33. The inner annular body 14 is composed of a first inner annular body 21 and a second inner annular body 31. The outer annular body 13 is composed of a first outer annular body 22 and a second outer annular body 32.

[0031] The first pillars 23 are positioned apart in the circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body 14 and the outer annular body 13 at their lower sides. The space surrounded by two adjacent first pillars 23, the inner annular body 14, and the outer annular body 13 is a first pocket 24 that exposes a portion of the roller 11. The second pillars 33 are positioned apart in the circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body 14 and the outer annular body 13 at their upper sides. The space surrounded by two adjacent second pillars 33, the inner annular body 14, and the outer annular body 13 is a second pocket 34 that exposes a portion of the roller 11.

[0032] By completing the assembly steps including the crimping process as described above, an assembled product (see Figure 2) is obtained, and then a step is performed in which grease G is sealed inside the retainer through each pocket 15 of the assembled product using a sealing container 50 (see Figure 4). The inside of the cage surrounded by the inner annular body 14, the outer annular body 13, the first pillars 23, and the second pillars 33 forms a substantially closed space, except for the first pocket 24, the second pocket 34, and the rollers 11 respectively inserted in the first pocket 24 and the second pocket 34. Grease G is sealed inside the cage, which is a closed space.

[0033] [Regarding the Enclosed Container 50] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure 50. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 (the above-mentioned assembly) is housed in the enclosure 50. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure 50 in an exploded state.

[0034] The enclosed container 50 has a first part 51 on the lower side, a second part 52 on the upper side, a third part 53 on the radially outer side, and a fourth part 54 on the radially inner side. In this embodiment, the first part 51, the third part 53, and the fourth part 54 have an integral structure. The second part 52 is formed by combining multiple members (three in the illustrated example).

[0035] The sealed container 50 has a central axis C0 along the vertical direction. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is housed in the sealed container 50 with the central axis C1 of the cage 12 coinciding with the central axis C0 of the sealed container 50. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the sealed container 50 in which the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is housed. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis C0 and passing through the rollers 11.

[0036] The first part 51 has a first surface 61 on its upper part. The first surface 61 is the surface on which the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is placed. The first surface 61 comes into contact with the rollers 11 exposed downward from the first pocket 24. In the case of this embodiment, the first surface 61 is a continuous annular plane along the circumferential direction. The first surface 61 is a annular plane centered on the central axis C0. The radial dimension W1 of the first surface 61 is slightly larger than the overall length L of the rollers 11 (two rollers 11 aligned radially).

[0037] The third portion 53 has an inner circumferential surface 64. The inner circumferential surface 64 is located radially outward of the cage 12. The inner circumferential surface 64 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C0. A diameter D1 of the inner circumferential surface 64 is slightly larger than an outer diameter d1 of the outer annular body 13 (first outer annular body 22). The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 placed on the first surface 61 is fitted inside the inner circumferential surface 64.

[0038] The fourth portion 54 has a cylindrical shaft 59 having a stepped shape centered on the central axis C0 (see Figures 4 and 5). The fourth portion 54 has an outer peripheral surface 65. The outer peripheral surface 65 is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the shaft 59. The outer peripheral surface 65 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C0. A diameter D2 of the outer peripheral surface 65 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter d2 of the inner annular body 14 (first inner annular body 21). The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 placed on the first surface 61 is fitted to the outside of the outer peripheral surface 65.

[0039] When placed on the first surface 61, the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is fitted between the inner peripheral surface 64 and the outer peripheral surface 65. In this state, the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is attached to the sealed container 50, and this state is called the "mounted state." Grease G is applied inside the cage of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 in the mounted state.

[0040] As described above (see Figs. 4 and 5), second part 52 is composed of multiple members (three in the illustrated example). Second part 52 has guide ring 71, cylindrical rolling jig 72, and cylindrical pressing jig 73. Guide ring 71 has a cylindrical portion 71a that fits onto the outer periphery of shaft 59. Rolling jig 72 has an inner circumferential surface 72a that fits onto the outer periphery of cylindrical portion 71a. Pressing jig 73 has an inner circumferential surface 73a that fits onto the outer periphery of rolling jig 72.

[0041] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the sealed container 50 in which the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is housed. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis C0 and passing through the first pillar 23 and the second pillar 33. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow VIII in Fig. 7. The second portion 52 has a second surface 62. The second surface 62 contacts the rollers 11 exposed upward from the second pocket 34 or a part of the upper side of the cage 12. In the case of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the second surface 62 contacts the second posts 33 of the second cage member 30 as a part of the upper side of the cage 12.

[0042] 6 and 8, the second portion 52 has a third surface 63, in addition to the second surface 62, as a surface facing the upper surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10. The third surface 63 is located above the second surface 62 and faces the outer circumferential surface of the roller 11. An axial distance H between the second surface 62 and the third surface 63 is greater than an exposed height h of the roller 11 from the second pocket 34 (H>h). The exposed height h is the dimension along the axial direction at which a part of the roller 11 is exposed upward from the second pocket 34. Due to this relationship of H>h, the third surface 63 is not in contact with the roller 11.

[0043] The guide ring 71, rolling jig 72, and pressing jig 73 constituting the second part 52 (see FIG. 4) are integrated. The second part 52 is rotatable relative to the first part 51. The second part 52 is rotatable using a shaft 59 as a guide member. The second part 52 may be rotated electrically by a motor (not shown) or may be rotated manually by an operator. It rotates at a specified number of revolutions in order to seal the grease G inside the retainer.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first part 51 is placed on a workbench 70, and the second part 52 rotates. Although not shown, the second part 52 may be a stationary member and the first part 51 may be a rotating member. In other words, it is only necessary that the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are relatively rotatable about the central axis C0 in the axial direction.

[0045] 6 , second portion 52 has an annular outer wall 56 and an annular inner wall 57. In the attached state, outer wall 56 is located radially outward of a portion of roller 11 that protrudes upward from second pocket 34. In the attached state, inner wall 57 is located radially inward of a portion of roller 11 that protrudes upward from second pocket 34. Outer wall 56 and inner wall 57 may be in contact with the upper surface of cage 12 or may not be in contact with the upper surface of cage 12.

[0046] As will be described later, in order to seal the grease G inside the cage, the grease G is placed on the upper surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10, and the second part 52 rotates. During this rotation, the outer wall 56 prevents the grease G from escaping radially outward, and the inner wall 57 prevents the grease G from escaping radially inward.

[0047] The first part 51 (see FIG. 4) has a hole 67 for removing the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 from the first part 51. After grease G is sealed inside the cage, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are separated. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is removed from the first part 51 by being pushed by a shaft (not shown) inserted into the hole 67.

[0048] [Modification of the second surface 62 of the second portion 52] Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the enclosed container 50 in which the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is housed. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on a plane that includes the central axis C0 and passes through the rollers 11. Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the enclosed container 50 in which the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is housed. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on a plane that includes the central axis C0 and passes through the first pillar 23 and the second pillar 33.

[0049] The second embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 is different from the first embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 in that the shape of the underside of the second portion 52 is different, but the rest is the same. The same components in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0050] In the case of the second embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the second surface 62 of the second portion 52 comes into contact with the rollers 11 exposed upward from the second pocket 34. The second surface 62 is a surface that comes into contact with the rollers 11, and is a continuous annular plane along the circumferential direction. The second surface 62 is a annular plane centered on the central axis C0. The radial dimension W2 of the second surface 62 is slightly larger than the overall length L of the rollers 11 (two rollers 11 aligned in the radial direction). The second portion 52 has the second surface 62 on its lower surface that comes into contact with the rollers 11, but does not have a surface that comes into contact with the upper surface of the cage 12 (second pillar 33).

[0051] In each of the above embodiments, at least one of the areas between the lower surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the first portion 51, and the area between the upper surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the second portion 52 is an area in which grease G is placed.

[0052] [Step of sealing grease G inside the cage] A method for sealing the grease G inside the cage of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 using the sealing container 50 (see FIG. 4) having the above-mentioned configuration will be described. The first part 51 of the sealed container 50 is placed on a workbench 70. The guide ring 71, the rolling jig 72, and the pressing jig 73 are integrated together to form the second part 52. The second part 52 is separable from the first part 51.

[0053] The grease G is disposed on at least one of the lower surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the upper surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10. The grease G may be applied to the upper surface of the first portion 51, or may be applied to the lower surface of the second portion 52. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is placed on the first surface 61 of the first portion 51. The second portion 52 is fitted onto the shaft 59 from above and placed on the first portion 51 and the thrust roller and cage assembly 10, thus achieving the mounted state.

[0054] In the case of the configuration shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the grease G is placed in at least one of the following positions. Position between the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the first surface 61. Position between the rollers 11 of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the third surface 63 facing the rollers 11. A position between the second pillar 33 of the cage 12 of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the second surface 62 in contact with the second pillar 33.

[0055] In the mounted state, the first surface 61 is in contact with the rollers 11 exposed from the lower first pocket 24, and the second surface 62 is in contact with a part (second pillar 33) on the upper side of the cage 12. The second surface 62 comes into contact with the second pillar 33 while being pressed downward. In this state, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are rotated relatively around the central axis C0 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the second portion 52 rotates.

[0056] In the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the grease G is placed in at least one of the following positions. Position between the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the first surface 61. Position between the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the second surface 62.

[0057] In the mounted state, the first surface 61 is in contact with the rollers 11 exposed from the lower first pocket 24, and the second surface 62 is in contact with the rollers 11 exposed from the upper first pocket 24. The second surface 62 is in contact with the rollers 11 while being pressed downward, and the rollers 11 are in contact with the first surface 61 while being pressed downward. In this state, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are rotated relatively around the central axis C0 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the second portion 52 rotates.

[0058] As described above, when the second part 52 of the enclosed container 50 is rotated around the central axis C0 relative to the first part 51, the multiple rollers 11 roll on the first surface 61, rotating around the roller central axis c while revolving around the central axis C1 of the retainer 12.

[0059] 6, 7, and 8, when the second portion 52 rotates about the central axis C0 with the second surface 62 in contact with a part (second pillar 33) of the upper side of the retainer 12, the retainer 12 rotates about the central axis C0. As a result, the rollers 11 are accompanied by the retainer 12 to revolve about the central axis C0 while rotating about the roller central axis c. The rotation of the second portion 52 causes the retainer 12 to rotate about the central axis C1, and the rollers 11 roll on the first surface 61. As the rollers 11 rotate, the grease G adhering to the rollers 11 is taken into the retainer.

[0060] In the case of the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the second part 52 rotates around the central axis C0 with the second surface 62 in contact with the multiple rollers 11, the multiple rollers 11 rotate around the roller central axis c while being guided by the retainer 12 and revolving around the central axis C. As second portion 52 rotates, second surface 62 rotates roller 11, and roller 11 rolls on first surface 61. As roller 11 rotates, grease G adhering to roller 11 is taken into the cage.

[0061] In each of the above embodiments, grease G is placed on at least one of the lower surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10 and the upper surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10. As a result, grease G adhering to the rollers 11 is sealed inside the cage between the inner annular body 14 and the outer annular body 13, and between the first pillar 23 and the second pillar 33, by the rotating rollers 11.

[0062] After the grease G is sealed inside the cage, the first part 51 and the second part 52 of the sealed container 50 are separated. The thrust roller and cage assembly 10 is removed from the first part 51 by being pushed by a shaft (not shown) inserted into the hole 67.

[0063] As described above, even if a hole serving as an injection port for grease G is not provided in one of the components constituting the retainer 12, it is possible to seal grease G inside the retainer after the thrust roller and retainer assembly 10 is assembled. Since the process of injecting the grease G does not interrupt the manufacturing process of the thrust roller and cage assembly 10, there is no need to change the manufacturing line, which contributes to cost reduction. By using the enclosed container 50, it is possible to reduce variations in work performance caused by different workers.

[0064] 〔others〕 The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of the equivalents of the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Thrust roller and cage assembly 11 Around 12 Cage 13 Outer annular body 14 Inner Annulus 20 First retainer member 21 First inner annular body 22 First outer annular body 23 Pillar 1 24 First Pocket 30 second retainer member 31 Second inner annular body 32 Second outer annular body 33 Pillar 2 34 Second Pocket 50 Enclosure 51 Part 1 52 Part 2 53 Part 3 61 Front page 62 Second side 63 Third side 64 Inner surface C1 Central axis of the cage C0 central axis of enclosure Grease

Claims

1. A manufacturing method including a step of sealing grease in a sealing container for a thrust roller and cage assembly having a plurality of rollers and a cage, the retainer includes an inner annular body, an outer annular body, a plurality of first posts, and a plurality of second posts; the first pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a first axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent first pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a first pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, the second pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a second axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent second pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a second pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, The enclosure comprises: a first portion having a first surface exposed from the first pocket and contacting the roller; a second portion having a second surface that contacts the roller exposed from the second pocket or a part of the cage on a second axial side; a third portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially outward of the cage; having Grease is disposed on at least one of a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on a first side in an axial direction and a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on a second side in an axial direction; the first surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket, and the second surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket or a part of a second axial side of the cage, The first part and the second part are rotated relatively around a central axis in an axial direction. A method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly.

2. The cage has a first cage member on a first axial side and a second cage member on a second axial side, the first retainer member has a first inner annular body and a first outer annular body, the first pillar connects the first inner annular body and the first outer annular body, and a space surrounded by the first inner annular body, the first outer annular body, and two of the first pillars adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is the first pocket, the second retainer member has a second inner annular body and a second outer annular body, the second pillar connects the second inner annular body and the second outer annular body, and a space surrounded by the second inner annular body, the second outer annular body, and two of the second pillars adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is the second pocket, the first outer annular body and the second outer annular body constitute the outer annular body; the first inner annular body and the second inner annular body constitute the inner annular body; the first surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the first pocket, and the second surface is in contact with the roller exposed from the second pocket or the second cage member, The first part and the second part are rotated relatively around a central axis in an axial direction. A method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly according to claim 1.

3. The first surface is a plane that is continuous along the circumferential direction.

3. A method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly according to claim 1.

4. the second portion has the second surface in contact with a part of the cage on a second axial side, and a third surface located on the second axial side of the second surface and facing the rollers, a distance in the axial direction between the second surface and the third surface is greater than an exposed height along the axial direction of a portion of the roller exposed from the second pocket, The second surface is in contact with a portion of the cage on a second axial side, The first part and the second part are rotated relatively around a central axis in an axial direction.

3. A method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly according to claim 1.

5. the second surface contacts the rollers; The second surface is a plane that is continuous along the circumferential direction.

3. A method for manufacturing a thrust roller and cage assembly according to claim 1.

6. A container for sealing grease in a thrust roller and cage assembly having a plurality of rollers and a cage, the retainer includes an inner annular body, an outer annular body, a plurality of first posts, and a plurality of second posts; the first pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a first axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent first pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a first pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, the second pillars are spaced apart in a circumferential direction and connect the inner annular body and the outer annular body on a second axial side, and a space surrounded by two adjacent second pillars, the inner annular body, and the outer annular body is a second pocket that exposes a portion of the roller, The enclosure comprises: a first portion having a first surface that contacts the plurality of rollers exposed from the first pocket; a second portion having a second surface that contacts the rollers exposed from the second pocket or a portion of the cage on a second axial side; a third portion having an inner circumferential surface located radially outward of the cage; having The first part and the second part are relatively rotatable about a central axis in an axial direction, at least one of a region between a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on an axial first side and the portion, and a region between a surface of the thrust roller and cage assembly on an axial second side and the second portion is a region in which grease is disposed; Enclosed container.

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