Apparatus and method for processing ring-shaped members, method for manufacturing bearings, method for manufacturing mechanical devices, and method for manufacturing vehicles

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus and processing method for ring-shaped members that are advantageous for improving quality. [Solution] The system comprises a rotational drive mechanism (2) that rotates a metal ring-shaped member (5) in the circumferential direction around a reference axis, a grinding mechanism (40) having a grinding wheel (3) pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member (5), and a support mechanism (4) that supports the ring-shaped member (5). The support mechanism (4) has a support portion (42) that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member (5) in at least one circumferential range around the reference axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing apparatus for processing the outer peripheral surface of a metal ring-shaped member. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-195436 filed on November 16, 2023, and incorporates its content herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Grinding is performed on the outer peripheral surface of a metal ring-shaped member such as the inner ring raceway of an inner ring or the outer peripheral surface of an outer ring that constitutes a radial rolling bearing in order to improve surface accuracy and surface roughness.

[0003] FIG. 13 shows a conventional grinding apparatus 100 described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-195651). The grinding apparatus 100 includes a backing plate 101 that can be rotationally driven about its central axis, a grindstone 102 that has a central axis arranged parallel to the central axis of the backing plate 101 and can be rotationally driven about the central axis, and two shoes 104 for positioning the metal ring-shaped member 103, which is a workpiece (workpiece to be processed), in the radial direction.

[0004] When performing grinding on the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 103, the axial end surface of the ring-shaped member 103 is magnetically adsorbed to the tip surface of the backing plate 101, and the tip portions (seat surfaces) of the two shoes 104 are slidably contacted with the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 103 to position the ring-shaped member 103 in the radial direction.

[0005] In this state, by rotationally driving the backing plate 101, while rotating the ring-shaped member 103, the grinding surface 105, which is the outer peripheral surface of the rotating grindstone 102, is pressed against the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 103 that is circumferentially deviated from the portion where the tip portions of the two shoes 104 are slidably contacted, thereby grinding the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 103.

[0006] In the conventional grinding apparatus 100 described in Patent Document 1, when grinding the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 103, the grinding surface 105 of the grinding wheel 102 is pressed against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 103. As a result, as exaggeratedly shown in Figure 14, the ring-shaped member 103 undergoes elastic deformation in an elliptical shape with the direction of pressure from the grinding surface 105 of the grinding wheel 102 as the minor axis. In particular, the raceways of rolling bearings designed in recent years to meet the demands for weight reduction and miniaturization are constructed with thin walls and have the characteristic of having very low rigidity, so when grinding the outer surface of the raceway as a ring-shaped member, such elastic deformation is likely to occur.

[0007] As described above, if the ring-shaped member 103 elastically deforms into an elliptical shape, that is, if the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 103 elastically deforms so that it moves away from the grinding surface 105 of the grinding wheel 102, the amount of grinding on the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 103 and the depth of cut of the grinding wheel 102 will not match, and it may become difficult to finish the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 103 to the desired diameter.

[0008] Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-42864) describes a grinding device in which the portion of the outer circumferential surface of a ring-shaped member that is circumferentially away from the portion to be ground by the grinding wheel is supported by two shoes, and when grinding the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member with a grinding wheel, a moment is applied to the ring-shaped member in a direction that presses the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member toward the first shoe, which is closer to the grinding wheel.

[0009] Specifically, the second shoe, which is further from the grinding wheel, is supported in such a way that it can oscillate around a pivot axis located further from the first shoe than the circumferential center of the second shoe. As a result, when the grinding wheel is pressed against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, the reaction force applied from the second shoe to the ring-shaped member becomes greater in the contact area between the ring-shaped member and the second shoe on the side further from the first shoe than on the side closer to the first shoe. Consequently, a moment is applied to the ring-shaped member in a direction that presses its outer surface toward the first shoe.

[0010] According to the grinding apparatus described in Patent Document 2, by pressing the grinding surface of the grinding wheel against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, even when the ring-shaped member is elastically deformed into an elliptical shape, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the contact pressure between the first shoe and the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, thereby stabilizing the posture of the ring-shaped member during grinding. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-195651 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-42864 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In the grinding apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the outer surface of the ring-shaped member is supported by two shoes, making it difficult to prevent the ring-shaped member from elastically deforming into an elliptical shape due to the pressing force of the grinding wheel.

[0013] Therefore, the amount of material removed from the outer surface of the ring-shaped member and the depth of cut by the grinding wheel may not match, making it difficult to finish the outer surface of the ring-shaped member to the desired diameter.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a processing apparatus and processing method for ring-shaped members that are advantageous for improving quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member comprises: a rotational drive mechanism for rotating a metal ring-shaped member in a circumferential direction about a reference axis; a grinding mechanism having a grinding wheel pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member; and a support mechanism having a support portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member in at least one circumferential range about the reference axis, and supporting the ring-shaped member.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for processing a ring-shaped member includes a step of rotating a metal ring-shaped member in a circumferential direction around a reference axis, and a step of pressing a grindstone against an outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member, and includes a step of supporting the ring-shaped member by bringing a support portion into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member in at least one circumferential range around the reference axis.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a bearing including a ring-shaped member includes a step of processing an outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member using the method for processing a ring-shaped member according to the above aspect.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a mechanical device includes a step of manufacturing mechanical parts using the method for manufacturing a bearing according to the above aspect, and a step of attaching the mechanical parts to a device body.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a vehicle includes a step of manufacturing a bearing using the method for manufacturing a bearing according to the above aspect, and a step of attaching the bearing to a vehicle body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, there are provided a processing apparatus and a processing method for a ring-shaped member that are advantageous for quality improvement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the first embodiment. [[ID=3G]] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a support structure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical device including a rolling bearing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rolling bearing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bearing having a coating film. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a support portion (support member) set with respect to an outer ring. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing an example of a conventional structure of a processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram exaggeratedly showing a state in which a ring-shaped member is elastically deformed into an elliptical shape.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0023] In the present embodiment, a processing apparatus 1 for a ring-shaped member includes a rotation drive mechanism 2, a grinding mechanism 40, and a support mechanism 4. In one example, the processing apparatus 1 is a grinding apparatus for performing grinding. In another example, the processing apparatus 1 can be a superfinishing apparatus for performing superfinishing.

[0024] The rotation drive mechanism 2 can rotationally drive a metal ring-shaped member 5, which is a workpiece, in a predetermined direction α (clockwise direction in FIG. 1). The rotation drive mechanism 2 rotates the ring-shaped member 5 in the circumferential direction around a reference axis (Oa).

[0025] In one example, the rotational drive mechanism 2 includes a holding member 6 for holding the ring-shaped member 5 and a drive unit 36. For example, the rotational drive mechanism 2 has a backing plate (holding member, plate member) 6 that rotates the ring-shaped member 5 while its axial end face is magnetically attracted to it. The backing plate 6 holds the ring-shaped member 5 by magnetic attraction. The drive unit 36 ​​rotates the ring-shaped member 5 via the backing plate (holding member) 6. In other examples, the holding member 6 may have a structure different from that of the backing plate.

[0026] The backing plate 6 is capable of rotational drive around its central axis (reference axis, rotation axis) Oa. In one example, the central axis Oa of the backing plate 6 is positioned along the horizontal direction (front-back direction in Figure 1). In other examples, the central axis of the backing plate can be positioned in a direction different from the horizontal direction.

[0027] For example, the backing plate 6 has a tip surface (the end surface facing the front of the paper in Figure 1, the holding surface) that includes a flat surface perpendicular to the central axis Oa. The backing plate 6 can support the ring-shaped member 5 coaxially with itself by magnetically adsorbing the axial end surface of the ring-shaped member 5 (the end surface facing the back of the paper in Figure 1, the axial end surface) of the ring-shaped member 5 to its tip surface.

[0028] The grinding mechanism 40 includes a grinding wheel 3 and a drive unit 37. The grinding wheel 3 can be pressed against the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 in order to perform grinding on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0029] In one example, the grinding wheel 3 is rotated by the drive unit 37. The grinding wheel 3 is composed of a rotating grinding wheel having a grinding surface 7 on its outer circumference and capable of rotational drive around a central axis (rotation axis) Ob, which is arranged parallel to the central axis Oa of the backing plate 6. The grinding surface 7 has a generatrix shape that matches the generatrix shape of the outer circumference 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, which is the surface to be ground. For example, the grinding wheel 3 can be rotated around the central axis Ob in a predetermined direction α and the opposite direction β (counterclockwise in Figure 1), and such that the peripheral speed of its own outer circumference (grinding surface 7) is faster than the peripheral speed of the outer circumference 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. In other examples, the rotation direction and rotation speed of the grinding wheel 3 and the rotation direction and rotation speed of the ring-shaped member 5 can be arbitrarily set.

[0030] The grinding wheel 3 is capable of moving its central axis Ob relative to the central axis Oa of the backing plate 6, that is, moving it left and right in Figure 1. In other words, the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3 can be pressed against the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 supported by the backing plate 6.

[0031] Alternatively, the grinding mechanism 40 can be configured such that the grinding wheel 3 does not rotate substantially. That is, when performing grinding or other processing on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the grinding wheel can be kept still while only the ring-shaped member 5 is rotated. If the processing device is a superfinishing device, when performing superfinishing on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, only the ring-shaped member 5 can be rotated, and the grinding wheel can be oscillated without rotating.

[0032] The support mechanism 4 has a support portion 42 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 in at least one circumferential range (W11, W21) around the reference axis (Oa). The support portion 42 has inner diameter side support members 8a, 8b that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 and support the ring-shaped member 5 in the radial direction. Additionally, it may have an outer diameter side support member that contacts the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and supports the ring-shaped member 5 in the radial direction. In the example in Figure 1, the support portion 42 has inner diameter side support members 8a, 8b and does not have an outer diameter side support member.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 1, the support portion 42 has two inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b. In other examples, the support portion 42 may have one or more inner diameter side support members.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 1, the support members 8a and 8b are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The support members 8a and 8b have seating surfaces (tip surface, support surface, contact surface) 9a and 9b that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 and support the ring-shaped member 5. At least a portion of the seating surfaces 9a and 9b has a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. When the ring-shaped member 5 rotates during grinding, the support portion 42 (support members 8a and 8b) does not move substantially in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential positions of the support members 8a and 8b (circumferential positions around the reference axis Oa) remain constant. The inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 moves circumferentially relative to the support portion 42 (seating surfaces 9a and 9b of the support members 8a and 8b). The seating surfaces 9a and 9b slide against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0035] For example, the two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b each have a shoe that slides against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. The shoe can be made from a hard and wear-resistant material such as cemented carbide, ceramics, or diamond.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 1, the two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b are supported and fixed to a support base (frame, housing) (not shown) that constitutes the support mechanism 4.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 2, a retaining member (backing plate) 6 for holding the ring-shaped member 5 is attached to the frame 50. Support members 8a and 8b, which contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, are also attached to the frame 50. That is, the retaining member 6 and the support members 8a (8b) are attached to a common frame 50. The retaining member 6 is supported by the frame 50 so as to be rotatable around a reference axis Oa. The support members 8a (8b) are supported by the frame 50 via an adjustment mechanism 51. The adjustment mechanism 51 can adjust the position (position of the seating surface 9a (9b) in the plane intersecting the reference axis Oa) and / or orientation of the support members 8a (8b) relative to the reference axis Oa. For example, the adjustment mechanism 51 has a linear motion mechanism and / or an eccentric mechanism. The retaining member 6 and the support members 8a (8b) are positioned relative to a common reference axis Oa. This configuration is advantageous for simplifying adjustment work and improving positional accuracy.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 2, the support member 8a(8b) is supported by the frame 50 at both axial ends (the first axial end and the second axial end opposite the first axial end) (part (a) in Figure 2). The double-sided support structure is advantageous for ensuring high rigidity. The support member 8a(8b) is detachable from the frame 50. In other examples, the support member 8a(8b) is supported by the frame 50 at one axial end (parts (b) and (c) in Figure 2). The single-sided support structure is advantageous for facilitating the attachment and detachment of the ring-shaped member 5. For example, in the single-sided support structure, the support member 8a(8b) is supported on the same side as the retaining member 6 (part (b) in Figure 2). This structure is advantageous for saving space. Alternatively, for example, the support member 8a(8b) is supported on the opposite side from the side on which the retaining member 6 is supported. This structure is advantageous in that it facilitates the adjustment of the support members 8a (8b).

[0039] In one example, a housing 53 equipped with an adjustment mechanism 51 holds a plurality of support members 8a, 8b. The housing 53 holding the plurality of support members 8a, 8b is attached to the frame 50. The plurality of support members 8a, 8b are set to or removed from the frame 50 simultaneously via the housing 53. Additionally, the housing 53 can be configured to be axially separable. For example, the housing 53 has a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part can be combined with each other axially. The first part of the housing 53 supports the first axial end of the support member 8a(8b), and the second part of the housing 53 supports the second axial end of the support member 8a(8b). The separable structure is advantageous for ensuring high rigidity and facilitating attachment and detachment.

[0040] Returning to Figure 1, each inner diameter support member 8a, 8b has a tip surface (seat surface, support surface, contact surface) 9a, 9b that slides against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. In one example, each tip surface 9a, 9b is composed of a partially cylindrical surface curved along the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of each tip surface 9a, 9b is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. That is, each tip surface 9a, 9b makes surface contact with the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. In other examples, the tip portion (seat surface) of the inner diameter support member 8a (8b), which is the shoe, can also be made to make line contact or point contact with the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0041] The circumferential positions of the seating surfaces 9a and 9b of the support members 8a and 8b are set according to the polishing position, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the circumferential range (W11), which is the support range of the first support member 8a, includes the circumferential position corresponding to the contact position (back side position) between the grinding wheel 3 and the ring-shaped member 5.

[0042] The support position (P1) of the first support member 8a on the inner circumferential surface 5b and the contact position (P10) between the grinding wheel 3 and the ring-shaped member 5 on the outer circumferential surface 5a are located on or near a straight line (L1) extending radially across the ring-shaped member 5. Furthermore, the support position (P1) and the contact position (P10) are substantially on opposite sides of the wall of the ring-shaped member 5. The first support member 8a receives the radially inward force from the grinding wheel 3 acting on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 with its inner circumferential surface 5b. The ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the support portion 42 at substantially the same circumferential position as, or near, the circumferential position where the pressing force of the grinding wheel 3 acts. Changes in the shape of the ring-shaped member 5 are suppressed during the grinding process.

[0043] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 1, the circumferential range (W21), which is the support range of the second support member 8b, includes circumferential positions on the vertical line passing through the reference axis (Oa) and above the reference axis (Oa). In other examples, the multiple support members 8a and 8b can be arranged in other ways. Also, in the support portion 42, only one support member can contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0044] The circumferential central positions P1 and P2 of the portions of two adjacent inner diameter support members 8a and 8b that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 can be positioned apart by δ1 when expressed as a central angle around the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. In other words, δ1 can be defined as the angle between one virtual line La connecting the circumferential central position P1 of the tip surface 9a of one inner diameter support member 8a that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 and the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5, and the other virtual line Lb connecting the circumferential central position P2 of the tip surface 9b of the other inner diameter support member 8b that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 and the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. The inner diameter support member 8a has a first support range (first contact range) W11 and a second support range (second contact range) W21. The angle (central angle around the reference axis) δ1 between the circumferential center position of the first support range W11 and the circumferential center position of the second support range W21 is appropriately set. For example, δ1 can be 20° or more and 160° or less, 75° or more and 105° or less, or 75° or more and 90° or less. In the example in Figure 1, δ1 is 90°. The above values ​​are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0045] In one example, the circumferential position and shape of one of the inner diameter support members 8a are regulated such that at least a portion of the tip surface 9a of one of the inner diameter support members 8a, which is the part that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, lies within a first circumferential range W1 where the central angle around the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 is within ±θ1, with reference to a first virtual straight line L1 connecting the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 and the central axis Ob of the grinding wheel 3, when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member 5. The support member 8a has a region (seat surface (support surface, contact surface) 9a) that can contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, and the circumferential range (central angle) W1 corresponding to that region (circumferential length of the seat surface 9a) is appropriately set. For example, θ1 is 45°, 22.5°, or 15°. For example, θ1 can be approximately 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5°. The above values ​​are examples only and are not limited to them.

[0046] In one example, the circumferential position of one inner diameter support member 8a and the shape of its tip surface 9a are regulated such that the entire portion of the tip surface 9a of one inner diameter support member 8a that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located within the first circumferential range W1.

[0047] For example, the angle between the first virtual line L1 and one of the virtual lines La can be from -22.5° to +22.5°, or from -15° to +15°, assuming the rotation direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 is positive. In the example in Figure 1, the angle between the first virtual line L1 and one of the virtual lines La is 0°, and the circumferential center position P1 of the tip surface 9a of one of the inner diameter support members 8a is located on the first virtual line L1.

[0048] In other examples, only a portion of the inner diameter support member 8a that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 may exist within the first circumferential range W1. And / or, the circumferential center position P1 may be located at a circumferential position different from the first virtual straight line L1.

[0049] In one example, the circumferential position and shape of the other inner diameter support member 8b are regulated such that at least a portion of the tip surface 9b of the other inner diameter support member 8b, which is the part that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, lies within a second circumferential range W2 where the central angle around the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 is within ±θ2, with reference to a second virtual line L2 that extends 90° from the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 relative to the first virtual line L1, when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member 5. The support member 8b has a region (seat surface (support surface, contact surface) 9b) that can contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, and the circumferential range (central angle) W2 corresponding to that region (circumferential length of the seat surface 9b) is appropriately set. For example, θ2 is 45° or 22.5°. For example, θ2 can be approximately 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5°. The above values ​​are examples only and are not limited to them.

[0050] In another example, when grinding the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 5, if the grinding wheel 3 rotates in the same direction as the rotation of the ring-shaped member, the second virtual line L2 can be a line extending from the central axis of the ring-shaped member in a direction shifted 90° from the first virtual line L1 in the rotation direction of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0051] In one example, the circumferential position of the other inner diameter support member 8b and the shape of its tip surface 9b are regulated such that the entire portion of the tip surface 9b of the other inner diameter support member 8b that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located within the second circumferential range W2.

[0052] For example, the angle between the second virtual line L2 and the other virtual line Lb can be -45° to +45°, 0° to +45°, or 0° to +15°, assuming the rotation direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 is positive. In the example in Figure 1, the angle between the second virtual line L2 and the other virtual line Lb is 0°, and the circumferential center position P2 of the tip surface 9a of the other inner diameter side support member 8a is located on the second virtual line L2.

[0053] In other examples, only a portion of the inner diameter support member 8b that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 may exist in the second circumferential range W2. And / or, the circumferential center position P2 may be located at a circumferential position different from the second virtual line L2.

[0054] In the first embodiment, when grinding is performed on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 using the processing device 1, the axial end face of the ring-shaped member 5 is held to the backing plate 6 by magnetic attraction. The backing plate 6 rotates in a predetermined direction α. ​​The ring-shaped member 5 rotates in a predetermined direction α about the central axis Oa. As shown in Figure 1, the tip surfaces 9a and 9b of two inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b slide against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. The ring-shaped member 5 is supported radially by the two inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b.

[0055] The grinding wheel 3 rotates around its central axis Ob in a predetermined direction α and the opposite direction β. For example, the peripheral speed of the grinding surface 7 is faster than the peripheral speed of the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. The grinding surface 7 is pressed against the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, and grinding is performed on the outer surface 5a.

[0056] If necessary, a predetermined fluid such as coolant is supplied during the grinding process. For example, the inner diameter support members (two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b) constituting the support mechanism 4 may be equipped with coolant supply holes having openings. Coolant discharged from the openings of the coolant supply holes is supplied to the contact area between the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, when grinding is performed on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the inner diameter side support members (two inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b) of the support mechanism 4. Therefore, changes in the shape of the ring-shaped member 5 are suppressed during the grinding process. The rigidity against the processing force applied from the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3 to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is improved compared to the conventional method.

[0058] In this embodiment, compared to the conventional technique in which the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is ground while being supported by a shoe, the elastic deformation of the outer surface 5a in an elliptical shape so as to escape from the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3 is suppressed when grinding the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. For example, it becomes easier to finish the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 to a desired diameter by making the amount of grinding of the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 approximately the same as the depth of cut of the grinding wheel 3. In addition, it becomes easier to make the radial thickness of the ring-shaped member 5 more uniform in the circumferential direction.

[0059] In one example, the circumferential central positions P1 and P2 of the portions of two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped member 5 that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 are separated by δ1 when expressed as a central angle with respect to the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. This efficiently improves the rigidity of the ring-shaped member 5 against elastic deformation in the radial direction caused by the processing force applied to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 from the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3.

[0060] In one example, at least a portion of the inner diameter support members (two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b) constituting the support mechanism 4 that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located in the first circumferential range W1. Specifically, at least a portion (in this example, the entire) of the tip surface 9a of one of the inner diameter support members 8a is located in the first circumferential range W1. Therefore, at the contact point between the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3, the processing force Fn in the normal direction applied to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 (the pressing force of the grinding wheel 3 acting to the left in Figure 1) can be efficiently supported by the tip surface 9a of one of the inner diameter support members 8a located in the first circumferential range W1. Thus, from this viewpoint as well, it is possible to effectively prevent the ring-shaped member 5 from elastically deforming into an elliptical shape.

[0061] In one example, at least a portion of the parts of the inner diameter support members (two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b) constituting the support mechanism 4 that contact the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 are located in the second circumferential range W2. Specifically, at least a portion (in this example, the entire) of the tip surface 9b of the other inner diameter support member 8b is located in the second circumferential range W2. Therefore, at the contact point between the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3, the tangential processing force Ft (a grinding force acting downward in Figure 1) applied to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 can be efficiently supported by the tip surface 9b of the other inner diameter support member 8b located in the second circumferential range W2. Thus, displacement of the ring-shaped member 5 in the tangential direction (downward in Figure 1) can be effectively prevented, and grinding of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 can be performed stably.

[0062] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the inner diameter side support members (two inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b) that constitute the support mechanism 4, and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is ground. As a result, scratches (shoe scratches) are prevented from occurring on the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5. The appearance of the ring-shaped member 5 is kept in good condition, and the coating applied to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is prevented from being damaged.

[0063] Figure 3 shows an electric motor 10 equipped with a bearing that includes a ring-shaped member processed by the grinding method described above.

[0064] The electric motor 10 comprises a housing 11, an output shaft 12, two bearings 13a and 13b, a motor stator 14, and a motor rotor 15.

[0065] Regarding the electric motor 10, one axial side is on the right side of Figure 3, and the other axial side is on the left side of Figure 3.

[0066] The housing 11 comprises a bottomed cylindrical housing body 16 with an open end on one axial side, and a hollow circular plate-shaped cover 17 attached to the open end on one axial side of the housing body 16.

[0067] The output shaft 12 is located inside the housing 11 and is coaxial with the housing 11. One axial end of the output shaft 12 protrudes to the outside of the housing 11 through the radially inward side of the cover 17.

[0068] The two bearings 13a and 13b rotatably support the output shaft 12 relative to the housing 11. Specifically, one bearing 13a rotatably supports the portion of the output shaft 12 near one axial end relative to the cover 17. The other bearing 13b rotatably supports the other axial end of the output shaft 12 relative to a retaining recess 19 provided in the center of one axial side surface of the bottom 18 that constitutes the housing body 16.

[0069] The two bearings 13a and 13b are each composed of radial deep groove ball bearings as shown in Figure 4. A radial deep groove ball bearing comprises an inner ring 20, an outer ring 21, a plurality of balls 22 which are rolling elements, and a cage 23.

[0070] The inner ring 20 is provided with an inner ring raceway 24 having an arc-shaped cross-section on its outer circumferential surface. The outer ring 21 is provided with an outer ring raceway 25 having an arc-shaped cross-section on its inner circumferential surface. Multiple balls 22 are held by a retainer 23 and are arranged to roll freely between the inner ring raceway 24 and the outer ring raceway 25.

[0071] The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 20 constituting one bearing 13a is fitted by interference fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the portion near the axial end of the output shaft 12. The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 21 constituting one bearing 13a is fitted by interference fit onto the inner circumferential surface of the cover 17. The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 20 constituting the other bearing 13b is fitted by interference fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the axial end of the output shaft 12. The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 21 constituting the other bearing 13b is fitted by interference fit onto the inner circumferential surface of the retaining recess 19.

[0072] The motor stator 14 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is fitted and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 16.

[0073] The motor rotor 15 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is externally fitted and fixed to the output shaft 12 on the radially inner side of the motor stator 14.

[0074] In the electric motor 10, when power is supplied to the motor stator 14, an electromagnetic force is generated that rotates the motor rotor 15 relative to the motor stator 14, causing the output shaft 12 to rotate together with the motor rotor 15.

[0075] When manufacturing the inner ring 20 and outer ring 21, a hard metal material such as medium carbon steel or bearing steel is forged to obtain an intermediate body with the rough shape of the respective target part (inner ring 20 or outer ring 21). Then, each intermediate body is sequentially subjected to machining to refine its shape, heat treatment to impart the necessary mechanical properties such as hardness, and finishing to achieve the final shape and surface roughness.

[0076] In one example, the grinding method using the processing device 1 can be applied to the outer circumferential surface of a ring-shaped material, where the inner ring 20 and outer ring 21 are ring-shaped materials, as a finishing process. In this application, when grinding is performed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 20, at least the inner ring raceway 24 can be ground.

[0077] In other examples, the method for grinding ring-shaped members using the processing device 1 is not limited to the outer circumferential surfaces of the inner ring 20 and outer ring 21 of the bearings 13a and 13b that constitute the electric motor 10, but can also be applied to grinding the outer circumferential surfaces of various ring-shaped members, such as the outer circumferential surfaces of ring-shaped members such as raceway rings that constitute bearings incorporated into various machinery and automobiles.

[0078] In one example, the bearings 13a and 13b shown in Figures 3 and 4 may have a coating film provided on the surface of the inner ring 20 or outer ring 21. For example, the coating film adds functions such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, adhesion resistance, magnetic resistance, mold release properties, and / or insulation properties to the bearings 13a and 13b. For example, the coating film is made of substantially the same or different material as the material of the body of the inner ring 20 or outer ring 21. Various materials such as resin materials, metal materials, and ceramics can be applied to the coating film. Bearings with a coating film are not limited to the bearing configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, bearings with a coating film can be applied to various devices, not just electric motors.

[0079] In one example, as shown in Figure 5, at least the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring (ring-shaped member) 21 is covered with a coating film 121. For example, the outer circumferential surface covered with the coating film 121 (coated surface (coating film 121 on the outer circumferential surface)) is processed by a grinding device. In the grinding device 100 shown in Figure 13, the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member (e.g., outer ring) 103 is supported by a shoe 104. In this case, when grinding the coated surface, marks and scratches (e.g., marks from the shoe 104, scratches caused by sand grains that get between the shoe 140 and the ring-shaped member 103) may occur on the coating film on the outer circumferential surface. On the other hand, in the grinding device 1 shown in Figure 1, the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported by a support part 42, and contact between the support part 42 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is avoided when grinding the coated surface. As a result, the occurrence of marks and scratches, as well as the deterioration of the function of the coating film, is suppressed.

[0080] For example, the processing method for the ring-shaped member 5 includes a metal surface grinding step of grinding the outer and / or inner circumferential surfaces of the ring-shaped member 5, a coating film formation step of forming a coating film on the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5 after the metal surface grinding step, and a coating surface grinding step of grinding the outer circumferential surface (coated surface) on which the coating film has been formed. The metal surface grinding step makes the radial thickness (wall thickness) of the ring-shaped member 5 uniform. Even if the coating film formed in the coating film formation step is uneven, the coating surface grinding step makes the film thickness uniform. In addition, the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported during the grinding of the coated surface, which prevents the occurrence of marks and scratches associated with supporting the coated surface.

[0081] In one example, prior to the process of coating the ring-shaped member 5 with a film, both the outer and inner surfaces of the ring-shaped member 5 are processed by a grinding device. For example, the outer surface is ground first, and then the inner surface is ground. Furthermore, a coating film is formed on the outer surface of the ring-shaped member 5, and then the outer surface covered with the coating film (the coating film on the outer surface, the coated surface) is processed by a grinding device.

[0082] For example, during the grinding of the outer surface before the coating process, the outer or inner surface of the ring-shaped member is supported by a shoe. Also, during the grinding of the inner surface before the coating process, the outer surface of the ring-shaped member is supported by a shoe (outer shoe, outer diameter shoe, outer support part).

[0083] In the grinding process of the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5, the grinding wheel is positioned on the inside (inner diameter side) of the ring-shaped member 5, and the shoe (outer shoe) is positioned on the outside. For example, the support position by the outer shoe and the contact position between the grinding wheel and the ring-shaped member 5 on the inner circumferential surface are positioned on or near a straight line extending radially across the ring-shaped member 5. That is, the support position by the outer shoe and the contact position between the grinding wheel and the ring-shaped member on the inner circumferential surface are substantially on opposite sides of the wall of the ring-shaped member 5. The outer shoe is positioned opposite (outside) the grinding position by the grinding wheel positioned on the inner diameter side of the ring-shaped member 5. The outer shoe receives the radially outward force from the grinding wheel acting on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5 on its outer (back) circumferential surface. The ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the shoe (support part) at substantially the same circumferential position as, or near, the circumferential position where the pressing force of the grinding wheel acts. Therefore, changes in the shape of the ring-shaped member 5 are suppressed during the grinding process. Furthermore, the inner surface of the ring-shaped member 5 is ground using the outer surface, which has been made perfectly round by grinding, as a reference. This is advantageous for improving the roundness of both the outer and inner diameters of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0084] Furthermore, during the grinding process of the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5, the radial thickness of the ring-shaped member 5 is controlled. For example, the position of the grinding wheel is controlled based on a position corresponding to the surface (seat surface) of the outer shoe (support part) that abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5, thereby forming a ring-shaped member 5 with a predetermined radial thickness uniform throughout its entire circumference.

[0085] Subsequently, a coating film is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5, and the coated surface is then ground. For example, in the grinding apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1, the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the support part 42, and the coated surface (outer circumferential surface 5a) is ground. The grinding process of the coated surface includes the steps of rotating the ring-shaped member 5 in the circumferential direction around a reference axis, pressing the grinding wheel 3 against the coated surface (outer circumferential surface 5a on which the coating film is formed) of the ring-shaped member 5, and supporting the ring-shaped member 5 by bringing the support part 42 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member 5 in at least one circumferential range around the reference axis. When grinding the coated surface, the support part 42 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the ring-shaped member 5. When grinding the coated surface, contact between the support part 42 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is avoided. Therefore, the occurrence of marks and scratches, as well as the deterioration of the function of the coating film, are suppressed. In addition, grinding the coated surface ensures uniformity of the thickness of the coating film over the entire circumference. A uniform coating film is advantageous for achieving high film functionality and high film effectiveness.

[0086] In other examples, during the grinding of the ring-shaped member 5 before the coating process, the inner surface may be ground first, followed by the outer surface. Alternatively, during the grinding of the ring-shaped member 5 before the coating process, only one of the inner or outer surface of the ring-shaped member 5 may be ground.

[0087] For example, prior to the process of coating the ring-shaped member with a film, the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is processed by a grinding device. In the grinding device 1 shown in Figure 1, the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is supported by a support part 42. During the processing of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the radial thickness of the ring-shaped member 5 is controlled. For example, the position of the grinding wheel 3 is controlled with reference to a position corresponding to the surface (seat surface) of the support part 42 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, thereby forming a ring-shaped member 5 with a predetermined uniform radial thickness over its entire circumference. Subsequently, a coating film is formed on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. Furthermore, grinding is performed on the coating film to ensure uniformity of the coating film thickness over its entire circumference. A uniform coating film is advantageous for obtaining high film function and high film effect.

[0088] In one example, the seating surface of the support portion 42 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 (the seating surfaces 9a and 9b of the support members 8a and 8b) has a uniform planar shape with virtually no irregularities. In another example, the seating surface of the support portion 42 has irregularities, curves, corners, and / or steps. For example, the seating surface of the support portion 42 has a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the irregularities, curves, corners, and / or steps on the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. Having a shape that at least partially matches the shape of the inner circumferential surface 5b is advantageous for improving support stability, polishing accuracy, and / or product quality.

[0089] Figure 6 shows an example of the seating surface 9a(9b) of a support member 8a(8b) set on the outer ring 21. In the example shown in part (a) of Figure 6, the seating surface 9a(9b) of the support member 8a(8b) has a surface shape (e.g., a planar shape) that corresponds to an inner circumferential surface different from the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21. The seating surface 9a(9b) is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 21 that is located radially inward from the raceway surface 25, but does not contact the raceway surface 25.

[0090] In the example shown in part (b) of Figure 6, the seating surface 9a(9b) (or the contour of the seating surface) has a curved shape (curve, curved surface) 45 that corresponds to the curvature of the raceway surface 25 (or the contour of the raceway surface) of the outer ring 21. For example, the seating surface 9a(9b) has a curve 45 that at least partially matches the curvature of the raceway surface 25. At least a portion of the seating surface 9a(9b) of the support member 8a(8b) can contact the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21.

[0091] In the example shown in part (c) of Figure 6, the seating surface 9a(9b) (or the contour of the seating surface) has a curved shape (curve, curved surface) 45 that corresponds to the curvature of the raceway surface 25 (or the contour of the raceway surface) of the outer ring 21, and surface shapes (e.g., planar shapes) 46a, 46b that correspond to an inner circumferential surface different from the raceway surface 25. For example, the seating surface 9a(9b) has a curve 45 that at least partially matches the curvature of the raceway surface 25. Also, the seating surface 9a(9b) has surface shapes (e.g., planar shapes) 46a, 46b that correspond to an inner circumferential surface different from the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21. At least a portion of the seating surface 9a(9b) of the support member 8a(8b) can contact the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21 and / or a surface different from the raceway surface 25.

[0092] In the example shown in part (d) of Figure 6, the seat surface 9a (9b) (or the contour of the seat surface) has curved shapes (curves, curved surfaces) 45a, 45b corresponding to the curvature of the raceway surface 25 (or the contour of the raceway surface) of the outer ring 21, and surface shapes (e.g., planar shapes) 46a, 46b corresponding to an inner circumferential surface different from the raceway surface 25. The curved surface 45a and the surface 46a form a corner (inner corner) 47a. The curved surface 45b and the surface 46b form a corner (inner corner) 47b. The corners 47a and 47b are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The corner 47a has a shape corresponding to the corner (outer corner) 61a on the inner circumferential surface side of the outer ring 21. The corner 47a matches the corner 61b at least partially. The corner 47b has a shape corresponding to the corner (outer corner) 61b on the inner circumferential surface side of the outer ring 21. The corner portion 47b matches the corner portion 61b at least partially. At least a portion of the seating surface 9a(9b) of the support member 8a(8b) can contact the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21 and / or a surface different from the raceway surface 25.

[0093] In one example, the support portion 42 has a surface that contacts the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21, at least a portion of which is in contact with it. The raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21 is supported by the seating surface 45 of the support portion 42 (the seating surfaces 9a and 9b of the support members 8a and 8b). In machining the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 21 or the outer circumferential surface including the coating film, the radial thickness (groove bottom wall thickness) of the outer ring 21 can be controlled. For example, in a grinding apparatus, the position of the grinding wheel is controlled with reference to a position corresponding to the seating surface of the support portion 42 that contacts the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21, thereby forming an outer ring 21 having a predetermined radial thickness uniform over its entire circumference. If necessary, the outer ring 21 may be additionally heat-treated, and then the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 21 may be turned or ground.

[0094] The coating film treatment and / or seating surface shape described above are applicable to various forms, including embodiments described later. In one example, the support portion 42 that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member has a rotatable roller, and the outer circumferential surface (seating surface) of the roller has a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the irregularities, curves, corners, and / or steps on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member. The ring-shaped member has a first inner circumferential surface and a second inner circumferential surface that has at least a portion of the depth relative to the first inner circumferential surface, and the support portion 42 is provided so as to contact the second inner circumferential surface. For example, in a grinding device, the roller of the support portion 42 abuts against the raceway surface 25 of the outer ring 21, and the roller rolls and contacts the raceway surface 25. This is advantageous in suppressing marks and scratches on the raceway surface 25.

[0095] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the support portion 42 of the support mechanism 4a has one support member 8c. The support mechanism 4 has a support portion 42 that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 in one circumferential range (W31) around a reference axis (Oa). In the second embodiment, the number of parts constituting the support mechanism 4a is kept to a minimum. In one example, the inner diameter side support member 8c constituting the support mechanism 4a has a shoe.

[0097] The circumferential width of the portion (seat surface (support surface, contact surface) 9c) of one inner diameter side support member 8c that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is set to δ2 when expressed as a central angle with respect to the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. For example, δ2 can be 20° to 90°, 30° to 90°, 45° to 180°, or 75° to 90°. For example, δ2 is approximately 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, or 180°. In the example in Figure 7, δ2 is 90°. The above values ​​are examples only and are not limited to these.

[0098] In one example, the inner diameter support member 8c has a sector-shaped end face with a central angle δ2 (90°) when viewed from the axial direction. That is, the tip surface (seat surface) 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c is composed of a partial cylindrical surface with a central angle δ2 (90°), and its radius of curvature is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. In other words, the entire tip surface 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c slides against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 7, the circumferential width (central angle δ2) of the portion of the inner diameter support member 8c that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is set to be sufficiently wide, thereby enabling stable support of the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. In other examples, the contact width of the inner diameter support member 8c can be set to be relatively narrow, as in the support member 8a of the first embodiment.

[0100] In the second embodiment, although there is only one support member 8c, the support position (Pf) and the contact position (P10) are substantially on opposite sides of the wall of the ring-shaped member 5. The support member 8c receives the radially inward force from the grinding wheel 3 acting on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 with its inner circumferential surface 5b. The ring-shaped member 5 is supported by the support portion 42 at substantially the same circumferential position as, or near, the circumferential position where the pressing force of the grinding wheel 3 acts. Changes in the shape of the ring-shaped member 5 are suppressed during the grinding process.

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 7, the front end of the tip surface 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c, with respect to the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5, is located in the first circumferential range W1.

[0102] In one example, the front edge Pf of the tip surface 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c, with respect to the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5, is positioned at the same circumferential position as the first virtual straight line L1. Alternatively, the edge Pf is positioned further forward than the first virtual straight line L1 with respect to the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5. In the example shown in Figure 7, the edge Pf is positioned at substantially the same circumferential position as the first virtual straight line L1.

[0103] In Figure 7, the rear end of the tip surface 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c with respect to the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 is located in the second circumferential range W2.

[0104] In one example, the rear edge Pr of the tip surface 9c of the inner diameter support member 8c with respect to the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 is positioned at substantially the same circumferential position as the second virtual straight line L2.

[0105] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0106] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0107] In the processing apparatus 1b of the third embodiment, the support mechanism 4b has elastic members (biasing members) 26a, 26b that elastically bias the respective inner diameter side support members 8a, 8b toward the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0108] In one example, the inner diameter support members 8a and 8b are supported by a support base (not shown) that constitutes the support mechanism 4b, allowing for radial displacement of the ring-shaped member 5. Furthermore, the inner diameter support members 8a and 8b are elastically biased toward the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 by elastic members 26a and 26b assembled between themselves and the support base.

[0109] For example, each of the elastic members 26a and 26b is made of a coil spring. Alternatively, the elastic members 26a and 26b can be made of various elastic materials such as leaf springs and disc springs. Furthermore, the shoes (shoe tips) of the inner diameter support members 8a and 8b can also be made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the elastic biasing force provided by the respective elastic members 26a and 26b is adjusted. This prevents the pressing force of the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3 against the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 from becoming excessively large. It more effectively prevents the ring-shaped member 5 from elastically deforming into an elliptical shape. Alternatively, it prevents the contact pressure of the tip surfaces 9a and 9b of the respective inner diameter side support members 8a and 8b against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 from becoming excessively large. This effectively prevents circumferential scratches (shoe scratches) from occurring on the inner circumferential surface 5b.

[0111] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0112] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0113] In the processing apparatus 1c of the fourth embodiment, the two inner diameter side support members 8d and 8e in the support mechanism 4c each have a support roller that rolls and contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0114] In one example, each inner diameter support member 8d, 8e has cylindrical outer surfaces 27a, 27b, and is supported by a support base (not shown) that constitutes the support mechanism 4c, allowing it to rotate freely around its own central axis, with its own central axis positioned parallel to the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0115] In one example, the portion of the outer circumferential surface 27a of one of the inner diameter support members 8d that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located in the first circumferential range W1.

[0116] In one example, the circumferential center position P1 of the portion of the outer circumferential surface 27a of one of the inner diameter support members 8d that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located at the same circumferential position as the first virtual straight line L1.

[0117] In one example, the portion of the outer circumferential surface 27b of the other inner diameter support member 8e that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located in the second circumferential range W2.

[0118] In one example, the circumferential center position P2 of the portion of the outer circumferential surface 27b of the other inner diameter support member 8e that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 is located at the same circumferential position as the second virtual straight line L2.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the outer surfaces 27a and 27b of the inner diameter side support members 8d and 8e roll and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, thereby preventing circumferential scratches from occurring on the inner circumferential surface 5b.

[0120] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0121] [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10.

[0122] In the processing apparatus 1d of the fifth embodiment, the rotary drive mechanism 2a has a drive roller 28 having an outer peripheral surface 29 that frictionally engages with the inner peripheral surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, instead of a backing plate.

[0123] In one example, the drive roller 28 has a cylindrical outer surface 29. For example, the central axis of the drive roller 28 is arranged parallel to the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. The drive roller 28 is rotationally driven about its own central axis.

[0124] In one example, when grinding the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the drive roller 28 is positioned radially inward of the ring-shaped member 5, in a circumferential position that does not interfere with the two inner diameter support members 8a and 8b. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 29 of the drive roller 28 is frictionally engaged with the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5. In this state, the ring-shaped member 5 is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive roller 28.

[0125] In the fifth embodiment, when grinding is performed on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the drive roller 28, which is frictionally engaged with the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, is rotated, causing the ring-shaped member 5 to rotate. Therefore, even when the radial thickness of the ring-shaped member 5 is small and it is difficult to magnetically attract the axial end face of the ring-shaped member 5 to the backing plate, the ring-shaped member 5 rotates stably.

[0126] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0127] [Sixth Embodiment] The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0128] In the processing apparatus 1e of the sixth embodiment, when grinding is performed on the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, the drive roller 28 is positioned radially outward of the ring-shaped member 5 and in a circumferential position that does not interfere with the grinding wheel 3. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 29 of the drive roller 28 is frictionally engaged with the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. In this state, the ring-shaped member 5 is rotated by the rotational drive of the drive roller 28.

[0129] Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, even when the radial thickness of the ring-shaped member 5 is small and it is difficult to magnetically attach the backing plate to the axial end face of the ring-shaped member 5, the ring-shaped member 5 rotates stably.

[0130] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

[0131] [Seventh Embodiment] The seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12.

[0132] In the processing apparatus 1f of the seventh embodiment, the support mechanism 4d further includes an outer diameter support member 30 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and supports the ring-shaped member 5 radially. The support mechanism 4d has a support portion 42 that contacts the inner peripheral surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5 in at least one circumferential range (W11) around a reference axis (Oa) and contacts the outer peripheral surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 in another at least one circumferential range (W71).

[0133] In one example, the support mechanism 4d has one outer diameter support member 30. In another example, the support mechanism 4d may have multiple outer diameter support members.

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 12, compared to the example in Figure 1, the support mechanism 4d has an inner diameter support member 8a, and instead of an inner diameter support member 8b, it has an outer diameter support member 30.

[0135] In one example, the outer diameter support member 30 has a shoe. In another example, the outer diameter support member 30 may have a support roller as shown in the example in Figure 9.

[0136] In the example shown in Figure 12, the support member 30 has a seating surface (tip surface, support surface, contact surface) 31 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and supports the ring-shaped member 5. At least a portion of the seating surface 31 has a curved shape corresponding to the curved shape of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. During grinding, when the ring-shaped member 5 rotates, the support portion 42 (support member 8a, support member 30) does not move substantially in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential positions of the support members 8a and 30 remain constant. The inner circumferential surface 5b or the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 moves in the circumferential direction relative to the support portion 42 (seating surface 9a of support member 8a, seating surface 31 of support member 30). The seating surface 9a slides against the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, and the seating surface 31 slides against the outer circumferential surface 5a.

[0137] In one example, the outer diameter support member 30 is supported and fixed to a support base (not shown) that constitutes the support mechanism 4d. The outer diameter support member 30 has a tip surface (seat surface, support surface, contact surface) 31 that slides against the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. The tip surface 31 is composed of a partially cylindrical surface that is curved along the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the tip surface 31 is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. That is, the tip surface 31 makes surface contact with the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5. In other examples, the tip portion (seat surface) of the outer diameter support member 30, which is a shoe, can also be made to make line contact or point contact with the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0138] The circumferential center position P1 of the portion of the inner diameter support member 8a that contacts the inner circumferential surface 5b of the ring-shaped member 5, and the circumferential center position Q of the portion of the outer diameter support member 30 that contacts the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, can be positioned at a distance of δ3 from each other when expressed as a central angle around the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. In other words, δ3 can be the angle between one virtual line La connecting the circumferential center position P1 and the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5, and the other virtual line Lc connecting the circumferential center position Q and the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5. δ3 can be, for example, 20° to 160°, 75° to 105°, or 90° to 105°. For example, δ3 is approximately 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, or 180°. In the example in Figure 12, δ3 is 90°. The above values ​​are examples only and are not limited thereto.

[0139] In one example, the circumferential position and shape of the outer diameter support member 30 are regulated such that at least a portion of the tip surface 31 of the outer diameter support member 30, which is the part that contacts the outer peripheral surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, is located in a third circumferential range W3 where the central angle around the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 is within ±θ3, with reference to a third virtual line L3 that extends from the central axis Oa of the ring-shaped member 5 in a direction shifted 90° in the rotational direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 relative to the first virtual line L1, when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member 5. For example, θ3 can be 45° or 22.5°. For example, θ3 can be approximately 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5°. The above values ​​are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0140] In another example, when grinding the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, if the grinding wheel 3 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the ring-shaped member 5, the third virtual line L3 can be a line that extends from the central axis of the ring-shaped member 5 in a direction shifted 90° from the first virtual line L1 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0141] In one example, the circumferential position of the outer diameter support member 30 and the shape of the tip surface 31 are regulated such that the entire portion of the tip surface 31 of the outer diameter support member 30 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 is located within the third circumferential range W3.

[0142] For example, the angle between the third virtual line L3 and the other virtual line Lc can be -45° to +45°, 0° to +45°, or 0° to +15°, assuming the rotation direction α of the ring-shaped member 5 is positive. In the example in Figure 12, the angle between the third virtual line L3 and the other virtual line Lc is set to 0°, and the circumferential center position Q of the tip surface 31 of the outer diameter side support member 30 is positioned on the third virtual line L3.

[0143] When grinding the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5, a tangential processing force (a downward grinding force as shown in Figure 12) Ft is applied to the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 at the contact point between the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 and the grinding surface 7 of the grinding wheel 3. As a result, as the grinding of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5 progresses, the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 5a decreases, and the ring-shaped member 5 moves in a direction (downward in Figure 12) relative to the tip surface of the backing plate 6 in accordance with the decrease in outer diameter. This maintains an appropriate sliding contact state between the tip surface 31 of the outer diameter support member 30 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0144] Additionally, the processing apparatus can be provided with a mechanism that moves the outer diameter side support member 30 closer to the outer surface of the ring-shaped member as the outer diameter of the outer surface 5a decreases as the processing of the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member progresses. For example, the support mechanism 4d can be configured to have an elastic member (biasing member) that elastically biases the outer diameter side support member 30 toward the outer surface 5a of the ring-shaped member 5.

[0145] Other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0146] The embodiments described above can be implemented by combining them as appropriate, without causing any inconsistencies.

[0147] In one embodiment, the processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member comprises a rotational drive mechanism for rotating a metal ring-shaped member in a predetermined direction, a grinding wheel pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member for processing the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member, and a support mechanism having an inner diameter side support member that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member and supports the ring-shaped member in the radial direction.

[0148] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the support mechanism has a plurality of inner diameter side support members. In this case, for example, the support mechanism has two inner diameter side support members.

[0149] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, among the plurality of inner diameter side support members, the circumferential center positions of the portions that contact the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member of two inner diameter side support members that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped member are arranged to be separated from each other by an angle of 20° to 160° when expressed as a central angle with respect to the central axis of the ring-shaped member.

[0150] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the inner diameter support member is composed of a shoe that slides against the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

[0151] In the above-described processing apparatus, for example, the circumferential width of the portion of the inner diameter support member that contacts the inner surface of the ring-shaped member is such that, when expressed as a central angle with respect to the central axis of the ring-shaped member, it is between 45° and 180°.

[0152] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the support mechanism has an elastic member that elastically biases the inner diameter support member toward the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

[0153] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the inner diameter side support member is composed of a support roller that rolls and makes contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

[0154] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the rotational drive mechanism has a backing plate that rotates the ring-shaped member while magnetically adhering to the axial end face of the ring-shaped member.

[0155] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the rotational drive mechanism includes a drive roller having an outer surface that frictionally engages with the inner or outer surface of the ring-shaped member.

[0156] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the grinding wheel is composed of a rotating grinding wheel that rotates about its own central axis while pressing its outer surface against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member.

[0157] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, at least a portion of the inner diameter support member that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in a first circumferential range where, when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member, the central angle around the central axis of the ring-shaped member is in the range of ±45°, with reference to a first imaginary straight line connecting the central axis of the ring-shaped member and the central axis of the grinding wheel.

[0158] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, at least a portion of the inner diameter support member that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in a second circumferential range where the central angle around the central axis of the ring-shaped member is within ±45°, with reference to a second virtual line that extends in a direction such that the angle it makes with the first virtual line is 90° from the central axis of the ring-shaped member when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member.

[0159] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the grinding wheel is a rotating grinding wheel that rotates in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction around its own central axis, and in such a way that the peripheral speed of its outer surface is faster than the peripheral speed of the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, while pressing its outer surface against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, and the second virtual straight line extends from the central axis of the ring-shaped member in a direction shifted by 90° from the first virtual straight line in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the ring-shaped member.

[0160] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, at least a portion of the part of one of the plurality of support members that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in the first circumferential range, and at least a portion of the part of another of the plurality of support members that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in the second circumferential range.

[0161] In the above-described processing apparatus, for example, if the support mechanism has one support member, a portion of the support member that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in the first circumferential range, and another portion of the support member that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in the second circumferential range.

[0162] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the support mechanism further includes an outer diameter support member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member and supports the ring-shaped member in the radial direction.

[0163] In the processing apparatus described above, for example, the support mechanism comprises only the inner diameter support member, out of the inner diameter support member and the outer diameter support member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member and supports the ring-shaped member in the radial direction.

[0164] In one embodiment, the method for processing a ring-shaped member involves using the above-described ring-shaped member processing apparatus to process the outer surface of the ring-shaped member by pressing the grinding wheel against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member while supporting the metal ring-shaped member radially with the support mechanism and rotating the ring-shaped member in a predetermined direction around its central axis with the rotation drive mechanism.

[0165] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a bearing including a ring-shaped member comprises a step of processing the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member using the above-described method for processing the ring-shaped member.

[0166] In the above manufacturing method, for example, the bearing includes an inner ring as the ring-shaped member.

[0167] In the above manufacturing method, for example, the bearing includes an outer ring as the ring-shaped member.

[0168] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a mechanical device is a method for manufacturing a mechanical device comprising a bearing, and includes a step of manufacturing the bearing using the method for manufacturing the bearing described above.

[0169] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a vehicle is a method for manufacturing a vehicle that includes a bearing, and comprises a step of manufacturing the bearing using the method for manufacturing the bearing described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f processing equipment 2, 2a Rotary drive mechanism 3. Sharpening stone 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d support mechanism 5 Ring-shaped member 5a Outer surface 5b Inner surface 6 Backing Plate 7. Grinding surface 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e Inner diameter side support members 9a, 9b, 9c Tip surface 10 Electric motors 11 Housing 12 Output shafts 13a, 13b bearings 14 Motor Stator 15 Motor Rotor 16 Housing body 17 Lid 18 Bottom 19 Retaining recess 20 Inner circle 21 Outer ring 22 balls 23 Cage 24 Inner track 25 Outer ring track 26a, 26b Elastic members 27a, 27b outer circumferential surface 28 drive rollers 29 Outer surface 30 Outer diameter side support member 31 Tip surface 40 Grinding mechanism 100 Grinding device 101 Backing Plate 102 Sharpening Stone 103 Ring-shaped member 104 Shoe 105 Grinding surface

Claims

1. A rotational drive mechanism that rotates a metal ring-shaped member in the circumferential direction around a reference axis, A grinding mechanism having a grinding wheel pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member, A processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member, comprising a support mechanism that supports the ring-shaped member, the support having a support portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member in at least one circumferential range around the reference axis.

2. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circumferential range includes a circumferential position corresponding to the contact position between the grinding wheel and the ring-shaped member.

3. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support portion has a plurality of inner diameter side support members, each of which is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

4. The ring-shaped member processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of inner diameter side support members include a first member having a first support range and a second member having a second support range, and the angle between the circumferential center position of the first support range and the circumferential center position of the second support range is 20° or more and 160° or less.

5. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support portion has a shoe that slides against the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

6. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 5, wherein the support portion has a region that can contact the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member, and the central angle corresponding to the region is 20° or more and 180° or less.

7. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support mechanism has a biasing member that biases the support portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

8. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support portion is in rolling contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member.

9. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotational drive mechanism has a holding member that holds the ring-shaped member by magnetic attraction and rotates the ring-shaped member.

10. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotational drive mechanism comprises a drive roller having an outer surface that frictionally engages with the inner or outer surface of the ring-shaped member.

11. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the grinding wheel is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member while rotating.

12. A processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least a portion of the support portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in a first circumferential range where, when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member, the central angle around the central axis of the ring-shaped member is in the range of ±45°, with reference to a first imaginary straight line connecting the central axis of the ring-shaped member and the central axis of the grinding wheel.

13. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the support portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member is located in a second circumferential range where the central angle around the central axis of the ring-shaped member is in the range of ±45°, with reference to a second virtual line that extends in a direction such that the angle it makes with the first virtual line is 90° from the central axis of the ring-shaped member when viewed from the axial direction of the ring-shaped member.

14. The grinding wheel is a rotating grinding wheel that rotates around its own central axis in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and such that the peripheral speed of its outer surface is faster than the peripheral speed of the outer surface of the ring-shaped member, while pressing its outer surface against the outer surface of the ring-shaped member. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to claim 13, wherein the second virtual line extends from the central axis of the ring-shaped member in a direction shifted by 90° from the first virtual line in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the ring-shaped member.

15. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support mechanism further comprises an outer diameter side support member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member and supports the ring-shaped member in the radial direction.

16. The processing apparatus for a ring-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the support mechanism comprises only the inner diameter side support member among the inner diameter side support member and the outer diameter side support member that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member and supports the ring-shaped member in the radial direction.

17. A process of rotating a metal ring-shaped member in the circumferential direction around a reference axis, The process includes pressing a grinding wheel against the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member, and supporting the ring-shaped member by bringing a support portion into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member in at least one circumferential range around the reference axis, A method for processing a ring-shaped member, comprising the following:

18. A method for manufacturing a bearing including a ring-shaped member, comprising the step of processing the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped member using the method for processing a ring-shaped member described in claim 17.

19. The method for manufacturing a bearing according to claim 18, wherein the bearing comprises an inner ring as the ring-shaped member.

20. The method for manufacturing a bearing according to claim 18, wherein the bearing comprises an outer ring as the ring-shaped member.

21. A step of manufacturing a machine part using the manufacturing method described in claim 18, The process of attaching the aforementioned mechanical parts to the main body of the device, A method for manufacturing a mechanical device that includes the following:

22. A step of manufacturing a bearing using the manufacturing method described in claim 18, The process of attaching the bearing to the vehicle body, A method for manufacturing a vehicle, comprising the following features.

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