Servo press mechanism, press processing method, bearing manufacturing method, mechanical device manufacturing method, and vehicle manufacturing method

Abstract

The servo press mechanism (1) includes a slide (2), a main press section (3) having a master axis (5), and a sub-press section (4) having slave axes (6a, 6b). The slide (2) is movable in a first direction, which is the pressing direction, and a second direction different from the first direction, based on drive by the main press section (3). In a first mode, the slide (2) is driven with the assistance of the sub-press section (4). In a second mode, the slide (2) is driven without substantial assistance from the sub-press section (4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a servo press mechanism, a press processing method, a bearing manufacturing method, a mechanical device manufacturing method, and a vehicle manufacturing method. This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-016904, filed February 7, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Press mechanisms are used in the manufacturing processes of various mechanical devices such as automobiles and industrial machines.

[0003] Typical press mechanisms include press mechanisms equipped with conversion mechanisms such as crank, link, and knuckle types, and single-axis press mechanisms with a single press axis.

[0004] In recent years, in the technical field of press mechanisms, there has been an increasing demand for energy saving and quieter operation, and there is an increasing demand for servo presses that can meet these demands.

[0005] A single-axis servo press includes a servo motor as a drive source, and a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism that converts the rotation of the servo motor into linear motion.

[0006] In a single-axis servo press, the relationship between the magnitude of thrust and the processing speed is determined by the specifications of the servo motor and the rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism. In other words, the relationship between the magnitude of thrust and the processing speed is such that once the servo motor's constant torque range is exceeded, the thrust decreases as the processing speed increases. Therefore, it is difficult for a single-axis servo press to achieve both high thrust and high speed.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-147956 discloses a multi-axis press mechanism equipped with multiple press axes.

[0008] The press mechanism of the conventional structure described in JP 2014-147956 A has one master axis and multiple slave axes arranged in parallel with the master axis. The master axis and the multiple slave axes are each driven by a separate servo motor, and each tip end is fixed to a slide (pressure plate).

[0009] According to the press mechanism of the conventional structure described in JP 2014-147956 A, a master axis and multiple slave axes can apply thrust to a slide to which a die is fixed. As a result, the thrust borne by each of the master axis and slave axes is small, and the servo motors that drive the master axis and multiple slave axes operate at a high rotational speed. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both high thrust and high speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-147956 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-221700 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In the press mechanism described in JP 2014-147956 A, the tip ends of the master axis and multiple slave axes are fixed to the slide. To translate the slide, it is necessary to simultaneously control all of the servo motors that drive the master axis and multiple slave axes. However, it is difficult to simultaneously control multiple servo motors to translate the slide.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a servo press mechanism that is easier to control than conventional mechanisms and that can simultaneously achieve high thrust and high speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, a servo press mechanism includes a slide, a main press unit having a master shaft, and a sub-press unit having a slave shaft. The slide is movable in a first direction, which is a pressing direction, and a second direction different from the first direction based on driving by the main press unit, and the state of mechanical connection between the sub-press unit and the slide changes between a first mode in which the slide is driven with the assistance of the sub-press unit, and a second mode in which the slide is driven substantially without the assistance of the sub-press unit.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a servo press mechanism includes a slide, a main press unit having a master axis that drives the slide to reciprocate, moves the slide in a reciprocating translational motion, and applies a thrust to the slide, and a sub-press unit that is arranged in parallel with the master axis and has a slave axis that applies a thrust to the slide without driving the slide to reciprocate.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, a press working method uses any one of the servo press mechanisms described above to work a workpiece.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a bearing uses any one of the servo press mechanisms described above to manufacture a bearing.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a mechanical device includes manufacturing a bearing using the above-described method for manufacturing a bearing, and assembling a mechanical device using the bearing.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a bearing comprises manufacturing a bearing using the above-described method for manufacturing a bearing, and assembling a vehicle using the bearing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the aspects of the present invention, control is simpler than in the past, and it is possible to achieve both high thrust and high speed. Furthermore, according to the aspects of the present invention, productivity is improved, which is advantageous for reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a servo press mechanism as viewed from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the servo press mechanism. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the servo press mechanism is in use when the height positions of the two slave axes are misaligned, where (A) shows the state before press working begins, and (B) shows the state after press working begins. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a half cross-sectional view showing a bearing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a motor showing an example of the use of bearings. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In one embodiment, a press mechanism (servo press mechanism) is used in the manufacturing method of the bearing.

[0023] In other embodiments, the press mechanism is not limited to the method of manufacturing bearings, but can be used in the manufacturing of other mechanical parts other than bearings.

[0024] In one embodiment, the press mechanism can be used in at least one of the following processes: a process of pressing a workpiece into another workpiece; a process of performing press processing on a workpiece, such as crimping, punching, drawing, bending, or compression; a process of crimping or bonding two workpieces together; and a process of injection molding resin.

[0025] 1 is used to press-fit a sealing member 37 constituting a bearing 38 into an outer ring 42 constituting the bearing 38. Below, the configuration of the press mechanism 1 and the configuration of the bearing 38 will be described, and then a method for manufacturing the bearing 38 using the press mechanism 1 will be described.

[0026] [Configuration of press mechanism] The press mechanism 1 includes a slide 2, a main press unit 3, and a sub-press unit 4.

[0027] The main press unit 3 and the sub-press unit 4 each have a servo press configuration, and each generates a thrust (pressing force, press load).

[0028] The main press unit 3 has a master shaft 5. The sub-press unit 4 has slave shafts (a first slave shaft 6a and a second slave shaft 6b) arranged in parallel with the master shaft 5.

[0029] In the press mechanism 1, the central axis of the master axis 5 coincides with a reference axis C, which is the press center. In one example, the reference axis C is arranged along the vertical direction (up-down direction). In another example, the reference axis C is arranged along another direction, such as the horizontal direction.

[0030] The main press unit 3 reciprocates the slide 2, to which a tool is fixed, via the master axis 5. Driven by the main press unit 3, the slide 2 can move vertically downward (first direction), which is the pressing direction, and vertically upward (second direction), which is the opposite pressing direction. The slide 2 moves in a reciprocating parallel motion. A thrust is applied to the slide 2 based on the drive by the main press unit 3. The sub-press unit 4 applies thrust to the slide 2 via the slave axes 6a and 6b without driving the slide 2 reciprocally.

[0031] In other words, the press mechanism 1 is capable of transmitting forces in the press direction (first direction) and the counter-press direction (second direction) from the master axis 5 to the slide 2. Only forces in the press direction (first direction) can be transmitted from the slave axes 6a and 6b to the slide 2. For example, the slide 2 and the master axis 5 are connected, either directly or via another member, to enable transmission of forces in the press direction and the counter-press direction from the master axis 5 to the slide 2. The slide 2 and the slave axes 6a and 6b are not connected, either directly or via another member, and only forces in the press direction can be transmitted from the slave axes 6a and 6b to the slide 2.

[0032] The press mechanism 1 has a first mode in which the slide 2 is driven with the assistance of the sub-press portion 4, and a second mode in which the slide 2 is driven substantially without the assistance of the sub-press portion 4.

[0033] In the first mode, a force from the main press section 3 is applied to the slide 2, and a force from the sub-press section 4 is additionally applied to the slide 2. The slide 2 moves in the pressing direction (first direction) in the first mode. In one example, in the press mechanism 1, in the first mode, a thrust from the master axis 5 of the main press section 3 and a thrust from the slave axes 6a, 6b of the sub-press section 4 are applied coaxially to the slide 2. The press mechanism 1 can apply the sum of the thrust generated by the main press section 3 and the thrust generated by the sub-press section 4 to the sealing member 37.

[0034] In the second mode, force from the main press unit 3 is applied to the slide 2, and substantially no force from the sub-press unit 4 is applied to the slide 2. In the second mode, the slide 2 moves in the press direction (first direction) or the counter-press direction (second direction).

[0035] The press mechanism 1 is equipped with a controller 90 that controls the driving of the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a and 6b. The controller 90 receives output signals from the encoder of the first servo motor 15, the encoder of the second servo motor 21, and the load cell 36, which will be described later, and calculates the current positions of the slide 2 and the master axis 5, the current positions of the slave axes 6a and 6b, the torque value of the first servo motor 15, the torque value of the second servo motor 21, the thrust (press load) applied to the slide 2, and the like. Then, based on these calculated values, the controller controls the driving of the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a and 6b.

[0036] In one embodiment, the slide 2 is not directly fixed to the master shaft 5 and the slave shafts 6a and 6b. The press mechanism 1 is provided with a transmission mechanism (transmission unit) 7 between the slide 2 and the master shaft 5 and the slave shafts 6a and 6b. In another embodiment, the press mechanism can be configured not to include a transmission mechanism (transmission unit), but to apply thrust directly to the slide from the master shaft and the slave shaft.

[0037] In one embodiment, the press mechanism 1 further includes a frame 8 that supports the main press section 3 and the sub-press section 4, thereby constituting a press processing device. In another embodiment, the press mechanism 1 can be used by being incorporated into a part of another machine device without including a frame.

[0038] In one example, the press mechanism 1 has an axisymmetric shape with respect to the reference axis C, except for some members such as the second servo motor 21.

[0039] Below, we will explain in detail each of the members that make up the press mechanism 1. In the following explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and depth direction refer to the respective directions when viewing the press mechanism 1 from the front. Furthermore, the pressing direction corresponds to the downward direction (vertical downward direction), and the anti-pressing direction corresponds to the upward direction (vertical upward direction).

[0040] <Frame> In one embodiment, the frame 8 includes a pair of support columns 9 and an upper frame 10, and forms a portal frame. The frame 8 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a reference axis C. Specifically, the frame 8 as a whole has an axisymmetrical shape with respect to the reference axis C.

[0041] The pair of support columns 9 are erected with their respective central axes aligned vertically, and are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the support columns 9 have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0042] The upper frame 10 is suspended between a pair of support columns 9. Specifically, the upper frame 10 is suspended between the upper ends of the pair of support columns 9 in the left-right direction.

[0043] The frame 8 further includes a lower frame 11 that serves as a base. The lower frame 11 is disposed below the upper frame 10, and is connected to the lower ends of the pair of support columns 9. A bolster 52 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower frame 11.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frame 8 is a portal frame with a pair of support columns. In other embodiments, the frame may have other configurations, such as a C-frame. For example, the frame may have three-fold symmetry with three support columns, or four-fold symmetry with four support columns.

[0045] <slide> In one embodiment, the slide 2 is disposed on a reference axis C. The slide 2 is disposed below the main press section 3 and between a pair of support columns 9 in the left-right direction.

[0046] A processing tool is fixed to the lower surface, which is the tip surface, of the slide 2. In one example, a pressing jig 12 is fixed to the lower surface of the slide 2.

[0047] In one example, the slide 2 has a shape that is symmetrical about the reference axis C. In other examples, the slide 2 can have a shape different from that described above.

[0048] The slide 2 is guided and supported by a pair of support columns 9. The slide 2 has a pair of guide arms 13 that are V-shaped when viewed from the front. A linear guide 14 is provided between the tip of the guide arm 13 and the support columns 9. As a result, the slide 2 is supported by the pair of support columns 9 via the linear guides 14 so as to be movable in the up and down direction.

[0049] <Main Press Department> In one embodiment, the main press unit 3 has a master shaft 5 that reciprocates the slide 2, moves the slide 2 in a reciprocating translational manner, and applies a thrust to the slide 2. The main press unit 3 has one master shaft 5. The magnitude of the thrust applied to the slide 2 from the master shaft 5 is arbitrary.

[0050] The main press unit 3 is disposed above the slide 2 and is supported by an upper frame 10. The master axis 5 is disposed along the vertical direction.

[0051] In addition to the master axis 5, the main press section 3 further has a first servo motor 15 as a drive source, and a first ball screw mechanism 16 that converts the rotation of the first servo motor 15 into linear motion and transmits it to the master axis 5.

[0052] In one example, the main press unit 3 has one first servo motor 15 and one first ball screw mechanism 16 .

[0053] In one example, the master shaft 5, the first servo motor 15, and the first ball screw mechanism 16 are arranged coaxially. The first servo motor 15 directly drives the first ball screw mechanism 16. In another example, the first servo motor may drive the first ball screw mechanism via a rotation transmission mechanism such as a pulley mechanism.

[0054] The first servo motor 15 includes an encoder (not shown), and is controlled by the controller 90 .

[0055] The first ball screw mechanism 16 has a first screw shaft 17 having a spiral shaft-side ball screw groove on its outer peripheral surface, a first nut 18 having a spiral nut-side ball screw groove on its inner peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls (not shown) arranged between the shaft-side ball screw groove and the nut-side ball screw groove.

[0056] In one example, the first servo motor 15 rotates the first screw shaft 17 and linearly moves the first nut 18. In another example, the first servo motor may rotate the first nut and linearly move the first screw shaft.

[0057] The first screw shaft 17 is supported by the upper frame 10 so as to be rotatable only by a plurality of bearings 53. The first screw shaft 17 is inserted into the inside of the first nut 18 and is disposed coaxially with the first nut 18.

[0058] The first nut 18 is prevented from co-rotating with the first screw shaft 17. Therefore, when the first servo motor 15 rotates the first screw shaft 17, the first nut 18 moves linearly in the vertical direction.

[0059] The master shaft 5 is fixed to the first nut 18. Specifically, the upper end portion, which is the base end portion, of the master shaft 5 is fixed to the lower end portion of the first nut 18. Therefore, the master shaft 5 moves linearly in the vertical direction together with the first nut 18.

[0060] In one example, the master shaft 5 is guided and supported by a pair of support columns 9. The master shaft 5 has a pair of guide arms 19 that have an inverted V shape in front view. A first linear guide 20 is provided between the tip of the guide arms 19 and the support columns 9. The master shaft 5 is supported by the pair of support columns 9 via the first linear guides 20 so as to be able to move up and down. By supporting the master shaft 5 on the support columns 9 via the first linear guides 20, rotation of the master shaft 5 is prevented, and co-rotation of the first nut 18 with respect to the first screw shaft 17 is also prevented.

[0061] <Sub-Press Department> In one embodiment, the sub press unit 4 has slave shafts (first slave shaft 6a and second slave shaft 6b). The slave shafts 6a and 6b are arranged in parallel with the master shaft 5 and apply thrust to the slide 2 without driving the slide 2 back and forth. The magnitude of the thrust applied from the slave shafts 6a and 6b to the slide 2 is arbitrary.

[0062] The sub press section 4 is supported by an upper frame 10. The slave shafts 6a and 6b are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sub press section 4 has a plurality of slave shafts 6a, 6b. Specifically, the sub press section 4 has two slave shafts (a first slave shaft 6a and a second slave shaft 6b). For example, the two slave shafts 6a, 6b are identical parts (common parts) having the same shape and size.

[0064] In one embodiment, the two slave shafts 6a, 6b are arranged at positions that are substantially symmetrical about the master shaft 5 (reference axis C). Specifically, the two slave shafts 6a, 6b are arranged on both the left and right sides of the master shaft 5, and are arranged parallel to the master shaft 5. The two slave shafts 6a, 6b are spaced the same distance (L1 = L2, see FIG. 2) from the master shaft 5 (reference axis C). The tips of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b are arranged at the same height.

[0065] In other embodiments, the sub-press section is not limited to having two slave shafts, but may have one or three or more slave shafts. When the sub-press section has three or more slave shafts, the three or more slave shafts are preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the reference axis C. The multiple slave shafts may have different configurations.

[0066] In addition to the slave axes 6a and 6b, the sub-press section 4 further has a second servo motor 21 as a drive source, and second ball screw mechanisms 22a and 22b that convert the rotation of the second servo motor 21 into linear motion and transmit it to the slave axes 6a and 6b.

[0067] In one example, the sub-press unit 4 has one second servo motor 21 and two second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b, the same number as the slave axes 6a, 6b. For example, the two second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b are identical components with the same specifications such as lead and efficiency.

[0068] The sub-press unit 4 further includes a rotation transmission mechanism 23 for transmitting the rotation of the single second servo motor 21 to the two second ball screw mechanisms 22a and 22b.

[0069] The rotation transmission mechanism 23 is composed of two pulley mechanisms 24a and 24b. Each of the pulley mechanisms 24a and 24b is composed of a pair of pulleys and a timing belt. For example, the two pulley mechanisms 24a and 24b have the same reduction ratio.

[0070] In other embodiments, the multiple second ball screw mechanisms may have different specifications. The rotation transmission mechanism is not limited to a pulley mechanism, and other power mechanisms such as a gear mechanism or a chain mechanism may be used. The multiple power mechanisms constituting the rotation transmission mechanism are not limited to having the same reduction ratio, and may have different reduction ratios.

[0071] The second servo motor 21 includes an encoder and is controlled by the controller 90. In one example, the second servo motor 21 is arranged in parallel with the first servo motor 15.

[0072] The second ball screw mechanisms 22a and 22b are disposed in parallel to the first ball screw mechanism 16, and are disposed on both sides of the first ball screw mechanism 16 in the left-right direction.

[0073] The second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b have second screw shafts 25a, 25b having a spiral shaft-side ball screw groove on their outer peripheral surfaces, second nuts 26a, 26b having a spiral nut-side ball screw groove on their inner peripheral surfaces, and a plurality of balls (not shown) arranged between the shaft-side ball screw groove and the nut-side ball screw groove.

[0074] In one example, the second servo motor 21 simultaneously rotates and drives the two second screw shafts 25a, 25b via pulley mechanisms 24a, 24b, and simultaneously linearly moves the second nuts 26a, 26b. In another example, the second servo motor may rotate and drive the second nuts, and linearly move the second screw shafts. The sub-press unit may include the same number of second servo motors as the number of second screw shafts and second nuts, and the second servo motors may directly rotate and drive the second screw shafts or the second nuts without using a rotation transmission mechanism.

[0075] The second screw shafts 25a and 25b are supported by the upper frame 10 using bearings (not shown) so as to be rotatable only. The second screw shafts 25a and 25b are inserted through the second nuts 26a and 26b and are arranged coaxially with the second nuts 26a and 26b.

[0076] The second nuts 26a, 26b are prevented from co-rotating with the second screw shafts 25a, 25b. The second nuts 26a, 26b move linearly in the vertical direction when the second servo motor 21 rotates the second screw shafts 25a, 25b.

[0077] The slave shafts 6a, 6b are fixed to the second nuts 26a, 26b. Specifically, the upper ends, which are the base ends, of the slave shafts 6a, 6b are fixed to the lower ends of the second nuts 26a, 26b. The slave shafts 6a, 6b move linearly in the up and down direction together with the second nuts 26a, 26b.

[0078] In one example, each of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b is guided and supported by a support column 9. In the example shown, the slave shafts 6a, 6b are supported by the support column 9 via a second linear guide 27 so as to be movable in the up and down direction. By supporting the slave shafts 6a, 6b by the support column 9 via the second linear guide 27, rotation of the slave shafts 6a, 6b is prevented, and co-rotation of the second nuts 26a, 26b with the second screw shafts 25a, 25b is prevented.

[0079] In one example, the two pulley mechanisms 24a, 24b constituting the rotation transmission mechanism 23 have the same reduction ratio, and the two second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b have the same specifications. The two slave shafts 6a, 6b move vertically at the same speed and apply the same magnitude of thrust to the slide 2. In another example, the multiple slave shafts may move at different speeds.

[0080] <Transmission mechanism> In one embodiment, a transmission mechanism (transmission unit) 7 is disposed between the slide 2 and the tip of the master axis 5. The transmission mechanism 7 is mechanically connected to the slide 2. Forces in the pressing direction (downward, first direction) and the counter-pressing direction (upward, second direction) are transmitted from the master axis 5 to the slide 2. The master axis 5 drives the slide 2 to reciprocate, causing the slide 2 to move in a reciprocating translation in the vertical direction, and a thrust is applied to the slide 2. The thrust (F1) applied from the master axis 5 to the slide 2 via the transmission mechanism 7 passes through the reference axis C.

[0081] As described above, the press mechanism 1 has a first mode in which the slide 2 is driven with the assistance of the sub-press section 4, and a second mode in which the slide 2 is driven substantially without the assistance of the sub-press section 4. In one embodiment, the press mechanism 1 changes a mechanical connection state between the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, the sub-press section 4 is mechanically connected to the transmission mechanism 7, and in the second mode, the mechanical connection between the sub-press section 4 and the transmission mechanism 7 is released.

[0082] The transmission mechanism 7 is not fixed to the slave shafts 6a and 6b and is disposed in front of the slave shafts 6a and 6b in the pressing direction so as to be able to abut against the slave shafts 6a and 6b. In one example, the transmission mechanism 7 is disposed below the slave shafts 6a and 6b so as to be able to abut against the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b. The transmission mechanism 7 does not transmit forces in the counter-pressing direction (upward) from the slave shafts 6a and 6b to the slide 2, but transmits only forces in the pressing direction (downward). The first slave shaft 6a and the second slave shaft 6b are disposed apart from each other. In the first mode, both the first slave shaft 6a and the second slave shaft 6b abut against a member (a swing member 29 described below) of the transmission mechanism 7, and in the second mode, both the first slave shaft 6a and the second slave shaft 6b are separated from that member (the swing member 29) of the transmission mechanism 7. The slave shafts 6a and 6b do not reciprocate the slide 2. The slave shafts 6 a and 6 b are brought into contact with a part of the transmission mechanism 7 , so that a thrust can be applied to the slide 2 .

[0083] In one example, thrusts (F2a, F2b) of the same magnitude are applied from the two slave shafts 6a, 6b to the transmission mechanism 7, and the distances (L1 = L2) from the points of application of the two thrusts (F2a, F2b) to the reference axis C are equal to each other. A resultant force (F2c = F2a + F2b) of the two thrusts (F2a, F2b) applied from the two slave shafts 6a, 6b to the transmission mechanism 7 acts on the reference axis C. In this case, the transmission mechanism 7 can apply the thrust (F1) from the master shaft 5 and the thrust (F2c) from the slave shafts 6a, 6b to the slide 2 substantially coaxially.

[0084] In one example, the press mechanism 1 of this example is configured so that the height positions of the tip ends of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b are the same, but it is difficult to make the height positions of the tip ends of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b exactly the same due to manufacturing errors, etc. If a discrepancy occurs in the height positions of the tip ends of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b, thrust may be applied only from the slave shaft 6a (6b) that first abuts against the transmission mechanism 7, and there is a possibility that thrust may not be applied sufficiently to the transmission mechanism 7 from the remaining slave shaft 6b (6a).

[0085] The sub-press section 4 or the transmission mechanism 7 has a structure that absorbs mechanical misalignment that occurs when the sub-press section 4 operates. For example, the transmission mechanism 7 has a function for absorbing misalignment of the slave shafts 6a and 6b so that thrust can be applied from each of the two slave shafts 6a and 6b to the transmission mechanism 7 even if a misalignment occurs in the height positions of the tips of the two slave shafts 6a and 6b. Additionally, the transmission mechanism 7 can not only absorb misalignment in the height positions of the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b that occurs unintentionally due to manufacturing errors, but also absorb misalignment in the height positions of the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b that occurs when the movement speeds of the slave shafts 6a and 6b are different. In other embodiments, the sub-press section 4 can have a structure that absorbs mechanical misalignment as described above. Alternatively, the press mechanism 1 can be configured without a structure that absorbs mechanical misalignment.

[0086] In one example, the transmission mechanism 7 has a seesaw structure to absorb the positional deviation of the slave axes 6a and 6b. That is, the transmission mechanism 7 has a support member 28 arranged coaxially with the master axis 5 and a central axis O perpendicular to the central axis (reference axis C) of the master axis 5 with respect to the support member 28. 32 and a swing member 29 supported so as to be swingable around the shaft.

[0087] In one example, the transmission mechanism 7 includes only one oscillating member 29. In another example, the transmission mechanism may include multiple oscillating members. When multiple oscillating members are included, the multiple oscillating members are preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically around the reference axis C.

[0088] The support member 28 has an insertion hole 30 penetrating in the left-right direction and a support hole 31 penetrating in the front-to-back direction. The insertion hole 30 and the support hole 31 are connected inside the support member 28. For example, the support member 28 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The insertion hole 30 has an oval cross-sectional shape that is long in the up-down direction. The support hole 31 is a cylindrical hole.

[0089] The swinging member 29 is an elongated member that is long in the left-right direction. For example, the swinging member 29 has a rectangular column shape. The length of the swinging member 29 can be slightly longer than the distance (L1 + L2) between the central axes of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b. The middle portion of the swinging member 29 is loosely inserted into the insertion hole 30. Both left and right side portions of the swinging member 29 protrude from the insertion hole 30 in the left-right direction.

[0090] The swing member 29 is oriented along a central axis O with respect to the support member 28. 32 The swing member 29 is supported so as to be swingable around the support member 28. The left and right sides of the swing member 29, located on either side of the support member 28, are displaceable in the up and down direction and are arranged below the slave shafts 6a and 6b so as to be able to abut against the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b. The left and right sides of the swing member 29 are pressed by the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b. In one example, the sub-press unit 4 is equipped with two slave shafts 6a and 6b, and therefore one slave shaft 6a and one slave shaft 6b are arranged so as to be able to abut against each of the left and right sides of the swing member 29. In another example, when the sub-press unit is equipped with an even number of slave shafts, it is preferable to arrange the same number of slave shafts so as to be able to abut against each of the left and right sides of the swing member.

[0091] In one example, the transmission mechanism 7 further includes a swing shaft 32 and two bearings 33 that are disposed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (reference axis C) of the master shaft 5 and are fixed to the swing member 29.

[0092] The swing shaft 32 is 32and is inserted into the support hole 31. The swing shaft 32 is fixed to the swing member 29 in a state where it penetrates the center of the swing member 29 in the front-to-back direction. The bearings 33 support both end portions of the swing shaft 32 rotatably relative to the support member 28. The swing member 29 is fixed to the support hole 31 in a state where the swing shaft 32 penetrates the center of the swing member 29 in the front-to-back direction. The bearings 33 support both end portions of the swing shaft 32 rotatably relative to the support member 28. 32 The bearing 33 can be of any type. For example, a single-row tapered roller bearing with a large load capacity can be preferably used.

[0093] For example, in part (A) of Fig. 4, there is a difference in the height positions of the tips of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b. In this case, as shown in part (B) of Fig. 4, one of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b, the slave shaft 6a (6b) whose tip is located on the lower side, abuts against the upper surface of one left-right side of the swinging member 29, causing the swinging member 29 to swing. Specifically, one slave shaft 6a (6b) pushes down the one left-right side of the swinging member 29 and pushes up the other left-right side of the swinging member 29. The upper surface of the other left-right side of the swinging member 29 abuts against the tip of the other slave shaft 6b (6a) of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b, whose tip is located on the upper side.

[0094] Even if there is a discrepancy in the height positions of the tips of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b, thrust is applied from each of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b to the transmission mechanism 7. For example, the tips of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b each come into contact with the upper surface of the oscillating member 29, and thrust of substantially the same magnitude is applied from the two slave shafts 6a, 6b to the oscillating member 29. Note that while one slave shaft 6a (6b) is oscillating the oscillating member 29 (while the oscillating member 29 is rotating), thrust is not substantially transmitted from one slave shaft 6a (6b) to the slide 2.

[0095] When one slave shaft 6a (6b) presses down one left-right side of the oscillating member 29, the contact position between the tip of the one slave shaft 6a (6b) and the upper surface of the oscillating member 29 shifts left-right. In addition, the tip ends of the two slave shafts 6a, 6b come into contact with the upper surface of the oscillating member 29, which is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0096] In one example, the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b are provided with rolling members 34 that can roll on the oscillating member 29. The tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b can move following the upper surface of the oscillating member 29. A vertical thrust is applied from the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b to the upper surface of the oscillating member 29, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, via the rolling members 34. The rolling members 34 have a cylindrical outer peripheral surface.

[0097] In one example, the rolling member 34 is configured by a bearing, specifically a spherical roller bearing. In another example, the rolling member provided at the tip of the slave shaft is not limited to a bearing, and other members such as rollers can be used.

[0098] In one example, the swing member 29 is provided with a removable seat member 35 at a portion where the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a and 6b come into contact. For example, the seat member 35 is made of a quench-hardened material.

[0099] The transmission mechanism 7 is prevented from rotating relative to the slide 2 by the rotation prevention mechanism 54.

[0100] For example, the rotation prevention mechanism 54 is made by bending a metal plate such as a steel plate into an L-shaped cross section, and has two prevention fittings 55 that are hung between the linear guide 14 and the swinging member 29.

[0101] Specifically, the prevention fitting 55 has a base portion 56 that is supported and fixed to the upper end face of the linear guide 14 by screwing, welding, etc., and a standing plate portion 57 that is bent upward from the end of the base portion 56 on both left and right sides that is closer to the oscillation axis 32.

[0102] The standing plate portion 57 has engagement holes 58 that penetrate the standing plate portion 57 in the plate thickness direction (left-right direction) and have an oval cross-sectional shape that is long in the vertical direction. Rollers 60 that are rotatably supported around shafts 59 that protrude from both left-right ends of the swinging member 29 are engaged in each engagement hole 58 to be able to move in the vertical direction. The rotation prevention mechanism 54 prevents rotation of the swinging member 29 (transmission mechanism 7) relative to the slide 2 while allowing the swinging member 29 to swing.

[0103] In other embodiments, the structure of the transmission mechanism having the function of absorbing positional deviation of the slave axis may be configured other than the seesaw structure described above. For example, the transmission mechanism may have a structure including a swinging member having a bow-shaped cross section and a spherically recessed outer surface, and a spherical seat that swingably supports the swinging member.

[0104] In one embodiment, the press mechanism 1 is provided with a load cell 36 between the slide 2 and the transmission mechanism 7. Specifically, the load cell 36 is disposed between the upper surface of the slide 2 and the lower surface of a support member 28 that constitutes the transmission mechanism 7. The load cell 36 measures the force applied to the slide 2 via the transmission mechanism 7. For example, this force is the sum (F1+F2c) of the thrust (F1) generated by the main press unit 3 and the thrust (F2c) generated by the sub-press unit 4. The type of the load cell 36 is not particularly limited. For example, a piezoelectric, capacitance, or strain gauge type load cell can be used as the load cell 36.

[0105] [Bearing configuration] 5 shows an example of a bearing 38 to be manufactured. In one embodiment, the bearing 38 is a ball bearing. The bearing 38 includes an inner ring 40 having an inner ring raceway 39 on its outer peripheral surface, an outer ring 42 having an outer ring raceway 41 on its inner peripheral surface, and balls 43, which are multiple rolling elements, arranged to roll freely between the inner ring raceway 39 and the outer ring raceway 41. The balls 43 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and are held to roll freely in pockets 45 provided in a cage 44. An opening of an internal space 46 existing between the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 42 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 40 is closed by a sealing member 37, which is a so-called shield or seal.

[0106] The sealing member 37 has an annular shape. The sealing member 37 prevents the lubricant sealed in the internal space 46 from leaking out to the external space and prevents foreign matter from entering the internal space 46 from the external space. For example, the sealing member 37 corresponds to the first bearing component and is press-fitted into the outer ring 42, which corresponds to the second bearing component. Specifically, the radially outer end of the sealing member 37 is press-fitted and locked into a locking groove 47 provided at the axial end of the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 42, and is supported by the outer ring 42.

[0107] The bearing 38 is used by being incorporated into a motor 48 as shown in FIG. 6, and is also used by being incorporated into a rotation support part of a vehicle, mechanical device, or the like.

[0108] The bearing can be applied to machines with rotating parts and various manufacturing equipment. The bearing can also be applied to machines equipped with bearings (including manually powered machines) or vehicles. Examples of machines include hydroelectric, thermal, nuclear, and wind power generation facilities (applicable to bearings supporting the main shaft or rotating shaft of generators), as well as ball screw devices, screw devices, devices combining linear guide bearings with ball screws, actuators such as XY tables, various industrial machines such as machine tools, home appliances, and household appliances. Examples of vehicles include bearings used in rotating parts of automobiles, motorcycles, railway vehicles, and special vehicles. The bearing can also be applied to bearings used in rotating parts of steering devices such as steering columns, universal joints, intermediate gears, rack and pinions, electric power steering devices, worm reducers, and torque sensors, as well as vehicles equipped with such devices. The resulting machines, vehicles, and the like can be configured at lower cost and with higher quality than ever before.

[0109] The above example is just one example, and as an application example of a bearing, the bearing of this configuration can be suitably applied to any location where there is relative rotation, which can lead to improved product quality and reduced costs.

[0110] In the above example, the bearing to be manufactured is a ball bearing. In other examples, the bearing may be a cylindrical roller bearing, a tapered roller bearing, a needle roller bearing, a self-aligning roller bearing, a hub unit bearing, or the like.

[0111] The press mechanism can also be used to manufacture bearings having a configuration in which a sealing member is press-fitted into an inner ring.

[0112] [Explanation of bearing manufacturing method and press mechanism operation] A method for manufacturing the bearing 38 using the press mechanism 1 will be described below, along with an example of the basic operation of the press mechanism 1.

[0113] When performing the step of press-fitting the sealing member 37 into the outer ring 42 using the press mechanism 1, first, the intermediate assembly 49, which is a work in progress, is set on the bolster 52 fixed to the lower frame 11. The sealing member 37 is then set above the intermediate assembly 49. The intermediate assembly 49 refers to a work in progress that will be completed as the bearing 38 by assembling the sealing member 37 to the intermediate assembly 49.

[0114] Next, the master axis 5 is driven by the first servo motor 15 of the main press unit 3 via the first ball screw mechanism 16. The slide 2 to which the pressing jig 12 is fixed descends (advances) at a predetermined speed from the initial position to the press-fitting start position of the sealing member 37. The position of the master axis 5 is controlled while the slide 2 descends from the initial position to the press-fitting start position of the sealing member 37. Note that position information of the master axis 5 and the slide 2 is calculated from information on the rotation angle obtained from the encoder of the first servo motor 15.

[0115] Simultaneously with or after driving the master axis 5, the second servo motor 21 of the sub-press unit 4 drives the slave axes 6a and 6b via the rotation transmission mechanism 23 and the second ball screw mechanisms 22a and 22b, and the slave axes 6a and 6b are lowered at a predetermined speed so as to follow the master axis 5. For example, in the initial stage, the positions of the slave axes 6a and 6b are controlled so that the tips of the slave axes 6a and 6b are separated from the upper surface of the swing member 29 or so that they do not press against the upper surface of the swing member 29 even when they come into contact with it. While the slave axes 6a and 6b are lowering from the initial position to the press-fit start position of the sealing member 37, the positions of the slave axes 6a and 6b are controlled. For example, position information of the slave axes 6a and 6b is calculated from rotation angle information obtained from the encoder of the second servo motor 21.

[0116] Next, the master shaft 5 and the slave shafts 6a, 6b are driven, and thrust from the master shaft 5 and thrust from the slave shafts 6a, 6b are simultaneously applied to the slide 2. The pressing jig 12 fixed to the slide 2 presses the sealing member 37, and the sealing member 37 is press-fitted into the outer ring 42. Specifically, the radially outer end of the sealing member 37 is press-fitted and locked into a locking groove 47 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 42. While the slide 2 moves from the press-fitting start position to the press-fitting completion position, the first servo motor 15 and the second servo motor 21 are torque-controlled.

[0117] For example, the second servo motor 21 is torque controlled so as to maintain a constant torque value. Also, the output signal of the load cell 36 is fed back so that the sum of the thrust from the master axis 5 and the thrust from the slave axes 6a and 6b becomes the set thrust, and the first servo motor 15 is torque controlled. In this way, different set torque values ​​can be set for the first servo motor 15 and the second servo motor 21.

[0118] After the slide 2 has moved to the press-fit completion position, the second servo motor 21 of the sub-press unit 4 is driven to raise (retract) the slave axes 6a and 6b at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, the first servo motor 15 of the main press unit 3 is driven to raise the master axis 5 at a predetermined speed. Alternatively, the slave axes 6a and 6b and the master axis 5 are raised simultaneously. The master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a and 6b return to their respective initial positions.

[0119] Through the steps described above, the sealing member 37 is press-fitted into the outer ring 42, and the bearing 38 equipped with the sealing member 37 is manufactured.

[0120] In one embodiment, when the magnitude of the thrust required to press-fit the sealing member 37 is equal to or less than the rated thrust of the main press unit 3, it is possible to operate only the main press unit 3 and apply thrust to the slide 2 from only the master shaft 5. In this case, the sub-press unit 4 is not operated, and the slave shafts 6a and 6b can be kept stopped.

[0121] The press mechanism 1 is easier to control than conventional press mechanisms, and is capable of achieving both high thrust and high speed.

[0122] In the press mechanism 1, the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a, 6b are arranged in parallel, and thrust can be applied to the slide 2 from the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a, 6a. Because the thrust borne by the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a, 6a is small, the first servo motor 15 and the second servo motor 21 can be driven at a high rotational speed. Therefore, the press mechanism 1 can achieve both high thrust and high speed.

[0123] In the press mechanism 1, the slave axes 6a, 6b do not reciprocate the slide 2 but only apply thrust to the slide 2, so there is no need to simultaneously control the first servo motor 15 and the second servo motor 21. Therefore, the press mechanism 1 requires simpler control than the press mechanism of the conventional structure described in JP 2014-147956 A.

[0124] Furthermore, the press mechanism 1 avoids the uncontrollable region that is a problem with the conventional press mechanism described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-221700. Specifically, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-221700 discloses a single-axis press mechanism incorporating two pulley mechanisms with different reduction ratios and a clutch mechanism. In such a conventional press mechanism, high thrust is generated by driving the press shaft through a pulley mechanism with a large reduction ratio in the press working region. Furthermore, in a conventional press mechanism, high speed is achieved by driving the press shaft through a pulley mechanism with a small reduction ratio in regions other than the press working region. However, mechanical transmission delays occur when switching the clutch mechanism, which can lead to the occurrence of an uncontrollable region. In contrast, the press mechanism 1 described above does not require switching the power transmission path depending on the reduction ratio; instead, it simply changes the rotation speeds of the first servo motor 15 and the second servo motor 21, thereby avoiding the occurrence of an uncontrollable region.

[0125] In the press mechanism 1, thrust from the master shaft 5 and thrust from the slave shafts 6a and 6b are coaxially applied to the slide 2. The total force of the thrust generated by the main press section 3 and the thrust generated by the sub-press section 4 is applied to the sealing member 37. In the press mechanism 1, the master shaft 5 and the slave shafts 6a and 6b can be torque controlled. Therefore, press working can be performed at the maximum torque value that the press mechanism 1 can generate. Therefore, the press mechanism 1 achieves both maximum thrust and high speed.

[0126] Since the sub-press section 4 has a plurality of slave shafts 6a, 6b, the thrust force borne by each of the slave shafts 6a, 6b is small, which contributes to increasing the speed of the press mechanism 1.

[0127] In the press mechanism 1, the multiple slave axes 6a, 6b are arranged at positions symmetrical about the master axis 5 (reference axis C), and therefore the resultant force (line of action of the resultant load) of the thrusts applied from the multiple slave axes 6a, 6b to the slide 2 is easily restricted to be coaxial with the thrust applied from the master axis 5 to the slide 2.

[0128] For example, thrusts of the same magnitude are applied from the multiple slave shafts 6a, 6b to the slide 2. The resultant force of the thrusts applied to the slide 2 from the multiple slave shafts 6a, 6b is easily restricted to be coaxial with the thrust applied to the slide 2 from the master shaft 5.

[0129] The press mechanism 1 is equipped with a transmission mechanism 7 between the slide 2 and the master shaft 5 and slave shafts 6a, 6b. The transmission mechanism 7 is not fixed to the slave shafts 6a, 6b, but is arranged in front of the slave shafts 6a, 6b in the pressing direction so as to be able to come into contact with the slave shafts 6a, 6b. As a result, the transmission mechanism 7 does not transmit forces in the counter-pressing direction from the slave shafts 6a, 6b to the slide 2, but transmits only forces in the pressing direction. This realizes a configuration in which the slave shafts 6a, 6b apply thrust to the slide 2 without reciprocating the slide 2.

[0130] The transmission mechanism 7 includes a support member 28 disposed coaxially with the master shaft 5, and a central axis O perpendicular to the central axis of the master shaft 5 with respect to the support member 28. 32 The transmission mechanism 7 has a swinging member 29 supported so as to be swingable around the slave shaft 6a. Portions of the swinging member 29 located on both sides of the support member 28 are pressed by the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b. Even if there is a deviation in the height positions of the tips of the slave shafts 6a and 6b, thrust is applied to the transmission mechanism 7 from each of the slave shafts 6a and 6b.

[0131] In press mechanism 1, thrust of substantially the same magnitude is applied to portions of swinging member 29 located on both sides of support member 28. Even if there is a deviation in the height positions of the tips of slave shafts 6a, 6b, the resultant force of the thrusts input from slave shafts 6a, 6b is transmitted to slide 2 substantially coaxially with the thrust input from master shaft 5.

[0132] In the press mechanism 1, the multiple slave axes 6a, 6b that apply thrust to portions of the swinging member 29 located on both sides of the support member 28 are driven by a common second servo motor 21. This simplifies the control of the multiple slave axes 6a, 6b. Furthermore, the number of parts in the press mechanism 1 can be reduced. As a result, costs can be reduced.

[0133] In the press mechanism 1, the slave shafts 6a and 6b are provided at their tip ends with rolling members 34 that can roll on the swing member 29. The tip ends of the slave shafts 6a and 6b move following the upper surface of the swing member 29. Furthermore, a vertical thrust is applied from the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a and 6b via the rolling members 34 to the upper surface of the swing member 29, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0134] In the press mechanism 1, the rolling members 34 are configured with bearings. The tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b roll smoothly on the upper surface of the oscillating member 29. Because the rolling members 34 are configured with spherical roller bearings, even if the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b and the upper surface of the oscillating member 29 are inclined relative to each other in the depth direction, the rolling members 34 will incline following the upper surface of the oscillating member 29. In addition, the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b come into stable contact with the upper surface of the oscillating member 29.

[0135] In the press mechanism 1, the oscillating member 29 is provided with a removable seat member 35 at the portion where it comes into contact with the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b. For example, even if the contact portion is damaged by pressure applied from the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b, it is possible to replace only the damaged seat member 35 without replacing the entire oscillating member 29. Furthermore, because the seat member 35 is made of a quench-hardened material, it is not easily deformed by the pressure applied from the tip ends of the slave shafts 6a, 6b.

[0136] In the press mechanism 1, the transmission mechanism 7 has the swing shaft 32 and a bearing 33 for supporting the swing shaft 32 rotatably relative to the support member 28. Therefore, the swing member 29 can be swung with a light force. The energy required to swing the swing member 29 is reduced.

[0137] In the press mechanism 1, a load cell 36 is provided between the slide 2 and the transmission mechanism 7. The first servo motor 15 can control the torque of the press load on the sealing member 37 based on feedback using the output signal of the load cell 36. For example, the thrust applied from the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a and 6b is adjusted to a set thrust required to press-fit the sealing member 37.

[0138] The press mechanism 1 includes a gate-shaped frame 8 having a pair of support columns 9 and an upper frame 10 suspended between the pair of support columns 9. This prevents the pressing jig 12 from tilting during press working.

[0139] In the press mechanism 1, the master shaft 5 is movably supported by the support column 9 via a first linear guide 20. Furthermore, the slave shafts 6a and 6b are movably supported by the support column 9 via a second linear guide 27. This prevents the master shaft 5 and the slave shafts 6a and 6b from rotating. Furthermore, the first nut 18 to which the master shaft 5 is fixed is prevented from co-rotating with the first screw shaft 17. Furthermore, the second nuts 26a and 26b to which the slave shafts 6a and 6b are fixed are prevented from co-rotating with the second screw shafts 25a and 25b.

[0140] In the press mechanism 1, the main press section 3 has a first servo motor 15 as a drive source and a first ball screw mechanism 16 that converts the rotation of the first servo motor 15 into linear motion and transmits it to the master axis 5. In addition, the sub press section 4 has a second servo motor 21 as a drive source and second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b that convert the rotation of the second servo motor 21 into linear motion and transmit it to the slave axes 6a, 6b. This makes it possible to achieve energy savings and quieter operation of the press mechanism 1.

[0141] The sub-press section 4 includes a plurality of slave shafts 6a, 6b, second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b in the same number as the slave shafts 6a, 6b, and a rotation transmission mechanism 23 that transmits the rotation of the second servo motor 21 to the plurality of second ball screw mechanisms 22a, 22b. This allows the number of second servo motors 21 to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost and size of the press mechanism 1.

[0142] When the seal member 37 is press-fitted into the outer ring 42 using the press mechanism 1, the slide 2 is driven by the master axis 5, and after the slide 2 is moved to the machining start position of the sealing member 37, which is the workpiece, thrust is simultaneously applied to the slide 2 from the master axis 5 and the slave axes 6a and 6b. This simplifies the control for moving the slide 2 to the machining start position. Furthermore, the movement speed of the slide 2 when moving from the machining start position to the machining completion position can be increased, and a large thrust is applied to the slide 2.

[0143] In this example, when the press mechanism 1 is used to press-fit the sealing member 37 into the outer ring 42, if the magnitude of the thrust required to press-fit the sealing member 37 is equal to or less than the rated thrust of the main press unit 3, a method can be adopted in which thrust is applied to the slide 2 from only the master shaft 5. In this case, the sub-press unit 4 is not operated and the slave shafts 6a and 6b can be kept stopped, which contributes to energy conservation of the press mechanism 1.

[0144] Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0145] 7 shows a bearing 38a having a cage 44a to be manufactured by the press mechanism 1 (see FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the cage 44a corresponds to the third bearing component.

[0146] The cage 44a is composed of a pair of cage elements 50, each having an annular shape. The pair of cage elements 50 are joined to each other by crimped portions 51 formed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The press mechanism 1 is used in the process of forming the crimped portions 51 in the cage elements 50, thereby manufacturing the cage 44a.

[0147] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0148] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments. Forms incorporating such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and any combination of these configurations may be used.

[0149] The present disclosure includes the following combinations:

[0150] In one aspect, a servo press mechanism includes a slide, a main press unit having a master shaft, and a sub-press unit having a slave shaft. The slide is movable in a first direction, which is a pressing direction, and a second direction different from the first direction based on driving by the main press unit. A mechanical connection state between the sub-press unit and the slide changes between a first mode in which the slide is driven with the assistance of the sub-press unit and a second mode in which the slide is driven substantially without the assistance of the sub-press unit.

[0151] In the servo press mechanism according to the above aspect, the slide moves in the first direction in the first mode, and moves in either the first direction or the second direction in the second mode.

[0152] In any of the servo press mechanisms described above, the servo press mechanism further includes a transmission unit mechanically connected to the slide, wherein in the first mode the sub press unit is mechanically connected to the transmission unit, and in the second mode the mechanical connection between the sub press unit and the transmission unit is released.

[0153] In any of the servo press mechanisms described above, the sub-press unit has a first slave shaft and a second slave shaft as the slave shafts, the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft are arranged apart from each other, and in the first mode, both the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft abut against a member of the transmission unit, and in the second mode, both the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft are separated from the member of the transmission unit.

[0154] In any of the servo press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the sub-press section or the transmission section has a structure that absorbs mechanical misalignment that occurs when the sub-press section operates.

[0155] In another aspect, a press mechanism includes: a slide; a main press unit having a master axis that reciprocates the slide, causes the slide to translate back and forth, and applies a thrust to the slide; and a sub-press unit that is arranged in parallel with the master axis and has a slave axis that applies a thrust to the slide without driving the slide back and forth.

[0156] In the press mechanism of the above aspect, the slide and the master axis are connected, either directly or via another member, so as to enable transmission of forces in the pressing direction and the counter-pressing direction from the master axis to the slide, and the slide and the slave axis are not connected, either directly or via another member, so that only a force (thrust) in the pressing direction is transmitted from the slave axis to the slide.

[0157] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the thrust from the master shaft and the thrust from the slave shaft are applied coaxially to the slide.

[0158] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the sub press portion has a plurality of the slave shafts.

[0159] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the slave axes are arranged symmetrically about the master axis.

[0160] In any of the above aspects of the press mechanism, the plurality of slave shafts apply thrust of the same magnitude to the slide.

[0161] In any of the above aspects of the press mechanism, a transmission mechanism is provided between the slide and the master shaft and between the slide and the slave shaft, and the transmission mechanism is not fixed to the slave shaft and is disposed on the front side of the slave shaft in the pressing direction so as to be able to come into contact with the slave shaft.

[0162] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the sub-press section has a plurality of the slave shafts, and the transmission mechanism has a support member arranged coaxially with the master shaft, and a swinging member supported on the support member so as to be swingable about a central axis perpendicular to the central axis of the master shaft, and portions of the swinging member located on both sides of the support member are pressed by the tips of the slave shafts.

[0163] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, thrusts of the same magnitude are applied to portions of the swinging member located on both sides of the support member.

[0164] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the slave shafts that apply thrust to portions of the swinging member that are located on both sides of the support member are driven by a common servo motor.

[0165] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the slave shaft has a rolling member at its tip end that is capable of rolling on the swing member.

[0166] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the rolling members are formed by bearings.

[0167] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the rolling members are spherical roller bearings.

[0168] In any of the above aspects of the press mechanism, the swinging member includes a removable seat member at a portion with which the tip end of the slave shaft comes into contact.

[0169] In any of the above-described press mechanisms, the seat member is made of a quench-hardened material.

[0170] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the transmission mechanism includes a swing shaft disposed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the master shaft and fixed to the swing member, and a bearing for supporting the swing shaft rotatably relative to the support member.

[0171] In any of the above aspects, the press mechanism further includes a load cell between the slide and the transmission mechanism.

[0172] In any of the above aspects, the press mechanism is provided with a portal frame having a pair of support columns and an upper frame suspended across the pair of support columns, and the main press section and the sub-press section are supported by the upper frame.

[0173] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the master shaft and the slave shaft are movably supported by the support columns via linear guides.

[0174] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the main press unit includes a first servo motor and a first ball screw mechanism that converts rotation of the first servo motor into linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the master axis, and the sub press unit includes a second servo motor and a second ball screw mechanism that converts rotation of the second servo motor into linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the slave axis.

[0175] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the sub-press section includes a plurality of the slave shafts, the same number of the second ball screw mechanisms as the slave shafts, and a rotation transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the second servo motor to the plurality of second ball screw mechanisms.

[0176] In any of the press mechanisms according to the above aspects, the slide is driven by the master axis to move the slide to a position where processing of a workpiece starts, and then thrust is simultaneously applied to the slide from the master axis and the slave axis.

[0177] In any of the press mechanisms described above, when the magnitude of the thrust required to process the workpiece (required press load) is equal to or less than the rated thrust of the main press section, thrust is applied to the slide only from the master axis.

[0178] In another aspect, the press working method includes driving the slide by the master axis and moving the slide to a workpiece working start position, and then simultaneously applying thrust to the slide from the master axis and the slave axis.

[0179] In the press working method of the above aspect, when the magnitude of the thrust required to work the workpiece is equal to or less than the rated thrust of the main press section, thrust is applied to the slide only from the master axis.

[0180] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a bearing includes a step of pressing a first bearing component that constitutes a bearing and press-fitting it into a second bearing component that constitutes the bearing using a press mechanism of any of the first to twenty-first aspects of the present disclosure, or a step of crimping and deforming a third bearing component that constitutes the bearing.

[0181] In the method for manufacturing a bearing according to the above aspect, the first bearing component is a sealing member, and the second bearing component is an outer ring or an inner ring.

[0182] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a mechanical device is a method for manufacturing a mechanical device including a bearing, and includes a step of manufacturing the bearing by the method for manufacturing a bearing according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0183] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a vehicle is a method for manufacturing a vehicle configured to include a bearing, and includes a step of manufacturing the bearing by the method for manufacturing a bearing according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1 Press mechanism (servo press mechanism) 2 slides 3 Main Press Department 4 Sub-press Department 5 Master axis 6a, 6b Slave axes 7 Transmission mechanism (transmission part) 8 frames 9 pillars 10 Upper Frame 11 Lower frame 12 Pressing jig 13 Guide arm 14 Linear guide 15 First servo motor 16 First ball screw mechanism 17 First screw shaft 18 First Nut 19 Guide arm 20 First linear guide 21 Second servo motor 22a, 22b Second ball screw mechanism 23 Rotation transmission mechanism 24a, 24b Pulley mechanism 25a, 25b Second screw shaft 26a, 26b Second nut 27 Second linear guide 28 Support member 29 Swinging member 30 Insertion hole 31 Support hole 32 Oscillating shaft 33 Bearings 34 Rolling members 35 Seat member 36 load cells 37 Sealing material 38, 38a Bearings 39 Inner raceway 40 Inner Circle 41 Outer raceway 42 outer ring 43 balls 44, 44a retainer 45 pockets 46 Interior Space 47 Locking groove 48 Motor 49 Intermediate assembly 50 retainer element 51 Crimping part 52 Bolster 53 Bearing 54 Anti-rotation mechanism 55 Prevention fittings 56 Circuit board section 57 Standing board 58 Engagement hole 59 Shaft 60 Laura 90 Controller

Claims

1. Slides and a main press unit having a master axis; a sub-press unit having a slave shaft; Equipped with the slide is movable in a first direction that is a pressing direction and a second direction different from the first direction based on driving by the main press unit, A mechanical connection state between the sub-press portion and the slide changes between a first mode in which the slide is driven with the assistance of the sub-press portion and a second mode in which the slide is driven substantially without the assistance of the sub-press portion. Servo press mechanism.

2. The slide moves in the first direction in the first mode, and moves in either the first direction or the second direction in the second mode.

2. The servo press mechanism according to claim 1.

3. a transmission part mechanically connected to the slide; In the first mode, the sub-press unit is mechanically connected to the transmission unit, and in the second mode, the mechanical connection between the sub-press unit and the transmission unit is released.

2. The servo press mechanism according to claim 1.

4. The sub press unit has a first slave shaft and a second slave shaft as the slave shafts, the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft are spaced apart from each other, In the first mode, both the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft are brought into contact with a member of the transmission part, and in the second mode, both the first slave shaft and the second slave shaft are separated from the member of the transmission part.

4. The servo press mechanism according to claim 3.

5. Slides and a main press unit that drives the slide to reciprocate, moves the slide in a reciprocating translational motion, and applies a thrust to the slide; a sub-press unit that is arranged in parallel with the master axis and has a slave axis that applies thrust to the slide without driving the slide back and forth.

6. the slide and the master shaft are connected to each other directly or via another member so as to enable transmission of forces in a pressing direction and a counter-pressing direction from the master shaft to the slide, The slide and the slave shaft are not connected to each other directly or via another member, and only a force in a pressing direction is transmitted from the slave shaft to the slide.

6. The servo press mechanism according to claim 5.

7. a transmission mechanism is provided between the slide and the master axis and between the slide and the slave axis; the transmission mechanism is not fixed to the slave shaft, and is disposed on the front side of the slave shaft in the pressing direction so as to be able to come into contact with the slave shaft.

6. The servo press mechanism according to claim 5.

8. The sub press unit has a plurality of the slave shafts, the transmission mechanism includes a support member arranged coaxially with the master shaft, and a swing member supported on the support member so as to be swingable about a central axis perpendicular to the central axis of the master shaft, the swing member has portions located on both sides of the support member pressed by the tip end of the slave shaft; 8. The servo press mechanism according to claim 7.

9. 9. The servo press mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of slave axes that apply thrust to portions of the swinging member that are located on both sides of the support member are driven by a common servo motor.

10. 9. The servo press mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the slave shaft has a rolling member at its tip end that is capable of rolling on the swing member.

11. 9. The servo press mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the swing member is provided with a removable seat member at a portion where the tip end of the slave shaft comes into contact.

12. 9. The servo press mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises: a swing shaft disposed in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the master shaft and fixed to the swing member; and a bearing for supporting the swing shaft rotatably relative to the support member.

13. 9. The servo press mechanism according to claim 8, further comprising a load cell between the slide and the transmission mechanism.

14. a portal-shaped frame having a pair of support columns and an upper frame suspended between the pair of support columns; The main press unit and the sub press unit are supported by the upper frame.

6. The servo press mechanism according to claim 5.

15. A press working method for working a workpiece using the servo press mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for manufacturing a bearing, comprising manufacturing a bearing using the servo press mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. manufacturing a bearing using the manufacturing method according to claim 16; Assembling a mechanical device using the bearing; A method for manufacturing a mechanical device, comprising:

18. manufacturing a bearing using the manufacturing method according to claim 16; Assembling a vehicle using the bearing; A method for manufacturing a vehicle, comprising:

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