Bearing cleaning container and bearing cleaning method

Abstract

To stably place a bearing even with a simple structure, and to prevent the scattering of a removed grease.SOLUTION: A bearing washing container includes: a grease recovery container 10 that is equipped with an opening on an upper surface to receive a dropping grease; a bearing receiving portion 20a that is equipped with an inner receiving surface 21a configured in a conical shape for placing a bearing 2 thereon, and a grease discharge port 27 communicating to a lower side from a lower end of the inner receiving surface 21a for discharging the washed grease to the grease recovery container 10, and is fitted in the opening of the grease recovery container 10; and a scattering preventive cover 30 that is equipped with a covering portion 31 covering an upper surface of the bearing receiving portion 20a and an insertion port 32 for inserting a nozzle 40 jetting compressed gas at an upper part of the covering portion 31, and is covered on the bearing receiving portion 20a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing cleaning container for removing dirt and old grease attached to a bearing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a device for cleaning a bearing, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-12371 (Patent Document 1) discloses a bearing cleaning container including a grease recovery container and a bearing storage cylinder formed in a funnel shape and provided with a bearing support rod erected on a crossbar installed inside and a detachable wire mesh.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that a bearing is cleaned using a bearing cleaning container and steam. However, in this bearing cleaning container, since the bearing is placed on the wire mesh, there is a problem that the bearing moves due to steam or the like and becomes unstable. Although the bearing is supported by a support rod, there are various sizes of bearings, and the bearings that can be well supported by the support rod are limited. Further, in this bearing cleaning container, there is also a problem that a part of the grease removed during cleaning scatters around.

[0005] Separately from Patent Document 1, there is also a device for automatically cleaning a bearing, but such a device has a complicated configuration.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a bearing cleaning container and bearing cleaning method that can stably hold bearings of different sizes despite having a simple structure, and that does not cause the removed grease to scatter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The bearing cleaning container of the present invention is A bearing cleaning container in which a nozzle is inserted from above to spray compressed gas and clean the bearings, A grease recovery container having an opening on its top surface to receive the grease that has fallen in, A bearing support portion is provided, which is fitted into the opening of the grease recovery container and has a conical inner receiving surface for mounting a bearing, and a grease discharge port that communicates downward from the lower end of the inner receiving surface for discharging the cleaned grease into the grease recovery container. A cover portion that covers the upper surface of the bearing receiving portion, and a spout at the upper end of the cover portion for inserting the nozzle in a way that allows the nozzle's orientation to be changed, and a splash-proof cover that is placed over the bearing receiving portion, It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features].

[0008] According to the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, since the inner receiving surface is configured in a conical shape, the circumference of the bearing comes into contact with the inner receiving surface, allowing the bearing to be placed stably. Furthermore, it can accommodate bearings of different sizes. In addition, the splash-proof cover prevents the rebound of compressed gas and the scattering of removed grease.

[0009] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is: One or more discharge grooves are provided on the inner receiving surface, extending from its upper part toward the grease discharge port.

[0010] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, the discharge groove facilitates the discharge of old grease removed from the bearing.

[0011] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is: The aforementioned inner receiving surfaces are arranged in a stepped pattern with alternating vertical and horizontal ring surfaces.

[0012] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, the inner receiving surface is configured in a stepped manner with a vertical ring surface and a horizontal ring surface, thereby improving the stability when a bearing is placed on it.

[0013] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is: The radial width of the horizontal ring surface is 3 / 5 or less of the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter of the bearing.

[0014] In a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, a relatively large space is formed below the bearing by the vertical ring surface immediately below the horizontal ring surface on which the bearing is placed. This allows for better escape of compressed gas and effectively removes old grease.

[0015] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is: The aforementioned inner receiving surfaces are arranged in a stepped pattern with alternating vertical ring surfaces and inclined ring surfaces.

[0016] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, the stability when bearings are placed on the vertical ring surface is improved, while the absence of a horizontal surface on the inner receiving surface allows for the rapid discharge of removed grease.

[0017] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is: The radial and horizontal width of the inclined ring surface is 3 / 5 or less of the difference between the outer and inner diameters of the bearing.

[0018] In a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, a relatively large space is formed below the bearing by the vertical ring surface immediately below the inclined ring surface on which the bearing is placed. This allows for better release of compressed gas and effectively removes old grease.

[0019] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is The inner receiving surface is stepped with steeply inclined inclined annular surfaces and gently inclined inclined annular surfaces that are alternately combined.

[0020] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, while improving the stability when placing the bearing on the steeply inclined inclined annular surface, since there is no horizontal surface on the inner receiving surface, the removed grease can be quickly discharged. Further, since there is no vertical surface on the inner receiving surface, it becomes easier to direct the nozzle toward the outer ring of the bearing, and the cleaning of the outer ring becomes easy.

[0021] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is The radial and horizontal width of the gently inclined inclined annular surface is 3 / 5 or less of the dimensional difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the bearing.

[0022] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, a relatively wide space is formed below the bearing by the steeply inclined inclined annular surface immediately below the gently inclined inclined ring on which the bearing is mainly placed. For this reason, the leakage of the compressed gas is improved and the old grease can be effectively removed.

[0023] A preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention is The inclination angle of the steeply inclined inclined annular surface is gentler than the inclination angle of the roller of the tapered bearing.

[0024] According to a preferred example of the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, even when the small-diameter side of the tapered bearing is placed downward on the inner receiving surface, a gap is formed between the outside of the roller and the steeply inclined inclined annular surface, and the inside and outside of the roller can be cleaned simultaneously.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the bearing cleaning container of the present invention, the bearing can be stably placed with a simple structure, and there is no scattering of the removed grease.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of a bearing cleaning container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates other shapes of the inner receiving surface. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates other shapes of the inner receiving surface. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates other shapes of the inner receiving surface. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating how to use a bearing cleaning container. [Figure 7] This is another diagram illustrating how to use the bearing cleaning container. [Figure 8] This is another diagram illustrating how to use the bearing cleaning container. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the bearing and the inner bearing surface during bearing cleaning. [Figure 10] This is another diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the bearing and the inner bearing surface during bearing cleaning. [Figure 11] This is another diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the bearing and the inner bearing surface during bearing cleaning. [Figure 12] This is another diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the bearing and the inner bearing surface during bearing cleaning. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the bearing cleaning container 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The nozzle 40 (see Figure 8) inserted into the bearing cleaning container 1 of this embodiment can be, for example, an air gun nozzle or a nozzle from a spray can called a parts cleaner, and is mainly operated manually. However, it is also possible to install a separate device to operate the nozzle 40 and control the nozzle 40 mechanically. Furthermore, the nozzle 40 can eject not only compressed gas but also compressed gas containing cleaning liquid.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bearing cleaning container 1 of this embodiment comprises a grease recovery container 10, a bearing receiving portion 20a, and a splash-proof cover 30. In Figure 1, the thin lines on the inner receiving surface 21a of the bearing receiving portion 20a represent the shape of the inner receiving surface 21a, and the dashed lines represent the grease discharge port 27 and the front discharge groove 28a (described later).

[0029] The grease recovery container 10 has an opening on its top surface to receive the fallen grease. In this embodiment, the bottom of the cylindrical side surface 11 is closed with a bottom plate 12, and the top surface is an opening 15. In addition, a step 13 is provided by increasing the diameter only near the opening 15 in order to provide space for accumulating grease inside while fitting the bearing support portion 20a. In addition, a gas vent hole 14 is provided on the side surface 11 at a predetermined height from the bottom plate 12. The number of gas vent holes 14 is one in this embodiment, but is not particularly limited and may be any number, or conversely, a configuration without gas vent holes 14 may also be used. Furthermore, the shape of the grease recovery container 10 only needs to be such that there is space to collect the removed grease while fitting the bearing support portion 20a, for example, a tapered container with a larger diameter at the top than at the bottom can be used. Also, the grease recovery container 10 may be disposable so that it can be discarded together with the grease that has accumulated inside.

[0030] The bearing support section 20a is for placing the bearing 2 and draining old grease, and includes an inner support surface 21a and a grease discharge port 27 (see also Figure 8). The inner support surface 21a is conical in shape to support the bearing 2. This conical shape allows for stable placement of bearings 2 of various sizes. In addition, one or more discharge grooves 28a are provided from the top of the inner support surface 21a toward the grease discharge port 27 to discharge old grease and cleaning fluid that falls out when the bearing 2 is cleaned. In this embodiment, two discharge grooves 28a are provided, one on the front side and one on the back side in Figure 1, but the number can be various, such as one, four, eight, or sixteen.

[0031] In addition to the conical shape, stepped inner bearing surfaces 21b, 21c, and 21d, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, can also be used for the shape of the inner bearing surface 21a. Furthermore, the bearing support portion 20a in this embodiment is made of a solid material and has a certain amount of weight, so it does not move even when compressed gas is blown on it during cleaning of the bearing 2. To give the bearing support portion 20a a certain amount of weight, it may be made of a metal plate, or it may be made of a hollow plastic material or a plate-like member that makes up only the front and back of the inner bearing surface, if a configuration or usage method that ensures the bearing support portion 20a is stable is adopted, making it lighter.

[0032] Next, another embodiment of the inner bearing surface will be described. The inner bearing surface 21b of the bearing bearing portion 20b shown in Figure 3(A) is composed of alternating vertical ring surfaces 23b and horizontal ring surfaces 22b. In the bearing bearing portion 20b of this embodiment, the bearing 2 can be placed on the horizontal ring surface 22b, thus allowing the bearing 2 to be placed stably. The radial width w1 of this horizontal ring surface 22b is preferably 3 / 5 or less of the dimensional difference sd between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3 of the bearing 2 shown in Figure 3(B), and more preferably 1 / 2 or less. Furthermore, it is even more preferably 2 / 5 or 1 / 3 or less. In addition, the horizontal movement of the bearing 2 can also be restricted by the vertical ring surface 23b. Due to the combination of these vertical ring surfaces 23b and horizontal ring surfaces 22b, the bearing 2 will not move or turn over even if compressed gas is strongly ejected from the nozzle 40. The inner bearing surface 21b of this embodiment is also provided with a discharge groove 28b.

[0033] The inner bearing surface 21c of the bearing support portion 20c shown in Figure 4 is composed of alternating vertical ring surfaces 23c and inclined ring surfaces 24c. The radial and horizontal width w2 of this inclined ring surface 24c is preferably 3 / 5 or less, and more preferably 1 / 2 or less, of the dimensional difference sd (see Figure 3(B)) between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3. Furthermore, it is even more preferably 2 / 5 or 1 / 3 or less. In the bearing support portion 20c of this embodiment, since there is no horizontal surface on the inner bearing surface 21c, the removed grease is less likely to accumulate on the inner bearing surface 21c. In addition, the inclined ring surface 24c supports the lower end of the bearing 2, and the vertical ring surface 23c can restrict the horizontal movement of the bearing 2, thereby ensuring the stability of the bearing 2 during cleaning, similar to the inner bearing surface 21b described above. The inner bearing surface 21c of this embodiment is also provided with a discharge groove 28c.

[0034] The inner bearing surface 21d of the bearing support portion 20d shown in Figure 5(A) is provided with a plurality of inclined ring surfaces 25d, 26d with different inclination angles that are alternately combined. Specifically, it is composed of a gently inclined ring surface 26d and a steeply inclined ring surface 25d. The radial and horizontal width w3 of this gently inclined ring surface 26d is preferably 3 / 5 or less, and more preferably 1 / 2 or less, of the dimensional difference sd (see Figure 3(B)) between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3. Furthermore, it is even more preferably 2 / 5 or less, or 1 / 3 or less. In the bearing support portion 20d of this embodiment, since there is no horizontal surface on the inner bearing surface 21d, the removed grease can be quickly discharged. In addition, the lower end of the bearing 2 is mainly supported by the gently inclined ring surface 26d, and the horizontal movement of the bearing is restricted by the steeply inclined ring surface 25d, thereby ensuring the stability of the bearing 2 during cleaning, similar to the inner bearing surface 21c described above. The inner receiving surface 21d of this embodiment is also provided with a discharge groove 28d.

[0035] Furthermore, in the bearing support portion 20d of this embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the steeply inclined ring surface 25d is gentler than the inclination angle θ2 of the roller 7 of the tapered bearing 6 shown in Figure 5(B), and it is preferable to configure it with a smaller angle. By doing so, even when the smaller diameter side of the tapered bearing 6 is placed facing downwards on the inner support surface 21d, compressed gas can be effectively applied around the roller 7.

[0036] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the splash-proof cover 30 comprises a cover portion 31 and an insertion port 32. The cover portion 31 has an inverted cone shape on both its inner and outer walls, and its open lower end covers the upper surface of the bearing receiving portion 20a. The insertion port 32 is provided at the upper end of the cover portion 31, and a nozzle 40 for ejecting compressed gas is inserted from here (see Figure 8). The diameter and length of this insertion port 32 are preferably such that the nozzle 40 can be rotated so that compressed gas is blown onto the entire inner receiving surface 21a of the bearing receiving portion 20a when the nozzle 40 is inserted from the insertion port 32.

[0037] Next, based on the components of the bearing cleaning container 1 described above, the method of using the bearing cleaning container will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0038] [First Embodiment] The method of using the bearing cleaning container of this embodiment includes a wiping step, a cleaning liquid application step, a placement step, a gas ejection step, and a confirmation step.

[0039] First, prepare the bearing 2 to be cleaned as shown in Figure 6. Next, as a wiping step, wipe off any excess grease adhering to the bearing 2 with a cloth or the like, if necessary. Next, as a cleaning solution application step, apply the cleaning solution to the bearing 2. This can be done, for example, by spraying the cleaning solution onto the bearing 2. Alternatively, the bearing 2 may be submerged in the cleaning solution in a container to allow it to adhere. As the cleaning solution, mainly petroleum-based solvents, organic solvents, kerosene, light oil, etc. are used (the same applies to the cleaning solution in the second embodiment). Next, as a placement step, place the bearing 2 on the inner receiving surface 21a of the bearing receiving portion 20a, as shown in Figure 7. Note that the order of the cleaning solution application step and the placement step may be reversed.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 8, in the gas ejection step, the splash-proof cover 30 is placed over the bearing receiving portion 20a, and the nozzle 40 is inserted through the insertion port 32 to eject compressed gas and spray it (arrow in the figure) to remove the grease adhering to the bearing 2. At this time, the grease adhering to the bearing 2 is removed mainly by the spraying of compressed gas. As a result, the removed grease is pushed by the compressed gas or flows down the discharge groove 28a and falls into the grease recovery container 10. In the gas ejection step, it is preferable to move the tip of the nozzle 40 in a circular motion horizontally to apply compressed gas to the entire bearing 2. At this time, since the covering portion 31 of the splash-proof cover 30 is in the shape of an inverted cone, the approximate position of the tip of the nozzle 40 can be estimated and it becomes easier to aim. Also, if blowback of compressed gas from the insertion port 32 is a concern, a rag or the like may be placed in the gap between the nozzle 40 and the insertion port 32.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the splash-proof cover 30 is removed as a confirmation step to check the cleaning status of the bearing 2. Then, if necessary, the wiping step and the confirmation step are repeated. During this repetition, the bearing 2 can be turned over and placed on the inner receiving surface 21a of the bearing receiving portion 20a to remove the grease more effectively. Also, if the grease collection container 10 is disposable, the grease can be disposed of along with the grease collection container 10 once a certain amount of grease has accumulated in it. (The process of turning the bearing over and disposing of the grease collection container 10 is the same in the second embodiment.)

[0042] [Second Embodiment] The method of using the bearing cleaning container of this embodiment includes a wiping step, a placement step, a cleaning liquid spraying step, and a confirmation step.

[0043] The wiping and placement steps can be understood by referring to the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted. Next, as shown in Figure 8, in the cleaning fluid spraying step, the splash-proof cover 30 is placed over the bearing receiving portion 20a, and the nozzle 40 is inserted through the insertion port 32 to spray compressed gas containing cleaning fluid to remove the grease adhering to the bearing 2. The way the nozzle 40 is moved and the insertion port 32 is covered with a cloth or the like is the same as in the first embodiment. For the compressed gas containing cleaning fluid, a commercially available spray can of parts cleaner or the like may be used, or a known spray nozzle may be used. Next, a confirmation step is performed, but this can also be understood by referring to the first embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 12, the specific effects and advantages of using the inner bearing surfaces 21b, 21c, and 21d in the bearing cleaning container and method of using the bearing cleaning container described above will be explained.

[0045] First, with reference to Figure 9, we will explain the case where the bearing 2 is cleaned using the inner bearing surface 21b. As already mentioned, the inner bearing surface 21b is composed of alternating vertical ring surfaces 23b and horizontal ring surfaces 22b. Also, the radial width w1 of the horizontal ring surface 22b is 3 / 5 or less of the dimensional difference sd between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3 of the bearing 2 (see Figures 3(A) and 3(B)). Therefore, even if the outer circumference of the bearing 2 is in contact with the vertical ring surface 23b, a large space sp1 will be created in a part of the bearing 2 below the ball 5. Furthermore, when there is a gap between the outer circumference of the bearing 2 and the vertical ring surface 23b, as shown in Figure 9, the entire lower part of the ball 5 is often released towards the space sp1.

[0046] This allows for better downward release of compressed gas when cleaning the area between the outer ring 4 and inner ring 3, and around the ball 5 (or around the rollers not shown), which are the areas that require the most cleaning, thus enabling faster cleaning. In particular, old grease adhering to the bearing 2 is difficult to remove even with cleaning fluid due to its high viscosity, but the wide space sp1 makes it easy to clean. Also, old grease that has fallen off due to the compressed gas will not re-adhere to the bearing 2 because of this space sp1. Furthermore, even if compressed gas is strongly ejected, the vertical ring surface 23b prevents the bearing 2 from shifting position. Note that when the radial width w1 of the horizontal ring surface 22b is 1 / 2, 2 / 5, or 1 / 3 of the dimensional difference sd between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3 of the bearing 2, the rate at which the entire lower side of the ball 5 is released toward space sp1 increases, making cleaning easier (the same applies to Figures 10 and 11).

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 10, we will explain the case of cleaning the bearing 2 using the inner bearing surface 21c. As already mentioned, the inner bearing surface 21c is composed of alternating vertical ring surfaces 23c and inclined ring surfaces 24c. Furthermore, the radial and horizontal width w2 of the inclined ring surface 24c is 3 / 5 or less of the dimensional difference sd between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3 of the bearing 2 shown in Figure 3(B) (see Figure 4). For this reason, as explained in Figure 9, a wide space sp2 is created in a part of the lower side of the ball 5. In addition, because only the outer peripheral edge of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2 contacts the inner bearing surface 21c due to the inclined ring surface 24c, a space sp2 is always formed all the way under the ball 5, and this space sp2 widens further as it goes inward from the inner bearing surface 21c, making it easier to clean around the ball 5. Furthermore, even if compressed gas is strongly ejected, the vertical ring surface 23c prevents the bearing 2 from shifting position.

[0048] Next, with reference to Figure 11, we will explain the case where the bearing 2 is cleaned using the inner bearing surface 21d. As already mentioned, the inner bearing surface 21d is composed of alternating gently sloping ring surfaces 26d and steeply sloping ring surfaces 25d. Furthermore, the radial and horizontal width w3 of the gently sloping ring surface 26d is less than or equal to 3 / 5 of the dimensional difference sd between the outer diameter of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2 and the inner diameter of the inner ring 3 (see Figure 3(B)) (see Figure 5(A)). Therefore, as explained in Figure 10, only the outer peripheral edge of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2 contacts the inner bearing surface 21d, and the gently sloping ring surface 26d creates a wide space sp3 below the ball 5, making it easier to clean around the ball 5. In addition, since there is no vertical surface on the inner bearing surface 21d, a gap g1 is always formed between the steeply sloping ring surface 25d and the outer circumference of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2. This allows compressed gas ejected from the nozzle 40 to be sprayed onto the outer circumference of the outer ring 4 of the bearing 2. Furthermore, even when compressed gas is forcefully ejected, the steeply inclined ring surface 25d prevents the bearing 2 from shifting position.

[0049] Next, with reference to Figure 12, we will explain the case of cleaning the tapered bearing 6 using the inner bearing surface 21d. As already mentioned, the inclination angle θ1 of the steeply inclined ring surface 25d is gentler than the inclination angle θ2 of the roller 7 of the tapered bearing 6 (see Figures 5(A) and 5(B)). Therefore, even when the tapered bearing 6 is placed with the smaller diameter side down, a gap g2 is created between the outside of the roller 7 and the steeply inclined ring surface 25d, allowing for effective cleaning. As a result, depending on the type of tapered bearing 6, even when the tapered bearing 6 is placed on the inner bearing surface 21d with the smaller diameter side down, the inside and outside of the roller 7 can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0050] As described above, according to the bearing cleaning container and bearing cleaning method of this embodiment, since the inner bearing surface of the bearing support is configured in a conical shape, the bearing will not move even when high-pressure compressed gas is blown onto it, and the grease removed during cleaning will naturally fall into the grease recovery container. Furthermore, by configuring the inner bearing surface in a stepped shape, the bearing will not move even when even higher-pressure compressed gas is blown onto it. In addition, by configuring the inner bearing surface with a vertical ring surface and a horizontal ring surface, or an inclined ring surface, bearing stability and rapid discharge of removed grease can be achieved. Furthermore, by providing a discharge groove on the inner bearing surface, even faster discharge of removed grease can be achieved.

[0051] Furthermore, the grease is softened by a cleaning solution and then removed primarily by spraying compressed gas (in the second embodiment, this also includes spraying the cleaning solution). This allows for a reduction in the amount of cleaning solution used, which is advantageous for waste oil disposal. For example, by using a highly volatile cleaning solution such as a parts cleaner containing isohexane or alcohol, or a lacquer thinner, only the removed grease can remain in the grease recovery container. In this case, cleaning the grease recovery container becomes easier. Also, because less cleaning solution is used, the cleaning solution does not leak out of the grease recovery container, and consequently, there is no leakage of grease. Moreover, the grease recovery container can be disposable. These factors contribute to reducing the man-hours required for bearing cleaning.

[0052] The bearing cleaning container and bearing cleaning method of this embodiment are illustrative examples of the present invention, and their configurations can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1. Bearing cleaning container, 2. Bearings, 3. Inner ring, 4. Outer ring, 5. Balls, 6. Tapered bearings, 7. Rollers 10. Grease recovery container, 11. Side, 12. Bottom plate, 13. Step, 14. Gas vent hole, 15. Opening, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d... Bearing support section, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d... Inner support surface, 22b... Horizontal ring surface, 23b, 23c... Vertical ring surface, 24c... Inclined ring surface, 25d... Steeply inclined ring surface, 26d... Gently inclined ring surface, 27... Grease discharge port, 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d... Discharge groove, 30...Shatterproof cover, 31...Covering part, 32...Insertion port, 40 nozzles, sp1, sp2, sp3...space, g1, g2...gap,

Claims

1. A bearing cleaning container in which a nozzle is inserted from above to spray compressed gas and clean the bearings, A grease recovery container having an opening on its top surface to receive the grease that has fallen in, A bearing support portion is provided, which is fitted into the opening of the grease recovery container and has a conical inner receiving surface for mounting a bearing, and a grease discharge port that communicates downward from the lower end of the inner receiving surface for discharging the cleaned grease into the grease recovery container. A cover portion that covers the upper surface of the bearing receiving portion, and a spout at the upper end of the cover portion for inserting the nozzle in a way that allows the nozzle's orientation to be changed, and a splash-proof cover that is placed over the bearing receiving portion, A bearing cleaning container characterized by having the following features.

2. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 1, wherein one or more discharge grooves are provided on the inner receiving surface, extending from its upper part toward the grease discharge port.

3. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner receiving surfaces are arranged in a stepped shape by alternating vertical ring surfaces and horizontal ring surfaces.

4. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 3, wherein the radial width of the horizontal ring surface is 3 / 5 or less of the difference in dimensions between the outer diameter and inner diameter of the bearing.

5. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner receiving surfaces are arranged in a stepped shape with alternating vertical ring surfaces and inclined ring surfaces.

6. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 5, wherein the radial and horizontal width of the inclined ring surface is 3 / 5 or less of the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter of the bearing.

7. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner receiving surfaces are arranged in a stepped pattern with alternating steeply sloping ring surfaces and gently sloping ring surfaces.

8. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 7, wherein the radial and horizontal width of the gently sloping ring surface is 3 / 5 or less of the difference in dimensions between the outer diameter and inner diameter of the bearing.

9. The bearing cleaning container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the angle of inclination of the steeply inclined ring surface is gentler than the angle of inclination of the roller of the tapered bearing.

10. A bearing cleaning method using a bearing cleaning container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A wiping step to remove any excess grease adhering to the bearing as needed, A cleaning fluid application step in which cleaning fluid is applied to the bearing, A mounting step of placing the bearing on the inner receiving surface, The process involves placing the aforementioned splash-proof cover over the bearing, inserting the nozzle through the insertion port, and ejecting compressed gas to remove grease adhering to the bearing, The process includes a step of removing the splash-proof cover and checking the cleaning status of the bearing, A bearing cleaning method characterized by repeating the wiping step to the confirmation step as needed.

11. A bearing cleaning method using the bearing cleaning container described in claim 9, A wiping step is performed to remove any excess grease adhering to the tapered bearing as needed. A cleaning fluid application step in which cleaning fluid is applied to the tapered bearing, A mounting step in which the tapered bearing is placed with its smaller diameter side facing downwards, and the corner of the smaller diameter side is placed on the gently sloping ring surface, The process involves placing the aforementioned splash-proof cover over the bearing, inserting the nozzle through the insertion port, and ejecting compressed gas to remove grease adhering to the bearing, The process includes a step of removing the splash-proof cover and checking the cleaning status of the bearing, A bearing cleaning method characterized by repeating the wiping step to the confirmation step as needed.

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