Methods for uniformly arranging the rolling bodies for rolling bearings; methods for manufacturing rolling bearings; machinery and vehicles.

Abstract

DEPCT6302 / 10 / 2562 This invention is characterized by the principle that when a rolling bearing is conveyed from its position in operation, The pellets are gathered and moved to a designated location for processing, divided into blocks, and / or conveyed. Rolling bearings are divided into block and operating positions from position to position in operation. Evenly distributed components prevent positional misalignment and are inserted into... The gaps along the circumference exist between the rolling elements to prevent the rolling elements from falling. This causes the object to roll and result in a disorderly and misaligned distribution. ----------------------------------------------------------- DEPCT63 This invention is characterized by the fact that when a ball bearing is transported from its position in operation, The pellets are gathered and moved to a designated location for processing, divided into blocks, and / or conveyed. Ball bearings are categorized from their position in operation to their block position. Evenly distributed components prevent positional misalignment and are inserted into... The gaps along the circumference exist between the bearing elements to prevent the bearing elements from... This causes the object to roll and result in a disorderly and misaligned distribution. -----------------------------------------------------------

Description

Method for arranging rolling elements in a rolling bearing, and method for manufacturing a rolling bearing, machine, and vehicle.

[0001] This invention relates to a method for arranging rolling elements in a rolling bearing, and to a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing, a machine, and a vehicle.

[0002] Various types of mechanical devices incorporate rolling bearings, such as the ball bearing 1 shown in Figure 1, into their rotating support sections. When assembling the ball bearing 1, multiple rolling elements 6, 6 are installed between the inner ring raceway 3, which is provided on the outer circumference of the inner ring 2, and the outer ring raceway 5, which is provided on the inner circumference of the outer ring 4. The rolling elements 6, 6 are then arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Next, a pair of cage elements 8, 8 are inserted from both axial sides into the rolling element installation space 7 between the inner ring raceway 3 and the outer ring raceway 5, and joined together with multiple rivets to form a cage 9, which holds the rolling elements 6, 6 so that they can roll freely.

[0003] When multiple rolling elements 6, 6 are installed in the rolling element installation space 7, the rolling elements 6, 6 are located at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction within the rolling element installation space 7. As a method for arranging such rolling elements 6, 6 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this method, first, multiple rolling elements (balls) installed in the rolling element installation space are gathered at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space using a pair of arms, and then divided into blocks of multiple elements each and arranged at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space. Next, by inserting a comb-shaped cylindrical ball sorting jig axially into the rolling element installation space, the rolling elements divided into blocks are arranged at equal intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction.

[0004] According to the method described in Patent Document 1, the axial length of the teeth (working arrows) constituting the ball sorting jig can be kept short, thereby preventing wear and deformation of the ball sorting jig. Furthermore, the insertion load when inserting the ball sorting jig into the rolling element installation space can be kept small, effectively preventing damage to the rolling elements and deformation of the ball sorting jig.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-200789

[0006] In the case of the method described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, there is still room for further improvement in terms of improving the productivity (assemblability) of the rolling bearing. That is, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 1, in the assembly line of the rolling bearing, the operation of gathering the rolling elements at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space (the ball gathering operation), the operation of dividing them into blocks of a plurality of pieces each (the block dividing operation), and the operation of arranging them at equal intervals at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction (the equal arrangement operation) all need to be performed at one working position (within the same assembly process). Therefore, the workload in the process of arranging the rolling elements that are unevenly spaced in the rolling element installation space at equal intervals increases, and this process becomes a bottleneck in the assembly line of the rolling bearing, which may lead to a decrease in the assemblability of the rolling bearing.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to realize a method for equally arranging the rolling elements of a rolling bearing, as well as a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing, a machine, and a vehicle, which can improve the assemblability of the rolling bearing.

[0008] The method for equally arranging the rolling elements of a rolling bearing according to the present invention is a method for equally arranging a plurality of rolling elements at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction in a rolling element installation space existing between an inner ring raceway provided on the outer peripheral surface of an inner ring and an outer ring raceway provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer ring.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, after gathering the rolling elements at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space, at both circumferential ends of the rolling elements gathered at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space, with a position displacement preventing member inserted into the circumferential gap existing between the rolling elements located at both circumferential ends, it is sent to the next process, and a method for equally arranging the rolling elements of a rolling bearing is provided.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, after dividing the rolling elements into blocks of a plurality of pieces each and arranging them at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space, with a position displacement preventing member inserted into the circumferential gap existing between the rolling elements located at both circumferential ends of each block, it is sent to the next process, and a method for equally arranging the rolling elements of a rolling bearing is provided.

[0011] When implementing the rolling element equal distribution method of the rolling bearing of the present invention as described above, the first aspect and the second aspect may be implemented simultaneously. Incidentally, the displacement prevention member used at that time has different shapes between the one used in the first aspect and the one used in the second aspect.

[0012] The present invention as described above can be preferably applied to a ball bearing using balls as the rolling elements. Alternatively, it can also be applied to a cylindrical roller bearing using cylindrical rollers (including needles) as the rolling elements or a tapered roller bearing using tapered rollers as the rolling elements.

[0013] In addition, the rolling element equal distribution method of the above rolling bearing can also be applied to a method for manufacturing a rolling bearing, a method for manufacturing a machine, and a method for manufacturing a vehicle.

[0014] According to the rolling element equal distribution method of the rolling bearing of the present invention as described above, as well as the methods for manufacturing a rolling bearing, a machine, and a vehicle, it is easy to improve the assemblability of the rolling bearing.

[0015] Partial cutaway perspective view showing a ball bearing that is the subject of an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention by taking out the ball bearing and showing it in the order of processes. Perspective view showing a state where the ball bearing is transported to the ball collecting work position for an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view showing a state where the transport mechanism is retracted after the ball bearing is transported to the ball collecting work position. Perspective view showing a state where the ball collecting process is carried out. Perspective view showing a state where the ball bearing is transported to the blocking work position with a displacement prevention member inserted into the circumferential gap existing between the rolling elements. Perspective view showing a state where the transport mechanism is retracted after the ball bearing is transported to the blocking work position. Perspective view showing a state where the blocking process is carried out. Perspective view showing a state where the ball bearing is transported to the equal distribution work position with a displacement prevention member inserted into the circumferential gap existing between the rolling elements. Plan view of the ball bearing showing a state where the rolling elements are gathered at one circumferential position in the rolling element installation space. Plan view of the ball bearing showing a state where the rolling elements are divided into plural blocks at plural circumferential positions in the rolling element installation space. Plan view for explaining a method of dividing the rolling elements gathered at one circumferential position in the rolling element installation space into plural blocks. Plan view showing another example of a method of dividing the rolling elements gathered at one circumferential position in the rolling element installation space into plural blocks.

[0016] Figures 1 to 13 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the ball bearing 1 targeted in this example is formed by installing a plurality of rolling elements (balls) 6, 6 between an inner ring 2 and an outer ring 4 that are arranged coaxially with each other. The inner ring 2 is provided with an inner ring raceway 3 at an axially intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface. The outer ring 4 is provided with an outer ring raceway 5 at an axially intermediate portion of the inner peripheral surface. The rolling elements 6, 6 are arranged so as to be rollable between the inner ring raceway 3 and the outer ring raceway 5 while being held by a cage 9. The cage 9, which is called a wave-shaped cage, is formed by joining a pair of cage elements 8, 8 that are in the shape of an annular plate and are bent in a wave shape in the circumferential direction, with a plurality of rivets. However, as the cage, it is also possible to use a crowned cage that includes an annular rim portion and a plurality of column portions that project axially from one axial side surface of the rim portion, and the portion surrounded by the one axial side surface of the rim portion and the circumferential side surfaces of the column portions adjacent in the circumferential direction is used as a pocket for holding the rolling elements.

[0017] The ball bearing 1 as described above is assembled, for example, by a transfer machine that incorporates a series of assembly operations into one assembly line. Specifically, a plurality of work positions P ０ ~P ３ ... are provided at regular intervals along the assembly line on the workbench 10, and the ball bearings 1 placed at each work position P ０ ~P ３ ... are conveyed by the conveying mechanism 11 to the next work positions P １ ~P ３ ... while each process of the assembly operation is carried out at each work position P ０ ~P ３ ... to assemble the ball bearing 1. Among the workbench 10, each work position P ０ ~P ３...In the parts that align with this, circular holes 20a to 20d are provided that penetrate the workbench 10 in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the circular holes 20a to 20d is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 4, and larger than the inner diameter of the outer ring 4 (the cylindrical surface that exists in the part that is outside the outer ring raceway 5). The conveying mechanism 11 has multiple conveying arms 12a to 12d provided at regular intervals along the assembly line, and when conveying the ball bearing 1, first the conveying mechanism 11 is displaced in a direction that approaches the workbench 10. This is done so that the ball bearing 1 is positioned between the tips of adjacent conveying arms 12a to 12d. Next, the conveying mechanism 11 is slid by a predetermined amount along the assembly line, and the side surfaces of the tips of the conveying arms 12a to 12d that are on the upstream side of the assembly line push and move the outer surface of the ball bearing 1 (outer ring 4). This moves the ball bearing 1 to the next work position P １ ~P ３ ...to be transported. Figures 2 to 9 show only the parts related to each step in the assembly process of the ball bearing 1, in which the rolling elements 6, 6, which are installed at unequal intervals in the rolling element installation space 7 between the inner ring raceway 3 and the outer ring raceway 5, are arranged at equal intervals. In Figures 2 to 9, for convenience only one ball bearing 1 is shown, but in reality there are multiple work positions P ０ ~P ３ ...One ball bearing 1 is placed in each of these locations, and the working position P is set in each ball bearing 1. ０ ~P ３ ...The assembly process corresponding to this will be carried out.

[0018] [Overview of Assembly Work] In this example, first, the rolling elements 6, 6 are installed in the rolling element installation space 7, and the initial position P ０ It is placed on top of the rolling elements 6, 6 are at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction within the rolling element installation space 7. Next, the ball collection work position P １ In this process, the rolling elements 6, 6, which are unequally spaced within the rolling element installation space 7, are gathered at one location in the circumferential direction within this rolling element installation space 7. Next, the ball bearing 1 is divided into blocks at the working position P ２The rolling elements 6, 6, which have been transported (moved) and gathered at one location in the circumferential direction, are divided into blocks of multiple units each and placed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. After that, the ball bearing 1 is placed at the equal distribution work position P ３ The rolled elements 6, 6, which have been transported and divided into blocks, are arranged at equal intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolled element installation space 7. In particular, in this example, the ball bearing 1 is placed at the ball collection work position P １ Block division work position P ２ When transporting to and at block division work position P ２ Equal distribution work position P ３ When transporting the rolling elements 6, 6, positional displacement prevention members 13a and 13b are inserted axially into the circumferential gaps between them. This prevents the rolling elements 6, 6 from rolling apart or becoming displaced. The method for arranging the rolling elements 6, 6, which are at unequal intervals within the rolling element installation space 7, at equal intervals will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0019] When assembling the ball bearing 1, first, the inner ring 2 is placed radially inside the outer ring 4, with the central axis of the inner ring 2 offset from the central axis of the outer ring 4. In this state, multiple rolling elements 6, 6 (seven in the example shown in Figure 2) are inserted into the substantially cylindrical space (a space with a roughly crescent shape when viewed from the axial direction) located between the inner ring raceway 3 and the outer ring raceway 5, from the portion of the axial opening where the radial dimension is larger. After that, the central axis of the inner ring 2 and the central axis of the outer ring 4 are aligned. At this stage, the rolling elements 6, 6 are located at unequal intervals within the rolling element installation space 7 located between the inner ring raceway 3 and the outer ring raceway 5. The ball bearing 1, with the rolling elements 6, 6 located at unequal intervals within the rolling element installation space 7, is then placed at the initial position P on the workbench 10. ０ Place it on top.

[0020] Next, initial position P ０ The ball bearing 1, which is placed on the workbench 10, is transported by the transport mechanism 11 to the ball collection work position P on the workbench 10. １ To transport to the workbench 10, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced in a direction that approaches the workbench 10, and the tips of the adjacent transport arms 12a and 12b are moved to the initial position P. ０The ball bearing 1 is placed on either side of the conveying arms 12a and 12b (so that the ball bearing 1 is positioned between the tips of adjacent conveying arms 12a and 12b). In this state, the conveying mechanism 11 is moved along the assembly line, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 3. １ The ball bearing 1 is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction indicated (towards the downstream direction of the assembly line), and the outer surface of the ball bearing 1 is pushed and moved by the side of the tip of the upstream conveyor arm 12a of the adjacent conveyor arms 12a and 12b. Then, this ball bearing 1 is moved to the ball collection work position P １ Transport to the ball bearing 1 at the ball collection work position P. １ After transport, see arrow A in Figure 4. ２ As shown, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced upward, and the transport arms 12a and 12b are moved away from both sides of the ball bearing 1. Then, it is further displaced in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, away from the workbench 10, and the transport mechanism 11 is moved away from the workbench 10.

[0021] Next, a ball collection process is performed to gather the rolling elements 6, 6, which are unevenly spaced within the rolling element installation space 7 of the ball bearing 1, into a single location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. This ball collection process is performed by inserting a partially cylindrical ball collection jig 14 into the rolling element installation space 7 axially (from above in the illustrated example), as shown in Figure 2(A) and Figure 5. The circumferential width dimension of such a ball collection jig 14 is the circumferential length L of the circumferential gap between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends of the circumferential direction when the rolling elements 6, 6 are gathered into a single location in the circumferential direction. １ It is made to be roughly the same as above. With the rolling elements 6, 6 gathered in one place in the circumferential direction, the circumferential length L of the circumferential gap between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends in the circumferential direction. １As shown in Figure 10, the length of the rolling elements 6, 6 is the circumferential length on the pitch circle C. The tip surface (lower end surface) of the ball collecting jig 14 is an inclined surface (mountain shape) in which the circumferential center protrudes the most and slopes upward towards both sides in the circumferential direction. In addition to the mountain shape, the tip surface of the ball collecting jig 14 may also be an inclined surface (single-slope shape) in which, for example, one end in the circumferential direction protrudes the most and slopes upward towards the other end in the circumferential direction. Regardless of the shape, when the ball collecting jig 14 is inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 from above until the tip of the ball collecting jig 14 protrudes below the lower surface of the workbench 10 through the circular hole 20b, the rolling elements 6, 6 move within the rolling element installation space 7. As a result, the rolling elements 6, 6 are collected in one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. Once the rolling elements 6, 6 are gathered at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, the ball collecting jig 14 is then withdrawn from the rolling element installation space 7. The conveying mechanism 11 follows the assembly line, indicated by arrow A in Figure 5. ３ Move it in the direction indicated (towards the upstream side of the assembly line) and return it to its original position.

[0022] Next, the ball bearing 1 is moved by the conveying mechanism 11 to the ball collection work position P. １ Block division work position P ２ The balls are transported to the ball collection jig 14. In this example, at both ends of the rolling elements 6, 6 that are gathered at one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, a partially cylindrical displacement prevention member 13a is inserted in place of the ball collection jig 14 into the circumferential gap between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends of the circumferential direction. In this state, the ball bearing 1 is moved to the ball collection work position P. １ Block division work position P ２ The mechanism is designed to transport the balls to a specific location. To achieve this, a support arm 15a is provided between the transport arms 12b and 12c of the transport mechanism 11, and a disc portion 16a is provided at the tip of this support arm 15a. This disc portion 16a is positioned above the area between the tips of the transport arms 12b and 12c. A displacement prevention member 13a is provided, protruding downward from the lower surface of the disc portion 16a. The circumferential width dimension of the displacement prevention member 13a is approximately the same as the circumferential width dimension of the ball collecting jig 14.

[0023] The ball bearing 1 is placed at the ball collection work position P.１ Block division work position P ２ When transporting to the destination, first, see arrow A in Figure 6. ４ As shown, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, approaching the workbench 10, and then displaced downwards. This brings the tips of the transport arms 12b and 12c of the transport mechanism 11 to the ball collection work position P １ The ball bearing 1 is placed on either side of the conveying arm 12b, 12c (so that the ball bearing 1 is positioned between the tips of adjacent conveying arms 12b, 12c). At the same time, the displacement prevention members 13a are inserted from above into the circumferential gaps between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends of the rolling elements 6, 6 that are gathered in one circumferential location in the rolling element installation space 7, so as to fill these circumferential gaps.

[0024] Next, the transport mechanism 11 is moved along the assembly line, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 6. １ The ball bearing 1 is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction indicated, and the outer surface of the ball bearing 1 is pushed and moved by the side of the tip of the upstream conveyor arm 12b of the assembly line, which is adjacent to the conveyor arms 12b and 12c. Then, this ball bearing 1 is moved to the block division work position P ２ Transport to the work position P. Divide the ball bearing 1 into blocks and work position P. ２ After transport, see arrow A in Figure 7. ２ As shown, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced upward, and the displacement prevention member 13a is pulled out from the circumferential gap. At the same time, the transport arms 12b and 12c are moved away from both sides of the ball bearing 1, and the transport mechanism 11 is further displaced in a direction away from the workbench 10 in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, thereby moving the transport mechanism 11 away from the workbench 10.

[0025] Next, a block-dividing process is performed in which the rolling elements 6, 6, which have been gathered in one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, are divided into blocks of multiple elements each (in the illustrated example, into blocks of 3 and blocks of 4) and arranged in multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. This block-dividing process is performed by inserting a pair of partially cylindrical block-dividing jigs 17, 17 into the rolling element installation space 7 from above, as shown in Figure 2(C) and Figure 8. The circumferential width dimension of such a pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 is the circumferential length L of the circumferential gap that exists between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at the circumferential ends of each block when the rolling elements 6, 6 are divided into blocks of multiple elements each and arranged in multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. ２ , L ２ It is made to be roughly the same as above. The rolling elements 6, 6 are arranged in blocks of multiple units at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. In this state, the circumferential length L of the circumferential gap exists between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at the circumferential ends of each block. ２ , L ２ As shown in Figure 11, this is the circumferential length of the rolling elements 6, 6 on the pitch circle C. In the illustrated example, L is the circumferential length of the circumferential gap between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both circumferential ends of each block. ２ , L ２The circumferential dimensions (approximately the same as the circumferential dimensions of a pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17) are made the same. However, the circumferential lengths of the circumferential gaps between them can be made different. In the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17, the tip surface (bottom surface) of one block-dividing jig 17 is an inclined surface that slopes upward from one side of the circumferential direction to the other. Similarly, the tip surface (bottom surface) of the other block-dividing jig 17 is an inclined surface that slopes upward from the other side of the circumferential direction to the first. Therefore, when the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 are inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 from above until the tips of the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 protrude below the bottom surface of the workbench 10 through the circular hole 20c, the rolling elements 6, 6 move within the rolling element installation space 7. As a result, the rolling elements 6, 6 are divided into blocks of multiple units each at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7 (in the illustrated example, into blocks of three and blocks of four). If the total number of rolling elements 6, 6 is even, it is preferable to divide them into blocks of equal numbers.

[0026] In this example, the phase in the circumferential direction of the insertion position of the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 is restricted. As a result, as shown in Figure 12 (A) → (B), a portion of the rolling elements 6, 6 that are gathered in one circumferential location in the rolling element installation space 7 are moved by one or more elements from each side in the circumferential direction (in the illustrated example, one element from one side and two elements from the other side in the circumferential direction), thereby dividing the rolling elements 6, 6 into blocks of multiple elements each. If the total number of rolling elements 6, 6 is even, it is preferable to configure the system to move the same number of elements from both sides in the circumferential direction. This reduces the force required to insert the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 into the rolling element installation space 7 from above. In other words, as shown in Figure 13 (A) → (B), when dividing the rolling elements 6, 6, which are gathered in one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, into blocks of multiple elements by moving only one side in the circumferential direction, it is necessary to move a large number of rolling elements 6, 6 in a series-like manner in the circumferential direction. As a result, the rolling resistance of the rolling elements 6, 6 increases, and the force required to insert the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 into the rolling element installation space 7 from above increases. In contrast, in this example, a portion of the rolling elements 6, 6, which are gathered in one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, are moved one or more times from each side in the circumferential direction, thereby dividing the rolling elements 6, 6 into blocks of multiple elements. Therefore, the force required to insert the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 into the rolling element installation space 7 from above can be kept small. However, if there is sufficient force to insert a pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17, it is also possible to move some of the rolling elements 6, 6 that are gathered in one location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7 from only one side in the circumferential direction, thereby dividing the rolling elements 6, 6 into blocks of multiple units each.

[0027] After dividing the rolling elements 6, 6 into multiple blocks at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7, the pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 are then withdrawn from the rolling element installation space 7. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 11 follows the assembly line, indicated by arrow A in Figure 8. ３ Move it in the direction indicated, and then return it to its original position.

[0028] In the illustrated example, a pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17 are used to divide multiple rolling elements 6, 6 into blocks of multiple elements each at two locations in the circumferential direction. However, by using three or more block-dividing jigs, the rolling elements 6, 6 can also be divided into three or more blocks.

[0029] Next, the ball bearing 1 is moved by the transport mechanism 11 to the block division work position P shown in Figure 9. ２ Equal distribution work position P ３ The ball bearing 1 is transported to the block separation work position P. In this example, the rolling elements 6, 6 are divided into blocks of multiple units at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. Instead of a pair of block separation jigs 17, 17, partially arc-shaped displacement prevention members 13b, 13b are inserted into the circumferential gaps between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends of each block. In this state, the ball bearing 1 is transported to the block separation work position P. ２ Equal distribution work position P ３ The material is transported to the specified location. To achieve this, a support arm 15b is provided between adjacent transport arms 12c and 12d in the transport mechanism 11, and a disc portion 16b is provided at the tip of this support arm 15b. This disc portion 16b is positioned above the space between the tips of the transport arms 12c and 12d. Position displacement prevention members 13b, 13b are provided on the lower surface of the disc portion 16b, protruding downward from multiple circumferential points on the outer edge (in this example, two points that are approximately opposite each other in the radial direction). The circumferential width dimension of the position displacement prevention members 13b, 13b is approximately the same as the circumferential width dimension of a pair of block-dividing jigs 17, 17.

[0030] The ball bearing 1 is divided into blocks at position P. ２ Equal distribution work position P ３ When moving to [location], first, see arrow A in Figure 9. ４ As shown, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, approaching the workbench 10, and then displaced downwards. This moves the tips of the transport arms 12c and 12d of the transport mechanism 11 to the block division work position P ２The ball bearing 1 is placed on either side of the conveying arm 12c, 12d (so that the ball bearing 1 is positioned between the tips of adjacent conveying arms 12c, 12d). At the same time, the displacement prevention members 13b, 13b are inserted from above into the circumferential gaps between the rolling elements 6, 6 located at both ends of each block in the circumferential direction, so as to fill the respective circumferential gaps.

[0031] Next, the transport mechanism 11 is moved along the assembly line, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 9. １ As shown, it is slid by a predetermined amount. This causes the outer surface of the ball bearing 1 to be pushed by the side of the tip of the adjacent conveyor arm 12c, which is on the upstream side of the assembly line, and moves it on the workbench 10, thereby moving the ball bearing 1 to the equalized work position P ３ Transport to the equal-distributed work position P. Ball bearing 1 is moved to the equal-distributed work position P. ３ After transporting to the workbench, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced upward, and the displacement prevention members 13b, 13b are pulled out from the circumferential gap. At the same time, the transport arms 12c, 12d are moved away from both sides of the ball bearing 1, and the transport mechanism 11 is further displaced in a direction away from the workbench 10 in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, thereby moving the transport mechanism 11 away from the workbench 10.

[0032] Next, an equal distribution process is performed in which the rolling elements 6, 6, which are divided into blocks of multiple units, are placed at equal intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7. This equal distribution process is performed by inserting the teeth 19, 19 that constitute the comb-shaped cylindrical equal distribution jig 18 into the rolling element installation space 7 in the axial direction, as shown in Figure 2(E). The circumferential dimension between the circumferential sides of each tooth 19, 19 is approximately the same as the diameter of the rolling elements 6, 6. The tip surface of each tooth 19, 19 is an inclined surface (either a mountain shape with the circumferential center being the most prominent, or inclined upwards towards one or the other circumferential direction) so that it can guide the rolling elements 6, 6 to move within the rolling element installation space 7 as the equal distribution jig 18 is inserted into the rolling element installation space 7. Therefore, when the teeth 19, 19 constituting the equal-arrangement jig 18 are inserted axially into the rolling element installation space 7, the rolling elements 6, 6 are guided by the tip surfaces of the respective teeth 19, 19 and move within the rolling element installation space 7. Then, as shown in Figure 2(F), they are arranged at equal intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space 7.

[0033] As described above, once the rolling elements 6, 6 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the teeth 19, 19 of the equal-arrangement jig 18 are then withdrawn from the rolling element installation space 7. Then, a pair of cage elements 8, 8 are inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 from both axial sides and joined together with multiple rivets to form a cage 9, which holds the rolling elements 6, 6 so that they can roll freely, thus forming the ball bearing 1. When a crown-shaped cage is used as the cage, it is incorporated by inserting it through one axial opening in the rolling element installation space.

[0034] In the example described above, the ball collection work position P １ Block division work position P ２ When transporting to and at block division work position P ２ Equal distribution work position P ３When transporting the rolling elements 6, 6, positional displacement prevention members 13a and 13b are inserted into the circumferential gaps between them. This prevents the rolling elements 6, 6 from rolling around and becoming scattered or shifting position. In other words, their position is restricted so that they do not move in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the tasks of gathering the rolling elements 6, 6 in one circumferential location in the rolling element installation space 7 (ball gathering), dividing them into blocks of multiple elements each (block division), and arranging them at equal intervals in multiple circumferential locations (equal distribution) are performed at separate work locations P. １ ~P ３ This can be done. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1 above, the amount of work required in the process of arranging the rolling elements, which are otherwise at unequal intervals within the rolling element installation space, at equal intervals increases, and this process can be prevented from becoming a bottleneck in the rolling bearing assembly line, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the ball bearing 1.

[0035] When implementing the above-described example, the direction in which the displacement prevention members 13a, 13b, ball collecting jig 14, and block dividing jigs 17, 17 are inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 and the circumferential gap can be either upward or downward, as long as it is in the axial direction of the ball bearing 1. For example, the insertion directions of the ball collecting jig 14 and the displacement prevention member 13a can be set to opposite directions, and the displacement prevention member 13a can be inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 at the same time as the ball collecting jig 14 is withdrawn from the rolling element installation space 7. Specifically, for example, when performing the ball collecting process, the ball collecting jig 14 is inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 from below through the circular hole 20a of the workbench 10. After that, the ball bearing 1 is divided into blocks at the work position P ２To transport the balls, the transport mechanism 11 is displaced downward to move it to a predetermined position. In conjunction with this, the tip surface (lower end surface) of the displacement prevention member 13a presses against the tip surface (upper end surface) of the ball collecting jig 14, displacing the ball collecting jig 14 downward and pulling it out of the rolling element installation space 7, while simultaneously inserting the displacement prevention member 13a into the rolling element installation space 7. In this way, the ball collecting jig 14 is pulled out of the rolling element installation space 7, and at the same time, the displacement prevention member 13a is inserted into the rolling element installation space 7. This ensures that the rolling elements 6, 6 do not roll after the ball collecting jig 14 is pulled out and before the displacement prevention member 13a is inserted. Similarly, the insertion directions of the block-dividing jigs 17, 17 and the displacement prevention members 13b, 13b can be reversed, and the block-dividing jigs 17, 17 can be withdrawn from the rolling element installation space 7 while the displacement prevention members 13b, 13b are inserted into the rolling element installation space 7 at the same time.

[0036] In the equal arrangement process, after arranging the rolling elements 6, 6 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, a displacement prevention member is inserted into the circumferential gap between each rolling element 6, 6. In this state, the ball bearing 1 may be transported to the next work position, after which the displacement prevention member is removed and the cage 9 is assembled.

[0037] In one example of the embodiments described above, the present invention was explained in relation to the assembly work of a single-row deep groove radial ball bearing. However, the present invention is not limited to single-row deep groove ball bearings, but can also be applied to radial rolling bearings such as angular contact ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, and cylindrical roller bearings.

[0038] The method for transporting the rolling bearings along the assembly line is not limited to the method using the transport mechanism 11 described above, but can be any conventionally known method. For example, the rolling bearings may be transported by various conveyors or by suspension or lifting transport devices that grip and transport the bearings with a pair of arms.

[0039] Regarding the method of gathering the rolling elements at a single location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space, the method of arranging them in blocks of multiple elements each, or the method of arranging them at equal intervals, various conventionally known methods can be used, not limited to the methods described above. For example, as in the method described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a pair of arms may be used to gather the rolling elements (balls) at a single location in the circumferential direction of the rolling element installation space, or to divide them into blocks of multiple elements each.

[0040] In one example of the above embodiment, the ball collection work, block division work, and equal distribution work are all performed at separate work positions P. １ ~P ３ Although the method described above explains how to perform the work, the ball collection and block sorting operations can also be performed at a single work location. In this case, after performing the ball collection and block sorting operations at a single work location, the blocks are transported to the next work location with the displacement prevention members inserted into the circumferential gaps between the rolling elements located at both ends of the circumferential direction, and the equal distribution operation is performed. Alternatively, the block sorting and equal distribution operations can also be performed at a single work location. In this case, after performing the ball collection operation, the rolling elements gathered at one circumferential location are transported to the next work location with the displacement prevention members inserted into the circumferential gaps at both ends, and the block sorting and equal distribution operations are performed at a single work location. Alternatively, after performing the ball collection operation, the rolling elements gathered at one circumferential location are transported to the next work location with the displacement prevention members inserted into the circumferential gaps at both ends, and the ball collection operation can be performed without performing the block sorting operation.

[0041] The rolling element arrangement method for rolling bearings described above can be applied not only to rolling bearings but also to various types of machinery (including those with manual power sources). For example, it can be widely applied to vehicles, machine tools, and housing equipment, including various mechanisms such as electric power steering systems. The resulting machinery and vehicles can be constructed at a lower cost and with higher quality than conventional designs.

[0042] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-389 filed on January 5, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] 1. Ball bearing 2. Inner ring 3. Inner ring raceway 4. Outer ring 5. Outer ring raceway 6. Rolling elements 7. Space for installing rolling elements 9. Cage 13a, 13b. Misalignment prevention members

Claims

DEPCT6302 / 10 / 25621. A method for uniformly distributing the rolling elements of a rolling bearing by arranging a number of rolling elements with equal circumferential spacing in the rolling element mounting area between the inner ring raceways arranged on the outer edge surface of the inner ring and the outer ring raceways arranged on the inner edge surface of the outer ring, where such a method comprises: gathering the rolling elements at a specific circumferential area in the rolling element mounting area and conveying the rolling bearing to the next process via a conveying mechanism in a state where the anti-misalignment component of the conveying mechanism is inserted into the circumferential gaps available between the circumferential ends of the rolling elements gathered at a specific circumferential area in the rolling element mounting area.2.The method of uniformly distributing the rolling elements of a rolling bearing by arranging a number of rolling elements with equal circumferential spacing in the rolling element mounting area between the inner ring raceways, which are arranged on the outer edge surface of the inner ring, and the outer ring raceways, which are arranged on the inner edge surface of the outer ring, where such a method comprises: dividing the rolling elements into blocks, each block containing a number of rolling elements, arranging the blocks in a certain circumferential area in the rolling element mounting area, and conveying the rolling bearing to the next process via a conveying mechanism in a state where a misalignment prevention component of the conveying mechanism is inserted into the circumferential gaps available between the rolling elements at the circumferential ends of each block.

3. The method of uniformly distributing the rolling elements of a rolling bearing according to claim 1, where such rolling elements are spherical balls. 4.Methods for manufacturing assembled rolling bearings using methods for uniformly distributing the rolling elements of rolling bearings according to claim 15. Methods for manufacturing assembled machinery using methods for uniformly distributing the rolling elements of rolling bearings according to claim 16. Methods for manufacturing assembled vehicles using methods for uniformly distributing the rolling elements of rolling bearings according to claim 1-----------------------------------------------------------DEPCT631.A method for uniformly distributing the ball bearing elements is a technique for arranging a certain number of ball bearing elements with equal spacing in a certain circumferential area within the bearing mounting space between the inner ring raceway (arranged on the outer edge surface of the inner ring) and the outer ring raceway (arranged on the inner edge surface of the outer ring). This method comprises: gathering the ball bearing elements at a specific circumferential area within the bearing mounting space and transporting the bearing to the next process where a misalignment prevention component is inserted into the circumferential gaps between the ball bearing elements, positioned at the two circumferential ends of the ball bearing elements gathered in the circumferential area.A method for uniformly distributing the ball bearing elements of a ball bearing is a method for arranging a certain number of ball bearing elements with equal spacing in a certain circumferential area in the mounting area between the inner ring raceways, which are arranged on the outer edge surface of the inner ring, and the outer ring raceways, which are arranged on the inner edge surface of the outer ring. This method includes: dividing the ball bearing elements into blocks, each block containing a certain number of ball bearing elements, arranging the blocks in a certain circumferential area in the mounting area, and transporting the ball bearing to the next process in a state where anti-misalignment components are inserted into the circumferential gaps available between the ball bearing elements, which are positioned at the two circumferential ends of each block.

3. A method for uniformly distributing the ball bearing elements of a ball bearing according to claim 1 or 2, where the ball bearing elements are spherical balls. 4.

5. Manufacturing of assembled ball bearings using a method of uniformly distributing the ball bearing components according to one of the three claims (1-3).

6. Manufacturing of assembled machinery using a method of uniformly distributing the ball bearing components according to one of the three claims (1-3).

7. Manufacturing of assembled vehicles using a method of uniformly distributing the ball bearing components according to one of the three claims (1-3).

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