GB1288895A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1288895 Lapping ball bearings F STEINMETZ 10 May 1971 13969/71 Heading B3D A machine for lapping ball bearings comprises an inner member 10 having an outer frustoconical surface disposed within an outer member 18 having an inner frusto-conical surface, the members having their axes disposed in a vertical direction, one of the members having at least one spiral groove 33 in its surface, power means for rotating one of the members, and means for introducing ball bearings between the surfaces of the members. In one embodiment, the spiral groove 33 is formed on the outer .surface of the inner member which is supported by a shaft (12, Fig. 2, not shown) driven by a gear transmission (13) from a motor (12). The outer member is supported by brackets spaced around its circumference and connected to fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder devices which are operative to raise the outer member when desired. An element 32 may be secured to the outer member 18 to apply a lapping pressure or the devices may be double acting so as to lift the outer member or apply a lapping pressure by urging it downwardly. A lapping material or liquid may be supported to the space between the members from a nozzle 38. A receptacle 35 with a spout 36 feeds the ball bearings to the upper end of the inner member 10, centrifugal force caused by rotation of the member acting to urge the ball bearings so that they enter the spiral groove. At the lower end of the member, the ball bearings fall into a trough 34 which conveys them to an elevator 37 for transport to the receptacle for a further lapping operation. In another embodiment, the spiral groove is formed on the inner surface of the outer member.