JP2002046035A - Manufacturing method for wheel bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method capable of improving operating efficiency and productive efficiency and capable of easily changing a setup. SOLUTION: Assemblage and inspection are performed on a common system line in at least an assembling and inspecting process in order to manufacture a wheel bearing having the different type number including a different manufacturing process. A plurality of work stations are arranged on the line, and works conveyed on the line are distributed to corresponding work stations by a robot.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of types of wheel bearings.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Wheel bearings rotatably support wheels with respect to a vehicle body in an automobile or the like. Recently, there is a need for speeding up an automobile, saving energy, making it maintenance-free, and unitizing parts. Based on this, the structure of wheel bearings has also changed greatly from before.

[0003] From this transition, several types of wheel bearings of different generations are mixed in the wheel bearings currently supplied to the market.
These plural generations of wheel bearings are selected and used according to customer needs, and there is still a large demand for each generation of wheel bearings. Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture a certain amount or more of each generation of wheel bearings.

[0004]

Conventionally, each generation of wheel bearings is manufactured on a dedicated production line that is independent for each generation. However, there is a problem in terms of operating efficiency and production efficiency if all of the processes are performed on separate lines. Also, usually, the type of wheel bearing to be used is determined by the type of vehicle, and it is necessary to change the type of wheel bearing according to the type of vehicle, but under the situation where the type of vehicle changes frequently as in recent years, In addition, the life cycle of various wheel bearings tends to be shortened. Therefore, it is desired to provide a manufacturing method that is easy to change over and that meets this tendency.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a wheel bearing that can improve the operation efficiency and the production efficiency of a manufacturing system and can be easily set up.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wheel bearing in which double rows of rolling elements are incorporated between an inner member and an outer member. Is manufactured by performing assembly and inspection on a common system line at least in an assembly and inspection process.

Further, a plurality of work stations are arranged in parallel on the line, and a work conveyed on the line is
The robot is assigned to a corresponding work station by a robot.

[0008] The "different model number" includes, in addition to bearings having different generations of wheel bearings and dimensions and shapes of respective parts, a rotation type (inner ring rotation or outer ring rotation) and a target wheel (drive wheel or driven wheel). But bearings differing from each other are also included. “Manufacturing” includes inspection as well as assembly.

The above manufacturing method is schematically shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in this manufacturing method, different types of wheel bearings are caused to flow in a common system line L including a conveyor and the like. In the line L, a plurality of (two in the drawing) work stations S _A and S _B that perform different processes are arranged in parallel, and are transported by the system line L (in the drawing, from bottom to top in the drawing). model number of the work is distributed to the work station S _a ORS _B respectively corresponding. From such a configuration, it is possible to manufacture different types of wheel bearings including different manufacturing steps in a single system. Therefore, as compared with the case where the different model numbers are individually manufactured on a dedicated line as in the related art, the operation efficiency and the production efficiency can be improved and the trouble of the setup change can be reduced.

As shown, each work station S _A ,
The distribution to S _B can be performed by the robot R _A , thereby enabling the manufacturing system to be fully automated. Furthermore, it is possible to each work station S _A, also re-supply to the system the line L of the workpiece passing through the S _B performed by the robot R _B. In this way, sorting and resupply can be performed by separate robots R _A and R _B , or can be performed by one robot.

In this manufacturing method, wheel bearings of different model numbers can be mixed, or wheel bearings of different model numbers can be batch-produced for each model number, and in any case, a single system can be manufactured. Becomes

As wheel bearings having different model numbers, for example,
Two or more types of wheel bearings selected from the first generation, the second generation, the third S generation, and the fourth generation can be given. In this case, balls are mainly used as rolling elements, but other rolling elements, for example, tapered rollers, can also be used.

A first-generation wheel bearing is an inner member formed by abutting an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner peripheral surface and two inner rings each having a raceway surface on the outer periphery. And a plurality of rolling elements arranged in multiple rows with a contact angle between the multiple rows of raceways of the outer race and the raceway of the inner race.

A second-generation wheel bearing is an inner member formed by abutting an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner peripheral surface and two inner rings each having a raceway surface on the outer periphery. And a plurality of rolling elements arranged in a double row with a contact angle between a raceway surface of the outer ring and a raceway surface of the inner ring, and a flange is provided on an outer periphery of the outer ring. When the flange of the outer ring is for mounting on the vehicle body, the inner ring rotates and the hub is fitted on the inner periphery of the inner member. When the flange of the outer ring is for mounting a wheel, the outer ring rotates, and an axle fits on the inner periphery of the inner member.

The third S generation wheel bearing includes an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on the inner periphery, a hub having an outer raceway on the outer periphery, and an inner raceway on the outer periphery. And an inner member composed of an inner ring fitted to the outer periphery of the inner end of the hub, and assembled between a double-row raceway surface of the outer member and a raceway surface of the inner member. And a wheel mounting flange is provided on the outer periphery of the hub, and a vehicle body mounting flange is provided on the outer circumference of the outer ring.

The fourth-generation wheel bearing includes an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on the inner periphery, a hub having an outer raceway on the outer periphery, and an inner raceway on the outer periphery. An inner member formed of a joint outer ring fitted with the hub; and a double row rolling element incorporated between a double row raceway surface of the outer member and a raceway surface of the inner member. And a wheel mounting flange is provided on the outer circumference of the hub, and a vehicle body mounting flange is provided on the outer circumference of the outer ring.

As a plurality of parallel work stations,
A combination of a shrink fitting station and a rotary fitting station of the inner race, or a combination of a nut tightening station and a crimping station of the inner race can be considered.

In the above manufacturing method, a step of inserting a ball cassette on the outer side and the inner side, and a step of inserting a grease and a seal on the outer side and the inner side can be provided.

At least one of the parallel work stations may be passed through without performing any special work.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
A description will be given based on FIG.

The wheel bearing has a plurality of rolling elements disposed between an inner member and an outer member, one of which is fixed to a wheel, and the other of which is fixed to a suspension device or the like on the vehicle body side. And has a role of rotatably supporting the wheels with respect to the vehicle body. As mentioned above, this type of wheel bearing
The structure has changed, and can now be roughly divided into several types of generations. Hereinafter, the structure of each generation of wheel bearings will be outlined, but in the following description, when the wheel bearings are mounted on the vehicle body, a portion (the right side in FIGS. 22 to 25) that is located in the center in the width direction of the vehicle body is referred to as “ The portion (the left side in FIGS. 22 to 25) on the side in the width direction of the vehicle body is referred to as “outer”.

FIG. 22 shows a so-called first generation wheel bearing. This wheel bearing is constituted by a unitized double row angular contact ball bearing (denoted as "A / U"), and has an outer ring 1 as an outer member having a double row raceway surface 1a on an inner peripheral surface; An inner member 4 having two inner rings 2 and 3 abutting and arranged with raceways 2a and 3a on the outer periphery of each inner ring 2 and 3, and opposing raceways 1a, 2a and 3a of the inner rings 2 and 3 and the outer ring 1. It comprises a plurality of balls 5 arranged in multiple rows with a contact angle therebetween, and a retainer 6 for holding the balls 5 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Grease (which may be lubricating oil) is sealed inside the bearing as a lubricant, and both ends of the bearing are sealed with seal devices 7, 8 in order to prevent leakage of the grease and entry of foreign matter into the bearing. Each is sealed. The wheel bearing is attached to the vehicle body by, for example, fitting and fixing a hub (not shown) to the inner circumferences of the inner rings 2 and 3 and further fixing the outer ring 1 to a housing or the like of a suspension device.

FIG. 23 shows a so-called second-generation wheel bearing (denoted as "2-H / B"). This wheel bearing is provided with a flange 1b on the outer periphery of an outer ring 1 as an outer member.
And the flange 1b is attached to a wheel (for outer ring rotation) or a vehicle body (for inner ring rotation), and other configurations are basically the same as those of the first generation wheel bearing (FIG. 22). It is. FIG. 23 shows a structure of outer ring rotation attached to the vehicle body.

FIG. 24 shows a so-called third S generation wheel bearing (referred to as "3S-H / B"). This means that the inner member 4 is formed by the hub 9 and the inner race 10 fitted to the outer periphery of the inner end of the hub 9, and the inner member 4 has a plurality of raceways 10 a, 9 a on the outer side. The raceway surface 9a is formed on the outer periphery of the hub 9, and the inner raceway surface 10a is formed on the outer periphery of the inner race 10. In the illustrated example, a flange 9b provided on the outer periphery of the hub 9 is attached to the wheel via a hub bolt 11, and a flange 1b provided on the outer periphery of the outer ring 1 as an outer member is attached to the vehicle body. Serrations are formed on the inner periphery of the hub 9 and are serrated with a stem of a constant velocity universal joint (not shown), and rotation of the constant velocity universal joint is transmitted to the wheels via the hub 9. Reference numeral 9e indicates a pilot portion fitted to the wheel inner diameter surface. In addition, the points that the balls 5 are arranged in a double row and are held by the retainer 6 and the both ends of the bearing are sealed devices 7 and 8.
Is similar to the first and second generation wheel bearings (FIGS. 22 and 23).

FIG. 25 shows a so-called fourth-generation wheel bearing (denoted as "4-H / B"). This wheel bearing is a unit in which the bearing and the outer ring 14 of the constant velocity universal joint 13 are integrally formed as a unit. Of the double row raceway surfaces 9a and 14a of the inner member 4 composed of the hub 9 and the joint outer ring 14, The raceway surface 9a is formed on the outer periphery of the hub 9 which is serrated and connected to the joint outer race 14, and the inner raceway surface 14a is formed on the outer periphery of the joint outer race 14. A flange 9b provided on the outer periphery of the hub 9 is attached to the wheel via a hub bolt 11, and a flange 1b provided on the outer periphery of the outer ring 1 as an outer member is attached to the vehicle body. The point that the balls 5 are arranged in a double row and are held by the retainer 6 and that both ends of the bearing are sealed by the sealing devices 7 and 8 are the first to third S generations shown in FIGS. It is the same as the wheel bearing.

In the wheel bearings of each generation described above, a crown-shaped cage having a plurality of elastically deformable "ones" is usually used as the cage 6. In this cage, the ball can be easily accommodated in the pocket by pushing the ball from one side in the axial direction of the cage (opening side of the cage pocket).

In the above description, the inner member 4 and the outer member 1
Although the case where the ball 5 is used as the rolling element disposed between them has been described, a tapered roller may be used as the rolling element. As the wheel bearings in which the angular ball bearings are replaced with tapered roller bearings, those corresponding to the first generation (T / U) and those corresponding to the second generation (HUR) are known. . 22, 24, and 25 show the wheel bearings for the drive wheels as the first generation, the third S generation, and the fourth generation, but the driven wheel is used as the first and third S generation wheel bearings. For those known for. Normally, wheel bearings for drive wheels are used for inner ring rotation, while wheel bearings for driven wheels are used for either inner ring rotation or outer ring rotation.

The method of manufacturing a wheel bearing according to the present invention is applied to the manufacture of at least two or more of the various bearings described above. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is mainly applied to the manufacture of first to third S-generation wheel bearings shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 will be described.

In this manufacturing method, as shown in FIG. 1, an outer ring 1 is supplied from an outer ring groove measuring step, and this is supplied to a ball cassette inserting step, an inner ring 2, 3 assembling step, an outer grease / seal inserting step, a hub 9 Insertion process, inner ring 1
0 press-fitting process, inner grease sealing process,
And a step of fixing the inner ring 10 to assemble each generation of wheel bearings. The order in which these steps pass depends on the generation of the wheel bearing, and some of the wheel bearings of some generations pass through some of the steps.

The outer ring groove measuring step is a step of measuring the inner diameter dimensions (groove diameter measurement) of the inner and outer raceway surfaces 1a processed and finished in the respective manufacturing steps, as shown in FIG. The robot R1 and the measuring jig 21
And a storage unit 23. The outer ring 1 carried in from each manufacturing process via the carry-in conveyor 25 is conveyed to the measuring position of the measuring jig 21 by the robot R1.
The structure of the measuring jig 21 can be arbitrarily selected as long as the inner diameter of the raceway surface 1a can be measured. For example, as shown in the figure, a plurality of measurement balls 22 are provided on the outer and inner raceway surfaces 1a. Is pressed, and the distance between the measurement balls 22 is read to perform measurement. The outer ring 1 after the groove diameter measurement is arranged and arranged in the storage unit 23 by the robot R1 in a state where the outer ring 1 is grouped according to a deviation width from the reference dimension. NG with groove dimensions out of specification
The product is conveyed to the NG conveyor 27 by the robot R1 and discharged out of the line.

In this step, master calibration (zero point adjustment) of the measuring jig 21 is periodically performed. In this embodiment, the master work 29 required for master calibration is performed.
Is transported to the measurement position of the measurement jig 21 using the robot R1. That is, when the predetermined master calibration timing is reached, the robot R1
However, the master work 29 arranged in the periphery is grasped and extrapolated to the measurement jig 21 to perform the master calibration of the measurement jig 21. This master calibration is, for example, 5 cycles for the first 30 minutes after the start of the cycle by starting the production system.
It is performed every minute, and thereafter every 30 minutes.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the outer ring groove measuring process.

Although the above description has been made with respect to the measurement of the groove diameter of the outer ring 1, the same applies to other components having a raceway surface, for example, members such as the inner rings 2, 3, 10 and the hub 9. A groove diameter measurement is performed.

The outer ring 1 having undergone the outer ring groove measuring step is carried into the ball cassette placing step via the carry-in conveyor 31 as shown in FIG. In the ball cassette inserting step, two working stations, namely, an assembling station S2A for assembling the ball cassette 15 by incorporating the balls 5 as rolling elements into the retainer 6, and an assembling ball cassette 15 on the inner periphery of the outer race 1 are assembled. And a built-in station S2B.

The assembling station S2A includes a ball hopper 33 for storing the ball 5, a two-way robot 35, a ball fixed jig 37, a storage unit 39 for storing the holder 6 in an aligned state, and an assembling robot R2A. Are arranged.
The two-way robot 35 moves a receiving table 35a for receiving a predetermined number of balls 5 in a direction approaching / separating from the ball hopper 33 and in a direction orthogonal thereto. The ball hopper 33 divides the balls 5 into groups according to their finishing dimensions (in FIG. 4, seven groups are illustrated), and stores the balls 5 by separating them into groups (in FIG. 4, only one group of balls). Is illustrated). The ball distributing jig 37 includes a plurality of concave ball storage portions 37 arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals on a plane thereof.
a is provided in two sets.

The two-way robot 35 receives the ball 5 selected in the matching process from the ball hopper 33 and supplies it to the ball fixed jig 37. The matching process is a process in which a calculation process is performed based on the groove diameters of the outer race 1, the inner races 2, 3, 10, and the hub 9 to be combined to select a ball dimension that aims at a predetermined axial clearance.
At this time, a large number of outer races 1 having known groove dimensions are prepared in the storage unit 23 (see FIG. 2), and the distribution curve is sequentially selected from the endmost one to perform arithmetic processing (race matching). Thereby, the matching rate of the outer ring 1 can be improved.

The ball 5 supplied to the ball fixed jig 37
Are dispersed in the plane and accommodated one by one in each ball accommodating portion 37a, thereby forming two sets (outer side and inner side) of ball groups arranged in the circumferential direction.

When the regular arrangement of the balls 5 is completed, the assembling robot R2A grips and turns the holder 6 of the storage unit 39, and moves any of the ball groups, for example, the outer side ball group, to the pocket opening side of the holder 6. , And each ball 5 is pushed into the pocket of the retainer 6 to produce the outer-side ball cassette 15. The ball cassette 15 is transferred by the assembling robot R2A to one of a pair of supports 41 and 42 provided at the installation station S2B. As shown in FIG. 5, a pin 44 pressed by an elastic member 43 is provided on each of the support portions 41 and 42. The pin 44 supports a part of the ball cassette 15 in the circumferential direction, so that the ball cassette 15 Is supported in an inclined state.

Next, the ball cassette 15 on the inner side is manufactured in the same procedure, transported to the other receiving portion 42 of the installation station S2B by the assembly robot R2A, and supported in an inclined state.

When the outer and inner ball cassettes 15 are prepared, the loading robot R2B of the loading station S2B moves the loading conveyor 3 as shown in FIG.
1, the outer ring 1 is gripped, and either the inner side or the outer side opening of the outer ring 1, for example, the outer side opening is formed on the outer periphery of the outer side ball cassette 15 supported by the support portion 41. Push in. As the outer ring 1 is pushed in, the ball on the inclined upper side of the ball cassette 15 first fits on the outer raceway surface 1a of the outer ring 1. Thereafter, when the outer race 1 is further pushed in, the ball cassette 15 gradually assumes a horizontal posture while compressing the elastic member 43, so that all the balls 5 are accommodated in the outer-side raceway surface 1a. Installation is completed. After that, the outer race 1 is turned 180 ° by the built-in robot R2B, and the inner-side ball cassette 15 supported by the support portion 42 is mounted on the inner-side raceway surface 1a of the outer race 1 by the same procedure. The outer ring assembly 45 having been assembled as described above is transferred onto the carry-out conveyor 47 by the incorporating robot R2B.

The above steps are performed for the first and third S generations (A
/ U, 2-H / B inner ring rotation, 3S-H / B) is applied when the outer ring 1 is carried in.

On the other hand, the second generation (2-H /
In the outer ring 1 of the outer ring rotation of B), a step may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring on the outer side with respect to the outer raceway surface 1a. In this case, in the same procedure as above, due to interference with the step,
Since there is a possibility that the assembling of the outer-side ball cassette 15 may become difficult, in such a case, it is preferable to assemble the outer-side ball cassette 15 inside the outer race 1 as described below.

That is, first, the second generation outer race 1 conveyed by the carry-in conveyor 31 is conveyed to the second assembly station S2C (see FIG. 4) by the built-in robot R2B. Next, the retainer 6 is taken out of the storage unit 49 for storing the retainer 6, and is externally inserted into the retainer receiver 51 as shown in FIG. Next, the retainer receiver 51 is inserted into the inner periphery of the outer race 1, and the outer periphery of the retainer 6 is opposed to the outer raceway surface 1 a of the outer race 1 (upper side in the drawing). At this time, the retainer 6
It is inserted into the outer race 1 with the pocket opening side facing the outer side. Thereafter, the ball 5 supplied from the ball hopper 53 (see FIG. 4) is circumferentially arranged by the ball regular dispensing jig 55 having the ball accommodating portion 37a, and the ball feeder is maintained while maintaining the regular arrangement state. Ball 5 on the inner circumference of outer ring 1 at 57
Supply. Thereafter, the pushing jig 59 is inserted from the outer side of the outer ring 1, and each ball 5 is pushed into the pocket of the retainer 6. As a result, the column of the retainer 6 is elastically deformed to receive each ball 5 in the pocket.
Fits on the outer raceway surface 1a of the outer race 1, and the assembly of the outer ball cassette 15 is completed.

On the other hand, the inner-side ball cassette 15 in this case can be assembled on the inner periphery of the outer race 1 in the same procedure as in the first and third S generations. That is, after the ball cassette 15 is supported in an inclined state by the support portion 41 or 42 of the assembling station S2A, the inner side opening of the outer race 1 is pushed into the outer periphery of the ball cassette 15, and the assembly of the inner side ball cassette 15 is completed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the above-described ball cassette insertion step. As shown in the figure, a fourth generation wheel bearing (4-H / B) can be flowed as a wheel bearing in this manufacturing system. In this case, the first generation (A / U) and the third S Generation (3S-H /
The ball cassette insertion step can be performed in the same assembly procedure as in B).

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9A, the outer race assembly 45 that has passed the ball cassette inserting step is moved into the inner race 2 by the carry-in conveyor 61 following the carry-out conveyor 47.
(3). In addition, the outer race assembly 45 of the third S generation goes through this inner race assembling step.

In this step, a shrink-fitting station S3A for shrink-fitting the inner races 2, 3 and a rotational fitting station S3B for rotating-fitting the inner races 2, 3 are provided in parallel. A robot R3 is disposed between the work stations S3A and S3B, and the first generation outer ring assembly 45 is shrink-fitted to the robot R3 by the robot R3.
Next, the second-generation outer ring assemblies 45 are distributed to the rotational fitting stations S3B. Loading conveyor 61
When the outer ring assembly 45 of the third S generation is conveyed, the robot R3 grasps the assembly 45 and transfers it to the carry-out conveyor 63 as it is, so that the inner ring assembling process is skipped.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the shrink-fitting station S3A includes an actuator 65 and an outer ring assembly 45.
And heating means 67 (for example, a heating coil) for heating the inner ring, and two inner ring receiving stands 69. The outer race assembly 45 of the first generation is transferred from above the carry-in conveyor 61 to above the actuator 65 by the robot R3, and further inserted into the inner circumference of the heating coil 67 by the advance operation of the actuator 65 to be heated. On the other hand, the outer and inner inner races 2 and 3 conveyed by the inner race conveyor 71 (FIG. A) from a manufacturing process (not shown) are placed on the cradle 69 by the robot R3 or by appropriate transfer means (not shown). Is done. When the outer ring assembly 45 is heated to a predetermined temperature, the robot R3 transfers the outer ring assembly 45 onto the receiving base 69, and first presses one outer ring opening (for example, the inner side) against the one inner ring 2 to cause the inner ring 2 to move. Into the inner circumference of the outer ring assembly 45,
The outer ring 1 is inverted by 0 ° and the other outer ring opening (for example, the outer side) is pressed against the other inner ring 3, and the inner ring 3 is pushed into the outer side inner periphery of the outer ring 1. During the reversal of the outer ring 1, it is desirable to hold the inner ring 2 with an appropriate jig so that the inner ring 2 fitted earlier does not fall off. After assembling both the inner races 2 and 3 into the outer race assembly 45 in this way, the robot R3 transfers the completed bearing assembly 73 onto the carry-out conveyor 63.

On the other hand, a rotary fitting station S3B shown in FIG. 9C is provided with a rotating mechanism (not shown) for rotating while holding the outer ring assembly 45, and inner rings 2 and 3 on the outer and inner sides, respectively. And a pair of pushing means 75 (only the inner pushing means 75 is shown in the drawing). The outer ring assembly 45 on the carry-in conveyor 61 is transferred to a rotating mechanism by the robot R3, and is rotated while being held by the rotating mechanism. By pushing the inner races 2 and 3 into the inner periphery of the outer race assembly 45 by the pushing means 75 while the outer race assembly 45 is rotating, the raceways 2a and 3 of the inner races 2 and 3 are pushed.
Each ball 5 is accommodated in a, and the incorporation of both inner rings 2 and 3 into the outer ring assembly 45 is completed. The completed bearing assembly 73 is transferred onto the unloading conveyor 63 by the robot R3.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned inner ring assembling process. As shown in the figure, this step includes wheel bearings other than the first and second generations, for example, the fourth generation (4-H / B) and the first generation (T / U) of the tapered bearing unit. And a second generation (HUR), in which case the work station S
It is necessary to separately install an inner ring insertion station in parallel with 3A and S3B. As described above, the third S generation wheel bearing (3S-H / B) passes through the inner ring assembling step, and the inner ring 10 is press-fitted in the inner ring press-fitting step described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the first and second generations (A / U, 2-H /
B) and the third S generation (3S
-H / B) is assembled by the robot R4.
A work station S4 for performing an outer grease / seal insertion process from the carry-in conveyor 77 following the carry-out conveyor 63.
Transported to In this work station S4, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, grease is supplied from the grease nozzle 79 to the outer space in the bearing assembly 73, and the outer seal member 8 is press-fitted into the outer inner circumference of the outer race 1 by the seal press-fitting machine 81.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the first and second generation assemblies (A / A
U, 2-H / B) is transported by the robot R4 to a work station S7 that performs an inner grease / seal insertion step. At this work station S7, as shown in FIG. 12 (the drawing shows a third S generation described later), the bearing assembly 73 is
Is filled with grease, and the inner seal member 7 is press-fitted by the seal press-fitting machine 85 into the inner circumference of the bearing assembly 73. The wheel bearing that has gone through this step is transferred onto the unloading conveyor 86 by the robot R4, and is transferred to the next step such as an inspection step.

On the other hand, the third S generation bearing assembly (3S
-H / B), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, a work station S for performing an outer grease / seal insertion step.
From No. 4, it is transported by the robot R4 to the work station S5 where the step of inserting the hub 9 is performed. As shown in FIG. 10, this process includes the conveyor 87
The hub 9 is supplied via the
Is inserted into the inner periphery of the bearing assembly 73 by the robot R4 as shown in FIG. 13 (or the bearing assembly 73 is inserted into the outer periphery of the hub 9).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the third S-generation bearing assembly 73 that has undergone the hub insertion step is transported by the robot R4 to the work station S6 in which the inner ring 10 is press-fitted. This work station S6
As shown in FIG. 14, the inner ring 10 conveyed via the conveyor 89 from the manufacturing process is press-fitted into the inner opening of the bearing assembly 73 held by the robot R4 by the press-fitting machine 91.

The third S generation bearing assembly 73 that has undergone the press-fitting process of the inner ring 10 is transported to the work station S7 for performing the above-described inner grease / seal inserting process, where the inner grease is filled and the inner seal member 7 is attached. Done.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the above steps 1 to 3. As shown in the figure, for example, when the 4th generation (4-H / B) or the first generation (T / U) of the tapered bearing unit flows through the line, the first generation (A / U) or These can be assembled along the same route as the second generation (2-H / B). In the case of the fourth generation, it is necessary to add a step of inserting the hub ring 9 (corresponding to the above step) and a step of inserting the outer ring of the constant velocity universal joint after the step of inserting the inner grease and the seal. .

The third-S generation bearing assembly 73 is conveyed to the inner ring 10 fixing step after passing through the inner grease sealing step. This process involves the hub 9 and the inner ring 10
As shown in FIG. 15, the bearing assembly 73 carried in by the carry-in conveyor 93 following the carry-out conveyor 86 in the step of combining the two work stations (the nut tightening station S8A and the caulking station S8A) arranged in parallel by the robot R8. S8B).

The nut tightening station S8A is a step of connecting the hub 9 and the inner ring 10 using a nut 15 as shown in FIG. 16, and for example, a nut runner 9c formed at the inner end of the hub 9 This is performed by tightening the nut 15 at 95 or the like. The tightening force of the nut 15 prevents the inner ring 10 from falling off, and applies a predetermined preload to the bearing portion of the wheel bearing. In addition,
FIG. 16 illustrates a wheel bearing for a driven wheel, unlike the wheel bearing shown in FIG. 24, as a third S-generation wheel bearing.

On the other hand, the caulking station S8B is
As shown in the figure, in a step of caulking a cylindrical portion 9d formed in advance at the inner end of the hub 9 to the outer diameter side, the inner ring 10 and the hub 9 are plastically connected inseparably, and a predetermined Is applied. The caulking method is optional, but for example, so-called swing caulking, in which the punch 97 is swung with respect to the center of the bearing (shaving motion) and the cylindrical portion 9d is pressed against the outer diameter side as shown in the figure, is employed. be able to.

The bearing assembly 73 that has passed through both stations S8A and S8B is transferred to the carry-out conveyor 99 by the robot R8, and transported to the next step such as an inspection step.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the above inner ring fixing step. As shown in the figure, the process may be skipped even with the third S generation wheel bearing.

FIG. 20 shows additional steps other than those described above. FIG. 20 (A) shows the first and second generation wheel bearings connected to prevent separation of the two inner rings 2 and 3. FIG. (B) shows a process for arranging a ring (not shown).
In the third S-generation wheel bearing, the flange 9b of the hub 9 is used.
FIG. (C) shows a process for mounting a pulsar ring (not shown) on the rotating side for detecting the rotation speed of the wheel, and FIG. The process of applying grease for rust prevention to the pilot portion 9e (see FIG. 24) on the outer side of the hub 9 to be fitted to the wheel in the S-generation wheel bearing is shown.
As shown in the drawings (A) to (D), each step can be skipped as necessary.

As described above, according to the present invention, each generation of wheel bearings and their components are shared by a common system line (including the carry-in conveyors 25, 31, 61, 777 and the like, and the carry-out conveyors 47, 63, 86, etc.). In this manufacturing method, wheel bearings of each generation are mixed in the system line, or wheel bearings of different generations are batch-produced for each generation (for example, several hundred to several thousand pieces are continuously produced). Flow
The same can be applied to such a case.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least the wheel bearings or their components of each generation are assembled or inspected at least on a common system line. Compared to when
It can reduce the trouble of changing the setup due to the change of the vehicle type, improve the operation rate and production efficiency, and further reduce the cost, and manufacture various wheel bearings with different model numbers by a single system. be able to.

By arranging a plurality of work stations in parallel on a system line and allocating a work conveyed on the line to a corresponding work station by a robot, the manufacturing process can be completely automated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view conceptually showing a manufacturing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer ring groove measuring step.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a flowchart of an outer ring groove measuring step.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a ball cassette insertion step.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the installation station S2B partially sectioned.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing a second assembly station S2C.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a flowchart of a ball cassette insertion step.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a flowchart of an inner ring assembling step.

9A is a plan view of an inner ring assembling step, and FIG.
The figure is a sectional view of the shrink fitting station S3A, and the figure (C) is a sectional view of the rotary fitting station S3B.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of an outer grease / seal insertion step to an inner grease / seal insertion step.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an outer grease / seal insertion step.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing an inner grease / sealing step.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a station S5 in a hub insertion step.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a station S6 in an inner ring press fitting process.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a step of fixing the inner race.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a nut fastening station S8A.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a caulking station S8B.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a flowchart of an outer grease / seal insertion step to an inner grease / seal insertion step.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a flowchart of an inner ring fixing step.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a flowchart of another accompanying process.

FIG. 21 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a first-generation wheel bearing.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a second-generation wheel bearing.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a third-S generation wheel bearing.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a fourth-generation wheel bearing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer member (outer ring) 2 Inner ring 3 Inner ring 4 Inner member 5 Rolling element (ball) R Robot L System line S Work station S3A Shrink fitting station S3B Rotation fitting station S8A Nut tightening station S8B Caulking station Ball cassette loading process Outer Grease / seal insertion process Inner grease / seal insertion process

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) F16C 43/04 F16C 43/04 (72) Inventor Akihiro Matsunaga 1578 Higashikaizuka, Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture (72) Inventor Mutsumi Ito 1578 Higashikaizuka, Iwata-shi, Shizuoka F-term in NTN Corporation (reference) 3C030 AA10 CA12 DA01 DA02 DA08 DA11 DA17 DA23 DA25 DA26 3J017 HA04 3J101 AA02 AA43 AA54 AA62 AA72 GA03

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A method of manufacturing a wheel bearing in which double rows of rolling elements are incorporated between an inner member and an outer member, at least assembling in order to manufacture different types of wheel bearings including different manufacturing steps. A method of manufacturing a wheel bearing, wherein the wheel bearing is manufactured by assembling and inspecting on a common system line in an inspection process. 2. A method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of work stations are arranged in parallel on the line, and a work conveyed on the line is distributed to a corresponding work station by a robot. . 3. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein wheel bearings of different model numbers are mixed on the line. 4. The method of manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein wheel bearings having different model numbers are batch-produced for each different model number on the line. 5. The wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein the wheel bearings of different model numbers include two or more generation wheel bearings selected from a first generation, a second generation, a third S generation, and a fourth generation. Manufacturing method. 6. The wheel bearing comprises: an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner peripheral surface; and an inner member formed by abutting two inner races each having a raceway surface on the outer periphery. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of rolling elements arranged in a double row with a contact angle between a raceway surface of the outer ring and a raceway surface of the inner ring. 7. The wheel bearing comprises: an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner peripheral surface; and an inner member formed by abutting two inner races each having a raceway surface on the outer periphery. A plurality of rolling elements arranged in a double row with a contact angle between a raceway surface of the outer race and a raceway surface of the inner race, and a flange is provided on an outer periphery of the outer race. 1 to
6. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to 5. 8. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 7, wherein the flange of the outer ring is for mounting on a vehicle body. 9. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 7, wherein the flange of the outer ring is for mounting a wheel. 10. The wheel bearing comprises: an outer race as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner periphery; a hub having an outer raceway on an outer periphery; and an inner raceway on an outer periphery. An inner member composed of an inner race fitted to the outer periphery of the inner end of the hub; and a plurality of races incorporated between a raceway surface of the double row of the outer member and a raceway surface of the inner member. The method of manufacturing a wheel bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a row of rolling elements, a wheel mounting flange provided on an outer periphery of the hub, and a vehicle body mounting flange provided on an outer periphery of the outer ring. 11. The wheel bearing comprises: an outer ring as an outer member having a double row of raceways on an inner periphery; a hub having an outer raceway on an outer periphery; and an inner raceway on an outer periphery. An inner member composed of the hub and a joint outer ring fitted with the hub; and a double-row rolling element incorporated between a double-row raceway surface of the outer member and a raceway surface of the inner member. The method of manufacturing a wheel bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a wheel mounting flange is provided on an outer periphery of the hub, and a vehicle body mounting flange is provided on an outer periphery of the outer ring. 12. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein the parallel working stations include a shrink-fitting station and a rotary-fitting station of the inner race. 13. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein the parallel working stations include a nut tightening station and a caulking station for the inner ring. 14. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, further comprising a ball cassette inserting step. 15. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, further comprising a grease sealing step. 16. The method for manufacturing a wheel bearing according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the parallel working stations is passed through. 17. The method according to claim 5, wherein the rolling element is a ball.