JP4644960B2

JP4644960B2 - Assembly method for automotive hub unit

Info

Publication number: JP4644960B2
Application number: JP2001087749A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英男大内
Original assignee: NSK Ltd
Current assignee: NSK Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-26
Filing date: 2001-03-26
Publication date: 2011-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-26
Also published as: JP2002283805A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、自動車の車輪を懸架装置に対して回転自在に支持する為の自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法の改良に関し、組立作業の能率化を可能にする事により、コストの低減を図るものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動車の車輪は懸架装置に対して、転がり軸受により回転自在に支持する。又、重量の嵩む自動車の車輪は、複列円すいころ軸受により、懸架装置に対して回転自在に支持する。この様な、複列円すいころ軸受を組み込んだ自動車用ハブユニットとして、特開２０００−６５０４９号公報には、図９〜１０に示す様な構造が記載されている。この自動車用ハブユニット１は、ハブ本体２と、このハブ本体２に外嵌固定した内輪３と、これらハブ本体２及び内輪３の周囲に配置した外輪４と、これらハブ本体２及び内輪３の外周面と外輪４の内周面との間に設けた複数個の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂと、上記外輪４の軸方向両端部内周面と上記ハブ本体２の中間部外周面及び上記内輪３の軸方向内端部（軸方向に関して内とは、自動車への組み付け状態で幅方向中央寄りとなる側。本明細書全体で同じ。）外周面との間を密封する１対のシールリング６ａ、６ｂとから成る。
【０００３】
このうちのハブ本体２は、軸方向外端部（軸方向に関して外とは、自動車への組み付け状態で幅方向外寄りとなる側。本明細書全体で同じ。）外周面に車輪を支持する為のフランジ７を形成している。又、上記ハブ本体２の中間部外周面には、第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する為の、円すい凸面状の第一の内輪軌道９を、直接形成している。更に、上記ハブ本体２の内端部外周面には、小径段部１０を設けている。この小径段部１０の外周面は、上記ハブ本体２と同心の円筒面としている。又、図９の例は、駆動輪を支持する為の自動車用ハブユニット１を示しており、この為に上記ハブ本体２の中心部に、駆動軸の端部をスプライン係合させる為のスプライン孔１１を設けている。
【０００４】
又、上記内輪３は、第二列の円すいころ軸受１２を構成する為の、円すい凸面状の第二の内輪軌道１３を外周面に形成しており、上記ハブ本体２の小径段部１０に外嵌固定している。この第二の内輪軌道１３の傾斜方向と上記第一の内輪軌道９の傾斜方向とは、互いに逆にしている。又、上記内輪３の内端部は、この内輪３の外端面を上記小径段部１０の段差面１４に突き当てた状態で、上記ハブ本体２の内端面よりも少しだけ突出する。自動車への組み付け状態で、この様にハブ本体２から突出した、上記内輪３の内端部の端面には、等速ジョイントの端面、或は駆動軸の端部に形成した段部等が突き当たり、上記内輪３が上記小径段部１０から抜け出る事を防止する。
【０００５】
又、上記外輪４の内周面には、上記第一、第二列の円すいころ軸受８、１２を構成する為の、それぞれが円すい凹面状の第一、第二の外輪軌道１５、１６を形成している。これら第一、第二の外輪軌道１５、１６の傾斜方向は、上記第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３に合わせて、互いに逆としている。又、上記外輪４の外周面の軸方向中間部には、この外輪４を図示しない懸架装置に対し固定する為の、外向フランジ状の取付部１７を設けている。
【０００６】
又、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの一部（図９の左側半分）の円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、第一の保持器１８により転動自在に保持した状態で、上記第一の内輪軌道９と上記第一の外輪軌道１５との間に配置している。これに対して、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの残部（図９の右側半分）の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂは、第二の保持器１９により転動自在に保持した状態で、上記第二の内輪軌道１３と上記第二の外輪軌道１６との間に配置している。
【０００７】
そして、上記第一の保持器１８は、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａを保持した状態で、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが直径方向内方に脱落するのを防止する。この為に上記第一の保持器１８は、弾性を有する合成樹脂を射出成形する事により、図１１〜１２に示す様に、全体を部分円すい筒状に形成し、円周方向に関してポケット２０、２０と柱部２１、２１とを交互に設けている。上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、上記各ポケット２０、２０内に転動自在に配置している。
【０００８】
又、上記各柱部２１、２１の外周面は、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａのピッチ円αよりも直径方向外方に、同じく内周面はこのピッチ円αよりも直径方向内方に、それぞれ位置させている。そして、上記ポケット２０、２０の外径側、内径側両開口部の円周方向に関する幅を、外径側で上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの直径よりも十分に小さく、内径側でこの直径よりも少しだけ小さくしている。従って、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａを上記各ポケット２０、２０内に収納する作業は、上記第一の保持器１８の内径側から、上記各柱部２１、２１を円周方向に弾性変形させつつ行なう。円周方向に隣り合う柱部２１、２１は、収納作業の際には、円周方向に関して互いに離れる方向に弾性変形して、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが通過する事を許容する。
【０００９】
これに対して、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが上記各ポケット２０、２０内に完全に収納された状態では、上記円周方向に隣り合う柱部２１、２１同士の間隔が、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの外径よりも小さくなる。この結果、上記第一の保持器１８が、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが直径方向内方に不用意に脱落するのを防止する。尚、上記幅及び外径は、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの軸方向に亙り漸次変化するが、上述した大小関係は、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの軸方向に関して互いに整合する位置で満たす。
【００１０】
一方、前記第二の保持器１９は、図１３〜１４に示す様な形状を有し、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの残部の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂを転動自在に保持した状態で、これら各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂが直径方向外方に脱落するのを防止する。上記第二の保持器１９も、合成樹脂を射出成形する事により、全体を部分円すい筒状に形成し、円周方向に亙りポケット２０ａ、２０ａと柱部２１ａ、２１ａとを交互に設けている。これら各柱部２１ａ、２１ａの外周面及び内周面は、何れも上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂのピッチ円βよりも直径方向外方に位置させている。そして、上記各ポケット２０ａ、２０ａの外径側開口部の円周方向に関する幅を上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの直径よりも十分に小さく、内径側でこの直径よりも大きくしている。従って、上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂを上記各ポケット２０ａ、２０ａ内に収納する作業は、上記第二の保持器１９の内径側から行なう。上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂを上記各ポケット２０ａ、２０ａ内に収納し、これら各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの内径側に前記内輪３を挿入した状態では、これら各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂが上記各ポケット２０ａ、２０ａ内に、脱落不能に保持される。
【００１１】
上述の様な構成を有する自動車用ハブユニット１を組み立てるには、先ず、図１５に示す様に、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａを、上記第一の保持器１８により保持する。この状態で、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、第一の保持器１８に、分離する事なく保持される。そして、この状態でこれら一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａを、図１６に示す様に、上記外輪４の内周面のうちの上記第一の外輪軌道１５の内側に配置する。又、この外輪４の外端部内周面には、この第一の外輪軌道１５の内側に上記一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａを配置した後、軸方向外側のシールリング６ａを内嵌固定する。この状態では、外輪４に対して上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａ及び第一の保持器１８が、非分離に組み合わされる。
【００１２】
次いで、図１６→図１７に示す様に、上記外輪４の内側に前記ハブ本体２を挿入した後、更に図１７→図１８に示す様に、前記内輪３を、上記複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの残部の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂを、前記第二の保持器１９により前記第二の内輪軌道１３の周囲に保持した状態で、上記外輪４の内側に挿入する。そして、この挿入作業に伴って上記内輪３を、上記ハブ本体２の小径段部１０に外嵌する。そして、最後に、図１８→図９に示す様に、上記内輪３の端部外周面と上記外輪４の端部内周面との間に、軸方向内側のシールリング６ｂを装着する。
【００１３】
尚、上述の説明は、図９〜１０に示した様な、ハブ本体２の中心部にスプライン孔１１を有する、駆動輪用の自動車用ハブユニット１の場合に就いて説明したが、図１９に示す様な、ハブ本体２ａの中心部にスプライン孔を持たない、従動輪用の自動車用ハブユニット１ａの場合も、ほぼ同様である。尚、図１９に示した自動車用ハブユニット１ａの場合には、上記ハブ本体２ａの内端部の小径段部１０に外嵌した内輪３の内端面を、このハブ本体２ａの内端部に設けた円筒部を径方向外方に塑性変形する事により形成したかしめ部２６により抑え付けている。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述した様な、従来から知られている自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法によれば、外輪４の軸方向両端部内周面に１対のシールリング６ａ、６ｂを内嵌した構造を組み立てる事ができるが、必ずしも組み立てに要する時間を十分に短縮できない。この理由は、自動車用ハブユニット１の構成各部材を単に順番に組み立てただけでは、各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂが、使用状態にあるべき正規位置に移動せず、そのままでは上記自動車用ハブユニット１に適正な予圧付与を行なえない為である。
【００１５】
即ち、上記自動車用ハブユニット１の使用状態では、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部、即ち、大径側軸方向端面が、第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３の大径側端部に存在する第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面に摺接する。上記自動車用ハブユニット１を組み立てた状態でこれら第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面と上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部の間にアキシアル隙間が存在したとしても、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの転動に伴って、このアキシアル隙間は次第に減少し、遂には消失する。そして、結局は、第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面と上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部とが擦れ合う状態となる。
【００１６】
一方、上記自動車用ハブユニット１の剛性を確保する為には、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂに所望の予圧を付与する必要がある。又、仮に予圧を付与しない、即ち、上記自動車用ハブユニット１内に正の内部隙間を存在させる場合でも、この自動車用ハブユニット１が運転時にがたつくのを防止する為には、上記内部隙間の大きさを適正値に抑える必要がある。そして、この様に上記予圧或は内部隙間を適正値にする作業は、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部と上記第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面とを当接させた状態で行なう必要がある。この理由は、これら頭部と側面との間に存在するアキシアル隙間は、上述の様に上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの転動に伴って次第に消失し、これに伴って上記予圧は低下若しくは消失し、上記内部隙間は増大する為である。
【００１７】
以上の事から明らかな通り、上記自動車用ハブユニット１を組み立てた状態で上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部と上記第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面とが当接すれば、直ちに予圧若しくは内部隙間の設定作業を行なえて、上記自動車用ハブユニット１の組立作業の能率化を図れる。但し、この自動車用ハブユニット１の構成各部材を単に順番に組み立てただけでは、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部と上記第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面とは当接せず、当該部分に上記アキシアル隙間が存在する事が避けられない。この理由に就いて、図２０により説明する。
【００１８】
この図２０は、軸方向内端部を上側にした状態で支持した外輪４の内端部内周面に形成した第二の外輪軌道１６の内径側に、予め組み合わせた内輪３と複数の円すいころ５ｂと第二の保持器１９とを組み付ける状態を示している。この組み付け時にこれら各円すいころ５ｂは、自重により下方に変位し、それぞれの尾部（小径側）端面を、上記内輪３の小径側端部外周面に形成した小径側鍔部２４の側面に当接させる。これに伴って、それぞれの頭部と第二の大径側鍔部２３とは離隔して、当該部分に隙間２５が存在する状態となる。そして、この状態のまま、上記各円すいころ５ｂを上記第二の外輪軌道１６の内径側に進入させ、これら各円すいころ５ｂの転動面と第二の外輪軌道１６とを当接させるとこれら各円すいころ５ｂが、図２０に示す様に、上記隙間２５を残したまま上記第二の外輪軌道１６と上記内輪３の外周面の第二の内輪軌道１３との間に挟持された状態で静止してしまう。そして、この状態から上記内輪３を外方（図２０の下方）に押圧しても、上記各円すいころ５ｂが上記両軌道１６、１３同士の間に楔状に食い込んで、上記内輪３を外方に変位させる事ができなくなる。
【００１９】
即ち、一般的な自動車用ハブユニット１に組み込む各円すいころ５ｂ（５ａも同様）の直径方向反対位置の母線同士の交差角度である、ころ角αは、３〜５度程度の小さな値である。図２０に示した状態から上記内輪３を、Ｆなる力で外方（図２の下方）に押圧すると、上記両軌道１６、１３から上記各円すいころ５ｂの転動面には、 tan（α／２）に比例した力が、これら各円すいころ５ｂを内方（図２０の上方）に押し出す方向に加わる。即ち、上記力Ｆに基づいて上記両軌道１６、１３が上記各円すいころ５ｂの転動面を、それぞれｆ₀ なる力で押圧する。このｆ₀ なる力の方向は、上記両軌道１６、１３と上記各円すいころ５ｂの転動面との接触面に対し tan（α／２）だけ傾斜しているので、上記ｆ₀ なる力は、この接触面に対し垂直方向の成分ｆ₁ とこの接触面に対し平行な成分ｆ₂ とに分けて考えられる。
【００２０】
そして、このうちの接触面に対し平行な成分ｆ₂ に対する反力が、上記各円すいころ５ｂを内方に変位させる方向に作用する。この様に、これら各円すいころ５ｂを内方に変位させる方向に加わる、成分ｆ₂ の反力は、ｆ₁ ・tan（α／２）で表せる。これに対して、上記両軌道１６、１３と上記各円すいころ５ｂの転動面との接触面に作用する摩擦力が、これら各ころ５ｂが内方に変位するのを阻止する力として加わる。上記接触面に加わる静止摩擦係数をμとすると、上記摩擦力に基づく力は、μ・ｆ₁ で表される。従って、 tan（α／２）＞μならば、上記内輪３を下方に押し込むのに伴って上記各円すいころ５ｂの頭部を第二の大径側鍔部２３の側面に当接させられる事になる。これに対して、 tan（α／２）≦μならば、上記内輪３を下方に押し込もうとしても、前記頭部と第二の大径側鍔部２３との間の隙間２５を解消できない事になる。
【００２１】
ころ角αは、前述した通り３〜５度である為、上記 tan（α／２）は凡そ０．０２６〜０．０４４程度の値となる。一方、鋼同士が接触する、上記接触面部分の静止摩擦係数μは、凡そ０．１２程度の値であるから、 tan（α／２）＜μとなり、上記内輪３を下方に押し込もうとしても、上記頭部と第二の大径側鍔部２３との間の隙間２５を解消できない事になる。この為に従来は、図２０に示した状態から、上記内輪３に外方に向かう荷重（一般的には自重）を加えつつ、この内輪３と前記外輪４とを相対回転させて、上記各円すいころ５ｂを転動させつつこの内輪３に対し内方に変位させて、上記隙間２５を解消する様にしている。
【００２２】
この様に、この隙間２５を解消する為にのみ、上記内輪３と外輪４とを相対回転させる作業は面倒で、自動車用ハブユニット１の組立作業の能率化を阻害し、この自動車用ハブユニット１の製造コストを上昇させる原因となる。
特に、前述の図１９に示す様な、従動輪用の自動車用ハブユニット１ａの予圧或は内部隙間を適正にする為には、かしめ部２６の加工以前に、各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部を第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面に当接させておく必要があり、上記自動車用ハブユニット１ａの製造作業が面倒になる程度が著しい。
本発明の自動車用ハブユニットの製造方法は、この様な事情に鑑みて発明したものである。
【００２３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の組立方法により組み立てる自動車用ハブユニットは、ハブ本体と、このハブ本体に外嵌固定した内輪と、これらハブ本体及び内輪の周囲に配置した外輪と、これらハブ本体及び内輪の外周面と外輪の内周面との間に設けた複数個の円すいころとから成る。
このうちのハブ本体は、軸方向外端部外周面に車輪を支持する為のフランジを設けると共に、中間部外周面に第一列の円すいころ軸受を構成する為の、円すい凸面状で軸方向外方に向かうほど外径が大きくなる方向に傾斜した第一の内輪軌道を、この第一の内輪軌道の軸方向外側に隣接する部分に第一の大径側鍔部を、軸方向内端部外周面に小径段部を、それぞれ設けている。
又、上記内輪は外周面に、第二列の円すいころ軸受を構成する為の第二の内輪軌道と第二の大径側鍔部とを、それぞれ形成しており、上記ハブ本体の小径段部に外嵌固定されている。上記第二の内輪軌道は、円すい凸面状で軸方向内方に向かうほど外径が大きくなる方向に傾斜しており、上記第二の大径側鍔部は、上記第二の内輪軌道の軸方向内側に隣接する部分に存在する。
又、上記外輪は、内周面に上記第一、第二列の円すいころ軸受を構成する為の、それぞれが軸方向端部に向うほど内径が大きくなる方向に傾斜した円すい凹面状の第一、第二の外輪軌道を形成したものである。
又、上記複数の円すいころのうちの一部は、第一の保持器により転動自在に保持された状態で上記第一の内輪軌道と上記第一の外輪軌道との間に配置され、残部は、第二の保持器により転動自在に保持された状態で上記第二の内輪軌道と上記第二の外輪軌道との間に配置されている。
更に、上記第一の保持器は、上記複数の円すいころのうちの一部を保持した状態で、これら各円すいころが直径方向内方に脱落するのを防止するものである。
【００２４】
特に、請求項１に記載した自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法は、下記の第一〜第三工程を備える。
このうちの第一工程では、上記複数の円すいころのうちの一部を第一の保持器により保持し、且つ外輪の内周面のうちの第一の外輪軌道の内径側に配置して第一中間組立体とする。
又、第二工程では、上記第一工程の後、上記第一中間組立体を、軸方向内端側を下に、軸方向外端側を上にして支持する。これと共に、上記第一の保持器又はこの第一の保持器に保持された複数の円すいころの軸方向内端部を支持する事により、これら各円すいころの転動面を上記第一の外輪軌道から浮き上がらせた状態で、上記第一の保持器の内径側に上記ハブ本体を挿入する。そして、この第一の保持器に保持した上記各円すいころの転動面と上記第一の内輪軌道とを当接させて、第二中間組立体とする。
更に、第三工程では、上記第二工程の後、上記外輪に、この外輪の軸方向外端側を上にした状態のままこの外輪を弾性的に持ち上げる方向の力を付与する。これと共に、前記内輪と上記複数の円すいころのうちの残部とを上記第二の保持器を介して組み合わせた第三中間組立体を、上記内輪の内端部を下側にして上記ハブ本体の下方に、このハブ本体と同心に配置した状態で、このハブ本体を下方に押圧して上記小径段部を上記内輪に圧入する。
【００２５】
又、請求項２に記載した自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法も、下記の第一〜第三工程を備える。
このうちの第一工程では、前記複数の円すいころのうちの一部を第一の保持器により保持し、且つ外輪の内周面のうちの第一の外輪軌道の内径側に配置して第一中間組立体とする。
又、第二工程では、上記第一工程の後、上記第一中間組立体を、軸方向外端側を下に、軸方向内端側を上にした状態で、上記ハブ本体の中間部外周面に形成した第一の内輪軌道に外嵌する。そして、上記第一の保持器に保持した上記各円すいころの転動面と上記第一の内輪軌道とを当接させて第二中間組立体とする。
更に、第三工程では、上記第二工程の後、上記外輪と上記ハブ本体との間に、これら外輪とハブ本体とを互いに近づける方向の力を付与した状態で上記第二中間組立体の上下方向を反転させる。そして、その後、前記内輪と上記複数の円すいころのうちの残部とを上記第二の保持器を介して組み合わせた第三中間組立体を上記ハブ本体の下方に、このハブ本体と同心に配置した状態で、このハブ本体を下方に押圧して上記小径段部を上記内輪に圧入する。
【００２６】
【作用】
上述の様に構成する本発明の自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法によれば、構成各部材を組み立てた後、第一、第二の内輪軌道と第一、第二の外輪軌道とを相対回転させなくても、各円すいころの頭部が、これら各内輪軌道の大径側端部に形成した第一、第二の大径側鍔部の側面と当接する。
【００２７】
先ず、請求項１に記載した組立方法の場合には、第二工程で各円すいころの転動面を第一の外輪軌道から浮き上がらせた状態でハブ本体の挿入作業を行なう為、上記各円すいころの転動面と第一の内輪軌道とを当接させた状態で、これら各円すいころの頭部がこの第一の内輪軌道の軸方向外側に隣接した部分に形成した第一の大径側鍔部の側面に当接する。
又、第三工程で第三中間組立体を、内輪の内端部を下側にした状態で配置し、上記ハブ本体をこの内輪に圧入する為、この内輪の外周面に形成した第二の内輪軌道の周囲に配置した各円すいころの頭部が、この第二の内輪軌道の軸方向内側に隣接した部分に形成した第二の大径側鍔部の側面に当接する。
【００２８】
又、請求項２に記載した組立方法の場合には、第二工程で第一中間組立体を、軸方向外端側を下に、軸方向内端側を上にした状態で、ハブ本体の中間部外周面に形成した第一の内輪軌道に外嵌する為、上記第一中間組立体を構成する各円すいころの転動面と第一の内輪軌道とを当接させた状態で、これら各円すいころの頭部がこの第一の内輪軌道の軸方向外側に隣接した部分に形成した第一の大径側鍔部の側面に当接する。
又、第三工程で第三中間組立体を、内輪の内端部を下側にした状態で上記ハブ本体をこの内輪に圧入する為、この内輪の外周面に形成した第二の内輪軌道の周囲に配置した各円すいころの頭部が、この第二の内輪軌道の軸方向内側に隣接した部分に形成した第二の大径側鍔部の側面に当接する。上記第二工程から上記第三工程に移る際に、上記第二中間組立体の上下方向を反転させるが、この反転作業は、上記外輪とハブ本体とを互いに近づける方向の力を付与した状態で行なう為、上記各円すいころの頭部と上記第一の大径側鍔部の側面とは当接した状態のままに維持される。
【００２９】
以上に述べた通り、本発明の何れの自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法の場合でも、第一、第二列の円すいころ軸受を構成する、それぞれ複数個ずつの円すいころの頭部が、構成各部材の組み立てに伴って、第一、第二の内輪軌道に隣接する部分に形成した第一、第二の大径側鍔部の側面に当接する。この為、組立後にハブ本体及び内輪と外輪とを相対回転させる様な、面倒で時間を要する作業を行なわなくても、自動車用ハブユニットに対して適切な予圧或は内部隙間を設定できる。
【００３０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１〜３は、請求項１に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示している。尚、本発明の特徴は、自動車用ハブユニット１の構成各部材を組み合わせるのと同時に、第一、第二列の円すいころ軸受８、１２を構成する各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部を、第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３に当接させる組立方法にある。自動車用ハブユニット１自体の構成は、前述の図９〜１０に示した従来から知られている構造と同様であるから説明を省略し、以下、本発明の組立方法に就いて説明する。尚、本例及び後述する実施の形態の各例の説明中、自動車用ハブユニット１として完成した状態での符号に就いては、図９〜１０に示したものを使用する。
【００３１】
先ず、第一工程で、図１に示す様な第一中間組立体２７を組み立てる。この第一中間組立体２７は、上記自動車用ハブユニット１を構成する複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ｂのうちの、軸方向外側の第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する為の一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａと外輪４とを第一の保持器１８を介して組み合わせ、更にこの外輪４の外端部にシールリング６ａを組み付けたものである。
この様な第一中間組立体２７を組み立てる為に、先ず、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａを、例えば前述の図１１〜１２に示す様な構造を有する上記第一の保持器１８により、転動自在に保持する。この保持作業は、この第一の保持器１８のポケット２０、２０内に上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａを、この第一の保持器１８の内径側から柱部２１、２１を弾性変形させつつ押し込む事により行なう。
【００３２】
押し込み後は上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが上記各ポケット２０、２０内に、転動自在に、且つ、内径側及び外径側に脱落しない様に保持される。この様にして上記第一の保持器１８により保持した上記複数個の円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、外輪４の外半部内周面に形成した第一の外輪軌道１５の内径側に挿入する。次いで、この外輪４の外端部内周面にシールリング６ａを内嵌固定して、図１に示す様な第一中間組立体２７とする。この様な第一中間組立体２７は、上記外輪４の外端を上方に位置させた状態で、この外輪４の中心軸方向と鉛直方向とを一致させる。この結果、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが自重により下方に変位する傾向になり、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と上記第一の外輪軌道１５とが、この転動面の母線のほぼ全長に亙って当接する。この状態で上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａには、上記第一の外輪軌道１５との係合に基づいて、上記外輪４の径方向内方に向く力が加わるが、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａのこの外輪４の径方向内方への変位は、上記第一の保持器１８により阻止されている。従って、この第一の保持器１８及び上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが、図１に示す状態よりも下方（軸方向内方）に変位する事はない。
【００３３】
上述の様に、第一工程で上記第一中間組立体２７を組み立てたならば、次の第二工程で、図２に示す様にしてこの第一中間組立体２７とハブ本体２とを組み合わせ、図３の上半部に示す様な第二中間組立体２８とする。この第二工程では、上記第一中間組立体２７を支持板２９の上面に、軸方向内端側を下に、軸方向外端側を上にして、上記外輪４の中心軸を鉛直方向に配置した状態で支持する。これと共に、上記第一の保持器１８の軸方向内端部を支持する事により、この第一の保持器１８に保持した上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面を、上記第一の外輪軌道１５から浮き上がらせる。この為に本例の場合には、上記支持板２９の上面に、上記外輪４の内径よりも少し小さな外径を有し、上記第一の保持器１８の軸方向内端面に付き当て自在な、円筒状の受台３０を設けている。上記第一中間組立体２７は、この受台３０を囲む様にして、上記支持板２９の上面に載置する。この受台３０の高さ寸法は、上記外輪４の軸方向内端面（下端面）が上記支持板２９の上面に当接するよりも少し前に上記受台３０の上端面が上記第一の保持器１８の軸方向内端面（下端面）に突き当たる様に規制している。従って、上記外輪４の軸方向内端面が上記支持板２９の上面に当接した状態では、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面が上記第一の外輪軌道１５から浮き上がる。
【００３４】
この様に、上記第一中間組立体２７を上記支持板２９の上面に載置し、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面を上記第一の外輪軌道１５から浮き上がらせた状態で、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａにより周囲を囲まれた部分、即ち、上記第一の保持器１８の内径側に、上記ハブ本体２を、上記外輪４の外端（上端）開口から挿入する。そして、上記第一の保持器１８に保持した上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と、上記ハブ本体２の軸方向中間部外周面に形成した第一の内輪軌道９とを当接させて、上記第二中間組立体２８とする。
【００３５】
上記ハブ本体２を上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａで周囲を囲まれる部分に挿入するのに伴って、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部が、上記第一の内輪軌道９の軸方向外側に隣接する部分に形成した、第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に当接する。上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、上記受台３０により持ち上げられる様にして、上記第一の外輪軌道１５から浮き上がっている為、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａは、この第一の外輪軌道１５の抵抗を受ける事なく、それぞれの頭部を上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に当接させる。
【００３６】
この様にして上記ハブ本体２を上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａで周囲を囲まれる部分に挿入した後、上記外輪４を持ち上げて、上記受台３０をこの外輪４の内径側から抜き取る。この結果、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが、自重並びに上記ハブ本体２の重量により下降し、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と、上記第一の外輪軌道１５とを当接させる。この様に、上記ハブ本体２を上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａで周囲を囲まれる部分に挿入した後、上記外輪４を持ち上げた状態では、これら各ころ５ａ、５ａの頭部が上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に当接し、同じく転動面が上記第一の内輪軌道９及び第一の外輪軌道１５に当接した、図３の上半部に示す様な第二中間組立体２８を得られる。
【００３７】
上述の様にして第二工程で得た第二中間組立体２８には、続く第三工程で上記外輪４の内端部（下端部）に、第二列の円すいころ軸受を構成する為の内輪３を、複数の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂ及び第二の保持器１９と共に押し込む。この様な第三工程では、図３に示す様に、上記外輪４の軸方向外端側を上にした状態のままこの外輪４を弾性的に持ち上げる方向の力を付与する。これと共に、上記内輪３と上記複数の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂとを上記第二の保持器１９を介して組み合わせた第三中間組立体３１を、上記内輪３の内端部を下側にした状態で上記第二中間組立体２８のハブ本体２の下方に、このハブ本体２と同心に配置する。そして、この状態から、このハブ本体２を下方に押圧してこのハブ本体２の内端部（下端部）に設けた小径段部１０を上記内輪３に圧入する。
【００３８】
この様な第三工程を実施する為に本例の場合には、基台３２の上面に段付円柱状の支持台３３を設け、この支持台３３の上端部に、上記第三中間組立体３１の内輪３を、位置決めした状態で載置している。又、上記支持台３３の下半部に圧縮コイルばね３４の下半部を外嵌し、この圧縮コイルばね３４の上端部に支持環３５を、水平方向に支持している。この支持環３５は、下方が開口した断面コ字形で、上記外輪４の内端部で取付部１７よりも内方に突出した部分にがたつきなく外嵌自在な内径を有する。上記圧縮コイルばね３４の上端部は、この様な支持環３５の内部空間に入り込んで、この支持環３５を脱落しない様に、上下方向に関する変位自在に支持している。第三工程では、先ず図３に示す様に、上記支持台３３の上端部に上記第三中間組立体３１を載置し、上記支持環３５に上記第二中間組立体２８を載置する。この状態で、これら両中間組立体３１、２８は、それぞれの中心軸を鉛直方向に位置させて互いに同心に配置される。尚、上記第三中間組立体３１を構成する各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂは、自重により第二の内輪軌道１３に向け倒れ込むので、前記第二の保持器１９として、上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの径方向外方への抜け出しを阻止しないものを使用する事もできる。但し、作業時の振動等により、上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの脱落を防止する面から、上記抜け出しを防止できるものを使用する事が好ましい。尚、上記第二の保持器１９として、前記第一の保持器１８と同種のものを使用すれば、部品の共通化によるコスト低減を図れる。
【００３９】
そこで、この状態から、プレス機のラム３６により上記第二中間組立体２８のハブ本体２の外端面（上端面）を押圧し、このハブ本体２の内端部に設けた上記小径段部１０を、上記内輪３の内径側に押し込み、更にこの内輪３の外端面（上端面）がこの小径段部１０の軸方向外側に隣接する段差面１４に突き当たるまで、上記ハブ本体２を下降させる。上記内輪３の外端面が上記段差面１４に突き当たった状態で、上記ハブ本体２の押し込みを終了して、上記ラム３６を上昇させ、互いに結合された上記第二、第三両中間組立体２８、３１を取り出す。この状態で前記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂに適正な予圧が付与される様に（予圧付与を行なう場合）、或は内部隙間が適正になる様に（予圧付与を行なわない場合）、各部の寸法を規制しておく。そして、上記外輪４の内端部内周面と上記内輪３の内端部外周面との間にシールリング６ｂを装着して、自動車用ハブユニット１として完成する。尚、上記第三工程で、上記外輪４を弾性的に支持する構造は、図示の様な圧縮コイルばね３４を使用するものに限らず、エアシリンダ等を利用する事もできる。
【００４０】
上述の様に構成する本例の自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法によれば、構成各部材を組み立てた後、第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３と第一、第二の外輪軌道１５、１６とを相対回転させなくても、各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部が、上記第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３の大径側端部に形成した、第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面と当接する。
【００４１】
先ず、第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とに関しては、図２に示した第二工程の実施に伴って互いに当接する。即ち、この第二工程で、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面を上記第一の外輪軌道１５から浮き上がらせた状態で前記ハブ本体２の挿入作業を行なう為、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と上記第一の内輪軌道９とを当接させた状態で、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部が、上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に当接する。そして、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａと上記ハブ本体２との上下位置関係は、第三工程でこのハブ本体２の内端部を前記内輪３内に圧入し終るまで変わらない為、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とは、互いに当接したままの状態に維持される。
【００４２】
又、上記第三工程では前記第三中間組立体３１を、上記内輪３の内端部を下側にした状態で配置し、上記ハブ本体２の内端部をこの内輪３に圧入する為、この内輪３の外周面に形成した第二の内輪軌道１３の周囲に配置した各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの頭部が、これら各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの自重により、上記第二の大径側鍔部２３の側面に当接する。これら各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの転動面は、上記第三工程の終了に伴って上記第二の内輪軌道１３と前記第二の外輪軌道１６とに当接する。この為、上記第三工程の終了後は、上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの頭部が上記第二の大径側鍔部２３の側面から退避する方向に変位する事はなくなり、上記各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの頭部と上記第二の大径側鍔部２３の側面とは、互いに当接したままの状態に維持される。
【００４３】
尚、図示の例では、上記第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３の小径側端部に、何れも小径側鍔部を形成していない。本例の組立方法によれば、小径側鍔部を形成しなくても、組立途中で第一、第二の保持器１８、１９に保持された各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂが、上記第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３の周囲から脱落する事はない。勿論、これら各内輪軌道９、１３の小径側端部に小径側鍔部を形成する事は可能である。但し、小径側鍔部を省略すれば、鍛造加工により最終の形状に近い形状にできるので、旋削加工での削り代が少なくなり、上記各内輪軌道９、１３の加工作業の容易化に基づくコスト低減を図れる。
【００４４】
以上に述べた通り、本例の自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法の場合には、第一、第二列の円すいころ軸受８、１２を構成する、それぞれ複数個ずつの円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部が、構成各部材の組み立てに伴って、第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３に隣接する部分に形成した第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面に当接する。この為、組立後にハブ本体２及び内輪３と外輪４とを相対回転させる様な、面倒で時間を要する作業を行なわなくても、自動車用ハブユニット１に対して適切な予圧或は内部隙間を設定できる。又、前述の図１９に示す様な自動車用ハブユニット１ａに適用した場合には、上記面倒な作業を要する事なく、直ちにかしめ部２６の加工作業を行なえる。尚、仮に上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの姿勢を正す為に、前記ハブ本体２及び内輪３と外輪４とを相対回転させる矯正作業が必要になっても、この矯正作業を短時間で終了させる事ができる。
【００４５】
次に、図４は、請求項１に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示している。尚、本例は、請求項１に係る自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法を実施する場合に、第一中間組立体２７とハブ本体２とを組み合わせて図３の上半部に示す様な第二中間組立体２８を得る第二工程の改良に関するものである。特に本例は、第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する複数の円すいころ５ａ、５ａの軸方向長さの差（相互差）に拘らず、上記第二工程の実施に伴って、これら総ての円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とが当接する様にするものである。即ち、一般的な自動車用ハブユニット１の場合、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａに関しては、例えば０．３８mm程度のころ長さの相互差が存在する場合がある。前述した第１例の様に、第二工程で第一の保持器１８を介して総ての円すいころ５ａ、５ａを同じ分だけ上方に押圧すると、上記相互差に基づいて、一部の円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とが離隔する可能性がある。これに対して本例の場合には、各円すいころ５ａ、５ａを互いに独立して上方に押圧する事により、総ての円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と上記大径側鍔部２２の側面とを、確実に当接させる様にしている。
【００４６】
この為に本例の場合には、支持板２９の上面に、第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａと同数の受シリンダ３７、３７を同一円周上に等間隔に配置し、これら各受シリンダ３７、３７内に、それぞれ受ピン３８、３８の下半部を挿入している。そして、これら各受シリンダ３７、３７の底面と各受ピン３８、３８の下端面との間に、圧縮コイルばね３９等の弾性材を設けて、これら各受ピン３８、３８に上方に向いた弾力を付与している。そして、上記第二工程を実施する際に、これら各受ピン３８、３８の上端面を上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの尾部（小径側端面）に突き当てている。この様に、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの尾部に上記各受ピン３８、３８の先端面を突き当て自在とすべく、本例の実施に使用する第一の保持器１８ａは、少なくとも小径側端部の外径を小さくして、この第一の保持器１８ａの小径側端部外周面と第一の外輪軌道１５との間に、上記各受ピン３８、３８の先端部を挿入自在としている。この為に、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａが上記第一の保持器１８ａのポケットから、この第一の保持器１８ａの径方向外方に抜け出られる様になっても差し支えない。尚、上記各受シリンダ３７、３７は、互いに独立して構成する事も可能であるが、単一円筒状の部材の円周方向複数個所にシリンダ孔を形成し、これら各シリンダ孔に上記各受ピン３８、３８及び弾性材を設置すれば、複数ずつの受シリンダ及び受ピン３８、３８を一体的に取り扱えて、取扱作業の容易化を図れる。
【００４７】
上述の様な装置を使用して、前記第一中間組立体２７と前記ハブ本体２とを組み合わせて前記第二中間組立体２８を得る第二工程を行なえば、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの相互差に拘らず、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部を前記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に確実に当接させる事ができる。この為、上記相互差を小さくすべく、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの加工精度を特に向上させたり、或は組立後にハブ本体２及び内輪３と外輪４とを相対回転させる様な、面倒で時間を要する作業を行なわなくても、自動車用ハブユニット１に対して適切な予圧或は内部隙間を設定できる。
【００４８】
次に、図５〜７は、請求項２に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第３例を示している。本例の場合も、前述の図１〜３に示した第１例の場合と同様に、先ず、第一工程で、図５に示した様な第一中間組立体２７を組み立てる。この第一中間組立体２７は、上記第１例の第一工程で組み立てる第一中間組立体２７と同じ（図１と図５は同じ図）である。
【００４９】
但し、本例の場合には、上記第１例の場合とは異なり、続く第二工程で上記第一中間組立体２７を、図６に示す様に、軸方向外端側を下に、軸方向内端側を上にした状態で、ハブ本体２の中間部外周面に形成した第一の内輪軌道９に外嵌する。そして、第一列の円すいころ軸受８を構成する為、第一の保持器１８に保持した各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と上記第一の内輪軌道９とを当接させて、図７の上半部に示す様な第二中間組立体２８とする。この為に図示の例では、上記ハブ本体２の外周面に形成したフランジ７を円筒状の受台４０の上面に、このフランジ７の軸方向外側面をこの上面に当接させる状態で載置する。そして、この状態で、上記第一中間組立体２７を上記ハブ本体２の中間部に外嵌する。尚、この様な第二工程を実施する際に、上記第一の保持器１８及び円すいころ５ａ、５ａが、外輪４の軸方向外端（下端）開口から脱落する傾向になるが、この外輪４の外端部内周面にはシールリング６ａを装着しているので、上記第一の保持器１８及び円すいころ５ａ、５ａの脱落は防止できる。
【００５０】
更に、第三工程では、上記第二工程の後、上記外輪４と上記ハブ本体２との間に、これら外輪４とハブ本体２とを互いに近づける方向の力を付与した状態で、上記第二中間組立体２８の上下方向を反転させる。この為に図示の例では、図７に示す様に、上記外輪４の外周面に形成した取付部１７と上記ハブ本体２の外周面に形成したフランジ７とを、複数のクランプ治具４１により、互いに近づけ合う方向に抑え付けている。これら各クランプ治具４１は、書類を挟むＷクリップと呼ばれる治具を大型化した如き構造を有し、開口部の間隔を狭める方向の弾力を有する、断面コ字形の板ばね４２と、この板ばね４２の開口部の間隔を広げる為の、１対のレバー４３、４３とを備える。上記第二工程で組み合わせた上記外輪４と上記ハブ本体２とを、この様なクランプ治具４１により、図７に示す様に上下反転させる以前に抑え付ける事で、上記各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部と第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とが当接した状態のままとなる。但し、上記クランプ治具に代えて、輪ゴム、コイルばね等の弾性材を使用する事もできる。更には、ロボットアームにより抑え付ける事でも良い。
【００５１】
上述の様にして前記第二中間組立体２８を上下反転させ、上記外輪４及び上記ハブ本体２の軸方向内側を下側にしたならば、図７に示す様に、第二列の円すいころ軸受１２を構成する内輪３と複数の円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂとを第二の保持器１９を介して組み合わせた、前述の図３に示した第１例の場合と同様に構成した第三中間組立体３１を上記ハブ本体２の下方に、このハブ本体２と同心に配置する。そして、この状態で、このハブ本体２をプレス機のラム３６ａにより下方に押圧して、このハブ本体２の内端部に形成した小径段部１０を上記内輪３に圧入する。そして、この内輪３の外端面（上端面）がこの小径段部１０の軸方向外側に隣接する段差面１４に突き当たるまで、上記ハブ本体２を下降させる。上記内輪３の外端面が上記段差面１４に突き当たった状態で、上記ハブ本体２の押し込みを終了して、上記ラム３６ａを上昇させ、互いに結合された上記第二、第三両中間組立体２８、３１を取り出す。この状態で前記各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂに適正な予圧が付与される様に、或は内部隙間が適正になる様に、各部の寸法を規制しておく事、その後、上記外輪４の内端部内周面と上記内輪３の内端部外周面との間にシールリング６ｂを装着して、自動車用ハブユニット１として完成する事は、前述した第１例の場合と同様である。
【００５２】
上述の様に実施する、本例の組立方法の場合には、図６に示した第二工程で前記第一中間組立体２７を、軸方向外端側を下に、軸方向内端側を上にした状態で、上記ハブ本体２の中間部外周面に形成した第一の内輪軌道９に外嵌する。この為、上記第一中間組立体２７を構成する各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの転動面と上記第一の内輪軌道９とを当接させた状態で、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ａの頭部が、重力の作用により、この第一の内輪軌道９の軸方向外側に隣接した部分に形成した第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面に当接する。
【００５３】
又、図７に示した第三工程では上記第三中間組立体３１を、上記内輪３の内端部を下側にした状態で、上記ハブ本体２をこの内輪３に圧入する。この為、この内輪３の外周面に形成した第二の内輪軌道１３の周囲に配置した各円すいころ５ｂ、５ｂの頭部が、この第二の内輪軌道１３の軸方向内側に隣接した部分に形成した第二の大径側鍔部２３の側面に当接する。上記図６に示した第二工程から上記図７に示した第三工程に移る際に、上記第二中間組立体２８の上下方向を反転させるが、この反転作業は、前記クランプ治具４１により前記フランジ７と前記取付部１７とを抑え付け、前記外輪４と上記ハブ本体２とを互いに近づける方向の力を付与した状態で行なう為、上記各円すいころの頭部５ａ、５ａと上記第一の大径側鍔部２２の側面とは当接した状態のままに維持される。
【００５４】
尚、請求項２に記載した組立方法を実施する場合に、第三工程で上記第三中間組立体３１を構成する内輪３を上記第二中間組立体２８を構成するハブ本体２の内端部の小径段部１０に圧入する際には、上記クランプ金具４１等による、ハブ本体２と内輪３との近付ける為の手段を外しても良い。この場合には、上記第二中間組立体２８の外輪４を、例えば前述の図３に示す様に、軸方向外端部を上にしてこの外輪４の中心軸を鉛直方向に配置した状態で支持する。又、本例の場合も、第一、第二の内輪軌道９、１３の小径側端部には小径側鍔部を設けていないが、設ける事は差し支えない。但し、小径側鍔部を省略する事により、加工コストの低減を図れる。
【００５５】
次に、図８は、請求項１及び請求項２に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第４例を示している。本例は、第二中間組立体２８と第三中間組立体３１とを組み合わせる第三工程の改良に関する。即ち、外輪４を回転させつつ、ハブ本体２の内端部に形成した小径段部１０を内輪３に圧入する事により、各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部と第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面とを、より確実に当接させる方法を実現するものである。
【００５６】
この様な方法を実現する為に本例の場合には、上記第二中間組立体２８を構成する外輪４を、鉛直方向の軸を中心とする回転を自在として、弾性的に支持している。この為に基台３２ａの上面に円筒状のエアシリンダ４４を、上記第三中間組立体３１を支持する為の支持台３３ａと同心に設け、このエアシリンダ４４内に円輪状のピストン板４５を、昇降自在に嵌装している。このピストン板４５は、給排口４６ａ、４６ｂを通じて上記エアシリンダ４４内に圧縮空気を給排する事により昇降自在であり、上昇時にも大きな力が加わった場合には下降する。この様なピストン板４５の上面複数個所（例えば円周方向等間隔の３〜４個所）には、ピストンロッド４７の下端部を結合している。これら各ピストンロッド４７は、上記エアシリンダ４４の上端板を気密に貫通した状態で、このエアシリンダ４４の上方に突出している。そして、上記各ピストンロッド４７の上端部にそれぞれローラ４８を、上記外輪４の放射方向に配置された横軸４９により、回転自在に支持している。上記各ローラ４８は互いに同じ高さ位置に設けられており、それぞれ上記外輪４の外周面に形成した取付部１７の内側面（下面）に転がり接触している。この状態で上記外輪４を含む上記第二中間組立体２８が、鉛直方向の軸を中心とする回転を自在として、弾性的に支持される。
【００５７】
又、前記第三中間組立体３１を構成する内輪３を載置する為の上記支持台３３ａの上端部側方位置には、上記外輪４を回転駆動する為の駆動ローラ５０を、この外輪４の直径方向に関する進退自在に設けている。この為に、この直径方向に移動自在な支持腕５１の先端部に上記駆動ローラ５０を、鉛直方向に配置した縦軸５２を中心とする回転自在に支持している。そして、この縦軸５２の端部に固定した従動プーリ５３に無端ベルト５４を掛け渡して、上記駆動ローラ５０を回転駆動自在としている。この駆動ローラ５０は、ゴム等の弾性材により造って、上記外輪４の内端部外周面に弾性的に転がり接触自在としている。
【００５８】
本例の方法により、上記第二中間組立体２８と前記第三中間組立体３１とを組み合わせる第三工程を実施する場合には、プレス機のラム３６ａによりハブ本体２を、上記エアシリンダ４４が上記第二中間組立体２８を押し上げるよりも大きな力で、下方に押し付ける。そして、この第二中間組立体２８が所定量だけ下降した状態で、それまでこの第二中間組立体２８の径方向外方（図８の左方）に退避していた上記駆動ローラ５０を前進させて、この駆動ローラ５０の外周面を上記外輪４の内端部外周面に突き当てる。この状態で、この駆動ローラ５０によりこの外輪４を回転しつつ、上記ラム３６ａにより上記ハブ本体２を更に下降させる。この結果、上記外輪４の内周面に形成した第一、第二の外輪軌道１５、１６と接触した各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂが転動し、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの姿勢が安定して、これら各円すいころ５ａ、５ｂの頭部と第一、第二の大径側鍔部２２、２３の側面とが均一に当接する。尚、ゴム等の弾性材製の上記駆動ローラ５０の外周面は、上記外輪４の内端部外周面に弾性的に突き当たっているので、上記ラム３６ａの押し付けにより上記外輪４が下降する際にも、上記駆動ローラ５０に無理な力が加わる事はない。
【００５９】
【発明の効果】
本発明の自動車用ハブユニットの組立方法は、以上に述べた通り構成され作用するので、自動車用ハブユニットの組立作業の能率化により、この自動車用ハブユニットのコスト低減を図れる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態の第１例の第一工程により造った第一中間組立体２７を示す縦断面図。
【図２】同じく第二工程の縦断面図。
【図３】同じく第三工程の縦断面図。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態の第２例に於ける第二工程を示す縦断面図。
【図５】本発明の実施の形態の第３例の第一工程により造った第一中間組立体を示す縦断面図。
【図６】同じく第二工程の縦断面図。
【図７】同じく第三工程の縦断面図。
【図８】本発明の実施の形態の第４例に於ける第三工程を示す縦断面図。
【図９】本発明の組立方法により組み立てる自動車等ハブユニットの第１例を示す断面図。
【図１０】図９の右方から見た図。
【図１１】第一の保持器の部分断面図。
【図１２】図１１のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図１３】第二の保持器の部分断面図。
【図１４】図１３のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【図１５】従来の組立方法の第一工程で造った中間組立体の断面図。
【図１６】同じく第二工程を示す断面図。
【図１７】同じく第三工程を示す断面図。
【図１８】同じく第四工程を示す断面図。
【図１９】本発明の組立方法により組み立てる自動車等ハブユニットの第２例を示す断面図。
【図２０】ころの頭部と内輪軌道に隣接する大径側鍔部の側面との間に隙間が生じる理由を説明する為の断面図。
【符号の説明】
１、１ａ自動車用ハブユニット
２、２ａハブ本体
３内輪
４外輪
５ａ、５ｂ円すいころ
６ａ、６ｂシールリング
７フランジ
８第一列の円すいころ軸受
９第一の内輪軌道
１０小径段部
１１スプライン孔
１２第二列の円すいころ軸受
１３第二の内輪軌道
１４段差面
１５第一の外輪軌道
１６第二の外輪軌道
１７取付部
１８、１８ａ第一の保持器
１９第二の保持器
２０、２０ａポケット
２１、２１ａ柱部
２２第一の大径側鍔部
２３第二の大径側鍔部
２４小径側鍔部
２５隙間
２６かしめ部
２７第一中間組立体
２８第二中間組立体
２９支持板
３０受台
３１第三中間組立体
３２、３２ａ基台
３３、３３ａ支持台
３４圧縮コイルばね
３５支持環
３６、３６ａラム
３７受シリンダ
３８受ピン
３９圧縮コイルばね
４０受台
４１クランプ治具
４２板ばね
４３レバー
４４エアシリンダ
４５ピストン板
４６ａ、４６ｂ給排口
４７ピストンロッド
４８ローラ
４９横軸
５０駆動ローラ
５１支持腕
５２縦軸
５３従動プーリ
５４無端ベルト[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in a method for assembling an automobile hub unit for rotatably supporting a wheel of an automobile with respect to a suspension device, and is intended to reduce costs by enabling the efficiency of assembly work. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The wheels of the automobile are rotatably supported by the rolling bearings with respect to the suspension device. Further, a heavy automobile wheel is rotatably supported with respect to the suspension device by a double-row tapered roller bearing. As such an automobile hub unit incorporating a double-row tapered roller bearing, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-65049 describes a structure as shown in FIGS. The hub unit 1 for an automobile includes a hub body 2, an inner ring 3 fitted and fixed to the hub body 2, an outer ring 4 disposed around the hub body 2 and the inner ring 3, and the hub body 2 and the inner ring 3. A plurality of tapered rollers 5 a, 5 b provided between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4, the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends in the axial direction of the outer ring 4, the intermediate outer peripheral surface of the hub body 2, and the inner ring 3 A pair of seal rings 6a for sealing between the inner peripheral portions of the axial direction (the inner side in the axial direction is the side closer to the center in the width direction in the assembled state in the automobile. The same applies throughout the present specification) 6b.
[0003]
Of these, the hub main body 2 supports the wheel on the outer peripheral surface of the axial outer end (the outer side in the axial direction is the outer side in the width direction in the assembled state in the automobile. The same applies throughout the present specification). A flange 7 is formed. Further, a conical convex first inner ring raceway 9 for forming a first row tapered roller bearing 8 is directly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub body 2. Further, a small diameter step portion 10 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the hub body 2. The outer peripheral surface of the small diameter step portion 10 is a cylindrical surface concentric with the hub body 2. The example of FIG. 9 shows an automobile hub unit 1 for supporting drive wheels. For this purpose, a spline for engaging the end of the drive shaft with a spline at the center of the hub body 2 is shown. A hole 11 is provided.
[0004]
Further, the inner ring 3 has a conical convex second inner ring raceway 13 for forming a second row tapered roller bearing 12 formed on the outer peripheral surface, and is formed on the small-diameter step portion 10 of the hub body 2. The outer fitting is fixed. The inclination direction of the second inner ring raceway 13 and the inclination direction of the first inner ring raceway 9 are opposite to each other. Further, the inner end portion of the inner ring 3 slightly protrudes from the inner end surface of the hub main body 2 in a state where the outer end surface of the inner ring 3 is abutted against the step surface 14 of the small diameter step portion 10. In an assembled state to the automobile, the end surface of the inner ring 3 protruding from the hub body 2 in this way is abutted with the end surface of the constant velocity joint or the step formed on the end of the drive shaft. The inner ring 3 is prevented from coming out of the small diameter step portion 10.
[0005]
Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4, first and second outer ring raceways 15 and 16 each having a conical concave shape for forming the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings 8 and 12 are provided. Forming. The inclination directions of the first and second outer ring raceways 15 and 16 are opposite to each other in accordance with the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13. Further, an outward flange-like mounting portion 17 is provided at an axially intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 4 for fixing the outer ring 4 to a suspension device (not shown).
[0006]
Further, a part of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b (the left half in FIG. 9) of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a is held by the first retainer 18 so as to be freely rollable. It is disposed between the inner ring raceway 9 and the first outer ring raceway 15. On the other hand, the tapered rollers 5b and 5b of the remaining portion (the right half in FIG. 9) of the plurality of tapered rollers 5a and 5b are held in a freely rotatable manner by the second cage 19, and It is disposed between the second inner ring raceway 13 and the second outer ring raceway 16.
[0007]
And the said 1st retainer 18 is the state which hold | maintained some tapered rollers 5a and 5a among the said several tapered rollers 5a and 5b, and each of these tapered rollers 5a and 5a is diametrically inwardly dropped. To prevent it. For this purpose, the first retainer 18 is formed by injection molding an elastic synthetic resin so as to form the whole in a partially conical cylinder shape as shown in FIGS. 20 and column portions 21 and 21 are provided alternately. The tapered rollers 5a and 5a are arranged in the pockets 20 and 20 so as to roll freely.
[0008]
Further, the outer peripheral surface of each of the column parts 21 and 21 is diametrically outward from the pitch circle α of each of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a, and the inner peripheral surface is also diametrically inward from the pitch circle α. Each is located. And the width | variety regarding the circumferential direction of the outer diameter side of the said pockets 20 and 20 and an inner diameter side opening part is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of each said tapered roller 5a, 5a on an outer diameter side, and from this diameter on an inner diameter side. Also slightly smaller. Therefore, the operation of storing the tapered rollers 5a and 5a in the pockets 20 and 20 is performed by elastically deforming the column portions 21 and 21 in the circumferential direction from the inner diameter side of the first retainer 18. While doing. The column portions 21 and 21 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are elastically deformed in a direction away from each other in the circumferential direction during the storage operation, and allow the tapered rollers 5a and 5a to pass therethrough.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the state in which these tapered rollers 5a and 5a are completely stored in the pockets 20 and 20, the interval between the column portions 21 and 21 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is set to the tapered rollers. It becomes smaller than the outer diameter of 5a, 5a. As a result, the first retainer 18 prevents the tapered rollers 5a and 5a from inadvertently dropping inward in the diameter direction. The width and the outer diameter gradually change in the axial direction of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a, but the above-described magnitude relationship is satisfied at a position where they are aligned with each other with respect to the axial direction of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a.
[0010]
On the other hand, the second retainer 19 has a shape as shown in FIGS. 13 to 14 and is a state in which the remaining tapered rollers 5b and 5b among the plurality of tapered rollers 5a and 5b are rotatably held. Thus, these tapered rollers 5b and 5b are prevented from falling off in the outer diameter direction. The second cage 19 is also formed by injection molding synthetic resin to form the whole in a partially conical cylinder shape, and the pockets 20a and 20a and the column portions 21a and 21a are alternately provided in the circumferential direction. . The outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of each of the column portions 21a, 21a are both positioned outward in the diameter direction from the pitch circle β of the tapered rollers 5b, 5b. And the width | variety regarding the circumferential direction of the outer diameter side opening part of each said pocket 20a, 20a is fully smaller than the diameter of each said tapered roller 5b, 5b, and is made larger than this diameter by the inner diameter side. Therefore, the operation of storing the tapered rollers 5b and 5b in the pockets 20a and 20a is performed from the inner diameter side of the second cage 19. When the tapered rollers 5b and 5b are accommodated in the pockets 20a and 20a and the inner ring 3 is inserted on the inner diameter side of the tapered rollers 5b and 5b, the tapered rollers 5b and 5b are inserted into the pockets. 20a and 20a are held so as not to fall off.
[0011]
In order to assemble the automotive hub unit 1 having the above-described configuration, first, as shown in FIG. 15, some of the plurality of tapered rollers 5a and 5b are replaced with the first tapered rollers 5a and 5a. Is held by the cage 18. In this state, these tapered rollers 5a and 5a are held in the first cage 18 without being separated. In this state, some of these tapered rollers 5a, 5a are arranged inside the first outer ring raceway 15 on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4, as shown in FIG. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the outer end portion of the outer ring 4, after the partial tapered rollers 5a, 5a are disposed inside the first outer ring raceway 15, the axially outer seal ring 6a is fitted and fixed. . In this state, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a and the first cage 18 are combined with the outer ring 4 in a non-separable manner.
[0012]
Next, as shown in FIG. 16 → FIG. 17, after the hub body 2 is inserted inside the outer ring 4, the inner ring 3 is further connected to the plurality of tapered rollers 5a, as shown in FIG. 17 → FIG. The remaining tapered rollers 5b and 5b of 5b are inserted inside the outer ring 4 while being held around the second inner ring raceway 13 by the second cage 19. Then, the inner ring 3 is externally fitted to the small-diameter step portion 10 of the hub body 2 in accordance with this insertion work. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 9, an axially inner seal ring 6 b is mounted between the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the inner ring 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the outer ring 4.
[0013]
The above description has been given for the case of the automobile hub unit 1 for driving wheels having the spline hole 11 at the center of the hub body 2 as shown in FIGS. The same is true for the automobile hub unit 1a for a driven wheel that does not have a spline hole at the center of the hub body 2a as shown in FIG. In the case of the automotive hub unit 1a shown in FIG. 19, the inner end surface of the inner ring 3 that is externally fitted to the small-diameter step portion 10 at the inner end of the hub body 2a is connected to the inner end of the hub body 2a. The provided cylindrical portion is suppressed by a caulking portion 26 formed by plastic deformation outward in the radial direction.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, according to a conventionally known method for assembling an automobile hub unit, it is possible to assemble a structure in which a pair of seal rings 6a and 6b are fitted on the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends in the axial direction of the outer ring 4. However, the time required for assembly cannot always be shortened sufficiently. The reason for this is that simply by assembling the constituent members of the automobile hub unit 1 in order, the tapered rollers 5a and 5b do not move to the normal positions that should be in use, and the automobile hub unit 1 is left as it is. This is because an appropriate preload cannot be applied.
[0015]
In other words, when the automobile hub unit 1 is in use, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b, that is, the large-diameter axial end surfaces are the large-diameter side ends of the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13. Slidably contact the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 existing in the section. Even if an axial gap exists between the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 and the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b in a state where the hub unit 1 for an automobile is assembled, As these tapered rollers 5a and 5b roll, the axial gap gradually decreases and finally disappears. Eventually, the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 rub against the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b.
[0016]
On the other hand, in order to ensure the rigidity of the automobile hub unit 1, it is necessary to apply a desired preload to the tapered rollers 5a and 5b. In order to prevent the automotive hub unit 1 from rattling during operation even when preload is not applied, that is, when a positive internal clearance exists in the automotive hub unit 1, It is necessary to keep the size to an appropriate value. In this way, the preload or the internal clearance is adjusted to an appropriate value by contacting the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b with the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23. It must be done in contact. The reason for this is that the axial gap existing between the head and the side gradually disappears as the tapered rollers 5a and 5b roll as described above, and the preload decreases or disappears accordingly. However, this is because the internal gap increases.
[0017]
As is apparent from the above, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b and the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 are in contact with each other in the assembled state of the automotive hub unit 1. If they come into contact with each other, the preload or the internal clearance can be set immediately, and the efficiency of the assembly work of the automobile hub unit 1 can be improved. However, by simply assembling the constituent members of the automobile hub unit 1 in order, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a, 5b and the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22, 23 It is inevitable that the above-mentioned axial gap is present in the part. This reason will be described with reference to FIG.
[0018]
FIG. 20 shows an inner ring 3 and a plurality of tapered rollers combined in advance on the inner diameter side of the second outer ring raceway 16 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner end part of the outer ring 4 supported with the inner end part in the axial direction facing upward. The state which assembles 5b and the 2nd maintenance machine 19 is shown. At the time of this assembly, each of these tapered rollers 5b is displaced downward by its own weight, and each tail (small diameter side) end surface comes into contact with the side surface of the small diameter side flange 24 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter side end of the inner ring 3. Let Along with this, each head is separated from the second large-diameter side flange 23, and a gap 25 exists in the portion. In this state, the tapered rollers 5b enter the inner diameter side of the second outer ring raceway 16, and the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5b and the second outer ring raceway 16 come into contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 20, each tapered roller 5 b is sandwiched between the second outer ring raceway 16 and the second inner ring raceway 13 on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 3 while leaving the gap 25. It will be stationary. Even if the inner ring 3 is pressed outward (downward in FIG. 20) from this state, the tapered rollers 5b bite in a wedge shape between the raceways 16 and 13, and the inner ring 3 is moved outward. Can not be displaced.
[0019]
In other words, the roller angle α, which is the intersection angle between the generatrix opposite positions of the tapered rollers 5b (same for 5a) incorporated in the general automobile hub unit 1, is a small value of about 3 to 5 degrees. . When the inner ring 3 is pressed outward (downward in FIG. 2) with a force of F from the state shown in FIG. 20, the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5b from both the raceways 16 and 13 receive tan (α A force proportional to / 2) is applied in the direction of pushing each of these tapered rollers 5b inward (upward in FIG. 20). That is, on the basis of the force F, both the raceways 16 and 13 respectively change the rolling surface of each tapered roller 5b to f. ₀ Press with a force. This f ₀ The direction of the resulting force is inclined by tan (α / 2) with respect to the contact surface between the raceways 16 and 13 and the rolling surface of each tapered roller 5b. ₀ Is the component perpendicular to this contact surface f ₁ And the component f parallel to this contact surface ₂ It can be divided into
[0020]
Of these, the component f parallel to the contact surface ₂ The reaction force acts on the direction in which each of the tapered rollers 5b is displaced inward. In this way, the component f applied in the direction in which each of these tapered rollers 5b is displaced inward. ₂ The reaction force of is f ₁ ・ It can be expressed as tan (α / 2). On the other hand, a frictional force acting on the contact surface between the raceways 16 and 13 and the rolling surface of each tapered roller 5b is applied as a force that prevents the rollers 5b from being displaced inward. When the coefficient of static friction applied to the contact surface is μ, the force based on the frictional force is μ · f ₁ It is represented by Therefore, if tan (α / 2)> μ, the head of each tapered roller 5b can be brought into contact with the side surface of the second large-diameter side flange 23 as the inner ring 3 is pushed downward. become. On the other hand, if tan (α / 2) ≦ μ, the gap 25 between the head and the second large-diameter side flange 23 cannot be eliminated even if the inner ring 3 is pushed downward. It will be a thing.
[0021]
Since the roller angle α is 3 to 5 degrees as described above, the tan (α / 2) is about 0.026 to 0.044. On the other hand, since the static friction coefficient μ of the contact surface portion where the steels are in contact with each other is a value of about 0.12, tan (α / 2) <μ and the inner ring 3 is going to be pushed downward. However, the gap 25 between the head and the second large-diameter side flange 23 cannot be eliminated. For this reason, conventionally, from the state shown in FIG. 20, the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4 are rotated relative to each other while applying an outward load (generally its own weight) to the inner ring 3. While the tapered roller 5b is rolling, it is displaced inward with respect to the inner ring 3, so that the gap 25 is eliminated.
[0022]
In this way, the work of rotating the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4 relative to each other only in order to eliminate the gap 25 is troublesome, hindering the efficiency of the assembling work of the automotive hub unit 1, and this automotive hub unit. 1 increases the manufacturing cost.
In particular, in order to make the preload or internal clearance of the automotive hub unit 1a for a driven wheel as shown in FIG. 19 appropriate, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b are processed before the caulking portion 26 is processed. It is necessary to bring the portion into contact with the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23, and the manufacturing work of the automotive hub unit 1a is troublesome.
The manufacturing method of the hub unit for automobiles of the present invention has been invented in view of such circumstances.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An automotive hub unit assembled by the assembling method of the present invention includes a hub body, an inner ring fitted and fixed to the hub body, an outer ring disposed around the hub body and the inner ring, and outer peripheral surfaces of the hub body and the inner ring. It comprises a plurality of tapered rollers provided between the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring.
Of these, the hub body is provided with a flange for supporting the wheel on the outer peripheral surface of the axially outer end portion, and in the axial direction of the conical convex surface for forming the first row tapered roller bearing on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. The first inner ring raceway that is inclined in the direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the outside, the first large-diameter side flange on the portion adjacent to the outside in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway, the inner end in the axial direction A small-diameter step portion is provided on each outer peripheral surface.
The inner ring is formed with a second inner ring raceway and a second large-diameter side flange for forming a second row tapered roller bearing on the outer peripheral surface, respectively, and the hub body has a small-diameter step. It is externally fixed to the part. The second inner ring raceway has a conical convex shape and is inclined in a direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the inner side in the axial direction, and the second large-diameter side flange portion is an axis of the second inner ring raceway. It exists in the part adjacent to the inside in the direction.
In addition, the outer ring has a conical concave first shape inclined in a direction in which the inner diameter increases toward the end in the axial direction for constituting the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings on the inner peripheral surface. The second outer ring raceway is formed.
Further, a part of the plurality of tapered rollers is disposed between the first inner ring raceway and the first outer ring raceway in a state of being rotatably held by the first cage, and the remaining portion Is arranged between the second inner ring raceway and the second outer ring raceway in a state of being rotatably held by the second cage.
Further, the first retainer prevents the tapered rollers from dropping inward in the diameter direction in a state where a part of the plurality of tapered rollers is retained.
[0024]
In particular, the method for assembling an automobile hub unit according to claim 1 includes the following first to third steps.
In the first step, a part of the plurality of tapered rollers is held by the first cage, and arranged on the inner diameter side of the first outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. One intermediate assembly.
In the second step, after the first step, the first intermediate assembly is supported with the axially inner end side facing down and the axially outer end side facing up. Along with this, by supporting the axially inner end portions of the first retainer or the plurality of tapered rollers held by the first retainer, the rolling surfaces of these tapered rollers are set to the first outer ring. The hub main body is inserted into the inner diameter side of the first cage in a state of being lifted from the track. The rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers held by the first cage and the first inner ring raceway are brought into contact with each other to form a second intermediate assembly.
Further, in the third step, after the second step, a force in a direction to elastically lift the outer ring is applied to the outer ring with the axially outer end side of the outer ring facing up. At the same time, a third intermediate assembly in which the inner ring and the remaining portions of the plurality of tapered rollers are combined via the second retainer is used with the inner end of the inner ring facing downward. In a state where the hub body is disposed below and concentrically with the hub body, the hub body is pressed downward to press-fit the small-diameter stepped portion into the inner ring.
[0025]
Also, the method for assembling the automobile hub unit according to claim 2 includes the following first to third steps.
In the first step, a part of the plurality of tapered rollers is held by the first cage, and is arranged on the inner diameter side of the first outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. One intermediate assembly.
Further, in the second step, after the first step, the outer periphery of the intermediate portion of the hub main body is placed with the first intermediate assembly facing down on the axial outer end side and the axial inner end side up. It fits on the first inner ring raceway formed on the surface. The rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers held by the first cage and the first inner ring raceway are brought into contact with each other to form a second intermediate assembly.
Further, in the third step, after the second step, the second intermediate assembly is moved up and down with a force applied between the outer ring and the hub body so as to bring the outer ring and the hub body closer to each other. Reverse the direction. After that, a third intermediate assembly in which the inner ring and the remaining portions of the plurality of tapered rollers are combined via the second cage is disposed below the hub body and concentrically with the hub body. In this state, the hub body is pressed downward to press-fit the small diameter step into the inner ring.
[0026]
[Action]
According to the method for assembling the automotive hub unit of the present invention configured as described above, after assembling the constituent members, the first and second inner ring raceways and the first and second outer ring raceways are rotated relative to each other. Even if not, the heads of the tapered rollers abut against the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges formed at the large-diameter end portions of the inner ring raceways.
[0027]
First, in the case of the assembling method described in claim 1, since the hub body is inserted in a state in which the rolling surface of each tapered roller is lifted from the first outer ring raceway in the second step, The first large diameter formed at the portion adjacent to the outer side in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway in the state where the rolling surface of the roller is in contact with the first inner ring raceway. It contacts the side surface of the side collar.
Further, in the third step, the third intermediate assembly is arranged with the inner end of the inner ring facing downward, and the hub body is press-fitted into the inner ring. The heads of the tapered rollers arranged around the inner ring raceway abut on the side surface of the second large-diameter side flange formed in a portion adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction of the second inner ring raceway.
[0028]
Further, in the case of the assembling method described in claim 2, in the second step, the first intermediate assembly is moved with the axial outer end side down and the axial inner end side up. In order to fit externally to the first inner ring raceway formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion, in a state where the rolling surface of each tapered roller constituting the first intermediate assembly and the first inner ring raceway are in contact with each other, The head of each tapered roller contacts the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange that is formed at a portion adjacent to the outside in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway.
Further, in order to press-fit the third intermediate assembly in the third step and the hub body into the inner ring with the inner end of the inner ring facing downward, the second inner ring raceway formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring The heads of the respective tapered rollers arranged around abut against the side surface of the second large-diameter side flange formed at a portion adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction of the second inner ring raceway. When moving from the second step to the third step, the up-and-down direction of the second intermediate assembly is reversed. This reversing operation is performed with a force in a direction to bring the outer ring and the hub body closer to each other. Therefore, the heads of the tapered rollers and the side surfaces of the first large-diameter side flange are maintained in contact with each other.
[0029]
As described above, in any of the automotive hub unit assembling methods of the present invention, the plurality of tapered roller heads constituting the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings are configured. As the members are assembled, they abut against the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges formed in portions adjacent to the first and second inner ring raceways. For this reason, it is possible to set an appropriate preload or internal clearance for the automobile hub unit without performing a troublesome and time-consuming operation such as relatively rotating the hub main body and the inner ring and the outer ring after assembly.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 1. The feature of the present invention is that the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b constituting the tapered roller bearings 8 and 12 in the first and second rows are combined with the components of the automotive hub unit 1 at the same time. In the assembling method, the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 are brought into contact with each other. Since the configuration of the automotive hub unit 1 itself is the same as the conventionally known structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 10 described above, the description thereof will be omitted, and the assembly method of the present invention will be described below. In addition, in description of this example and each example of embodiment mentioned later, about the code | symbol in the state completed as the hub unit 1 for motor vehicles, what was shown to FIGS. 9-10 is used.
[0031]
First, in the first step, a first intermediate assembly 27 as shown in FIG. 1 is assembled. The first intermediate assembly 27 is a part of a plurality of tapered rollers 5a, 5b constituting the automotive hub unit 1 for forming the first row tapered roller bearing 8 on the outer side in the axial direction. The rollers 5a and 5a and the outer ring 4 are combined through a first retainer 18, and a seal ring 6a is assembled to the outer end of the outer ring 4.
In order to assemble such a first intermediate assembly 27, first, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are rolled by the first retainer 18 having the structure as shown in FIGS. Hold freely. In this holding operation, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are pushed into the pockets 20 and 20 of the first cage 18 while elastically deforming the column portions 21 and 21 from the inner diameter side of the first cage 18. By doing things.
[0032]
After the push-in, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are held in the pockets 20 and 20 so that they can roll and do not fall off to the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side. The plurality of tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a held by the first cage 18 in this manner are inserted into the inner diameter side of the first outer ring raceway 15 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer half of the outer ring 4. Next, the seal ring 6a is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer end portion of the outer ring 4 to obtain a first intermediate assembly 27 as shown in FIG. Such a first intermediate assembly 27 aligns the central axis direction of the outer ring 4 with the vertical direction with the outer end of the outer ring 4 positioned upward. As a result, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a tend to be displaced downward due to their own weights, and the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a and the first outer ring raceway 15 are connected to the bus of the rolling surface. Abuts over almost the entire length. In this state, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are applied with a force directed radially inward of the outer ring 4 on the basis of the engagement with the first outer ring raceway 15, but the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are applied. Is displaced by the first retainer 18 in the radially inward direction of the outer ring 4. Accordingly, the first cage 18 and the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are not displaced downward (inward in the axial direction) from the state shown in FIG.
[0033]
As described above, when the first intermediate assembly 27 is assembled in the first step, the first intermediate assembly 27 and the hub body 2 are combined in the second step as shown in FIG. A second intermediate assembly 28 as shown in the upper half of FIG. In this second step, the first intermediate assembly 27 is placed on the upper surface of the support plate 29, the inner end side in the axial direction is down, the outer end side in the axial direction is up, and the central axis of the outer ring 4 is in the vertical direction. Support in the arranged state. At the same time, by supporting the inner end of the first cage 18 in the axial direction, the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a held by the first cage 18 are used as the first outer ring. Lift from the orbit 15. Therefore, in the case of this example, the upper surface of the support plate 29 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring 4 and can be freely applied to the inner end surface in the axial direction of the first retainer 18. A cylindrical cradle 30 is provided. The first intermediate assembly 27 is placed on the upper surface of the support plate 29 so as to surround the cradle 30. The height dimension of the cradle 30 is such that the upper end surface of the cradle 30 is the first holding surface slightly before the inner end surface (lower end surface) in the axial direction of the outer ring 4 contacts the upper surface of the support plate 29. The container 18 is regulated so as to abut against the inner end surface (lower end surface) in the axial direction. Accordingly, the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a are lifted from the first outer ring raceway 15 in a state where the axial inner end surface of the outer ring 4 is in contact with the upper surface of the support plate 29.
[0034]
In this way, the first intermediate assembly 27 is placed on the upper surface of the support plate 29, and the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are lifted from the first outer ring raceway 15, The hub body 2 is inserted from the outer end (upper end) opening of the outer ring 4 into the portion surrounded by the tapered rollers 5a and 5a, that is, the inner diameter side of the first retainer 18. The rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a held by the first cage 18 are brought into contact with the first inner ring raceway 9 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub body 2 in the axial direction. Thus, the second intermediate assembly 28 is obtained.
[0035]
As the hub body 2 is inserted into a portion surrounded by the tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a, the heads of the tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a are moved outward in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway 9. It abuts on the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 formed in the adjacent portion. Since each of the tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a is lifted from the first outer ring raceway 15 so as to be lifted by the cradle 30, each of the tapered rollers 5 a and 5 a is connected to the first outer ring raceway 15. Each head is brought into contact with the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 without receiving resistance.
[0036]
After the hub body 2 is inserted into the portion surrounded by the tapered rollers 5a and 5a in this way, the outer ring 4 is lifted and the receiving base 30 is removed from the inner diameter side of the outer ring 4. As a result, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are lowered by their own weight and the weight of the hub body 2, and the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are brought into contact with the first outer ring raceway 15. In this manner, after the hub body 2 is inserted into the portion surrounded by the tapered rollers 5a and 5a, the heads of the rollers 5a and 5a are in the state where the outer ring 4 is lifted. A second intermediate set as shown in the upper half of FIG. 3, which is in contact with the side surface of the large-diameter side flange portion 22 and whose rolling surface is in contact with the first inner ring raceway 9 and the first outer ring raceway 15. A solid 28 is obtained.
[0037]
In the second intermediate assembly 28 obtained in the second step as described above, a second row of tapered roller bearings is formed on the inner end (lower end) of the outer ring 4 in the subsequent third step. The inner ring 3 is pushed together with the plurality of tapered rollers 5 b and 5 b and the second cage 19. In such a third step, as shown in FIG. 3, a force is applied in a direction to elastically lift the outer ring 4 with the outer end side in the axial direction of the outer ring 4 facing upward. At the same time, the third intermediate assembly 31 in which the inner ring 3 and the plurality of tapered rollers 5b, 5b are combined via the second retainer 19, with the inner end of the inner ring 3 facing down. Thus, the second intermediate assembly 28 is disposed below the hub body 2 concentrically with the hub body 2. From this state, the hub main body 2 is pressed downward to press-fit the small-diameter step portion 10 provided at the inner end (lower end) of the hub main body 2 into the inner ring 3.
[0038]
In the case of the present example in order to perform such a third step, a stepped columnar support 33 is provided on the upper surface of the base 32, and the third intermediate assembly is provided at the upper end of the support 33. 31 inner rings 3 are placed in a positioned state. Further, the lower half of the compression coil spring 34 is fitted on the lower half of the support 33, and a support ring 35 is supported horizontally on the upper end of the compression coil spring 34. The support ring 35 has a U-shaped cross-section with an opening at the bottom, and has an inner diameter that allows the outer ring 4 to be fitted outside without looseness at the inner end portion of the outer ring 4 that protrudes inward from the mounting portion 17. The upper end portion of the compression coil spring 34 is inserted into the inner space of the support ring 35 and supports the support ring 35 so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction so as not to drop off. In the third step, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the third intermediate assembly 31 is placed on the upper end of the support base 33, and the second intermediate assembly 28 is placed on the support ring 35. In this state, the intermediate assemblies 31 and 28 are arranged concentrically with their central axes positioned in the vertical direction. The tapered rollers 5b and 5b constituting the third intermediate assembly 31 fall down toward the second inner ring raceway 13 due to their own weights. It is also possible to use one that does not prevent the radially outward escape. However, it is preferable to use the one that can prevent the above-mentioned tapered rollers 5b and 5b from coming off due to vibrations during work. In addition, if the same kind as said 1st holder | retainer 18 is used as said 2nd holder | retainer 19, the cost reduction by sharing of components can be aimed at.
[0039]
Therefore, from this state, the outer end surface (upper end surface) of the hub body 2 of the second intermediate assembly 28 is pressed by the ram 36 of the press machine, and the small diameter step portion 10 provided at the inner end portion of the hub body 2 is pressed. Is pushed into the inner diameter side of the inner ring 3, and the hub body 2 is lowered until the outer end surface (upper end surface) of the inner ring 3 hits the step surface 14 adjacent to the outer side in the axial direction of the small diameter step portion 10. In a state where the outer end surface of the inner ring 3 is in contact with the stepped surface 14, the pushing of the hub body 2 is finished, the ram 36 is raised, and the second and third intermediate assemblies 28 coupled to each other. , 31 is taken out. The dimensions of each part are set so that an appropriate preload is applied to each of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b in this state (when preload is applied) or an internal gap is appropriate (when preload is not applied). To regulate. Then, a seal ring 6b is mounted between the inner peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the inner ring 3 to complete the hub unit 1 for an automobile. The structure for elastically supporting the outer ring 4 in the third step is not limited to the one using the compression coil spring 34 as shown, but an air cylinder or the like can be used.
[0040]
According to the method for assembling the automotive hub unit of the present example configured as described above, after assembling the constituent members, the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13 and the first and second outer ring raceways 15 and The first and second large roller heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b are formed at the large-diameter side end portions of the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13 without relative rotation of the roller 16. It contacts the side surfaces of the radial side flanges 22 and 23.
[0041]
First, with respect to the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a and the side surfaces of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 constituting the first row tapered roller bearing 8, the second step shown in FIG. Touch each other. That is, in this second step, since the hub body 2 is inserted in a state where the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are lifted from the first outer ring raceway 15, the tapered rollers 5a, In a state where the rolling surface of 5a and the first inner ring raceway 9 are in contact with each other, the heads of these tapered rollers 5a and 5a are in contact with the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22. The vertical positional relationship between the tapered rollers 5a and 5a and the hub body 2 does not change until the inner end of the hub body 2 is press-fitted into the inner ring 3 in the third step. The heads of the rollers 5a and 5a and the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 are maintained in contact with each other.
[0042]
In the third step, the third intermediate assembly 31 is arranged with the inner end of the inner ring 3 facing down, and the inner end of the hub body 2 is press-fitted into the inner ring 3. The heads of the tapered rollers 5b and 5b arranged around the second inner ring raceway 13 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 3 are caused by the weight of the tapered rollers 5b and 5b so that the second large-diameter side flange It contacts the side surface of the portion 23. The rolling surfaces of these tapered rollers 5b and 5b come into contact with the second inner ring raceway 13 and the second outer ring raceway 16 as the third step ends. For this reason, after the completion of the third step, the heads of the tapered rollers 5b and 5b are not displaced in the direction of retreating from the side surface of the second large-diameter side flange 23. The heads 5b and 5b and the side surface of the second large-diameter side flange 23 are maintained in contact with each other.
[0043]
In the illustrated example, neither of the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13 has a small-diameter side flange at the small-diameter side end. According to the assembling method of the present example, the tapered rollers 5a and 5b held by the first and second cages 18 and 19 in the middle of assembling without the small-diameter side collar portion are The second inner ring raceway 9 and 13 does not fall off from the periphery. Of course, it is possible to form a small-diameter flange on the small-diameter end of each of the inner ring raceways 9 and 13. However, if the small-diameter side flange is omitted, the shape can be made close to the final shape by forging, so that the machining allowance in the turning process is reduced, and the cost based on facilitating the machining operation of each of the inner ring raceways 9 and 13 described above. Reduction can be achieved.
[0044]
As described above, in the case of the method of assembling the automobile hub unit of this example, the heads of the plurality of tapered rollers 5a and 5b constituting the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings 8 and 12, respectively. The portion comes into contact with the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flange portions 22 and 23 formed in portions adjacent to the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13 as the constituent members are assembled. For this reason, an appropriate preload or internal clearance is provided to the automobile hub unit 1 without performing troublesome and time-consuming work such as relatively rotating the hub body 2 and the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4 after assembly. Can be set. Further, when applied to the automobile hub unit 1a as shown in FIG. 19, the caulking portion 26 can be processed immediately without requiring the above troublesome work. Even if it is necessary to correct the hub body 2 and the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4 in order to correct the posture of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b, the correction work is completed in a short time. I can do things.
[0045]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 1. In this example, when the method for assembling the automobile hub unit according to claim 1 is carried out, the first intermediate assembly 27 and the hub body 2 are combined and the second half as shown in the upper half of FIG. This relates to the improvement of the second step of obtaining the intermediate assembly 28. In particular, in the present example, regardless of the difference (mutual difference) in the axial lengths of the plurality of tapered rollers 5a and 5a constituting the first row tapered roller bearing 8, all of these are associated with the implementation of the second step. The heads of all the tapered rollers 5a and 5a and the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 are brought into contact with each other. That is, in the case of a general automobile hub unit 1, there may be a difference in roller length of about 0.38 mm, for example, with respect to the tapered rollers 5a and 5a. As in the first example described above, when all the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are pressed upward by the same amount through the first cage 18 in the second step, a part of the cones are formed based on the above mutual difference. There is a possibility that the heads of the rollers 5a and 5a and the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange 22 are separated from each other. On the other hand, in the case of this example, by pressing each tapered roller 5a, 5a upward independently of each other, the heads of all the tapered rollers 5a, 5a and the side surfaces of the large-diameter side flange portion 22 are provided. And are surely brought into contact with each other.
[0046]
Therefore, in the case of this example, the same number of receiving cylinders 37, 37 as the tapered rollers 5a, 5a constituting the first row tapered roller bearing 8 are formed on the same circumference on the upper surface of the support plate 29. Arranged at intervals, the lower half portions of the receiving pins 38 and 38 are inserted into the receiving cylinders 37 and 37, respectively. An elastic material such as a compression coil spring 39 is provided between the bottom surface of each receiving cylinder 37, 37 and the lower end surface of each receiving pin 38, 38, and faces upward to each receiving pin 38, 38. Gives elasticity. And when implementing the said 2nd process, the upper end surface of each of these receiving pins 38 and 38 is abutted on the tail part (small-diameter side end surface) of each said tapered roller 5a, 5a. In this way, the first retainer 18a used in the implementation of the present example is at least on the small diameter side so that the tip surfaces of the receiving pins 38, 38 can be brought into contact with the tails of the tapered rollers 5a, 5a. The outer diameter of the end portion is reduced, and the front end portions of the receiving pins 38, 38 are freely inserted between the outer peripheral surface of the first diameter side end portion of the first cage 18a and the first outer ring raceway 15. Yes. For this reason, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a can be pulled out from the pockets of the first cage 18a outward in the radial direction of the first cage 18a. The receiving cylinders 37 and 37 can be configured independently of each other. However, cylinder holes are formed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of a single cylindrical member, and the cylinder holes are formed in the cylinder holes. If the receiving pins 38 and 38 and the elastic material are installed, a plurality of receiving cylinders and receiving pins 38 and 38 can be handled integrally, and handling work can be facilitated.
[0047]
If the second step of obtaining the second intermediate assembly 28 by combining the first intermediate assembly 27 and the hub body 2 using the apparatus as described above is performed, the tapered rollers 5a, 5a Regardless of the difference, the heads of these tapered rollers 5a and 5a can be reliably brought into contact with the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22. Therefore, in order to reduce the mutual difference, the processing accuracy of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a is particularly improved, or the hub body 2 and the inner ring 3 and the outer ring 4 are rotated relative to each other after assembly. An appropriate preload or internal clearance can be set for the automotive hub unit 1 without performing time-consuming work.
[0048]
Next, FIGS. 5 to 7 show a third example of the embodiment of the invention corresponding to claim 2. In the case of this example, as in the case of the first example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first intermediate assembly 27 as shown in FIG. 5 is first assembled in the first step. The first intermediate assembly 27 is the same as the first intermediate assembly 27 assembled in the first step of the first example (FIGS. 1 and 5 are the same diagram).
[0049]
However, in the case of this example, unlike the case of the first example, in the subsequent second step, the first intermediate assembly 27 is placed with the axially outer end side down, as shown in FIG. With the inner end side in the direction facing upward, it is fitted onto the first inner ring raceway 9 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate part of the hub body 2. And in order to comprise the 1st row tapered roller bearing 8, the rolling surface of each tapered roller 5a, 5a hold | maintained at the 1st retainer 18 and said 1st inner ring raceway 9 are contact | abutted, FIG. A second intermediate assembly 28 as shown in the upper half of FIG. Therefore, in the example shown in the figure, the flange 7 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub body 2 is placed on the upper surface of the cylindrical cradle 40 and the axially outer surface of the flange 7 is placed in contact with the upper surface. To do. In this state, the first intermediate assembly 27 is externally fitted to the intermediate portion of the hub body 2. When the second step is performed, the first retainer 18 and the tapered rollers 5a and 5a tend to drop out from the axial outer end (lower end) opening of the outer ring 4. Since the seal ring 6a is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the outer end portion 4, the first cage 18 and the tapered rollers 5a and 5a can be prevented from falling off.
[0050]
Further, in the third step, after the second step, the second ring is subjected to a force in a direction in which the outer ring 4 and the hub main body 2 are brought close to each other between the outer ring 4 and the hub main body 2. The vertical direction of the intermediate assembly 28 is reversed. Therefore, in the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 7, the mounting portion 17 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 4 and the flange 7 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub body 2 are connected by a plurality of clamp jigs 41. , And hold it in the direction of approaching each other. Each of these clamp jigs 41 has a structure that is a large-sized jig called a W clip that sandwiches a document, and has a U-shaped leaf spring 42 that has elasticity in a direction to narrow the interval between the openings, and this plate. A pair of levers 43 and 43 are provided to widen the gap between the openings of the spring 42. By pressing the outer ring 4 and the hub body 2 combined in the second step before being turned upside down as shown in FIG. 7 by such a clamp jig 41, the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are pressed. And the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 remain in contact with each other. However, elastic materials such as rubber bands and coil springs can be used instead of the clamp jig. Furthermore, it may be suppressed by a robot arm.
[0051]
When the second intermediate assembly 28 is turned upside down as described above and the inner side in the axial direction of the outer ring 4 and the hub body 2 is set downward, as shown in FIG. A third intermediate set configured in the same manner as in the case of the first example shown in FIG. 3 described above, in which the inner ring 3 constituting the bearing 12 and the plurality of tapered rollers 5b and 5b are combined via the second cage 19. A solid body 31 is arranged below the hub body 2 and concentrically with the hub body 2. In this state, the hub body 2 is pressed downward by the ram 36a of the press machine, and the small-diameter step portion 10 formed at the inner end of the hub body 2 is press-fitted into the inner ring 3. Then, the hub body 2 is lowered until the outer end surface (upper end surface) of the inner ring 3 abuts on the step surface 14 adjacent to the outer side in the axial direction of the small diameter step portion 10. In a state where the outer end surface of the inner ring 3 is in contact with the stepped surface 14, the pushing of the hub body 2 is finished, the ram 36 a is raised, and the second and third intermediate assemblies 28 coupled to each other. , 31 is taken out. In this state, the dimensions of each part are regulated so that an appropriate preload is applied to each of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b, or the internal gap is appropriate, and then the inner end of the outer ring 4 is adjusted. It is the same as in the case of the first example described above that the seal ring 6b is mounted between the inner peripheral surface of the part and the outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the inner ring 3 to complete the automobile hub unit 1.
[0052]
In the case of the assembling method of the present example, which is carried out as described above, the first intermediate assembly 27 is moved to the axially inner end side in the second step shown in FIG. In the above state, it is fitted on a first inner ring raceway 9 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate part of the hub body 2. Therefore, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a are brought into contact with the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers 5a and 5a constituting the first intermediate assembly 27 and the first inner ring raceway 9, respectively. However, due to the action of gravity, the first inner ring raceway 9 abuts against the side surface of the first large-diameter side flange portion 22 formed in the portion adjacent to the outside in the axial direction.
[0053]
In the third step shown in FIG. 7, the hub body 2 is press-fitted into the inner ring 3 with the third intermediate assembly 31 in a state where the inner end of the inner ring 3 is on the lower side. For this reason, the heads of the tapered rollers 5 b and 5 b arranged around the second inner ring raceway 13 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 3 are adjacent to the axially inner side of the second inner ring raceway 13. It contacts the side surface of the formed second large-diameter side flange 23. When moving from the second step shown in FIG. 6 to the third step shown in FIG. 7, the vertical direction of the second intermediate assembly 28 is reversed. Since the flange 7 and the mounting portion 17 are held down and a force is applied in a direction to bring the outer ring 4 and the hub body 2 close to each other, the heads 5a, 5a of the tapered rollers and the first The large-diameter side flange 22 is kept in contact with the side surface.
[0054]
When the assembly method according to claim 2 is performed, the inner ring 3 constituting the third intermediate assembly 31 is replaced with the inner end portion of the hub body 2 constituting the second intermediate assembly 28 in the third step. When press-fitting into the small-diameter step portion 10, the means for bringing the hub main body 2 and the inner ring 3 close to each other by the clamp fitting 41 or the like may be removed. In this case, the outer ring 4 of the second intermediate assembly 28 is placed in a state where the center axis of the outer ring 4 is arranged in the vertical direction with the outer end in the axial direction facing upward as shown in FIG. 3, for example. To support. Also in this example, the first and second inner ring raceways 9 and 13 are not provided with the small-diameter side flanges at the small-diameter side end portions, but may be provided. However, the machining cost can be reduced by omitting the small-diameter side flange.
[0055]
Next, FIG. 8 shows a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 and 2. The present example relates to an improvement of a third process in which the second intermediate assembly 28 and the third intermediate assembly 31 are combined. That is, by rotating the outer ring 4 and press-fitting a small-diameter step portion 10 formed at the inner end of the hub body 2 into the inner ring 3, the heads of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b and the first and second large diameters. A method of bringing the side surfaces of the side flange portions 22 and 23 into contact with each other more reliably is realized.
[0056]
In order to realize such a method, in the case of the present example, the outer ring 4 constituting the second intermediate assembly 28 is elastically supported so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. . For this purpose, a cylindrical air cylinder 44 is provided on the upper surface of the base 32 a so as to be concentric with the support base 33 a for supporting the third intermediate assembly 31, and an annular piston plate 45 is provided in the air cylinder 44. It is fitted up and down freely. The piston plate 45 can be moved up and down by supplying and discharging compressed air into and from the air cylinder 44 through the supply and discharge ports 46a and 46b, and is lowered when a large force is applied even when the piston plate 45 is raised. The lower end portion of the piston rod 47 is coupled to a plurality of locations on the upper surface of the piston plate 45 (for example, 3 to 4 locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction). Each piston rod 47 protrudes above the air cylinder 44 in a state of airtightly penetrating the upper end plate of the air cylinder 44. A roller 48 is rotatably supported on the upper end of each piston rod 47 by a horizontal shaft 49 disposed in the radial direction of the outer ring 4. The rollers 48 are provided at the same height, and are in rolling contact with the inner side surface (lower surface) of the mounting portion 17 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 4. In this state, the second intermediate assembly 28 including the outer ring 4 is elastically supported so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis.
[0057]
Further, a drive roller 50 for rotationally driving the outer ring 4 is provided on the side of the upper end portion of the support base 33a for placing the inner ring 3 constituting the third intermediate assembly 31. It is provided so that it can freely advance and retreat in the diameter direction. For this purpose, the drive roller 50 is rotatably supported around the longitudinal axis 52 arranged in the vertical direction at the tip of the support arm 51 that is movable in the diameter direction. An endless belt 54 is wound around a driven pulley 53 fixed to the end of the vertical axis 52 so that the drive roller 50 can be driven to rotate. The drive roller 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and is elastically allowed to roll and contact the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 4.
[0058]
When the third step of combining the second intermediate assembly 28 and the third intermediate assembly 31 is carried out by the method of this example, the hub body 2 and the air cylinder 44 are moved by the ram 36a of a press machine. The second intermediate assembly 28 is pressed downward with a force larger than that of pushing up. Then, with the second intermediate assembly 28 lowered by a predetermined amount, the drive roller 50 that has been retracted to the outside in the radial direction of the second intermediate assembly 28 (to the left in FIG. 8) is advanced. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the driving roller 50 is abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 4. In this state, the hub body 2 is further lowered by the ram 36a while rotating the outer ring 4 by the driving roller 50. As a result, the tapered rollers 5a and 5b in contact with the first and second outer ring raceways 15 and 16 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 4 roll, and the postures of the tapered rollers 5a and 5b are stabilized. The heads of these tapered rollers 5a and 5b and the side surfaces of the first and second large-diameter side flanges 22 and 23 are in uniform contact with each other. Since the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller 50 made of an elastic material such as rubber is elastically abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the outer ring 4, when the outer ring 4 is lowered by the pressing of the ram 36a. However, an excessive force is not applied to the drive roller 50.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
Since the method for assembling the automobile hub unit of the present invention is configured and operates as described above, the cost of the automobile hub unit can be reduced by increasing the efficiency of the assembly work of the automobile hub unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first intermediate assembly 27 produced by a first step of a first example of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second step.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the third step.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second step in the second example of the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first intermediate assembly manufactured by the first process of the third example of the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second step.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the third step.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third step in the fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of a hub unit such as an automobile assembled by the assembling method of the present invention.
10 is a view from the right side of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first cage.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second cage.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate assembly manufactured in the first step of a conventional assembly method.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the second step.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the third step.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the fourth step.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of a hub unit for an automobile or the like assembled by the assembling method of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a sectional view for explaining the reason why a gap is generated between the roller head and the side surface of the large-diameter side flange adjacent to the inner ring raceway.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1a Automotive hub unit
2, 2a Hub body
3 inner ring
4 outer ring
5a, 5b Tapered roller
6a, 6b Seal ring
7 Flange
8 Tapered roller bearings in the first row
9 First inner ring raceway
10 Small diameter step
11 Spline hole
12 Second row tapered roller bearing
13 Second inner ring raceway
14 Step surface
15 First outer ring raceway
16 Second outer ring raceway
17 Mounting part
18, 18a First cage
19 Second cage
20, 20a pocket
21, 21a Column
22 First large-diameter side collar
23 Second large diameter side collar
24 Small diameter side buttock
25 Clearance
26 Caulking part
27 First intermediate assembly
28 Second intermediate assembly
29 Support plate
30 cradle
31 Third intermediate assembly
32, 32a base
33, 33a Support stand
34 Compression coil spring
35 Support ring
36, 36a lamb
37 Receiving cylinder
38 Pin
39 Compression coil spring
40 cradle
41 Clamp jig
42 leaf spring
43 Lever
44 Air cylinder
45 Piston plate
46a, 46b Supply / exhaust port
47 Piston rod
48 Laura
49 Horizontal axis
50 Drive roller
51 Support arm
52 Vertical axis
53 Driven pulley
54 Endless belt

Claims

A hub body, an inner ring fitted and fixed to the hub body, an outer ring disposed around the hub body and the inner ring, and a plurality provided between the outer peripheral surface of the hub body and the inner ring and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring It consists of a tapered roller of
Of these, the hub body is provided with a flange for supporting the wheel on the outer peripheral surface of the axially outer end portion, and in the axial direction of the conical convex surface for forming the first row tapered roller bearing on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. The first inner ring raceway that is inclined in the direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the outside, the first large-diameter side flange on the portion adjacent to the outside in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway, the inner end in the axial direction Each has a small diameter step on the outer peripheral surface,
The inner ring has a conical convex surface on the outer peripheral surface, and a second inner ring raceway that is inclined in a direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the inside in the axial direction. Forming a second large-diameter side flange existing in a portion adjacent to the inner side in the axial direction of the inner ring raceway, and being externally fitted and fixed to the small-diameter step portion of the hub body,
The outer ring is configured to form the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings on the inner peripheral surface, and each of the first and second tapered concave surfaces is inclined in a direction in which the inner diameter increases toward the axial end. A second outer ring raceway,
A part of the plurality of tapered rollers is disposed between the first inner ring raceway and the first outer ring raceway in a state of being rotatably held by a first retainer, It is arranged between the second inner ring raceway and the second outer ring raceway in a state of being freely rollable by the second cage,
The first retainer is to prevent each of these tapered rollers from dropping inward in the diametrical direction while holding a part of the plurality of tapered rollers.
A method for assembling an automobile hub unit,
A first intermediate assembly is formed by holding a part of the plurality of tapered rollers by a first retainer and disposing on the inner diameter side of the first outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. Process,
After the first step, the first intermediate assembly is supported with the inner end side in the axial direction facing down and the outer end side in the axial direction facing up, and the first retainer or the first retainer By supporting the inner ends in the axial direction of the plurality of tapered rollers held on the inner diameter side of the first cage while the rolling surface of each tapered roller is lifted from the first outer ring raceway A second step of inserting the hub body into a second intermediate assembly by bringing the rolling surfaces of the tapered rollers held by the first cage into contact with the first inner ring raceway,
After the second step, a force is applied to the outer ring in a state in which the outer ring is elastically lifted with the outer end side in the axial direction facing up, and the inner ring and the plurality of tapered rollers are A state in which the third intermediate assembly in which the remaining portion is combined through the second retainer is arranged concentrically with the hub body below the hub body with the inner end of the inner ring on the lower side And a third step of pressing the hub body downward to press-fit the small diameter step into the inner ring.

A hub body, an inner ring fitted and fixed to the hub body, an outer ring disposed around the hub body and the inner ring, and a plurality provided between the outer peripheral surface of the hub body and the inner ring and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring It consists of a tapered roller of
Of these, the hub body is provided with a flange for supporting the wheel on the outer peripheral surface of the axially outer end portion, and in the axial direction of the conical convex surface for forming the first row tapered roller bearing on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. The first inner ring raceway that is inclined in the direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the outside, the first large-diameter side flange on the portion adjacent to the outside in the axial direction of the first inner ring raceway, the inner end in the axial direction Each has a small diameter step on the outer peripheral surface,
The inner ring has a conical convex surface on the outer peripheral surface, and a second inner ring raceway that is inclined in a direction in which the outer diameter increases toward the inside in the axial direction. A second large-diameter side flange that exists in a portion adjacent to the inner side of the inner ring raceway in the axial direction, and is externally fixed to the small-diameter step portion of the hub body,
The outer ring is configured to form the first and second rows of tapered roller bearings on the inner peripheral surface, and each of the first and second tapered concave surfaces is inclined in a direction in which the inner diameter increases toward the axial end. A second outer ring raceway,
A part of the plurality of tapered rollers is disposed between the first inner ring raceway and the first outer ring raceway in a state of being rotatably held by a first retainer, It is arranged between the second inner ring raceway and the second outer ring raceway in a state of being freely rollable by the second cage,
The first retainer is to prevent each of these tapered rollers from dropping inward in the diametrical direction while holding a part of the plurality of tapered rollers.
A method for assembling an automobile hub unit,
A first intermediate assembly is formed by holding a part of the plurality of tapered rollers by a first retainer and disposing on the inner diameter side of the first outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. Process,
After the first step, the first intermediate assembly is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub body with the axial outer end side down and the axial inner end side up. A second step of fitting the rolling surface of each tapered roller held on the first retainer and the first inner ring raceway into a second intermediate assembly by externally fitting to an inner ring raceway;
After the second step, after the vertical direction of the second intermediate assembly is reversed between the outer ring and the hub body with a force in a direction to bring the outer ring and the hub body closer to each other, In a state where a third intermediate assembly in which the inner ring and the remaining portions of the plurality of tapered rollers are combined via the second cage is disposed below the hub body and concentrically with the hub body, And a third step of pressing the hub body downward to press-fit the small diameter step into the inner ring.