JPH1119831A - Assembling device for snap ring - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an assembling device for a snap ring whereby its diameter can be smoothly contracted, in the case that the snap ring, diametrically contracted by an internal peripheral surface of an insertion hole of a jig, is assembled in an object. SOLUTION: An assembling device for a snap ring has a constitution inserting the snap ring 10 in an insertion hole 15 of a jig 13 assembled in an object after diametrically contracting the snap ring 10 by an internal peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15. Here, the device has an inserting pin 21 relatively moving both end parts 11A, 11B of the snap ring 10 in a radial direction, protruded part 17 pressing one end part 11B of the snap ring 10 to an inner side, and a pressing pin 23 placing both the end parts 11A, 11B of the snap ring 10 in a former condition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a snap ring assembling apparatus used for automatically assembling a snap ring to an object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a power transmission device for a vehicle is provided with a plurality of members relatively rotating around an axis or a plurality of members integrally rotating around an axis. These members are mounted in such a manner that they are positioned with respect to each other in the axial direction or the relative movement is restricted within a predetermined range.

On the other hand, devices mounted on vehicles are required to be smaller and lighter. Therefore, a snap ring is exemplified as a component that can perform positioning of a plurality of components or regulation of relative movement as described above with a simple configuration. An example of such a snap ring is shown in Shokai 63
No. 178612.

[0004] The snap ring described in this publication is
At one of the opposing ends forming the cut, an inner peripheral narrow portion in which the outer peripheral side of the snap ring is smaller than the reference outer diameter is formed. Also, on the other of the opposing ends forming the cut,
An outer peripheral narrow portion in which the inner peripheral side of the snap ring is larger than the reference inner diameter is formed. That is, the inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the snap ring is set at the opposite end forming the cut.

[0005] The snap ring having the above structure is first reduced in diameter by elastic deformation and inserted into the inner periphery of the clutch drum. When the snap ring is inserted to a position corresponding to the snap ring groove, the snap ring expands in diameter by elastic force, and the assembling is completed. When the snap ring has been assembled, the opposed ends overlap in the radial direction. Therefore, the gap between the cuts of the snap ring is reduced as much as possible, and the function of receiving the load is ensured over the entire circumferential direction of the snap ring.

On the other hand, a snap ring assembling apparatus used for automatically assembling such a snap ring to an object is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 58-191928 or Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 59-143668. Or actual opening 59
No. 183327, for example.

The snap ring assembling apparatus described in each of the above publications includes a jig having an insertion hole into which the snap ring is inserted in a thickness direction, and an insertion member for moving the snap ring to an object side. ing. The inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole is provided with a taper in a direction of reducing the diameter toward the object.

According to the snap ring assembling apparatus,
When the insertion member and the jig move relative to each other, the snap ring comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole and is reduced in diameter while being elastically deformed.
Assembled to the object.

[0009]

However, the snap ring described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-178612 is automatically assembled to an object using the snap ring assembling apparatus described in each of the above publications. In this case, the opposite ends are brought into contact with each other while the diameter of the snap ring is reduced. As a result, there is a possibility that the diameter of the snap ring is hindered and automatic assembly cannot be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a snap ring to be assembled to an object is inserted into an insertion hole to reduce the diameter, a snap ring capable of smoothly reducing the diameter of the snap ring. An object of the present invention is to provide a ring assembling device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a jig having a tapered insertion hole in a direction of decreasing the diameter from the inlet side to the outlet side. An insertion member disposed so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction of the insertion hole with respect to the jig, and an object is arranged on the exit side of the insertion hole and reaches the outer periphery from the inner periphery. After inserting a snap ring with a cut into the insertion hole in the thickness direction thereof, and moving the jig and the insertion member relative to each other and reducing the diameter of the snap ring by an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, In the snap ring assembling apparatus, wherein the snap ring is inserted into the insertion hole, the snap ring is elastically deformed when the diameter of the snap ring is reduced. A way, the opposite ends forming the cut, at least one of the position in the thickness direction or radial direction of the snap ring is set to a different state 1
By returning the deforming mechanism and the opposite end of the snap ring whose position has been set by the first deforming mechanism to a state in which the thickness direction and the radial position of the snap ring substantially match, the snapping is performed. And a second deformation mechanism for assembling a ring to the object.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, the snap ring is elastically deformed by the first moving mechanism, and the opposing end forming the cut is formed by the snap. At least one position in the radial direction or the thickness direction of the ring is set to a different state.
For this reason, when the snap ring is reduced in diameter, both ends are moved in different areas to promote the reduction in diameter, thereby preventing contact between the both ends. Thereafter, the snap ring is deformed by the second moving mechanism, and the opposing end is returned to a state in which the positions of the snap ring in the radial direction and the thickness direction are substantially the same, and assembled to the object.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation of automatically assembling the snap ring, which is configured so that the gap between the opposing ends forming the cuts, becomes small, is smooth and reliable. It is possible to do.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jig having an insertion hole tapered in a direction of reducing the diameter from the inlet side to the outlet side, and a jig relative to the jig in the axial direction of the insertion hole. And a snap ring having a cut reaching from an inner peripheral side to an outer peripheral side, and a snap ring having a cut extending from an inner peripheral side to an outer peripheral side. After the jig and the insertion member are relatively moved, the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, and the diameter of the snap ring is increased by the elasticity of the snap ring to be assembled to the object. In the snap ring assembling apparatus, the jig and the insertion member are configured to be rotatable about the axis, and the tip of the insertion member is provided with a region having a different amount of protrusion in the axial direction in a circumferential direction. Adjacent to each other Characterized in that it is formed Te.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the snap ring is pressed by the insertion member and moved to the exit side of the insertion hole, one of the opposing ends forming the cut has an area where the insertion member has a large amount of protrusion. Is pressed in the thickness direction. For this reason, the positions in the thickness direction of the two opposing ends are different from each other, and the snap ring is elastically deformed in the direction in which the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the taper of the insertion hole, and the two opposing ends overlap. Then, when the snap ring is inserted to a predetermined position, one opposing end of the snap ring is assembled to the object. Thereafter, when the insertion member is rotated about the axis, the other facing end is pressed in the thickness direction by the region having a large amount of protrusion. As a result, the positions in the thickness direction of the two opposing ends return to a state where they substantially coincide with each other, and the entire snap ring is assembled to the object.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a snap ring assembling apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a tripod constant velocity joint 1 to which a snap ring is to be assembled, and FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. In FIG. 1, a tripod constant velocity joint 1 includes a cylindrical inboard outer 2 and an annular tripod 3 disposed inside the inboard outer 2.
And Rolling grooves 4 are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the inboard outer 2 in the axial direction.

On the other hand, on the outer periphery of the tripod 3, a protruding portion 5 protruding in the radial direction is formed. An annular inner roller 6 is fixed to the outer periphery of the projecting portion 5, and an annular outer roller 8 is attached to the outer periphery of the inner roller 6 via a plurality of needle rollers 7. The outer roller 8 is arranged in the rolling groove 4.

On the inner circumference of the outer roller 8, two annular mounting grooves 9 are formed at different positions in the axial direction.
A snap ring 10 is mounted in each of the mounting grooves 9. The thickness t1 in the axial direction of the snap ring 10 is
The width of the mounting groove 9 is set slightly smaller than the width in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the snap ring 10 has a linear cut 1 extending from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side.
1 is provided.

The cut 11 is set so as to intersect at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the snap ring 10. Further, the snap ring 10 is configured to have a shape in which opposing ends (hereinafter abbreviated as ends) 11A and 11B forming the cuts 11 are substantially in contact with each other when the snap ring 10 is attached to the attachment groove 9. Therefore, the following two configurations are exemplified as the shape of the snap ring 10. The first configuration is that the snap ring 10 is in a free state,
That is, in the state where the load toward the center is not applied,
Opposing end portions (hereinafter abbreviated as end portions) 11A and 11B which form the cut 11 have a shape almost in contact with each other. In the second configuration, the snap ring 10 is in a free state,
That is, in the state where the load toward the center is not applied,
This is a shape in which a predetermined gap is set between opposing ends (hereinafter abbreviated as ends) 11A and 11B that form the cuts 11.

The inner diameter of the snap ring 10 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the inner roller 6. By the snap ring 10, the inner roller 6 and the outer roller 8 are integrally assembled via the needle roller 7 so as to be relatively rotatable.

Here, the inboard outer 2 is made of a material such as carbon steel or chrome steel, the tripod 3 is made of a material such as carbon steel, the needle roller 7 is made of a material such as bearing steel, and the snap ring is formed. 10
Is made of a material such as a hard steel wire or a piano wire.

The tripod constant velocity joint 1 having the above structure
As the outer roller 8 rolls along the rolling groove 4, the tripod 3 and the inboard outer 2 relatively move in the axial direction. Further, the relative movement between the protruding portion 5 and the inner roller 6 changes the connection angle between the inboard outer 2 and the tripod 3. And the needle roller 7
When the roller rolls between the inner roller 6 and the outer roller 8, the end face of the needle roller 7 is
It moves in a state of contact with zero. That is, the load acts on the entire area of the snap ring 10 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in order to suppress vibration and abnormal noise due to the movement of the needle roller 7, it is preferable that the gap between the cuts 11 of the snap ring 10 is set as narrow as possible.

(First Embodiment) Next, the snap ring 1
An example of an assembling device used when automatically assembling 0 with the outer roller 8 will be described. This first embodiment corresponds to the first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 3 and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line VV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4.
It is a plane sectional view in a line. The assembling device 12 has an axis A
A jig 13 and an insertion head 14 are provided so as to be relatively movable in one direction.

The jig 13 is for reducing the diameter of the snap ring 10, and the jig 13 is integrally formed of metal into a ring shape. The jig 13 is formed with an insertion hole 15 centered on the axis A1 and a symmetric object arrangement portion 16 in which the outer roller 8 is arranged. The entrance 15A of the insertion hole 15 is
The outlet 15B of the insertion hole 15 is formed on the insertion head 14 side.
Are formed on the symmetric object arrangement portion 16 side.

The shape of the opening of the insertion hole 15 is substantially circular, and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 is provided with a conical taper. The taper of the inner peripheral surface 15 </ b> C of the insertion hole 15 is set in a direction in which the diameter decreases from the inlet 15 </ b> A side of the insertion hole 15 toward the outlet 15 </ b> B side. And the insertion hole 1
The inner diameter of the inlet 15A of the fifth ring 5 is set to a value exceeding the outer diameter of the snap ring 10. Further, the inner diameter of the outlet 15 </ b> B of the insertion hole 15 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer roller 8.

The inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 has a protruding portion 1 extending from an intermediate position in the direction of the axis A1 to the outlet 15B.
7 are formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the projecting portion 17 has a substantially planar cross-sectional shape set in a substantially wedge shape, and has a shape in which the projecting amount of the projecting portion 17 gradually increases from the inlet 15A side toward the outlet 15B side.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the relative relationship between the jig 13 and the insertion head 14 in the circumferential direction. Insertion hole 1
5 has an angle θ1 connected to the protrusion 17.
The radius of curvature of the region corresponding to the angle θ2 other than the angle θ1 is set to be larger than the radius of curvature of the region corresponding to.

In other words, the area corresponding to the angle θ1 of the snap ring 10 is set to a shape closer to the involute curve centered on the protrusion 17 and the angle θ2
Are set in an arc shape centered on the center of the insertion hole 15. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set to about 90 degrees and the angle θ2 is set to about 270 degrees, but the ratio between the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 can be arbitrarily changed.

Further, the symmetric object arrangement portion 16 includes an inner peripheral surface 18 having a substantially circular planar cross-sectional shape and an annular contact surface 19. One end side of the inner peripheral surface 18 and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 are connected by the annular contact surface 19. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 18 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer roller 8. Further, the contact surface 19 is formed substantially perpendicular to the axis A1.

On the other hand, the insertion head 14 has a function of moving the snap ring 10 in the insertion hole 15 and a function of elastically deforming the snap ring 10. The tip of the insertion head 14 on the jig 13 side is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis A1 as the center. The insertion head 14 is made of, for example, a metal material.

The outer diameter of the insertion head 14 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the entrance 15A of the insertion hole 15, and
Is set to a value exceeding the inner diameter of the snap ring 10. At the end of the insertion head 14 on the jig 13 side, a plurality of slits 20 in the direction of the axis A1 are formed in the circumferential direction. That is, a plurality of insertion pins 21 projecting in the direction of the axis A1 are formed between the slits 20 in the circumferential direction.

With the above configuration, when a radial pressing force (load) is applied to the insertion head 14, each insertion pin 21 is elastically deformed with its base end as a fulcrum. When the pressing is released, each insertion pin 21 returns to its original shape by elasticity. The length B1 in the direction of the axis A1 from the tip of the insertion head 14 to the far end of the slit 20 is set to be longer than the length B1 of the projection 17 in the direction of the axis A1.

Here, the circumferential relationship between the jig 13 and the insertion head 14 will be described with reference to FIG. The jig 13 and the insertion head 14 are positioned in the circumferential direction in a state where one of the slits 20 and the projecting portion 17 are located at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. Further, the shape of the end face of the insertion pin 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ1 is different from the shape of the end face of the insertion pin 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ2.

That is, the end face of the insertion pin 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ2 is formed in a shape substantially orthogonal to the axis A1, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the end face of the insertion pin 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ1 is the axis A as shown in FIG.
It is configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to 1. Specifically, the end surface of each insertion pin 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ1 is spirally inclined in a direction away from the jig 13.

In this manner, the end faces of the insertion pins 21 arranged on both sides in the circumferential direction of the protruding portion 17 have the axis A
A step D1 in one direction is formed. This step D1 is
The thickness is set to a value exceeding the thickness t1 of the snap ring 10 shown in FIG. Further, among the insertion pins 21 corresponding to the area of the angle θ1, the insertion pin 21 arranged at the position closest to the protrusion 17 has a guide hole 22 in the direction of the axis A1.
Are formed. The guide hole 22 is open at the end face of the insertion pin 21.

Further, a pressing pin 23 movable in the direction of the axis A1 is disposed in the guide hole 22. The pressing pin 23 is operated by an actuator (not shown). Examples of the actuator include a hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic cylinder. The pressing pin 23 moves within a range between a standby position where the tip is located inside the end face of the insertion pin 21 and a projecting position where the tip projects a predetermined amount from the end face of the insertion pin 21.

Further, the insertion head 14 has a function of carrying the snap ring 10. As means for supporting the snap ring 10 by the insertion head 14, the pressing head 14 is formed of a magnet, and the snap ring 10 is supported by the magnetic attraction of the insertion head 14. Alternatively, an air suction hole may be formed in each insertion pin 21 of the insertion head 14, and the snap ring 10 may be sucked by sucking air from the air suction hole using an air machine.

The insertion head 14 configured as described above
However, it is configured to be movable in the direction of the axis A1 by an actuator (not shown). Examples of the actuator that operates the insertion head 14 include a hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic cylinder.

Here, the correspondence between the configuration of the first embodiment and claim 1 will be described. That is, the outer roller 8 corresponds to the object of claim 1 and the insertion pin 21 or the protrusion 1
7 corresponds to the insertion member of claim 1. Both the insertion pin 21 and the protrusion 17 may be provided, or only the insertion pin 21 may be provided. Further, the pressing pin 23
Corresponds to the second deformation mechanism of the first aspect.

Here, the function of the first deformation mechanism in the present invention will be specifically described. That is, the first deforming mechanism has a function of controlling the pressing force (load) applied to the outer peripheral side of the snap ring 10 in a circumferentially non-uniform state in order to reduce the diameter of the snap ring 10. .

That is, both ends 11 of the snap ring 10
When A and 11B are relatively moved in the thickness direction, the insertion positions of the ends 11A and 11B in the insertion hole 15 in the direction of the axis A1 are different. For this reason, the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15
From the outlet 1
The pressing force applied to one end located closer to the 5B side is greater than the pressing force applied to the other end.

On the other hand, both ends 11 of the snap ring 10
When A and 11B are relatively moved in the radial direction, the pressing force (load) directly applied to one end from the first deformation mechanism.
Is set to be larger than the pressing force applied from the inner peripheral surface 15 </ b> C of the insertion hole 15 to the other end.

Next, the assembling apparatus 12 having the above-described structure
The operation when assembling the snap ring 10 to the outer roller 8 will be described. The snap ring 10 has a shape in which both ends 11A and 11B come into contact with each other in a natural state. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer roller 8 is arranged in the symmetric object arrangement portion 16 of the jig 13. In FIG. 3, the lower portion of the outer roller 8 is in contact with a table (not shown). Further, the insertion head 14 stops at the initial position above the insertion hole 15 and the pressing pin 23 stops at the above-described standby position.

Then, the snap ring 10 is carried on the distal end face of the insertion head 14, specifically, on the end face of each insertion pin 21. In this carrying state, the cut 11 of the snap ring 10 and the protruding portion 17 of the jig 13 are set at positions where they substantially coincide in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the end face of the insertion pin 21 in the area corresponding to the angle θ2 in FIG. 6 is in contact with the surface of the snap ring 10 at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Note that the end face of the insertion pin 21 in a region corresponding to the angle θ <b> 1 is not in contact with the surface of the snap ring 10.

Here, when the insertion head 14 moves (downs) to the jig 14 side, as shown in FIG.
0 is inserted into the insertion hole 15 of the jig 13 in the direction of the axis A1. When the snap ring 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 15,
Friction resistance occurs between the outer peripheral surface of the snap ring 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 15.

Here, among the insertion pins 21, the angle θ1
The end surface of the insertion pin 21 in the region corresponding to the angle .theta. Has a shape inclined in the spiral direction, while the end surface of the insertion pin 21 in the region corresponding to the angle .theta.2 has a shape substantially orthogonal to the axis A1. Therefore, the portion of the snap ring 10 corresponding to the insertion pin 21 in the region of the angle θ1 is
Due to the frictional resistance, it is elastically deformed upward in FIG. And the area corresponding to the angle θ1 of the snap ring 10 is
It is brought into contact with the end face of the insertion pin 21 in a region corresponding to the angle θ1.

As a result, the snap ring 10 cut 11
Are moved relative to each other in the thickness t1 direction of the snap ring 10, and the positions in the thickness t1 direction are different. At this point, the planar shape of the snap ring 10 is almost the same as the shape before the snap ring 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 15 as shown in FIG.

When the insertion head 14 is further lowered, a pressing force (load) acts on the outer peripheral surface of the snap ring 10 from the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15, and the pressing force causes the snap ring 10 to resilient in the direction of reducing the diameter. Deform. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner peripheral surface 15 </ b> A of the insertion hole 15 is set to have a shape closer to the involute curve centered on the protrusion 17 in the region corresponding to the angle θ <b> 1 of the snap ring 10. , An area corresponding to the angle θ2 is set in an arc shape centered on the center of the insertion hole 15.

Therefore, the pressing force acting on the nap ring 10 in the region corresponding to the angle θ1 is larger than the pressing force acting on the snap ring 10 in the region corresponding to the angle θ2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the end 11B of the snap ring 10 moves inside the end 11A.

As the insertion head 14 is lowered, the insertion pin 21 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15. Then, due to the frictional resistance between the insertion pin 21 and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15, each insertion pin 21 is elastically deformed inward with its base end as a fulcrum. Therefore, snap ring 1
A substantially uniform pressing force is maintained over the entire circumferential area of zero.

After the diameter of the snap ring 10 is reduced by the above operation, the area corresponding to the angle θ1 enters the outer roller 8 via the outlet 15B of the insertion hole 15. Then, the area corresponding to the angle θ2 of the snap ring 10 expands due to its elasticity and comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer roller 8. At this point, the angle θ of the snap ring 10
The area corresponding to 1 is located on the insertion hole 15 side.

When the insertion head 14 is further lowered, the area corresponding to the angle θ2 of the snap ring 10 reaches the position corresponding to the mounting groove 9, and as shown in FIG. 8, the area corresponding to the angle θ2 of the snap ring 10 Is re-expanded by its elasticity and immerses into the mounting groove 9. At this point, the region corresponding to the angle θ1 of the snap ring 10 is the insertion hole 15
It is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner or outer roller 8.

As described above, the angle θ of the snap ring 10
When the area corresponding to 2 enters the mounting groove 9, the insertion head 14 stops as shown in FIG. Then, press pin 2
As shown in FIG. 8, the projection 3 is abutted against the abutment region E1 on the end 11B side of the snap ring 10, and the pressing pin 23 stops at the projection position. As a result, the area corresponding to the angle θ1 of the snap ring 10 is deformed toward the outer roller 8 and enters the mounting groove 9, and is deformed outward due to its elasticity to complete the assembly of the snap ring 10.

After the automatic assembly of the snap ring 10 to the outer roller 9 is completed by the above operation, the pressing pin 23 rises to return to the standby position, and the insertion head 14 rises to the initial position in FIG. Return.

During the above operation, even if the snap ring 10 is held by the magnetic attraction force of the insertion head 14, the engaging force between the snap ring 10 and the mounting groove 9 is reduced by the magnetic attraction force to the snap ring 10. Greater than. That is, after the snap ring 10 is assembled in the mounting groove 9, the snap ring 10 is detached from the insertion head 14 by raising the insertion head 14.

Therefore, there is no problem in raising the insertion head 14 and the snap ring 10 assembled to the mounting groove 9 does not fall off. Also,
In the case where the snap ring 10 is supported by the suction of air by the pneumatic machine, if the suction force of the air is canceled after the snap ring 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 15, the same function as described above is performed. can get.

Further, as the insertion head 14 is raised and the frictional resistance between the insertion pin 21 and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 is reduced, each insertion pin 21 returns to its original shape due to its elasticity. Of course.

After the snap ring 10 is attached to one of the attachment grooves 9 of the outer roller 8 by the above operation, the needle roller 7 and the inner roller 6 are attached to the inner periphery of the outer roller 8. Then, the outer roller 8 may be turned over and another snap ring 10 may be attached to the other mounting groove 9.

That is, according to the assembling device 12, both ends 11A and 11B of the snap ring 10 are relatively moved in the radial direction and the thickness t1 direction, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, both ends 11A and 11B are moved. The positions of the snap ring 10 in the radial direction and the thickness t1 direction are maintained in different states.

For this reason, while the diameter of the snap ring 10 is being reduced, both ends 11A and 11B move in different areas to promote the reduction in diameter, and the contact between the ends 11A and 11B is prevented. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the snap ring 10 is assembled in the mounting groove 9 of the outer roller 8, the gap between the ends 11A and 11B is set as narrow as possible. Therefore, during the operation of the tripod constant velocity joint 1 shown in FIG. 1, the movement of the needle roller 7 in the circumferential direction is smoothly performed, and vibration and abnormal noise are suppressed.

As described above, according to the assembling device 12, the snap ring 10 configured so that the gap between both ends 11 A and 11 B forming the cut 11 is narrowed automatically with respect to the outer roller 8. Work to assemble into
Moreover, it is possible to perform the operation reliably.

In the first embodiment, the snap ring 1
0 in the radial direction and the thickness t1
The ends 11A and 11B do not overlap with each other. For this reason, scratches on both sides in the direction of the axis A1 of the snap ring 10 are suppressed, the flatness is maintained well, and the movement characteristics of the needle roller 7 are further improved.

Further, in the first embodiment, the insertion head 14
Is lowered and comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15, each insertion pin 21 is elastically deformed inward with its base end as a fulcrum. Therefore, the pressing force in the direction of the axis A1 is maintained substantially constant over the entire circumferential area of the snap ring 10. Therefore, the snap ring 10 is accurately translated, and the snap ring 10 can be securely assembled to the mounting groove 9.

In the first embodiment, the jig 1
It is also possible to use a jig having no protrusion 17 on the inner peripheral surface 15C of the third insertion hole 15. When a jig having no protrusion 17 is used, the end 1 of the snap ring 10 is used.
1A and 11B are relatively moved only in the thickness t1 direction of the snap ring 10. Then, the inner peripheral surface 15 of the insertion hole 15
The diameter of the snap ring 10 is reduced by the pressing force applied from C. That is, the end portions 11A and 11B are in an overlapping state. The subsequent operation of expanding the diameter of the snap ring 10 is performed in substantially the same manner as described above.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the snap ring 1
A second embodiment of the assembling apparatus used for the automatic assembling of No. 0 will be described. The second embodiment corresponds to the first aspect of the present invention. The assembling device 24 shown in FIG. 10 includes a jig 13A and an insertion head 25. The jig 13A and the insertion head 25 are configured to be relatively movable in the direction of the axis A1. The jig 13A is formed with an insertion hole 15 centered on the axis A1, and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 has the same taper as in the first embodiment.

The jig 13A is formed with a slit 26 extending from the insertion hole 15 to the outer surface in the direction of the axis A1. The slit 26 is formed from the entrance 15A to the exit 15B of the insertion hole 15. A push plate 27 is vertically arranged in the slit 26. Axis A of push plate 27
The length in one direction is set to be equal to or less than the length of the slit 26 in the direction of the axis A1.

The insertion hole 1 is provided on the insertion plate 15 side of the push plate 27.
5 is formed with an abutment surface 28 having an inclination substantially similar to the taper of the inner peripheral surface 15C. The plunger 27A connected to the push plate 27 is connected to an actuator (not shown). By the operation of this actuator, the push plate 27 moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis A1.

That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, the push plate 27 has a standby position where the contact surface 28 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 15 are set substantially flush with each other.
It moves within the range of the projected position of the two-dot chain line moved to the side. The amount of protrusion of the push plate 27 is set according to the radial width F1 of the snap ring 10. Other configurations of the jig 13A are the same as those of the jig 13 of the first embodiment.

The distal end surface 25A of the insertion head 25 is formed as a flat surface substantially orthogonal to the axis A1. The insertion head 25 is moved along the axis A1 by an actuator (not shown).
Moved or stopped in the direction. Then, the insertion head 25
Is capable of carrying the snap ring 10 with a configuration substantially similar to the configuration applied to the insertion head 14 of the first embodiment. The insertion head 25 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by a metal material or the like.

FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view of the jig 13A taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view of the jig 13A taken along line XII-XII in FIG. Insertion head 2
5 is set to be smaller than the inside diameter of the outlet 15B of the insertion hole 15, and the maximum outside diameter of the insertion head 25 is set to a value exceeding the inside diameter of the snap ring 10.

Further, a recess 29 in the direction of the axis A1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion head 25. The planar shape of the concave portion 29 is set to be substantially a sector shape. The circumferential position of the concave portion 29 substantially coincides with the circumferential position of the slit 26 of the jig 13A. The depth of the concave portion 29 in the direction from the circumscribed circle (not shown) of the insertion head 25 toward the center of the insertion head 25 is maintained in a non-contact state between the push plate 27 moved to the projecting position and the insertion head 25. Value is set to

Here, the correspondence between the configuration of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The outer roller 8 corresponds to the object of the first embodiment, and the insertion head 25 corresponds to the insertion member of the first embodiment. The pressing plate 27 and the plunger 27A correspond to the first deformation mechanism and the second deformation mechanism of the first aspect.

Next, the assembling device 24 having the above-described structure
The operation when assembling the snap ring 10 to the outer roller 8 will be described. The snap ring 10 has a shape in which both ends 11A and 11B come into contact with each other in a natural state. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer roller 8 is arranged in the symmetric object arrangement section 16 of the jig 13A. In FIG. 10, the lower part of the outer roller 8 is in contact with a table or the like (not shown). Also,
The insertion head 25 is stopped at an initial position above the jig 13A, and the push plate 27 is stopped at a standby position indicated by a solid line.

Then, the snap ring 10 is carried on the distal end face 25A of the insertion head 25. In this carrying state, the end 11B of the snap ring 10 and the push plate 27 are set at positions where they substantially coincide with each other in the circumferential direction.

Then, the insertion head 25 moves (falls) in the direction of the axis A1, and the snap ring 10 reaches the side of the push plate 27. Then, the push plate 27 moves toward the inside of the insertion hole 15 and the lowering of the insertion head 25 is continued. Then, the contact surface 28 of the push plate 27 contacts the outer periphery of the end 11B of the snap ring 10, the end 11B is elastically deformed inward by the pressing force of the push plate 27, and the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15 is formed. The snap ring 10 is elastically deformed and reduced in diameter by the pressing force applied from the outside. That is, the end portion 11A and the end portion 11B relatively move in the radial direction, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of the snap ring 10 is reduced while the end 11B enters the inside of the end 11B.

In the second embodiment, the elastic deformation of the end portion 11B is performed in a state where the end portion 11B is in contact with the distal end surface 25A of the insertion head 25. In other words, the snap ring 10 is elastically deformed only in substantially the same plane. For this reason, the end 11B
Relative movement of the snap ring 10 in the direction of the thickness t1 of the snap ring 10 is suppressed, and the end 11B and the end 11A do not overlap.

When the insertion head 25 further descends and the snap ring 10 passes through the exit 15 B of the insertion hole 15, the snap ring 10 expands in diameter by elastic force and comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer roller 8. The snap ring 10
When the plate passes through the outlet 15B of the insertion hole 15, the push plate 27
Returns to the standby position and stops.

When the insertion head 25 is further lowered, the snap ring 10 further expands its diameter due to its elasticity, and the mounting ring 9
Immerse yourself in After the automatic assembly of the snap ring 10 to the outer roller 9 is completed in this way, the insertion head 25 rises and returns to the initial position in FIG.

As described above, according to the assembling device 24, as shown in FIG. 12, the end 11B of the snap ring 10 is pressed inward by the push plate 27, and
A and the end 11B relatively move in the radial direction. In addition, the diameter of the snap ring 10 is reduced by the inner peripheral surface 15C of the insertion hole 15, and the end portion 11A and the end portion 11B are maintained at different positions in the radial direction of the snap ring 10.

For this reason, while the diameter of the snap ring 10 is being reduced, both ends 11A and 11B move in different regions to promote the diameter reduction, thereby preventing the ends 11A and 11B from contacting each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the snap ring 10 is assembled in the mounting groove 9 of the outer roller 8, the gap between both ends 11A and 11B is set as narrow as possible. Therefore, also in the assembling device 24 of the second embodiment, the ends 11A,
The operation of automatically assembling the snap ring 10 configured so that the gap between the 11Bs becomes narrow to the outer roller 8 can be performed smoothly and reliably.

Further, in the second embodiment, the insertion head 25
Since the concave portion 26 is formed in the push head 27 and the insertion head 25 even when the push plate 27 moves to the protruding position.
Are maintained in a non-contact state. Therefore, the insertion head 25 can be moved smoothly, and the diameter of the snap ring 10 can be reduced reliably and quickly.

In the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the snap ring 10 is previously disposed inside the insertion hole 15 and then the insertion ring 14 or the insertion head 2 is inserted.
The same operation and effect as described above can be obtained even when the operation of pressing the snap ring 10 by lowering the 5 is performed. In this case, it is not necessary to add a configuration for supporting the snap ring 10 to the insertion head 14 or the insertion head 25.

(Third Embodiment) Next, the snap ring 1
A description will be given of a third embodiment of the assembling apparatus used for the assembling of No. 0. This third embodiment corresponds to the second aspect of the present invention. The assembling device 30 shown in FIG. 13 includes a jig 13 and an insertion head 31. The configuration of the jig 13 is substantially the same as the configuration of the jig 13 shown in the second embodiment, and the jig 13 shown in FIG. 13 is not provided with the slit 26 of the second embodiment. Are different. In addition, snap ring 10
The configuration of the outer roller 8 to be assembled is the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that a mark (not shown) is provided on the end face of the jig 13 on the entrance 15A side. This mark is a configuration for positioning the snap ring 10 inserted into the insertion hole 15 and the insertion head 31 in the circumferential direction.

The insertion head 31 has a substantially columnar shape, and the insertion head 31 and the jig 13 are configured to be relatively movable in the direction of the axis A1. Further, the insertion head 31 and the jig 13 are configured to be relatively rotatable about the axis A1. The operation of relatively moving the jig 13 and the snap ring 10 and the insertion head 31 in the direction of the axis A1 or the operation of relatively rotating the insertion head 31 around the axis A1 may be performed manually, or may be performed by a machine such as a cylinder and a motor. It may be carried out by an appropriate means.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the insertion head 31.
The tip surface 32 of the insertion head 31 on the side of the insertion hole 15
, Regions having different amounts of protrusion in the direction of the axis A1 are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, a step 33 in the radial direction is formed on the distal end surface 32, and regions 34 and 35 having different protrusion amounts are formed adjacent to the step 33.

That is, the projection amount in the direction of the axis A1 is set to be larger in the region 34 than in the region 35. In addition, the region 34 and the region 35 are gently inclined in the circumferential direction at locations other than the step portion 33, and are connected without any step portion. Here, the correspondence between the configuration of the third embodiment and the configuration of claim 2 will be described. That is, the insertion head 31 corresponds to the insertion member of the second aspect.

Next, the operation of assembling the snap ring 10 to the outer roller 8 by the assembling device 30 will be described. Here, the jig 13 is fixed, and the insertion head 3 is fixed.
The operation will be described with reference to the operation of moving 1. First, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the snap ring 10 is disposed substantially horizontally inside the insertion hole 15 of the jig 13. In this case, jig 1
The mark provided on the upper end face of 3 and the cut 11 of the snap ring 10 are aligned.

Then, the step 33 of the insertion head 31 is aligned with the mark of the jig 13, and the insertion head 31 is lowered in the direction of the axis A 1 and inserted into the insertion hole 15. Then, the insertion head 31 comes into contact with the snap ring 10 and the entire snap ring 10 is pressed toward the outlet 15B, and the one end 11A is locally pressed in the thickness direction toward the outlet 15B by the region 34. You.

As a result, the position of one end 11A and the other end 11B in the thickness direction are different from each other, and the elasticity of the snap ring 10 is reduced in the direction in which the entire diameter of the snap ring 10 is reduced by the taper 15C of the insertion hole 15. Deform. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (2), the snap ring 10 is pressed toward the outlet 15B with the other end 11B in contact with the area 35 and the one end 11A overlapping below the other end 11B.

When a part of the snap ring 10 passes through the outlet 15B of the insertion hole 15, the passing portion expands outward due to the elastic force of the snap ring 10, and as shown in FIGS. The portion including the end 11A is immersed in the mounting groove 9 of the outer roller 8,
The lowering of the insertion head 31 stops. At this point, a predetermined circumferential portion including the other end 11 </ b> B of the snap ring 10 does not enter the mounting groove 9.

Then, the insertion head 31 is rotated by a predetermined angle counterclockwise in FIG. 17 about the axis A1. Then, the portion of the snap ring 10 that is exposed to the outside of the mounting groove 9 is pressed downward by the region 34, and the positions of the one end 11A and the other end 11B in the thickness direction substantially coincide with each other. In this state, the entire snap ring 10 is immersed in the mounting groove 9 as shown in FIG.

According to the third embodiment, after the operation of attaching the snap ring 10 to the attachment groove 8 of the outer roller 8 is completed, the insertion head 31 moves up in the direction of the axis A1 and moves out of the insertion hole 15. With the insertion head 31
Rotates around the axis A1, and the rotation of the insertion head 31 stops at a position where the step 33 and the mark of the jig 13 substantially match.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the snap ring 10 is pressed by the insertion head 31 to
5, the one end 11A is pressed in the thickness direction by the region 34 having a large amount of protrusion, so that the positions of the two ends 11A and 11B in the thickness direction are set to different states, and , The snap ring 10 is tapered 1 of the insertion hole 15.
It is elastically deformed in the direction in which the diameter is reduced by 5C.

When the snap ring 10 is inserted to a predetermined position, one end 1 of the snap ring 10
1A is assembled to the mounting groove 9. Thereafter, when the insertion head 31 is rotated about the axis A1, the other end 11B is pressed in the thickness direction by the region 34 having a large amount of protrusion. As a result, the two end portions 11A and 11B return to a state where the positions in the thickness direction substantially match, and the snap ring 10
The whole is assembled in the mounting groove 9. Therefore, the work of assembling the snap ring 10 configured to narrow the gap between the end portions 11A and 11B forming the cut 11 to the outer roller 8 can be performed smoothly and reliably.

In the third embodiment, the snap ring 10 is contracted with the pair of ends 11A and 11B overlapping in the thickness direction. Therefore, the amount of deformation of the snap ring 10 is reduced, and plastic deformation of the snap ring 10 is suppressed.

In the third embodiment, only the step 33 is formed on the distal end surface 32 of the insertion head 31.
The conventional side can be used as it is. Therefore, the structure of the assembling device 30 is simplified, and simple equipment is provided. In the third embodiment, it is also possible to provide a projection on the tip end surface of the insertion head 31 and form a region having a different amount of projection by the projection.

Here, the case where any one of the first to third embodiments is applied to the process of assembling the constant velocity joint of the drive shaft of the vehicle and the case where it is performed manually are compared. That is, in the case where there are two drive shafts on the left and right and three outer rollers are attached, it is necessary to attach six snap rings to each drive shaft. If the snap ring is manually assembled, snap ring 1
Approximately 10 minutes were required for each piece, and a total work time of about 2 hours was required. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, one snap ring can be assembled in a few minutes, and it has become possible to greatly reduce the working time.

In the first to third embodiments, the insertion heads 14, 25, 31 are fixed, and the jig 13,
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which 13A is moved.
Further, the shape and direction of the cut of the snap ring 10 can be arbitrarily changed.

The assembling apparatus of the first to third embodiments is also used when a snap ring having a gap between both ends in a free state is installed in a mounting groove of an object. be able to. In this case, the inner diameter of the mounting groove and the outer diameter of the snap ring are, of course, designed so that both ends are substantially in contact with each other when the snap ring is assembled in the mounting groove.

Here, the characteristic configurations of the present invention disclosed based on the above specific examples are listed as follows. That is, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first deformation mechanism protrudes in the thickness direction or the radial direction of the snap ring as compared with the configuration around the first deformation mechanism. The first deformation mechanism may project in both the thickness direction and the radial direction of the snap ring. The radially extending amount of the first deformation mechanism is configured to increase from the entrance side to the exit side of the insertion hole. Further, the first deformation mechanism may protrude only in the thickness direction of the snap ring. Furthermore, the first
When the deformation mechanism is projected in the radial direction, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a part of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole also functions as the first deformation mechanism.

Further, when the diameter of the snap ring inserted into the insertion hole is reduced, one of the opposing ends forming the cut is pressed in the thickness direction of the snap ring to adjust the positions of both ends in the thickness direction. An insertion pin formed on the insertion head for setting different states, and an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole for pressing one of the opposed ends inward to set the radial positions of both ends differently. In order to return to the state where the position in the thickness direction and the position in the radial direction substantially match each other by pressing the protruding portion formed at the opposite end of the snap ring positioned by the insertion head and the protruding portion, And a pressing pin attached to the tip of the head so as to be able to protrude and retract in the axial direction of the insertion hole.

Also, when reducing the diameter of the snap ring inserted into the insertion hole, one of the opposing ends forming the cut is pressed inward of the snap ring to set the radial position to a different state. In order to return the opposite end of the snap ring by elastic force and return to a state where the thickness direction and the radial direction are almost coincident with each other, the snap ring is movably mounted substantially orthogonal to the axis of the insertion hole with respect to the jig. It has a push plate.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, the jig and the insertion member are configured to be rotatable about the axis, and a radial step is formed on a distal end surface of the insertion member. The regions having the different amounts of protrusion in the axial direction are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0104]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, the snap ring is elastically deformed by the first moving mechanism, and the cut is formed. The opposite end to be formed is set in a state where at least one position in the radial direction or the thickness direction of the snap ring is different. For this reason, when the snap ring is reduced in diameter, both ends are moved in different areas to promote the reduction in diameter, thereby preventing contact between the both ends. Thereafter, the snap ring is deformed by the second moving mechanism, and the opposing end is returned to a state in which the positions of the snap ring in the radial direction and the thickness direction are substantially the same, and assembled to the object. Therefore, the operation of assembling the snap ring, which is configured so that the gap between the opposing end portions forming the cuts, to the target object, can be performed smoothly and reliably.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the insertion member presses the snap ring and moves the snap ring to the exit side of the insertion hole, one of the opposed ends forming the cuts has the amount of protrusion of the insertion member. It is pressed in the thickness direction by many areas. For this reason, the positions in the thickness direction of the two opposing ends are different from each other, and the snap ring is elastically deformed in the direction in which the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the taper of the insertion hole, and the two opposing ends overlap. Then, when the snap ring is inserted to a predetermined position, one opposing end of the snap ring is assembled to the object.

Thereafter, when the insertion member is rotated about the axis, the other facing end is pressed in the thickness direction by the region having a large amount of protrusion. As a result, the positions in the thickness direction of the two opposing ends return to a state where they substantially coincide with each other, and the entire snap ring is assembled to the object. Therefore, the operation of assembling the snap ring, which is configured so that the gap between the ends forming the cuts, becomes narrow, can be performed smoothly and reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tripod constant velocity joint to which a snap ring is mounted using the snap ring mounting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing a first embodiment of the snap ring assembling apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front sectional view showing a first embodiment of the snap ring assembling apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a jig and an insertion head of the assembling device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which a snap ring is assembled to an outer roller in the assembling apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a first embodiment of the snap ring assembling apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the snap ring assembling apparatus of the present invention.
It is a front sectional view showing an example.

11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a third view of the snap ring assembling apparatus according to the present invention;
It is a front sectional view showing an example.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an insertion head used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a third view of the snap ring assembling apparatus according to the present invention;
It is a front sectional view showing an example.

FIG. 16 is a third view of the snap ring assembling apparatus according to the present invention;
It is a front sectional view showing an example.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an outer roller to which a snap ring is attached in the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a third view of the snap ring assembling apparatus according to the present invention;
It is a front sectional view showing an example.

[Description of Signs] 8 Outer roller 10 Snap ring 11 Cut 11A, 11B End 12, 24, 30 Assembly device 13, 13A Jig 14, 25, 31 Insertion head 15 Insertion hole 15A Inlet 15B Exit 15C Inner peripheral surface 17 Projection 21 Insertion pin 23 Press pin 27 Push plate 27A Plunger 34, 35 Area A1 Axis t1 Thickness

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A jig having an insertion hole provided with a taper in a direction of decreasing the diameter from an inlet side to an outlet side, and disposed so as to be relatively movable with respect to the jig in the axial direction of the insertion hole. And an insertion member, wherein the object is arranged on the exit side of the insertion hole, and a snap ring having a cut reaching from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side is inserted into the insertion hole in its thickness direction, and After the jig and the insertion member are relatively moved, the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, and the diameter of the snap ring is increased by the elasticity of the snap ring to be assembled to the object. In the assembling device, when the diameter of the snap ring inserted into the insertion hole is reduced, the snap ring is elastically deformed, so that the opposite end forming the cut is formed by the thickness of the snap ring. A first deforming mechanism that sets at least one of the positions in the direction or the radial direction to be different, and the opposing end of the snap ring whose position is set by the first deforming mechanism, in the thickness direction of the snap ring and A snap ring assembling device, comprising: a second deforming mechanism that assembles the snap ring to the object by returning the snap ring to a state in which the positions in the radial direction substantially coincide with each other. 2. A jig having an insertion hole provided with a taper in a direction of reducing the diameter from the inlet side to the outlet side, and is disposed so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction of the insertion hole with respect to the jig. And an insertion member, wherein the object is arranged on the exit side of the insertion hole, and a snap ring having a cut reaching from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side is inserted into the insertion hole in its thickness direction, and After the jig and the insertion member are relatively moved, the diameter of the snap ring is reduced by the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, and the diameter of the snap ring is increased by the elasticity of the snap ring to be assembled to the object. In the assembling device, the jig and the insertion member are configured to be rotatable around the axis, and regions having different amounts of protrusion in the axial direction are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction at the tip of the insertion member. Is formed Assembling device of the snap ring, characterized in that.