JP3866546B2

JP3866546B2 - Rolling element loading device

Info

Publication number: JP3866546B2
Application number: JP2001240952A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 孝明早田
Original assignee: Koyo Machine Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: JTEKT Machine Systems Corp
Priority date: 2001-08-08
Filing date: 2001-08-08
Publication date: 2007-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-08
Also published as: JP2003056585A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ころがり軸受の転動体を保持する保持器に当該転動体を装填する装置に関し、更に詳しくは、環状に形成された基部と、該基部上にその周方向に沿って並設され、転動体を回転可能に保持する複数の保持爪とを備えて成る保持器の、前記保持爪間に転動体を装填する装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
上述した保持器の一例を図９乃至図１１に示す。尚、図９は、当該保持器を示した平面図であり、図１０は、図９における矢視ＩＶ−ＩＶ方向の断面図であり、図１１は、当該保持器の一部分を示した部分斜視図である。これら図９乃至図１１に示すように、この保持器１００は、環状に形成された基部１０１と、この基部１０１上にその周方向に沿って並設された複数の保持爪１０２とを備えて構成される。そして、各保持爪１０２間には、転動体１０５が回転自在となるように挿入，保持されるポケット部１０３が形成されている。
【０００３】
尚、保持爪１０２によって転動体１０５を保持するように構成された保持器１００としては、この他に、図１２に示したものなど各種のものが在る。
【０００４】
かかる保持器１００への転動体１０５の装填は、その構造から通常、保持器１００の外側から前記ポケット部１０３に転動体１０５を押し入れる態様が採られており、これを自動的に行う装置として、従来、図１３に示すような装填装置が提案されている。
【０００５】
同図１３に示すように、この装填装置１１０は、基台１１１と、この基台１１１に回転可能に支持され、その上面が基台１１１の上面と同一平面上に位置するように配設された回転テーブル１１２と、同じく前記基台１１１に支持されて前記回転テーブル１１２と共に回転するコレットチャック１１３と、このコレットチャック１１３の側方に配設されたガイドプレート１１５と、ガイドプレート１１５とコレットチャック１１３との間に転動体１０５を供給するシュート１２４と、前記コレットチャック１１３を開閉駆動するチャック駆動装置（図示せず）や、回転テーブル１１２及びコレットチャック１１３を回転駆動する回転駆動装置（図示せず）などを備えてなる。
【０００６】
前記コレットチャック１１３は、前記チャック駆動装置（図示せず）の作動によってその外径が拡縮するようになっており、保持器１００の内周部に挿通された状態で、外径が拡径せしめられることにより、保持器１００を把持する。
【０００７】
また、ガイドプレート１１５は、前記コレットチャック１１３と対向する側面が図示する如き形状の案内面１１６となっており、基台１１１上に固設されたブラケット１２０によって支持され、このブラケット１２０に植設されたピン１１７を中心として、矢示Ａ−Ｂ方向に揺動自在となっている。また、ガイドプレート１１５には制止穴１１８が設けられる一方、ブラケット１２０には制止穴１１８に挿通された状態で制止ピン１１９が植設されており、これら制止穴１１８と制止ピン１１９との係合関係によってガイドプレート１１５の前記揺動が規制される。更に、ガイドプレート１１５は、一端が前記ブラケット１２０に係止され、他端が当該ガイドプレート１１５に係止された引張コイルバネ１２１によって矢示Ａ方向に付勢されている。
【０００８】
また、前記シュート１２４は、転動体１０５が転送される搬送路１２５を有しており、前記基台１１１の上面に対し適宜角度で傾斜した状態で配設され、その排出端が前記ガイドプレート１１５の案内面１１６とコレットチャック１１３との間に臨んでいる。また、回転テーブル１１２の上面には、下りテーパとなった内テーパ面１１２ａが形成されており、前記シュート１２４によって供給された転動体１０５が、この内テーパ面１１２ａ及び前記ガイドプレート１１５の案内面１１６の作用によってコレットチャック１１３側に導かれるようになっている。
【０００９】
尚、図中の符号１２２はエアシリンダ、１２３はこのエアシリンダ１２２のピストンロッドに連結された制止ロッドであり、エアシリンダ１２２の作動によって制止ロッド１２３の先端部が、シュート１２４の搬送路１２５に対して進退し、当該搬送路１２５上を転送される転動体１０５を制止するようになっている。
【００１０】
斯くして、この装填装置１１０によれば、コレットチャック１１３によって保持器１００が把持され、当該保持器１００，コレットチャック１１３及び回転テーブル１１２が矢示Ｃ方向に回転せしめられた状態で、シュート１２４の排出端から所定個数（図示例では１１個）の転動体１０５が順次供給されると、供給された転動体１０５は、その先頭のものが回転テーブル１１２の内テーパ面１１２ａの傾斜によって保持器１００側に導かれ、その一部が保持器１００のポケット部１０３内に進入した状態となる。
【００１１】
この状態で、保持器１００等が更に矢示Ｃ方向に回転すると、転動体１０５はガイドプレート１１５の案内面１１６に摺接し、この案内面１１６によって保持器１００側に押圧され、前記ポケット部１０３内に挿入される。以後、同様にして、順次転動体１０５が保持器１００のポケット部１０３内に挿入される。そして、全てのポケット部１０３内に転動体１０５が挿入されると、保持器１００がコレットチャック１１３から取り外され、次の保持器１００がコレットチャック１１３に装填され、以後同様にして、順次保持器１００に転動体１０５が装填される。
【００１２】
尚、シュート１２４から供給された転動体１０５が、保持器１００の保持爪１０２とガイドプレート１１５との間に挟み込まれて、設定されたポケット部１０３に挿入されなかった場合には、保持器１００等の矢示Ｃ方向への回転に伴って、ガイドプレート１１５が矢示Ｂ方向に揺動し、これによって、転動体１０５が保持爪１０２とガイドプレート１１５との間に噛み込まれるのが防止される。この場合、転動体１０５は、ガイドプレート１１５の揺動動作によって、回転方向後ろ側のポケット部１０３に挿入される。また、この場合には、保持器１００が１回転する間に全てのポケット部１０３に対して転動体１０５を挿入することができないため、全てのポケット部１０３に転動体１０５が挿入されるまで、回転テーブル１１２等が回転駆動される。
【００１３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、上述した装填装置１１０には、転動体１０５を自動的に保持器１００に装填することができるという利点が有る反面、以下に説明するような問題があった。
【００１４】
即ち、まず、上述した装填装置１００は、転動体１０５を自動装填する構成となっているので、上記チャック駆動装置（図示せず）や回転駆動装置（図示せず）などの駆動装置を要し、装置が大掛かりとなって、その製造コストが高くなり、また、大きな設置スペースを要するという問題がある。
【００１５】
また、転動体１０５を１個づつ保持器１００に装填するように構成されているので、全ての転動体１０５を保持器１００に装填するまでに長時間を要するという問題もある。特に、上述した如く、保持爪１０２とガイドプレート１１５との間に転動体１０５が挟み込まれた場合には、更に多くの時間を要することとなる。
【００１６】
本発明は、如上の実情に鑑みなされたものであって、保持器に転動体を装填するに当たり、これを安価且つ短時間のうちに行い得る転動体の装填装置の提供を目的とする。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段及びその効果】
上記課題を解決するための本発明の請求項１に記載した発明は、環状に形成された基部と、該基部上にその周方向に沿って並設され、転動体を回転可能に保持する複数の可撓性を有する保持爪とを備えて成る保持器の、前記保持爪間に形成されたポケット部に転動体を装填する装置であって、
前記保持器の基部内周部に嵌挿される嵌合部、及び該嵌合部より径の大きい大径部を有する段付状の部材からなり、前記嵌合部に嵌挿された前記保持器を支持する支持部材と、前記支持部材の大径部が嵌挿される嵌合穴を備えたガイド部材と、前記支持部材を上下動可能に保持する保持手段と、前記ガイド部材及び保持手段が固着される基台と、前記支持部材とガイド部材との間の周方向の位置関係を位置決めする位置決め手段と、前記支持部材を上方に付勢する付勢手段と、前記支持部材に支持された保持器の上面に当接可能に設けられ、該上面に当接した状態で上下動可能となった押え部材とを備えてなり、
前記支持部材の大径部には、前記保持器のポケット部中心位置と同一角度ピッチで保持穴が形成され、該保持穴は、その中心軸が前記支持部材の中心軸と並行に形成されるとともに、前記大径部の上端面及び外周面に開口するように形成されて、前記転動体が前記大径部の外側から穴内部に進退可能と成っており、
前記ガイド部材には、その上端面から前記嵌合穴に向けて下りテーパとなった内テーパが形成されるとともに、前記保持穴と対応する位置の少なくとも一箇所に、前記上端面及び嵌合穴内周面に開口する干渉回避穴が形成され、該干渉回避穴は、その中心軸が前記嵌合穴の中心軸と並行に形成されて、前記転動体が前記上端面及び内周面側から穴内部に進退可能と成っており、
更に、前記位置決め手段が、前記保持穴と前記干渉回避穴とが相互に対向するように、前記支持部材とガイド部材とを位置決めするように構成されてなることを特徴とする転動体装填装置に係る。
【００１８】
この転動体装填装置によれば、以下のようにして、転動体が保持器に装填される。尚、最初の状態では、前記支持部材は、その大径部がガイド部材の嵌合穴に下方から嵌挿されて、その嵌合部が少なくとも前記嵌合穴より上方に突出した状態となっており、更に、前記保持穴がガイド部材の内テーパ面と対向した状態となっている。
【００１９】
まず、ガイド部材の嵌合穴に嵌挿された支持部材の各保持穴に、転動体を適宜装填する。このとき、転動体は、ガイド部材の内テーパ面に当接した状態となる。ついで、支持部材の嵌合部に保持器を装着し、保持器の把持爪間（ポケット部）と前記保持穴及びこれに装填された転動体との位置合わせを行う。
【００２０】
次に、押え部材を、その下面が保持器上面と当接するように当該保持器上に載置した後、当該押え部材を下方に押し下げる。これにより、保持器及びこれを支持する支持部材は、付勢手段の付勢力に抗して下方に移動する。その際、ガイド部材に形成の干渉回避穴と非対向の保持穴に挿入された転動体は、前記内テーパ面に案内されて保持器のポケット部に進入し、更なる保持器及び支持部材の下方移動に伴って、ポケット部の内上面によって上方への移動が規制されつつ、前記内テーパ面に案内されて、前記ポケット部に押し込まれ、同部に装填される。
【００２１】
一方、前記干渉回避穴と対向する保持穴に挿入された転動体は、支持部材の下方移動によって前記干渉回避穴内に進入し、更に、支持部材が下方に移動すると、干渉回避穴底部に至り、かかる穴底縁部の作用によりこれに案内されてポケット部に進入し、更なる保持器及び支持部材の下方移動に伴って、ポケット部の内上面により上方への移動が規制されつつ、前記穴底縁部によって前記ポケット部に押し込まれ、同部に装填される。
【００２２】
前記保持爪間、即ち、前記ポケット部に転動体を挿入する際、保持爪は転動体の押し込み力により弾性変形して保持爪間の間隔が拡がり、これによって転動体を前記ポケット部に挿入することができるようになる。しかるに、一度に全ての転動体を挿入しようした場合、１つの保持爪にその隣接方向両側から転動体の均等な押し込み力が作用して、保持爪に上記のような弾性変形を起こさせることができない。このため、無理なく転動体を挿入することができない。
【００２３】
そこで、この転動体装填装置では、まず、ガイド部材に形成の干渉回避穴と非対向の保持穴に挿入された転動体を保持器に装填し、しかる後、前記干渉回避穴と対向する保持穴に挿入された転動体を保持器に装填するようにしている。
【００２４】
転動体の挿入されない保持爪間（ポケット部）を設定することで、かかる保持爪が干渉回避の役割を成し、この結果、他の保持爪に作用する隣接方向両側からの転動体の押し込み力が不均一となって保持爪に弾性変形を生起させることが可能となり、これにより、干渉回避穴と非対向の保持穴に挿入された複数の転動体を無理なくポケット部に挿入することが可能となる。一方、干渉回避穴と対向する保持穴に挿入された転動体については、保持爪と転動体との間に設定された隙間によって保持爪が弾性変形可能であり、かかる弾性変形によって無理なく保持爪間に挿入される。
【００２５】
そして、以上のようにして保持器に転動体が装填された後、押え部材による負荷を解除する。これにより、支持部材が付勢手段の付勢力によって上昇して、原位置に復帰する。この後、転動体の装填された保持器を支持部材から取り外す。
【００２６】
このように、本発明に係る転動体装填装置によれば、一度に複数の転動体を保持器に装填することができるので、上述した従来の装填装置に比べて、より短い時間で転動体を装填することができる。また、従来の装填装置におけるようなチャック駆動装置や回転駆動装置などの駆動装置が不要であることから、装置の大きさがコンパクトであり、そのため設置スペースが小さくて足り、また、製造コストが安価であるという利点がある。
【００２７】
尚、前記押え部材は、請求項２に記載した発明のように、これを駆動手段によって上下動させるようにすると良い。このようにすれば、転動体装填作業の一部自動化が図られ、当該作業の効率化を図ることができる。
【００２８】
また、上述したように、転動体は、支持部材及び保持器とガイド部材との相対移動によって保持器に装填される。したがって、請求項３に記載した発明のように、支持部材及び保持器を固定し、ガイド部材をこれに対して上下動させるようにしても、請求項１に記載した発明と同様の効果が奏される。
【００２９】
即ち、請求項３に記載した発明は、環状に形成された基部と、該基部上にその周方向に沿って並設され、転動体を回転可能に保持する複数の可撓性を有する保持爪とを備えて成る保持器の、前記保持爪間に形成されたポケット部に転動体を装填する装置であって、
前記保持器の基部内周部に嵌挿される嵌合部、及び該嵌合部より径の大きい大径部を有する段付状の部材からなり、前記嵌合部に嵌挿された前記保持器を支持する支持部材と、前記支持部材の大径部が嵌挿される嵌合穴を備え、且つ前記支持部材に対して上下動可能に設けられたガイド部材と、前記支持部材が固着される基台と、前記支持部材とガイド部材との間の周方向の位置関係を位置決めする位置決め手段と、前記支持部材に支持された保持器の上面に当接可能に設けられた押え部材と、前記保持器上面に当接した押え部材と支持部材との位置関係を保持する保持手段とを備えてなり、
前記支持部材の大径部には、前記保持器のポケット部中心位置と同一角度ピッチで保持穴が形成され、該保持穴は、その中心軸が前記支持部材の中心軸と並行に形成されるとともに、前記大径部の上端面及び外周面に開口するように形成されて、前記転動体が前記大径部の外側から穴内部に進退可能と成っており、
前記ガイド部材には、その上端面から前記嵌合穴に向けて下りテーパとなった内テーパが形成されるとともに、前記保持穴と対応する位置の少なくとも一箇所に、前記上端面及び嵌合穴内周面に開口する干渉回避穴が形成され、該干渉回避穴は、その中心軸が前記嵌合穴の中心軸と並行に形成されて、前記転動体が前記上端面及び内周面側から穴内部に進退可能と成っており、
更に、前記位置決め手段が、前記保持穴と前記干渉回避穴とが相互に対向するように、前記支持部材とガイド部材とを位置決めするように構成されてなることを特徴とする転動体装填装置に係る。
【００３０】
そして、この請求項３に記載した発明においても同様に、請求項４に記載した発明の如く、前記ガイド部材を駆動手段によって上下動させるようにすると良い。このようにすれば、転動体装填作業の一部自動化が図られ、当該作業の効率化を図ることができる。
【００３１】
また、本発明の請求項５に記載した発明は、上記請求項１乃至４記載のいずれかの転動体装填装置において、前記保持器と当接する前記押え部材当接面の、当接時に前記支持部材の保持穴と対応する位置に、前記転動体との接触を回避する凹溝を放射状且つ前記押え部材の外周面に開口するように形成したことを特徴とする転動体装填装置に係る。
【００３２】
転動体が保持器に装填されたときに、転動体の上面が保持爪の上端より上方に突出するように構成されたものである場合には、押し下げ部材により保持器を押し下げて、当該転動体をポケット部に装填させる際に、転動体が押し下げ部材の下面と干渉する。そこで、請求項５記載の発明のように、前記押え部材当接面の、当接時に前記支持部材の保持穴と対応する位置に凹溝を形成すれば、転動体がポケット部に進入する際の、当該転動体上面と押え部材下面との干渉が、前記凹溝によって解消される。
【００３３】
また、本発明の請求項６に記載した発明は、上記請求項５記載の転動体装填装置において、前記押え部材を前記保持器に当接させた際、前記押え部材の当接面に形成された凹溝と、前記支持部材の保持穴とが相互に対向するように、前記押え部材と前記支持部材との間の位置関係を位置決めする第２の位置決め手段を設けたことを特徴とする転動体装填装置に係る。
【００３４】
この発明によれば、押え部材当接面を保持器上面に当接させる際に、押え部材当接面に形成された凹溝と、支持部材の保持穴とを、容易に位置合わせすることができる。
【００３５】
尚、本発明における保持器は金属製や樹脂製からなるもの含み、可撓性を有する保持爪とは、保持爪が、そのポケット部に外側から転動体を押し入れる際、転動体を挿入可能な程度の撓み性を有していることを意味する。
【００３６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施形態について添付図面に基づき説明する。尚、図１は、本実施形態に係る転動体装填装置を一部断面で示した正面図であり、図２は、図１における矢視Ｉ方向の側面図であり、図３は、図２の平面図である。また、本例では、図９乃至図１１に示した保持器１００に転動体１０５を装填する例を例示する。
【００３７】
図１乃至図３に示すように、本例の転動体装填装置１は、架台２、この架台２上に配設された基台１０、基台１０に固設されたガイド部材２０、ガイド部材２０に係合する支持部材３０、支持部材３０に係合可能に設けられた押え部材４０などを備えてなる。
【００３８】
図１及び図２に示すように、前記基台１０は、前記架台２上に固設される下プレート１１と、この下プレート１１上に適宜間隔で立設された一対の脚部材１３，１４と、この脚部材１３，１４上に固設された上プレート１２からなる。前記上プレート１２には、嵌合穴１２ａが形成されており、前記ガイド部材２０の下端部がこの嵌合穴１２ａに嵌合された状態で、当該上プレート１２上に固定されている。また、下プレート１１にも嵌合穴１１ａが形成されており、軸受５８がこの嵌合穴１１ａに下方から嵌挿された状態で当該下プレート１１に固定されている。
【００３９】
図１及び図４に示すように、前記ガイド部材２０は、嵌合穴２３を備えた円筒状の部材であり、この嵌合穴２３に前記支持部材３０が嵌挿される。また、ガイド部材２０の上面には、前記嵌合穴２３に向けて下りテーパとなった第１のテーパ面２１が形成され、更に、この第１のテーパ面２１の内側に、これより急傾斜となった第２のテーパ面２２が形成されている。また、図３にも示すように、この第２のテーパ面２２には、その周方向３箇所に、横断面略半円状の干渉回避穴２４が嵌合穴２３の中心軸に沿って穿設されている。この干渉回避穴２４は、前記第２のテーパ面２２及び嵌合穴２３の内周面に開口しており、前記転動体１０５が、第２のテーパ面２２及び嵌合穴２３の内周面側から当該干渉回避穴２４内に進退可能となっている。
【００４０】
前記支持部材３０は、前記ガイド部材２０の嵌合穴２３に嵌挿される大径部３１、及び前記保持器１００の内周部が嵌合，装着される小径部（嵌合部）３２を備えた段付円筒状の部材からなり、その下端部には、前記ガイド部材２０下面に当接して、その前記嵌合穴２３に嵌挿された当該支持部材３０の上方への移動を制止するフランジ状の係止部３４が形成されている。
【００４１】
また、前記大径部３１は、前記係止部３４が前記ガイド部材２０下面に当接した状態で、その上端部が前記ガイド部材２０に形成された前記第２のテーパ面２２の上端よりも上方に位置するようになっており、その肩部には、図９乃至図１１に示した保持器１００のポケット部１０３の配置角度ピッチと同じ角度ピッチで、横断面略半円状の保持穴３３が当該大径部３１の中心軸に沿って穿設されている。この保持穴３３は、大径部３１の上端面及び外周面に開口しており、前記転動体１０５が、大径部３１の上端面及び外周面側から当該保持穴３３内に進退可能となっている。
【００４２】
また、支持部材３０の上端面には前記押え部材４０と係合する係合ロッド３７が突設され、更にその近傍には位置決めピン３８が突設される一方、下面中心位置には軸継手５０の上端部５１が嵌挿される嵌合穴３５が穿設され、また、当該下面に開口する位置決め溝３６が形成されている。
【００４３】
前記軸継手５０は、その上端部５１が小径となった段付円筒状の部材からなり、下面中心位置にはスプライン軸５５の先端部５６が嵌挿される嵌合穴５２が穿設されている。また、大径部の上端面には、前記支持部材３０の下面に形成された位置決め溝３６に挿入される位置決めピン５３が突設されている。
【００４４】
前記スプライン軸５５は、前記下プレート１１に固設された軸受５８のスプライン穴に挿通され、更に、その下端部が、前記軸受５８の下方に配設された円筒状のホルダ５９内に挿入され、このホルダ５９内に配設された圧縮コイルバネ６０によって、上方に付勢された状態で、しかも上下動可能に、これら軸受５８及びホルダ５９により保持されている。また、このスプライン軸５５と前記軸継手５０とは、スプライン軸５５の先端部６１に植設されたキー５７及び軸継手５０に螺着されたネジ５４によって、相互にその回転方向の位置関係が位置決めされている。
【００４５】
斯くして、支持部材３０は、軸継手５０，スプライン軸５５，ホルダ５９及び圧縮コイルバネ６０によって支持され、位置決め溝３６と位置決めピン５３との係合関係、キー５７とネジ５４との係合関係、及びスプライン軸５５と軸受５８との係合関係によって、その保持穴３３がガイド部材２０に形成された干渉回避穴２４と対向するように、ガイド部材２０に対して位置決めされる。
【００４６】
図１及び図４に示すように、前記押え部材４０は、下面中心位置に嵌合穴４１が穿設された段付円筒状の部材からなり、この嵌合穴４１にはスリーブ４４が圧入されている。スリーブ４４の下面には位置決め溝４６が形成されており、更に、その中心穴４５に前記係合ロッド３７が嵌挿されるようになっている。また、押え部材４０の下面４３は、前記支持部材３０に装着された前記保持器１００の上面に当接する当接面になっており、更に、当該下面（当接面）４３には、図５及び図６に示すように、凹溝４２が、当該押え部材４０の外周面に開口するように放射状に形成されている。
【００４７】
斯くして、押え部材４０は、スリーブ４４の中心穴４５に前記係合ロッド３７を嵌挿せることで、支持部材３０に対して係合し、前記位置決めピン３８が位置決め溝４６に挿入されるように、支持部材３０に対する回転位置を調整することで、その前記凹溝４２が支持部材３０の保持穴３３と対向するようになっている。尚、前記凹溝４２の深さは、転動体１０５が装填された保持器１００に前記当接面４３が当接したときに、当該転動体１０５と干渉しない深さとなっている。
【００４８】
次に、以上の構成を備えた本例の転動体装填装置１により、前記保持器１００に転動体１０５を装填する手順について、図７を用いて説明する。
【００４９】
まず、前記支持部材３０の各保持穴３３に、転動体１０５（１０５ａ，１０５ｂ）を装填する。このとき、転動体１０５（１０５ａ，１０５ｂ）は、ガイド部材２０に形成された第１のテーパ面２１によって案内され、スムーズに各保持穴内に装填される。そして、転動体１０５（１０５ａ，１０５ｂ）は、ガイド部材２０の第２のテーパ面２２に当接した状態となる。
【００５０】
次に、支持部材３０の小径部（嵌合部）３２に保持器１００を装着して、保持器１００のポケット部１０３と前記保持穴３３及びこれに装填された転動体１０５（１０５ａ，１０５ｂ）との位置合わせを行った後、押え部材４０を、そのスリーブ４４に係合ロッド３７が嵌挿されるように、支持部材３０に係合せしめ、ついで、前記位置決めピン３８が位置決め溝４６に挿入されるように、支持部材３０に対する回転位置を調整した後、その下面４３が保持器１００の上面と当接するように当該保持器１００上に載置する。これにより、押え部材４０の凹溝４２が支持部材３０の保持穴３３と対向した状態となる。
【００５１】
このようにして、転動体１０５（１０５ａ，１０５ｂ）を保持穴３３に装填し、保持器１００を支持部材３０に装着した後、当該支持部材３０に押え部材４０を係合せしめた状態を図７（ａ）に示す。
【００５２】
次に、押え部材４０を下方に押し下げる。これにより、保持器１００及びこれを支持する支持部材３０が、圧縮コイルバネ６０の付勢力に抗して下方に移動する。その際、ガイド部材２０に形成の干渉回避穴２４と非対向の保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ａは、第２のテーパ面２２に案内されて保持器１００のポケット部１０３に進入し、更なる保持器１００及び支持部材３０の下方移動に伴って、ポケット部１０３の内上面によって上方への移動が規制されつつ、前記第２のテーパ面２２に案内されて、前記ポケット部１０３に押し込まれ、同部に装填される。
【００５３】
一方、前記干渉回避穴２４と対向する保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ｂは、支持部材３０の下方移動によって前記干渉回避穴２４内に進入した後、干渉回避穴２４底部に至り、かかる穴底縁部に案内されてポケット部に進入した状態となる。尚、この状態では、干渉回避穴２４と対向する保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ｂは、完全には前記ポケット部１０３内に装填されていない。この状態を図７（ｂ）に示す。
【００５４】
そして、保持器１００及び支持部材３０が更に下方に移動すると、干渉回避穴２４と対向する保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ｂは、ポケット部１０３の内上面によって上方への移動が規制されつつ、前記穴底縁部によって前記ポケット部１０３に押し込まれ、同部に装填される。この状態を図７（ｃ）に示す。
【００５５】
次に、以上のようにして、全ての転動体１０５が保持器１００に装填された後、押え部材４０による負荷を解除する。これにより、支持部材３０が圧縮コイルバネ６０の付勢力によって上昇して、原位置に復帰する。この後、転動体１０５の装填された保持器１００を支持部材３０から取り外す。
【００５６】
このように、この転動体装填装置１によれば、まず、ガイド部材２０に形成の干渉回避穴２４と非対向の保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ａが保持器１００に装填され、しかる後、前記干渉回避穴２４と対向する保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ｂが保持器１００に装填される。
【００５７】
一度に全ての転動体１０５を保持器１００に装填しようとすると、保持爪１０２にその隣接方向両側から均等な力が作用して、無理なく転動体１０５を挿入することが困難であるが、転動体１０５の挿入されないポケット部１０３を設定することで、同部の保持爪１０２が干渉回避の役割を成し、この結果、他の保持爪１０２に作用する隣接方向両側から作用する力が不均一となって保持爪１０２に弾性変形を生起させることが可能となり、これにより、干渉回避穴２４と非対向の保持穴３３に挿入された複数の転動体１０５ａを無理なくポケット部１０３に挿入することが可能となる。一方、干渉回避穴２４と対向する保持穴３３に挿入された転動体１０５ｂについては、既に装填された転動体１０５ａと保持爪１０２との間に隙間が設定されているので、当該保持爪１０２はかかる隙間によって弾性変形可能であり、かかる弾性変形によって無理なくポケット部１０３に挿入される。
【００５８】
以上詳述したように、本例の転動体装填装置１によれば、一度に複数の転動体１０５を保持器１００に装填することができるので、上述した従来の装填装置１１０に比べて、より短い時間で転動体１０５を装填することができる。また、従来の装填装置１１０におけるようなチャック駆動装置や回転駆動装置などの駆動装置が不要であることから、装置の大きさがコンパクトであり、そのため設置スペースが小さくて足り、また、製造コストが安価であるという利点がある。
【００５９】
また、押え部材４０の下面４３に、放射状の凹溝４２を形成しているので、転動体１０５が保持器１００に装填されたときに、転動体１０５の上面が保持爪１０２の上端より上方に突出するように構成されたものであっても、当該転動体１０５をポケット部１０３に装填させる際の、当該転動体１０５上面と押え部材４０の下面４３との干渉を、前記凹溝４２によって解消することができる。
【００６０】
以上、本発明の一実施形態について説明したが、本発明が採り得る具体的な態様は、何らこれに限定されるものではない。例えば、上述の例では、干渉回避穴２４を３箇所に設けたが、これは少なくとも１箇所に形成されていれば足り、その数は何ら限定されるものではない。
【００６１】
また、前記押え部材４０を上下動させる駆動手段を設け、この駆動手段によって、前記押え部材４０を上下動させるようにしても良い。このようにすれば、転動体１０５の装填作業を一部自動化することができ、当該作業の効率化を図ることができる。
【００６２】
また、上記説明から容易に理解されるように、転動体１０５は、支持部材３０及び保持器１００とガイド部材２０との相対移動によって保持器１００に装填される。したがって、支持部材３０及び保持器１００を固定し、ガイド部材２０をこれに対して上下動させるようにしても、上記と同様にして保持器１００に転動体１０５を装填することができる。かかる装置の概略構成を図８に示す。
【００６３】
同図８に示すように、この転動体装填装置７０は、上記支持部材３０が基台１０の上プレート１２上に固設され、上記ガイド部材２０が支持部材３０に対して上下動可能に外嵌せしめられるとともに、上記押え部材４０が駆動シリンダ７１によって上下駆動されるように構成されてなる。尚、ガイド部材２０と支持部材３０とは、例えば、キーとキー溝との係合関係などにより、上記保持穴３３と干渉回避穴２４とが相互に対向するように、位置決めされている。また、駆動シリンダ７１は、適宜構造体に支持されている。
【００６４】
斯くして、この転動体装填装置７０によれば、まず、前記支持部材３０の各保持穴３３に転動体１０５を装填した後、前記駆動シリンダ７１を駆動して、押え部材４０を下方に移動させ、その下面４３を保持器１００の上面に当接せしめる。これにより、支持部材３０及び保持器１００が固定されるとともに、押え部材４０と支持部材３０とは、その位置関係が保持された状態となる。しかる後、ガイド部材２０を上方に移動させると、上記と同様にして、転動体１０５が保持器１００に装填される。
【００６５】
尚、この転動体装填装置７０においても、前記ガイド部材２０を上下動させる駆動手段を設け、この駆動手段によって、前記ガイド部材２０を上下動させるようにしても良い。このようにすれば、転動体１０５の装填作業を一部自動化することができ、当該作業の効率化を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る転動体装填装置を一部断面で示した正面図である。
【図２】図１における矢視Ｉ方向の側面図である。
【図３】図２の平面図である。
【図４】図１に示した転動体装填装置の一部を拡大して示した拡大図である。
【図５】図１における矢視ＩＩ−ＩＩ方向の底面図である。
【図６】図１における矢視ＩＩＩ方向の側面図である。
【図７】本実施形態の転動体装填装置による転動体装填手順を示した説明図である。
【図８】本発明の他の形態に係る転動体装填装置を一部断面で示した正面図である。
【図９】一例に係る保持器を示した平面図である。
【図１０】図９における矢視ＩＶ−ＩＶ方向の断面図である。
【図１１】図９に示した保持器の部分斜視図である。
【図１２】他の例に係る保持器を示した斜視図である。
【図１３】従来例に係る転動体装填装置を示した平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１転動体装填装置
２架台
１０基台
２０ガイド部材
２２第２のテーパ面
２３嵌合穴
２４干渉回避穴
３０支持部材
３１大径部
３２小径部（嵌合部）
３３保持穴
３６位置決め溝
３８位置決めピン
４０押え部材
４２凹溝
４３下面（当接面）
４６位置決め溝
５３位置決めピン
５４ネジ
５５スプライン軸
５７キー
５８軸受
６０圧縮コイルバネ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
        The present invention loads a rolling element into a cage that holds the rolling element of a rolling bearing.DressIn more detail, the cage includes a base portion formed in an annular shape and a plurality of holding claws that are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction on the base portion and rotatably hold the rolling elements. Rolling elements are loaded between the holding clawsDressRelated to the position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
        An example of the above-described cage is shown in FIGS. 9 is a plan view showing the cage, FIG. 10 is a sectional view in the direction of arrows IV-IV in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the cage. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the cage 100 includes a base 101 formed in an annular shape and a plurality of holding claws 102 arranged on the base 101 along the circumferential direction. Composed. And between each holding nail | claw 102, the pocket part 103 inserted and hold | maintained so that the rolling element 105 can rotate is formed.
[0003]
        In addition to the above, the cage 100 configured to hold the rolling elements 105 by the holding claws 102 includes various types such as the one shown in FIG.
[0004]
        In order to load the rolling element 105 into the cage 100, the rolling element 105 is usually pushed into the pocket portion 103 from the outside of the cage 100 because of its structure. Conventionally, a loading apparatus as shown in FIG. 13 has been proposed.
[0005]
        As shown in FIG. 13, the loading device 110 is rotatably supported by the base 111 and the base 111, and the upper surface thereof is disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the base 111. The rotary table 112, a collet chuck 113 that is supported by the base 111 and rotates together with the rotary table 112, a guide plate 115 disposed on the side of the collet chuck 113, a guide plate 115, and a collet chuck. A chute 124 for supplying the rolling element 105 between the chuck 113 and a chuck driving device (not shown) for driving the collet chuck 113 to open and close, and a rotation driving device (not shown) for driving the rotary table 112 and the collet chuck 113 to rotate. )).
[0006]
        The outer diameter of the collet chuck 113 is expanded and contracted by the operation of the chuck driving device (not shown), and the outer diameter of the collet chuck 113 is expanded while being inserted into the inner peripheral portion of the cage 100. As a result, the cage 100 is gripped.
[0007]
        The guide plate 115 has a side surface facing the collet chuck 113 as a guide surface 116 having a shape as shown in the figure. The guide plate 115 is supported by a bracket 120 fixed on the base 111 and is implanted in the bracket 120. The pin 117 is swingable in the direction indicated by arrows A-B around the pin 117. The guide plate 115 is provided with a stop hole 118, and the bracket 120 is provided with a stop pin 119 inserted in the stop hole 118, and the engagement between the stop hole 118 and the stop pin 119 is established. The swinging of the guide plate 115 is restricted by the relationship. Further, the guide plate 115 is urged in the direction of arrow A by a tension coil spring 121 having one end locked to the bracket 120 and the other end locked to the guide plate 115.
[0008]
        The chute 124 has a conveyance path 125 through which the rolling elements 105 are transferred, and is disposed in a state inclined at an appropriate angle with respect to the upper surface of the base 111, and the discharge end thereof is the guide plate 115. Between the guide surface 116 and the collet chuck 113. Further, an inner taper surface 112 a having a downward taper is formed on the upper surface of the rotary table 112, and the rolling elements 105 supplied by the chute 124 serve as guide surfaces for the inner taper surface 112 a and the guide plate 115. The action of 116 is guided to the collet chuck 113 side.
[0009]
        In the figure, reference numeral 122 denotes an air cylinder, and 123 denotes a stop rod connected to the piston rod of the air cylinder 122. The operation of the air cylinder 122 causes the tip of the stop rod 123 to move to the conveyance path 125 of the chute 124. On the other hand, the rolling element 105 that moves forward and backward on the conveyance path 125 is stopped.
[0010]
        Thus, according to the loading device 110, the retainer 100 is gripped by the collet chuck 113, and the chute 124 is rotated while the retainer 100, the collet chuck 113, and the rotary table 112 are rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow C. When a predetermined number (11 in the illustrated example) of rolling elements 105 are sequentially supplied from the discharge end of the rotating table 112, the top of the supplied rolling elements 105 is held by the inclination of the inner tapered surface 112a of the rotary table 112. It will be led to 100 side, and the part will be in the state which entered the pocket part 103 of the holder | retainer 100. FIG.
[0011]
        In this state, when the cage 100 or the like further rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow C, the rolling element 105 comes into sliding contact with the guide surface 116 of the guide plate 115 and is pressed toward the cage 100 by the guide surface 116, and the pocket portion 103. Inserted inside. Thereafter, similarly, the rolling elements 105 are sequentially inserted into the pocket portion 103 of the holder 100. When the rolling elements 105 are inserted into all the pocket portions 103, the cage 100 is removed from the collet chuck 113, and the next cage 100 is loaded into the collet chuck 113. Thereafter, in the same manner, the cage is sequentially held. 100 is loaded with rolling elements 105.
[0012]
        When the rolling element 105 supplied from the chute 124 is sandwiched between the holding claw 102 and the guide plate 115 of the holder 100 and is not inserted into the set pocket 103, the holder 100 The guide plate 115 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow B along with the rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow C, thereby preventing the rolling element 105 from being caught between the holding claw 102 and the guide plate 115. Is done. In this case, the rolling element 105 is inserted into the pocket portion 103 on the rear side in the rotational direction by the swinging motion of the guide plate 115. Further, in this case, since the rolling elements 105 cannot be inserted into all the pocket portions 103 during one rotation of the cage 100, until the rolling elements 105 are inserted into all the pocket portions 103, The rotary table 112 and the like are driven to rotate.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
        However, the above-described loading device 110 has an advantage that the rolling element 105 can be automatically loaded into the cage 100, but has the following problems.
[0014]
        That is, first, since the loading device 100 described above is configured to automatically load the rolling elements 105, a driving device such as the chuck driving device (not shown) or the rotation driving device (not shown) is required. However, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large, the manufacturing cost thereof becomes high, and a large installation space is required.
[0015]
        In addition, since the rolling elements 105 are configured to be loaded into the holder 100 one by one, there is also a problem that it takes a long time to load all the rolling elements 105 into the holder 100. In particular, as described above, when the rolling element 105 is sandwiched between the holding claw 102 and the guide plate 115, more time is required.
[0016]
        The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when loading a rolling element into a cage, the rolling element can be performed at a low cost in a short time.DressThe purpose is to provide a filling device.
[0017]
[Means for solving the problems and effects thereof]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention isThe holding device comprising: a base portion formed in an annular shape; and a plurality of flexible holding claws that are juxtaposed along the circumferential direction on the base portion and hold the rolling elements rotatably. A device for loading rolling elements into a pocket formed between claws,
  The retainer, which is formed of a stepped member having a fitting portion that is fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the base portion of the cage and a large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the fitting portion, and is fitted into the fitting portion. A support member for supporting the support member, a guide member having a fitting hole into which a large-diameter portion of the support member is inserted, a holding means for holding the support member so as to be movable up and down, and the guide member and the holding means are firmly fixed. And a positioning means for positioning a circumferential positional relationship between the support member and the guide member.,An urging means for urging the support member upward, and an upper surface of a cage supported by the support member are provided so as to be in contact with each other., Can move up and down in contact with the upper surfaceA presser member,
        A holding hole is formed in the large-diameter portion of the support member at the same angular pitch as the pocket portion center position of the cage, and the holding hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the support member. And formed so as to open to the upper end surface and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion, the rolling element can be advanced and retracted from the outside of the large-diameter portion into the hole,
        The guide member is formed with an inner taper that tapers downward from the upper end surface toward the fitting hole, and at least one position corresponding to the holding hole is provided in the upper end surface and the fitting hole. An interference avoidance hole opening in the peripheral surface is formed, and the interference avoidance hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the fitting hole, and the rolling element is a hole from the upper end surface and the inner peripheral surface side. It is possible to advance and retreat inside,
        Further, in the rolling element loading device, the positioning means is configured to position the support member and the guide member so that the holding hole and the interference avoidance hole face each other. Related.
[0018]
        According to this rolling element loading device, the rolling elements are loaded into the cage as follows. In the initial state, the support member has a large-diameter portion inserted into the fitting hole of the guide member from below, and the fitting portion protrudes at least above the fitting hole. Furthermore, the holding hole is in a state of facing the inner tapered surface of the guide member.
[0019]
        First, rolling elements are appropriately loaded into the holding holes of the support member that are inserted into the fitting holes of the guide member. At this time, the rolling element is in contact with the inner tapered surface of the guide member. Next, a retainer is attached to the fitting portion of the support member, and alignment between the gripping claws (pocket portion) of the retainer, the retaining hole, and the rolling elements loaded therein is performed.
[0020]
        Next, after the pressing member is placed on the retainer so that the lower surface thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the retainer, the pressing member is pressed downward. As a result, the cage and the support member that supports the cage move downward against the urging force of the urging means. At that time, the rolling element inserted into the holding hole which is not opposed to the interference avoidance hole formed in the guide member is guided by the inner tapered surface and enters the pocket portion of the holder, and further the holder and the support member Along with the downward movement, while the upward movement is restricted by the inner upper surface of the pocket portion, it is guided by the inner tapered surface, pushed into the pocket portion, and loaded into the same portion.
[0021]
        On the other hand, the rolling element inserted into the holding hole facing the interference avoidance hole enters the interference avoidance hole by the downward movement of the support member, and further reaches the bottom of the interference avoidance hole when the support member moves downward. The holes are guided by the action of the bottom edge of the hole and enter the pocket part. As the cage and the support member further move downward, the upward movement is restricted by the inner upper surface of the pocket part. It is pushed into the pocket by the bottom edge and is loaded into the same.
[0022]
        When inserting a rolling element between the holding claws, that is, in the pocket portion, the holding claw is elastically deformed by the pushing force of the rolling element, and the interval between the holding claws is widened, thereby inserting the rolling element into the pocket portion. Will be able to. However, when all the rolling elements are inserted at a time, an equal pushing force of the rolling elements acts on one holding claw from both sides in the adjacent direction, causing the holding claw to be elastically deformed as described above. Can not. For this reason, it is not possible to insert the rolling element without difficulty.
[0023]
        Therefore,This rolling element loading deviceThenFirst, the rolling elements inserted into the interference avoidance hole formed in the guide member and the non-opposing holding holeTheLoad in cageShiThen, the rolling element inserted into the holding hole facing the interference avoidance hole.TheLoad in cageLike to.
[0024]
        By setting the space between the holding claws (pocket part) where the rolling elements are not inserted, the holding claws play a role in avoiding interference. As a result, the pushing force of the rolling elements from both sides of the adjacent direction acting on the other holding claws It becomes possible to cause non-uniformity and cause elastic deformation of the holding claws, which allows multiple rolling elements inserted into the holding holes that are not opposed to the interference avoidance holes to be inserted into the pockets without difficulty. It becomes. On the other hand, with respect to the rolling elements inserted into the holding holes facing the interference avoidance holes, the holding claws can be elastically deformed by a gap set between the holding claws and the rolling elements, and the holding claws can be comfortably caused by such elastic deformation. Inserted between.
[0025]
        Then, after the rolling elements are loaded in the cage as described above, the load by the pressing member is released. As a result, the support member is raised by the urging force of the urging means and returns to the original position. Thereafter, the cage loaded with rolling elements is removed from the support member.
[0026]
        As described above, according to the rolling element loading device according to the present invention, a plurality of rolling elements can be loaded into the cage at a time, so that the rolling element can be mounted in a shorter time than the conventional loading device described above. Can be loaded. In addition, since a driving device such as a chuck driving device and a rotation driving device as in the conventional loading device is not required, the size of the device is compact, so that a small installation space is required and the manufacturing cost is low. There is an advantage of being.
[0027]
        The presser member isClaim 2As in the invention described in (1), it is preferable that this is moved up and down by the driving means. If it does in this way, partial automation of rolling element loading work is attained, and the efficiency of the work concerned can be attained.
[0028]
        Further, as described above, the rolling element is loaded into the cage by the relative movement of the support member, the cage, and the guide member. Therefore,Claim 3As in the invention described in the above, even if the support member and the cage are fixed and the guide member is moved up and down relative thereto,Claim 1The same effects as the invention described in (1) are exhibited.
[0029]
        That is,Claim 3The invention described in (1) comprises a base portion formed in an annular shape, and a plurality of flexible holding claws that are juxtaposed on the base portion along the circumferential direction thereof and rotatably hold the rolling elements. A device for loading rolling elements into a pocket portion formed between the holding claws of the cage,
        The retainer, which is formed of a stepped member having a fitting portion that is fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the base portion of the cage and a large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the fitting portion, and is fitted into the fitting portion. And a guide member provided with a fitting hole into which a large-diameter portion of the support member is inserted, and a base member that is vertically movable with respect to the support member, and a base to which the support member is fixed A positioning means for positioning a circumferential positional relationship between the support member and the guide member; a presser member provided so as to be in contact with an upper surface of a cage supported by the support member; and the holding member A holding means for holding the positional relationship between the presser member and the support member that are in contact with the upper surface of the container;
        A holding hole is formed in the large-diameter portion of the support member at the same angular pitch as the pocket portion center position of the cage, and the holding hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the support member. And formed so as to open to the upper end surface and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion, the rolling element can be advanced and retracted from the outside of the large-diameter portion into the hole,
        The guide member is formed with an inner taper that tapers downward from the upper end surface toward the fitting hole, and at least one position corresponding to the holding hole is provided in the upper end surface and the fitting hole. An interference avoidance hole opening in the peripheral surface is formed, and the interference avoidance hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the fitting hole, and the rolling element is a hole from the upper end surface and the inner peripheral surface side. It is possible to advance and retreat inside,
        Further, in the rolling element loading device, the positioning means is configured to position the support member and the guide member so that the holding hole and the interference avoidance hole face each other. Related.
[0030]
        And thisClaim 3Similarly, in the invention described inClaim 4As in the invention described in the above,Guide memberIs preferably moved up and down by a driving means. If it does in this way, partial automation of rolling element loading work is attained, and the efficiency of the work concerned can be attained.
[0031]
        In addition, the present inventionClaim 5The invention described in the aboveClaims 1 to 4In the rolling element loading device according to any one of the above, a concave groove that avoids contact with the rolling element at a position corresponding to the holding hole of the support member at the time of contact of the pressing member contact surface that contacts the retainer The rolling element loading device is characterized in that it is formed so as to open radially on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member.
[0032]
        When the rolling element is loaded into the cage, when the upper surface of the rolling element protrudes upward from the upper end of the holding claw, the rolling element is pushed down by the push-down member. The rolling element interferes with the lower surface of the push-down member when the is loaded in the pocket portion. Therefore,Claim 5If the concave groove is formed at a position corresponding to the holding hole of the support member at the time of contact of the pressing member contact surface as in the invention of the invention, the rolling member upper surface when the rolling member enters the pocket portion And the lower surface of the pressing member are eliminated by the concave groove.
[0033]
        In addition, the present inventionClaim 6The invention described in the aboveClaim 5In this rolling element loading device, when the presser member is brought into contact with the retainer, the concave groove formed in the contact surface of the presser member and the holding hole of the support member are opposed to each other. The pressing member and the support memberofAccording to the rolling element loading device, the second positioning means for positioning the positional relationship between the two is provided.
[0034]
        According to this invention, when the pressing member contact surface is brought into contact with the upper surface of the cage, the concave groove formed in the pressing member contact surface and the holding hole of the support member can be easily aligned. it can.
[0035]
        In addition, the cage in the present invention includes those made of metal or resin, and the flexible holding claw can insert the rolling element when the holding claw pushes the rolling element into the pocket portion from the outside. It means having a certain degree of flexibility.
[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
        Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the rolling element loading device according to the present embodiment in a partial cross section, FIG. 2 is a side view in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. Moreover, in this example, the example which loads the rolling element 105 to the holder | retainer 100 shown in FIG. 9 thru | or FIG. 11 is illustrated.
[0037]
        As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rolling element loading device 1 of this example includes a gantry 2, a base 10 disposed on the gantry 2, a guide member 20 fixed to the base 10, and a guide member. 20, a support member 30 that engages with the support member 20, and a presser member 40 that can be engaged with the support member 30.
[0038]
        As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 10 includes a lower plate 11 fixed on the gantry 2 and a pair of leg members 13 and 14 erected on the lower plate 11 at appropriate intervals. And the upper plate 12 fixed on the leg members 13 and 14. A fitting hole 12a is formed in the upper plate 12, and the lower end portion of the guide member 20 is fixed on the upper plate 12 in a state where the lower end of the guide member 20 is fitted in the fitting hole 12a. Further, the lower plate 11 is also formed with a fitting hole 11a, and the bearing 58 is fixed to the lower plate 11 in a state of being inserted into the fitting hole 11a from below.
[0039]
        As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the guide member 20 is a cylindrical member provided with a fitting hole 23, and the support member 30 is inserted into the fitting hole 23. Further, a first taper surface 21 having a downward taper toward the fitting hole 23 is formed on the upper surface of the guide member 20, and further, the inner surface of the first taper surface 21 is steeper than the first taper surface 21. A second tapered surface 22 is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second tapered surface 22 is provided with interference avoiding holes 24 having a substantially semicircular cross section along the central axis of the fitting hole 23 at three locations in the circumferential direction. It is installed. The interference avoidance hole 24 opens in the inner peripheral surface of the second tapered surface 22 and the fitting hole 23, and the rolling element 105 is connected to the inner surface of the second tapered surface 22 and the fitting hole 23. It is possible to advance and retreat into the interference avoidance hole 24 from the side.
[0040]
        The support member 30 includes a large-diameter portion 31 that is fitted into the fitting hole 23 of the guide member 20 and a small-diameter portion (fitting portion) 32 into which the inner peripheral portion of the retainer 100 is fitted and mounted. A flange having a stepped cylindrical member that is in contact with the lower surface of the guide member 20 at the lower end thereof and prevents upward movement of the support member 30 fitted in the fitting hole 23 A shaped locking portion 34 is formed.
[0041]
        The large-diameter portion 31 has an upper end portion than the upper end of the second tapered surface 22 formed on the guide member 20 in a state where the engaging portion 34 is in contact with the lower surface of the guide member 20. A holding hole having a substantially semicircular cross section at the same angle pitch as the arrangement angle pitch of the pocket portion 103 of the cage 100 shown in FIGS. 33 is drilled along the central axis of the large-diameter portion 31. The holding hole 33 opens to the upper end surface and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 31, and the rolling element 105 can advance and retreat into the holding hole 33 from the upper end surface and outer peripheral surface side of the large diameter portion 31. ing.
[0042]
        Further, an engaging rod 37 that engages with the pressing member 40 protrudes from the upper end surface of the support member 30, and a positioning pin 38 protrudes in the vicinity thereof. A fitting hole 35 into which the upper end portion 51 is inserted is formed, and a positioning groove 36 is formed in the lower surface.
[0043]
        The shaft coupling 50 is formed of a stepped cylindrical member having an upper end 51 having a small diameter, and a fitting hole 52 into which the tip 56 of the spline shaft 55 is inserted is formed at the center of the lower surface. . Further, a positioning pin 53 to be inserted into a positioning groove 36 formed on the lower surface of the support member 30 is projected from the upper end surface of the large diameter portion.
[0044]
        The spline shaft 55 is inserted through a spline hole of a bearing 58 fixed to the lower plate 11, and a lower end portion thereof is inserted into a cylindrical holder 59 disposed below the bearing 58. The bearing 58 and the holder 59 hold the bearing 58 and the holder 59 so as to be vertically movable while being urged upward by a compression coil spring 60 disposed in the holder 59. Further, the spline shaft 55 and the shaft joint 50 are in a rotational relationship with each other by a key 57 planted at the tip 61 of the spline shaft 55 and a screw 54 screwed into the shaft joint 50. It is positioned.
[0045]
        Thus, the support member 30 is supported by the shaft coupling 50, the spline shaft 55, the holder 59, and the compression coil spring 60, and the engagement relationship between the positioning groove 36 and the positioning pin 53, and the engagement relationship between the key 57 and the screw 54. By the engagement relationship between the spline shaft 55 and the bearing 58, the holding hole 33 is positioned with respect to the guide member 20 so as to face the interference avoidance hole 24 formed in the guide member 20.
[0046]
        As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pressing member 40 is formed of a stepped cylindrical member having a fitting hole 41 formed at the center of the lower surface, and a sleeve 44 is press-fitted into the fitting hole 41. ing. A positioning groove 46 is formed on the lower surface of the sleeve 44, and the center hole is further formed.45The engagement rod 37 is inserted into the bracket. Further, the lower surface 43 of the pressing member 40 is a contact surface that contacts the upper surface of the retainer 100 mounted on the support member 30, and further, the lower surface (contact surface) 43 includes As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, the concave grooves 42 are formed radially so as to open on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member 40.
[0047]
        Thus, the presser member 40 has a central hole in the sleeve 44.45By fitting the engagement rod 37 into the support member 30, the rotation position relative to the support member 30 is adjusted so that the support member 30 is engaged and the positioning pin 38 is inserted into the positioning groove 46. The concave groove 42 faces the holding hole 33 of the support member 30. The depth of the concave groove 42 is a depth that does not interfere with the rolling element 105 when the contact surface 43 comes into contact with the cage 100 loaded with the rolling element 105.
[0048]
        Next, a procedure for loading the rolling element 105 into the holder 100 by the rolling element loading apparatus 1 of the present example having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
        First, the rolling elements 105 (105a, 105b) are loaded into the holding holes 33 of the support member 30. At this time, the rolling elements 105 (105a, 105b) are guided by the first tapered surface 21 formed on the guide member 20, and are smoothly loaded into the holding holes. Then, the rolling elements 105 (105a, 105b) are in contact with the second tapered surface 22 of the guide member 20.
[0050]
        Next, the cage 100 is mounted on the small diameter portion (fitting portion) 32 of the support member 30, and the pocket portion 103 of the cage 100, the holding hole 33, and the rolling elements 105 (105 a, 105 b) loaded therein. After that, the presser member 40 is engaged with the support member 30 so that the engagement rod 37 is inserted into the sleeve 44, and then the positioning pin 38 is inserted into the positioning groove 46. As described above, after the rotational position with respect to the support member 30 is adjusted, the lower surface 43 is placed on the retainer 100 so that the lower surface 43 contacts the upper surface of the retainer 100. Thereby, the concave groove 42 of the pressing member 40 is in a state of facing the holding hole 33 of the support member 30.
[0051]
        In this way, after the rolling elements 105 (105a and 105b) are loaded into the holding holes 33 and the retainer 100 is attached to the support member 30, the state in which the presser member 40 is engaged with the support member 30 is shown in FIG. Shown in (a).
[0052]
        Next, the pressing member 40 is pressed downward. As a result, the cage 100 and the support member 30 that supports the cage 100 move downward against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 60. At that time, the rolling element 105a inserted into the interference avoidance hole 24 formed in the guide member 20 and the non-opposing holding hole 33 is guided by the second tapered surface 22 and enters the pocket portion 103 of the cage 100, As the cage 100 and the support member 30 further move downward, the upward movement is regulated by the inner upper surface of the pocket portion 103, and is guided by the second tapered surface 22 and pushed into the pocket portion 103. And loaded in the same part.
[0053]
        On the other hand, the rolling element 105b inserted into the holding hole 33 facing the interference avoiding hole 24 enters the interference avoiding hole 24 by the downward movement of the support member 30, and then reaches the bottom of the interference avoiding hole 24, such a hole. It will be in the state which was guided to the bottom edge part and entered into the pocket part. In this state, the rolling element 105 b inserted into the holding hole 33 facing the interference avoiding hole 24 is not completely loaded in the pocket portion 103. This state is shown in FIG.
[0054]
        When the cage 100 and the support member 30 move further downward, the upward movement of the rolling element 105 b inserted into the holding hole 33 facing the interference avoiding hole 24 is regulated by the inner upper surface of the pocket portion 103. The hole is pushed into the pocket portion 103 by the hole bottom edge portion and loaded into the same portion. This state is shown in FIG.
[0055]
        Next, as described above, after all the rolling elements 105 are loaded in the holder 100, the load by the pressing member 40 is released. As a result, the support member 30 is raised by the urging force of the compression coil spring 60 and returns to the original position. Thereafter, the cage 100 loaded with the rolling elements 105 is removed from the support member 30.
[0056]
        As described above, according to this rolling element loading device 1, first, the rolling element 105 a inserted into the interference avoidance hole 24 formed in the guide member 20 and the non-opposing holding hole 33 is loaded into the holder 100, and thereafter The rolling element 105 b inserted into the holding hole 33 facing the interference avoiding hole 24 is loaded into the holder 100.
[0057]
        If it is attempted to load all the rolling elements 105 into the cage 100 at a time, it is difficult to insert the rolling elements 105 without difficulty because an equal force acts on the holding claws 102 from both sides in the adjacent direction. By setting the pocket portion 103 into which the moving body 105 is not inserted, the holding claw 102 of the same portion plays a role of avoiding interference, and as a result, the force acting from both sides in the adjacent direction acting on the other holding claws 102 is uneven. As a result, it is possible to cause elastic deformation in the holding claws 102, and thereby, the plurality of rolling elements 105 a inserted into the holding holes 33 that are not opposed to the interference avoidance holes 24 can be inserted into the pocket portions 103 without difficulty. Is possible. On the other hand, with respect to the rolling elements 105b inserted into the holding holes 33 facing the interference avoidance holes 24, a gap is set between the already loaded rolling elements 105a and the holding claws 102. The gap can be elastically deformed, and the elastic deformation can be inserted into the pocket portion 103 without difficulty.
[0058]
        As described above in detail, according to the rolling element loading device 1 of the present example, a plurality of rolling elements 105 can be loaded into the holder 100 at a time, and therefore, compared to the conventional loading device 110 described above. The rolling element 105 can be loaded in a short time. Further, since a driving device such as a chuck driving device and a rotary driving device as in the conventional loading device 110 is not required, the size of the device is compact, so that a small installation space is sufficient and the manufacturing cost is low. There is an advantage that it is inexpensive.
[0059]
        Further, since the radial concave groove 42 is formed on the lower surface 43 of the pressing member 40, the upper surface of the rolling element 105 is located above the upper end of the holding claw 102 when the rolling element 105 is loaded in the holder 100. Even if it is configured to protrude, the concave groove 42 eliminates interference between the upper surface of the rolling element 105 and the lower surface 43 of the pressing member 40 when the rolling element 105 is loaded into the pocket portion 103. can do.
[0060]
        As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, the specific aspect which this invention can take is not limited to this at all. For example, in the above-described example, the interference avoidance holes 24 are provided in three places, but it is sufficient that the interference avoidance holes 24 are formed in at least one place, and the number is not limited at all.
[0061]
        In addition, driving means for moving the pressing member 40 up and down may be provided, and the pressing member 40 may be moved up and down by the driving means. In this way, a part of the loading operation of the rolling elements 105 can be automated, and the efficiency of the operation can be improved.
[0062]
        As can be easily understood from the above description, the rolling element 105 is loaded into the cage 100 by the relative movement of the support member 30 and the cage 100 and the guide member 20. Therefore, even if the support member 30 and the retainer 100 are fixed and the guide member 20 is moved up and down relative to the support member 30, the rolling element 105 can be loaded into the retainer 100 in the same manner as described above. A schematic configuration of such an apparatus is shown in FIG.
[0063]
        As shown in FIG. 8, in this rolling element loading device 70, the support member 30 is fixed on the upper plate 12 of the base 10, and the guide member 20 is externally movable with respect to the support member 30. The presser member 40 is configured to be vertically driven by the drive cylinder 71 while being fitted. Note that the guide member 20 and the support member 30 are positioned so that the holding hole 33 and the interference avoidance hole 24 face each other by, for example, an engagement relationship between a key and a key groove. The drive cylinder 71 is appropriately supported by the structure.
[0064]
        Thus, according to the rolling element loading device 70, first, the rolling elements 105 are loaded into the holding holes 33 of the support member 30, and then the driving cylinder 71 is driven to move the pressing member 40 downward. The lower surface 43 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the cage 100. Accordingly, the support member 30 and the retainer 100 are fixed, and the positional relationship between the presser member 40 and the support member 30 is maintained. Thereafter, when the guide member 20 is moved upward, the rolling element 105 is loaded into the cage 100 in the same manner as described above.
[0065]
        In this rolling element loading device 70, drive means for moving the guide member 20 up and down may be provided, and the guide member 20 may be moved up and down by the drive means. In this way, a part of the loading operation of the rolling elements 105 can be automated, and the efficiency of the operation can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a rolling element loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, partially shown in cross section.
FIG. 2 is a side view in the direction of arrow I in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2;
4 is an enlarged view showing a part of the rolling element loading device shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner. FIG.
5 is a bottom view in the direction of arrows II-II in FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a side view in the direction of arrow III in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a rolling element loading procedure by the rolling element loading device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a rolling element loading device according to another embodiment of the present invention, partially shown in cross section.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a retainer according to an example.
10 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows IV-IV in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the cage shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a cage according to another example.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a rolling element loading device according to a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
        1 Rolling body loading device
        2 mount
        10 base
        20 Guide member
        22 Second taper surface
        23 Mating hole
        24 Interference avoidance hole
        30 Support member
        31 Large diameter part
        32 Small diameter part (fitting part)
        33 Holding hole
        36 Positioning groove
        38 Positioning pin
        40 Presser member
        42 groove
        43 Lower surface (contact surface)
        46 Positioning groove
        53 Positioning pin
        54 screw
        55 Spline shaft
        57 keys
        58 Bearing
        60 compression coil spring

Claims

The holding device comprising: a base portion formed in an annular shape; and a plurality of flexible holding claws that are juxtaposed along the circumferential direction on the base portion and hold the rolling elements rotatably. A device for loading rolling elements into a pocket formed between claws,
The retainer, which is formed of a stepped member having a fitting portion that is fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the base portion of the cage and a large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the fitting portion, and is fitted into the fitting portion. A support member for supporting
A guide member having a fitting hole into which the large diameter portion of the support member is inserted;
Holding means for holding the support member in a vertically movable manner;
A base to which the guide member and the holding means are fixed;
Positioning means for positioning a circumferential positional relationship between the support member and the guide member;
Biasing means for biasing the support member upward;
A presser member provided so as to be able to come into contact with the upper surface of the cage supported by the support member, and capable of moving up and down while being in contact with the upper surface ;
A holding hole is formed in the large-diameter portion of the support member at the same angular pitch as the pocket portion center position of the cage, and the holding hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the support member. And formed so as to open to the upper end surface and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion, the rolling element can be advanced and retracted from the outside of the large-diameter portion into the hole,
The guide member is formed with an inner taper that tapers downward from the upper end surface toward the fitting hole, and at least one position corresponding to the holding hole is provided in the upper end surface and the fitting hole. An interference avoidance hole opening in the peripheral surface is formed, and the interference avoidance hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the fitting hole, and the rolling element is a hole from the upper end surface and the inner peripheral surface side. It is possible to advance and retreat inside,
Furthermore, the positioning means is configured to position the support member and the guide member so that the holding hole and the interference avoidance hole face each other.

2. The rolling element loading device according to claim 1 , further comprising driving means for moving the pressing member up and down.

The holding device comprising: a base portion formed in an annular shape; and a plurality of flexible holding claws that are juxtaposed along the circumferential direction on the base portion and hold the rolling elements rotatably. A device for loading rolling elements into a pocket formed between claws,
The retainer, which is formed of a stepped member having a fitting portion that is fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the base portion of the cage and a large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the fitting portion, and is fitted into the fitting portion. A support member for supporting
A guide member provided with a fitting hole into which the large-diameter portion of the support member is inserted, and provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the support member;
A base to which the support member is fixed;
Positioning means for positioning a circumferential positional relationship between the support member and the guide member;
A presser member provided so as to be able to contact the upper surface of the cage supported by the support member;
A holding means for holding the positional relationship between the presser member and the support member that are in contact with the upper surface of the cage;
A holding hole is formed in the large-diameter portion of the support member at the same angular pitch as the pocket portion center position of the cage, and the holding hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the support member. And formed so as to open to the upper end surface and the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion, the rolling element can be advanced and retracted from the outside of the large-diameter portion into the hole,
The guide member is formed with an inner taper that tapers downward from the upper end surface toward the fitting hole, and at least one position corresponding to the holding hole is provided in the upper end surface and the fitting hole. An interference avoidance hole opening in the peripheral surface is formed, and the interference avoidance hole has a central axis formed in parallel with the central axis of the fitting hole, and the rolling element is a hole from the upper end surface and the inner peripheral surface side. It is possible to advance and retreat inside,
Furthermore, the positioning means is configured to position the support member and the guide member so that the holding hole and the interference avoidance hole face each other.

4. The rolling element loading device according to claim 3 , further comprising drive means for moving the guide member up and down.

A concave groove for avoiding contact with the rolling element is formed radially on the outer peripheral surface of the presser member at a position corresponding to the holding hole of the support member at the time of contact of the presser member contact surface that contacts the retainer. The rolling element loading device according to claim 1 , wherein the rolling element loading device is formed so as to open.

When the presser member is brought into contact with the retainer, the presser member and the support so that the concave groove formed in the contact surface of the presser member and the holding hole of the support member face each other. 6. The rolling element loading device according to claim 5, further comprising second positioning means for positioning a positional relationship with the member.