Method and device for manufacturing a roller bearing cage

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a rolling-element bearing cage includes clamping a cage blank in the radial direction using a clamping element in a first position where the cage blank is processed. Then, the cage blank is rotated relative to the clamping element to a second position where the cage blank is further processed. A device for manufacturing a rolling-element bearing cage includes the clamping element, which remain stationary together with a tool for processing the cage blank, while only the cage blank is rotated.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method ( 1 ) for manufacturing a rolling-element bearing cage, comprising:
 clamping ( 2 ) of a cage blank ( 7 ) in the radial direction using a clamping element ( 6 );   processing ( 3 ) of the cage blank ( 7 ) at a first position;   rotating ( 4 ) of the cage blank ( 7 ) with respect to the clamping element ( 6 ); and   processing ( 5 ) of the cage blank ( 7 ) at a second position.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing ( 3 ,  5 ) is a punching-out of a pocket. 
     
     
         3 . The method ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when an embossing of cage bridges occurs in the processing ( 3 ,  5 ), the cage blank ( 7 ) is rotated with respect to the clamping element ( 6 ) far enough until one of the cage bridges abuts on a stop ( 35 ). 
     
     
         4 . The method ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 fitting of a clamping element ( 6 ) to an inner diameter of the cage blank ( 7 ) for clamping ( 2 ) the cage blank ( 7 ).   
     
     
         5 . The method ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:
 positioning of the cage blank ( 7 ) on an abutment surface ( 9 ) such that an axial edge surface of the cage blank ( 7 ) at least sectionally abuts on the abutment surface ( 9 ).   
     
     
         6 . The method ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cage blank ( 7 ) is clamped such that an axis of rotation (M) of the cage blank ( 7 ) is oriented parallel to an acting weight force of the cage blank ( 7 ). 
     
     
         7 . A device ( 5 ) for manufacturing a rolling-element bearing cage, comprising:
 a clamping element ( 6 ) which is configured in order to orient a cage blank ( 7 ) in a radial direction and along its circumferential direction with respect to a tool ( 8 ) such that the cage blank ( 7 ) can be rotated with respect to the clamping element ( 6 ).   
     
     
         8 . The device ( 5 ) according to  claim 7 , comprising an abutment surface ( 9 ) which is configured in order to abut at least sectionally on an axial edge surface of the cage blank ( 7 ) and/or an abutment surface ( 9 ) is oriented horizontally so that an axis of rotation (M) of the cage blank ( 7 ) is oriented parallel to an acting weight force of the cage blank ( 7 ). 
     
     
         9 . The device ( 5 ) according to one of  claim 7  or  8 , wherein the tool ( 8 ) includes a frame, which is closed on at least four sides for processing the cage blank ( 7 ), wherein a side ( 31 ) can be opened for insertion of the cage blank ( 7 ). 
     
     
         10 . The device ( 5 ) according to one of  claims 7  to  9 , wherein the clamping element ( 6 ) is adjustable to a plurality of inner diameters of to-be-clamped cage blanks ( 7 ).