Abstract: The present invention provides a support tool for supporting a crankshaft journal during machining. The support tool includes a support housing having an opening and a support roller having a central portion received in the opening. The central portion is supported in the opening, preferably by a plurality of needle bearings, and includes opposing end portions. Opposing roller portions extend radially outwardly from each of the opposing end portions. The opposing end portions have an outer cylindrical support surface for supporting a crankshaft journal. Each of the opposing roller portions include a lateral crankshaft engagement surface and an inner surface in spaced relationship from the lateral crankshaft engagement surface. The inner surfaces are arranged adjacent to the support housing. An annular corner joins the outer cylindrical support surface and the lateral crankshaft engagement surface and is arranged within a tangential plane on the outer cylindrical support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support tool for supporting a crankshaft journal during machining. The support tool includes a support housing having an opening and a support roller having a central portion received in the opening. The central portion is supported in the opening, preferably by a plurality of needle bearings, and includes opposing end portions. Opposing roller portions extend radially outwardly from each of the opposing end portions. The opposing end portions have an outer cylindrical support surface for supporting a crankshaft journal. Each of the opposing roller portions include a lateral crankshaft engagement surface and an inner surface in spaced relationship from the lateral crankshaft engagement surface. The inner surfaces are arranged adjacent to the support housing. An annular corner joins the outer cylindrical support surface and the lateral crankshaft engagement surface and is arranged within a tangential plane on the outer cylindrical support surface.

Abstract: A rolling tool for deep rolling fillets of crankshaft journals is provided. The rolling force is divided and spread by the back up roller and directed onto the laterally spaced side shoulders of the workpiece roller. The fillet rolling forces are then recombined and directed into the fillet by the workpiece rollers which works and compressively stresses the fillets of the pin journals. With the rolling force between the backup rollers divided, there is reduced workpiece roller wear as compared to prior art backup roller designs.

Abstract: A fillet rolling tool for deep rolling journal fillets is provided. The tool includes a housing assembly having a cavity. A backup roller having an annular groove is disposed in the cavity and is rotatably supported by the housing assembly. A work roller is received in the annular cavity for deep rolling journal fillets. At least one cage, construction from a polymer material, has an arcuate recess that receives the work roller. The cage includes an outer wall that defines a portion of the arcuate recess. Preferably the polymer is a thermal plastic such as a high density polyethylene. Most preferably, the polymer is an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The polymer of the present invention has a ductility, an impact strength, and a wear resistance that is superior to those of bronze. Accordingly, the polymer cage of the present invention does not fracture as easily as bronze under the lateral forces of the fillet rolling process.