Separator for roller bearing and cross roller bearing

Abstract

To provide a separator for a roller bearing which has an excellent assemblability while allowing a smooth rolling of a roller.SOLUTION: A separator for a roller bearing is used for a roller bearing having a roller. The separator for the roller bearing includes a first face, a second face, a third face, a fourth face, a fifth face, and a sixth face. The first face, the second face, the third face, and the fourth face are arranged at a distance from a virtual line connecting between a center of the fifth face and a center of the sixth face. Each of the first face, the second face, the third face, and the fourth face includes a recessed part which recesses inward. The recessed part includes: a first arc face along a rolling face of the roller when a first direction is a roller rolling core direction; and a second arc face along a rolling face of the roller when a second direction orthogonal with the first direction is a roller rolling core direction. The recessed part formed on the first face, the second face, the third face, and the fourth face all have the same shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a separator for a roller bearing and a cross roller bearing. [Background technology]

[0002] A cross roller bearing including an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of rollers, and a plurality of separators disposed between each roller has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-72107 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-160310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In roller bearings that use rollers as rolling elements, smooth rolling of the rollers and good assembly performance during assembly of the roller bearing are required.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects is to provide a separator for a roller bearing that allows the roller to roll smoothly and also allows for easy assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A roller bearing separator according to the present disclosure is used in a roller bearing including a roller. The roller bearing separator includes a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are each spaced apart from an imaginary line connecting the center of the fifth surface and the center of the sixth surface. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface each have a concave portion recessed inward. The concave portion includes a first arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a first direction is the rolling axis of the roller, and a second arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the rolling axis of the roller. The concave portions on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface have the same shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above separator for roller bearings allows the rollers to roll smoothly and also makes assembly easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a cross roller bearing including a separator for a roller bearing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross roller bearing shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross roller bearing shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the cross roller bearing shown in FIG. 1 with an outer ring, which will be described later, removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the separator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the separator. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the separator and two rollers adjacent to the separator shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a roller bearing separator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the separator shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a cross roller bearing including a separator for a roller bearing according to the second embodiment with the outer ring removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the separator and two rollers adjacent to the separator shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing a roller bearing separator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Outline of the embodiment] The roller bearing separator according to the present disclosure is used in a roller bearing including a roller. The roller bearing separator includes a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are each spaced apart from an imaginary line connecting the center of the fifth surface and the center of the sixth surface. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface each have a concave portion recessed inward. The concave portion includes a first arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a first direction is the rolling axis of the roller, and a second arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the rolling axis of the roller. The concave portions on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface have the same shape.

[0010] According to the roller bearing separator of the present disclosure, the roller bearing separator has six surfaces, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces has a recessed portion recessed inward. The recessed portions have the same shape on the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces, and each include a first arcuate surface and a second arcuate surface shaped to fit the rolling surface of the roller. When the roller bearing separator is disposed between rollers, the first arcuate surface or the second arcuate surface can properly guide the rollers. Therefore, the first arcuate surface or the second arcuate surface allows the rollers to roll smoothly. Furthermore, even if the roller bearing separator is tilted when inserted into the raceway of the roller bearing, and the first surface is oriented toward the second, third, or fourth surface, the recessed portions on each surface are the same, so there is no directionality between the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces, and no problems arise. This reduces the need to check the orientation of the roller bearing separator when inserting it and correct the orientation, thereby reducing the number of steps required. This reduces the amount of time and labor required for installation. As a result, the roller bearing separator allows the rollers to roll smoothly and is easy to assemble.

[0011] In the roller bearing separator, the fifth and sixth surfaces may each have a recessed portion. This configuration eliminates the need to check or correct the orientation of the roller bearing separator when it is inserted into the bearing, regardless of whether the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth surface is tilted. This eliminates the need to check or correct the orientation when inserting the roller bearing separator, further reducing the number of steps required. This further reduces the time and labor required for assembly, and further improves ease of assembly.

[0012] In the roller bearing separator, the shape of the second arcuate surface may be a shape obtained by rotating the first arcuate surface by 90 degrees around the center of the first surface. A roller bearing separator having such a configuration can be manufactured relatively easily, thereby improving productivity.

[0013] In the roller bearing separator, the first surface may be flat except for the recessed portion. This allows the shape of the roller bearing separator to be relatively simple. This improves the productivity of roller bearing separators.

[0014] In the roller bearing separator, the center of the first surface may be recessed inward most. This allows the roller bearing separator to be positioned in the bearing in a balanced manner, promoting smooth rolling of the rollers during operation of the bearing. Therefore, stability of the bearing during operation can be ensured.

[0015] The roller bearing separator may have chamfered corners. This allows for easier handling of the roller bearing separator and reduces the risk of damage caused by contact between the rollers and other bearing components and the corners of the roller bearing separator. This improves reliability and productivity.

[0016] In the roller bearing separator, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces may be provided with an oil hole. This allows the oil hole to be effectively used when circulating the lubricating oil supplied to the roller bearing. This allows for even smoother rolling of the rollers.

[0017] The cross roller bearing of the present disclosure comprises an outer ring having a pair of outer ring raceway surfaces on its inner surface that are perpendicular to each other, an inner ring that shares a common central axis with the outer ring and has a pair of inner ring raceway surfaces on its outer surface that are perpendicular to each other, a plurality of rollers that have rolling surfaces that roll on the outer ring raceway surface and the inner ring raceway surface and are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction between the outer ring and the inner ring so that the rolling axes are perpendicular to each other, and a plurality of roller bearing separators as described above that are arranged respectively between the plurality of rollers.

[0018] Recently, cross roller bearings have been required to have higher load ratings. To reflect this trend, conventional methods have been adopted for roller bearing separators placed between rollers, such as reducing the thickness and diameter. However, such roller bearing separators limit the orientation of assembly, which can lead to the roller bearing separator tipping over or being installed in an incorrect orientation. This can result in poor rotation. Furthermore, using such roller bearing separators requires confirmation that the roller bearing separator is installed in the intended orientation and correction work if the orientation is incorrect, complicating the assembly process. The cross roller bearing disclosed herein includes a roller bearing separator having the above-described configuration, enabling smooth roller rolling and improving assembly ease.

[0019] [Specific example of embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of a cross roller bearing including a roller bearing separator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cross roller bearing including a roller bearing separator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of the cross roller bearing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along a plane that does not include the cover member and pin (described later), and FIG. 3 shows a cross section taken along a plane that includes the cover member and pin. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the plane indicated by arrows III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cross roller bearing shown in FIG. 1 with the outer ring (described later) removed. In FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, the direction indicated by arrow Z is the axial direction, and the directions indicated by arrows X and Y are the radial directions. The directions indicated by arrows X and Y are perpendicular to each other. In FIG. 1 and subsequent figures, the central axis R, which is the center of rotation of the cross roller bearing, is indicated by a dashed line. Furthermore, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the rolling axes of the rollers (described later) in different directions.

[0021] 1, 2, 3, and 4, a cross roller bearing 10a according to the present disclosure includes an outer ring 11a, an inner ring 12a, a plurality of rollers 13a, and a plurality of roller bearing separators (sometimes simply referred to as "separators") 15a. The outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a are each made of steel and are integrally formed. The outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a are each annular. That is, the outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a are provided with through-holes 14a that penetrate the outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a in the axial direction. The outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a share a common center axis R. The cross roller bearing 10a is a bearing that can adequately withstand both thrust loads and radial loads.

[0022] The outer ring 11a has a pair of outer ring raceway surfaces 21a, 22a on its inner peripheral surface 23a. That is, the inner peripheral surface 23a of the outer ring 11a is provided with an outer ring raceway surface (first outer ring raceway surface) 21a and an outer ring raceway surface (second outer ring raceway surface) 22a. The outer ring raceway surface 21a and the outer ring raceway surface 22a are perpendicular to each other. That is, the angle formed by the outer ring raceway surface 21a and the outer ring raceway surface 22a is 90 degrees. A groove portion 24a that is continuous in an annular shape and recessed toward the outer periphery is provided between the outer ring raceway surface 21a and the outer ring raceway surface 22a in the axial direction. The outer ring raceway surface 21a serves as a guide surface for a first end face 41a (described later) of the roller 13a that is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the roller 13a that rolls on the outer ring raceway surface 21a. The outer ring raceway surface 22a serves as a guide surface for the first end face 41a of the roller 13a that is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the roller 13a that rolls on the outer ring raceway surface 22a.

[0023] The outer ring 11a is provided with an insertion hole 25a extending from the outer peripheral surface to the outer ring raceway surfaces 21a and 22a, and a first pin hole 26a penetrating in the axial direction. The insertion hole 25a is a circular hole penetrating the outer ring 11a in the radial direction. The rollers 13a and separators 15a are inserted into a raceway 35a formed by the outer ring raceway surfaces 21a and 22a and inner ring raceway surfaces 31a and 32a (described later) using the insertion hole 25a. The first pin hole 26a is formed in the area where the insertion hole 25a is provided. After all the rollers 13a and separators 15a are inserted, a cover member 27a is inserted into the insertion hole 25a to close it. The inner peripheral surface 28a of the cover member 27a is shaped to fit the outer ring raceway surfaces 21a and 22a. The cover member 27a is provided with a second pin hole 29a penetrating in the axial direction. After the insertion hole 25a is closed with the cover member 27a, the pin 36a can be inserted into the first pin fixing hole 26a and the second pin fixing hole 29a to fix the cover member 27a to the outer ring 11a.

[0024] The inner ring 12a shares a central axis R with the outer ring 11a. The inner ring 12a has a pair of inner ring raceway surfaces 31a and 32a on its outer peripheral surface 33a. That is, the outer peripheral surface 33a of the inner ring 12a is provided with an inner ring raceway surface (first inner ring raceway surface) 31a and an inner ring raceway surface (second inner ring raceway surface) 32a. The inner ring raceway surface 31a and the inner ring raceway surface 32a are perpendicular to each other. That is, the angle formed by the inner ring raceway surface 31a and the inner ring raceway surface 32a is 90 degrees. A groove portion 34a that is continuous in an annular shape and recessed toward the inner peripheral side is provided between the inner ring raceway surface 31a and the inner ring raceway surface 32a in the axial direction. The inner ring raceway surface 31a serves as a guide surface for a second end face 42a (described later) of the roller 13a that is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the roller 13a that rolls on the inner ring raceway surface 31a. The inner ring raceway surface 32a serves as a guide surface for the second end face 42a of the roller 13a that is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the roller 13a that rolls on the inner ring raceway surface 32a.

[0025] Each roller 13a includes a first end face 41a, a second end face 42a, and a rolling surface 43a that rolls on the outer ring raceway surfaces 21a, 22a and the inner ring raceway surfaces 31a, 32a. The roller 13a rotates about a rolling axis 44a. The roller 13a rolls on either the outer ring raceway surface 21a and the inner ring raceway surface 31a, or the outer ring raceway surface 22a and the inner ring raceway surface 32a. Which raceway surface the roller 13a rolls on depends on the arrangement of the roller 13a. The multiple rollers 13a are arranged between the outer ring 11a and the inner ring 12a alternately in the circumferential direction so that the rolling axes 44a are perpendicular to each other. The rolling axes 44a are indicated by dashed double-dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0026] Next, the configuration of separator 15a will be described. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of separator 15a. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of separator 15a. Fig. 6 is a view seen from the direction indicated by arrow VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing separator 15a and two rollers 13a adjacent to separator 15a shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, arrows U, V, and W are shown, each of which is perpendicular to the other.

[0027] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, along with Figures 1 to 4, separator 15a is used in a roller bearing including rollers 13a, and in this embodiment, in the cross roller bearing 10a described above. Separator 15a includes a first surface 51a, a second surface 52a, a third surface 53a, a fourth surface 54a, a fifth surface 55a, and a sixth surface 56a. The first surface 51a, the second surface 52a, the third surface 53a, and the fourth surface 54a are each spaced apart from an imaginary line 59a connecting a center 57a of the fifth surface 55a and a center 58a of the sixth surface 56a. Imaginary line 59a is indicated by a dashed line in Figures 5 and 6. That is, the fifth surface 55a and the sixth surface 56a are in contact with the first surface 51a, the second surface 52a, the third surface 53a, and the fourth surface 54a, respectively. The first surface 51a and the third surface 53a are spaced apart in the V direction. The second surface 52a and the fourth surface 54a are spaced apart in the U direction. The fifth surface 55a and the sixth surface 56a are spaced apart in the W direction. The lengths of the separator 15a in the U direction, the V direction, and the W direction are equal. The length of one side of the separator 15a, i.e., the length in the U direction, V direction, or W direction, is configured to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the roller 13a. Specifically, the diameter of the roller 13a is selected to be, for example, 4 mm, and the length of one side of the separator 15a is selected to be 3.5 mm.

[0028] The first surface 51a, the second surface 52a, the third surface 53a, the fourth surface 54a, the fifth surface 55a, and the sixth surface 56a each have a recessed portion 61a recessed inward. That is, the separator 15a has a shape in which the recessed portion 61a recessed inward in the same manner is formed on all six surfaces constituting a cubic shape. The recessed portion 61a includes a first arcuate surface 71a and a second arcuate surface 72a. The first arcuate surface 71a is shaped to follow the rolling surface 43a of the roller 13a when the first direction, which in this embodiment is the direction indicated by arrow W, is the rolling axis direction of the roller 13a. The second arcuate surface 72a is shaped to follow the rolling surface 43a of the roller 13a when the second direction, which in this embodiment is the direction indicated by arrow U, is the rolling axis direction of the roller 13a. The first arcuate surface 71a and the second arcuate surface 72a are concave with the same radius of curvature. The shape of the second arcuate surface 72a is obtained by rotating the first arcuate surface 71a by 90 degrees around the center 73a of the first surface 51a. The first surface 51a and the sixth surface 56a have the same shape, and in FIG. 6, if the radius of the arc of the first arcuate surface 71a of the sixth surface 56a is indicated by radius D1, then radius D1 of the arc of the first arcuate surface 71a is equal to radius D2 (see FIG. 7) of the arc that constitutes the rolling surface 43a of the roller 13a, or the relationship of radius D1 > radius D2 is satisfied.

[0029] In the first surface 51a, the first arcuate surface 71a is divided into two regions 62a and 63a. When viewed from the direction indicated by arrow VI, the two regions 62a and 63a are symmetrical about a center 73a. The second arcuate surface 72a is also divided into two regions 64a and 65a. When viewed from the direction indicated by arrow VI, the two regions 64a and 65a are symmetrical about a center 73a. Boundaries 68a and 69a between the first arcuate surface 71a and the second arcuate surface 72a are orthogonal to each other in the UW plane. Specifically, in the UW plane, the boundaries 68a and 69a intersect at a 90-degree angle at the center 73a of the first surface 51a. The center 73a of the first surface is recessed furthest inward.

[0030] In the first surface 51a, the regions 74a, 75a, 76a, and 77a excluding the recessed portion 61a are flat surfaces. In this embodiment, the regions 74a, 75a, 76a, and 77a are provided at the four corners when viewed from the direction of the arrow VI in FIG.

[0031] The corners 67a of the separator 15a are chamfered. In this embodiment, all of the corners 67a of the separator 15a are chamfered with a rounded edge formed by a portion of a spherical surface. The corners 67a may also be chamfered with other shapes, such as a C-chamfer. The chamfers on the corners 67a do not all have to be the same, and some may be chamfered differently.

[0032] Next, an example of a method for assembling the above-described cross roller bearing 10a will be described. First, the inner ring 12a is placed on the inner diameter side of the outer ring 11a. This forms a raceway 35a between a pair of outer ring raceways 21a, 22a on the inner peripheral surface 23a of the outer ring 11a and a pair of inner ring raceways 31a, 32a on the outer peripheral surface 33a of the inner ring 12a. Multiple rollers 13a and multiple separators 15a are inserted into this raceway 35a through the insertion holes 25a. The rollers 13a and separators 15a are inserted alternately. The rollers 13a are inserted so that the rolling axes 44a of adjacent rollers 13a are perpendicular to each other. The separators 15a are inserted without regard to their orientation. In this manner, all rollers 13a and separators 15a are inserted into the raceway 35a. The insertion holes 25a are then closed with the cover members 27a. Then, pin 36a is inserted through first pin hole 26a and second pin hole 29a to fix cover member 27a to outer ring 11a, preventing cover member 27a from slipping out of insertion hole 25a. In this manner, cross roller bearing 10a having the above configuration is assembled.

[0033] Separator 15a configured as described above has six surfaces. Separator 15a has inwardly recessed portions 61a on first surface 51a, second surface 52a, third surface 53a, fourth surface 54a, fifth surface 55a, and sixth surface 56a. The first surface 51a, second surface 52a, third surface 53a, fourth surface 54a, fifth surface 55a, and sixth surface 56a of recessed portion 61a each have the same shape and include a first arcuate surface 71a and a second arcuate surface 72a shaped to fit along rolling surface 43a of roller 13a. When separator 15a is disposed between rollers 13a, roller 13a can be appropriately guided by first arcuate surface 71a or second arcuate surface 72a. Therefore, the first arcuate surface 71a or the second arcuate surface 72a allows the roller 13a to roll smoothly. Furthermore, even if the separator 15a is tilted when inserting the separator 15a into the raceway 35a of the cross roller bearing 10a, and the orientation of the first surface 51a becomes the second surface 52a, the third surface 53a, the fourth surface 54a, the fifth surface 55a, or the sixth surface 56a, the recessed portions 61a provided on each surface are the same. Therefore, there is no directionality between the first surface 51a, the second surface 52a, the third surface 53a, the fourth surface 54a, the fifth surface 55a, and the sixth surface 56a, and no problem occurs. This reduces the risk of having to check or correct the orientation of the separator 15a when inserting it, thereby reducing the number of steps required. This reduces both the time and the labor required for the installation. As described above, the separator 15a allows the rollers 13a to roll smoothly and also improves the ease of assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, the cross roller bearing 10a includes a plurality of separators 15a having the above-described configuration, which allows the rollers 13a to roll smoothly and improves assembly efficiency.

[0035] In this embodiment, the shape of the second arcuate surface 72a is a shape obtained by rotating the first arcuate surface 71a by 90 degrees around the center 73a of the first surface 51a. The separator 15a having such a configuration can be manufactured relatively easily, thereby improving productivity.

[0036] In this embodiment, the regions 74a, 75a, 76a, and 77a of the first surface 51a, excluding the recessed portion 61a, are flat. This allows the shape of the separator 15a to be relatively simple. This improves the productivity of the separator 15a.

[0037] In this embodiment, the center 73a of the first surface 51a is recessed most inward. This allows the separator 15a to be positioned in a balanced manner within the cross roller bearing 10a, which promotes smooth rolling of the rollers 13a when the cross roller bearing 10a is in operation. This ensures stability when the cross roller bearing 10a is in operation.

[0038] In this embodiment, the corners 67a are chamfered. This allows for easier handling of the separator 15a and reduces the risk of damage caused by contact between the corners 67a of the separator 15a and the rollers 13a or other bearing components. This further improves reliability and productivity.

[0039] (Embodiment 2) Another embodiment, a second embodiment, will now be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of separator 15b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of separator 15b shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a view from the direction indicated by arrow IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of cross roller bearing 10b including separator 15b according to the second embodiment, with the outer ring removed. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of separator 15b and two rollers 13a adjacent to separator 15b shown in FIG. 8. Separator 15b according to the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as separator 15a according to the first embodiment and achieves the same effects. However, separator 15b according to the second embodiment differs from separator 15a according to the first embodiment in that it has oil holes. Note that oil holes 82b and 83b, which will be described later, are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 9.

[0040] 8 to 11, separator 15b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has oil holes 81b, 82b, and 83b in first surface 51b, second surface 52b, third surface 53b, fourth surface 54b, fifth surface 55b, and sixth surface 56b, respectively. Oil hole 81b is provided in a region including the center of first surface 51b and penetrates in the V direction to pass through a region including the center of third surface 53b. Oil hole 82b is provided in a region including the center of second surface 52b and penetrates in the U direction to pass through a region including the center of fourth surface 54b. Oil hole 83b is provided in a region including the center of fifth surface 55b and penetrates in the W direction to pass through a region including the center of sixth surface 56b. Oil holes 81b, 82b, and 83b are each circular. Oil holes 81b, 82b, and 83b intersect inside separator 15b.

[0041] Separator 15b having the above configuration can effectively utilize oil holes 81b, 82b, and 83b when circulating lubricating oil supplied to cross roller bearing 10b, thereby enabling rollers 13a to roll even more smoothly.

[0042] In this embodiment, oil holes 81b, 82b, and 83b are each a circular hole penetrating separator 15b, but are not limited thereto and may be rectangular holes or, for example, groove-shaped holes formed by recessing the first and second arcuate surfaces inward. Furthermore, oil holes may be provided in regions away from the center of each surface. Furthermore, multiple oil holes may be formed on one surface.

[0043] (Embodiment 3) Another embodiment, embodiment 3, will now be described. Fig. 12 is a schematic side view showing separator 15c according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Separator 15c according to embodiment 3 basically has the same configuration as in embodiment 1 and achieves the same effects. However, separator 15c according to embodiment 3 differs from separator 15a according to embodiment 1 in that the shapes of the fifth and sixth surfaces are different from the shape of the first surface.

[0044] 12, in separator 15c of embodiment 3, recessed portions 61c of the same shape are provided only on first surface 51c, second surface 52c, third surface 54c, and fourth surface 54c. The configuration of recessed portions 61c is the same as the configuration of recessed portion 61a shown in embodiment 1. Fifth surface 55c and sixth surface 56c are each flat. That is, no recessed portions are formed on fifth surface 55c and sixth surface 56c.

[0045] With the separator 15c configured as described above, even if the separator 15c is tilted when inserted into the raceway of the cross roller bearing, and the orientation of the first surface 51a changes to the second surface 52c, the third surface 52c, or the fourth surface 54c, there is no problem because the recessed portions 61c on each surface are the same. This reduces the risk of having to check or correct the orientation of the separator 15c when inserting it, thereby reducing the number of steps required. This reduces both the work time and the labor required. As described above, the separator 15c allows the rollers 13a to roll smoothly and facilitates assembly.

[0046] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the separator is described as being included in and used in a cross roller bearing, but this is not limiting. The separator may also be used in a roller bearing, i.e., a thrust bearing that includes rollers as rolling elements and receives thrust loads, or a radial bearing that includes rollers as rolling elements and receives radial loads.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the cross roller bearing has insertion holes in the outer ring for inserting the rollers, and the insertion holes are closed with a cover member and a pin, but this is not limited to this; the insertion holes may also be formed in the inner ring, or at least one of the outer ring and inner ring may be configured to be separable in the axial direction, with the rollers and separators inserted into the raceways.Furthermore, the outer ring and inner ring may be made integral, and one of the members may be moved radially, with the rollers and separators being inserted through the gap created when this is done.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the concave portion includes a first arc surface and a second arc surface, and the first arc surface and the second arc surface are each shaped to follow the rolling surface of the roller, but this is not limited to this, and the concave portion does not have to be composed of only an arc shape, but may be composed of a combination of multiple planes, for example, it may have a tapered concave shape so as to form a guide surface that guides the roller.

[0049] The present invention is intended to cover a wide range of applications, including those related to the present invention, including those related to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10a, 10b Cross roller bearing, 11a Outer ring, 12a Inner ring, 13a Roller, 14a Through hole, 15a, 15b, 15c Roller bearing separator (separator), 21a, 22a Outer ring raceway surface, 23a, 28a Inner peripheral surface, 24a, 34a Groove portion, 25a Insertion hole, 26a First pin fixing hole, 27a Cover member, 29a Second pin fixing hole, 31a, 32a Inner ring raceway surface, 33a Outer peripheral surface, 35a Raceway, 36a Pin, 41a First end face, 42a Second end face, 43a Rolling surface, 44a Rolling axis, 51a, 51b, 51c First surface, 52a, 52b, 52c Second surface, 53a, 53b Third surface, 54a, 54b, 54c Fourth surface, 55a, 55b, 55c Fifth surface, 56a, 56b, 56c Sixth surface, 57a, 58a, 73a, 73b Center, 59a Virtual line, 61a, 61c Concave portion, 62a, 63a, 64a, 65a, 74a, 75a, 76a, 77a Area, 67a Corner, 68a, 69a Boundary, 71a First arc surface, 72a Second arc surface, 81b, 82b, 83b Oil hole.

Claims

1. A roller bearing separator used in a roller bearing including a roller, comprising a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a sixth surface; the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are each disposed apart from a virtual line connecting a center of the fifth surface and a center of the sixth surface, a recessed portion recessed inward is provided on each of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, the concave portion includes a first arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a first direction is defined as the rolling axis direction of the roller, and a second arcuate surface that follows the rolling surface of the roller when a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the rolling axis direction of the roller, The separator for a roller bearing, wherein the recessed portions provided on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface have the same shape.

2. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1 , wherein the fifth surface and the sixth surface each have the recessed portion.

3. 3. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1, wherein the second arcuate surface has a shape obtained by rotating the first arcuate surface by 90 degrees around the center of the first surface.

4. 3. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1, wherein the first surface has a flat surface in a region other than the recessed portion.

5. 3. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1, wherein the center of said first surface is recessed most inward.

6. 3. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1, wherein the corners are chamfered.

7. 3. The roller bearing separator according to claim 1, wherein an oil hole is provided in at least one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface.

8. an outer ring having a pair of outer ring raceway surfaces on an inner peripheral surface thereof that are perpendicular to each other; an inner ring having a common center axis with the outer ring and a pair of inner ring raceway surfaces on an outer circumferential surface thereof that are perpendicular to each other; a plurality of rollers each having a rolling surface that rolls on the outer ring raceway surface and the inner ring raceway surface, the rollers being arranged alternately in a circumferential direction between the outer ring and the inner ring so as to intersect with each other at right angles to each other in a rolling axis direction; A cross roller bearing comprising: a plurality of roller bearing separators according to claim 1 or 2, each disposed between the plurality of rollers.

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