Roller bearing segment for swashplates and other limited-oscillation

Abstract

An oscillating bearing is disclosed for a variable-displacement axial piston hydraulic machine having a swashplate with a convex semi-cylindrical bearing face with provisions for attaching the oscillating bearing, and a housing with a concave semi-cylindrical bearing saddle. The oscillating bearing includes thin outer and inner race members having centered openings and formed in arcs congruent with the concave surface of the bearing saddle of the housing and the convex bearing face of the swashplate, respectively. The outer race member has support means on at least one axial end for supporting a timing member which engages a timing feature of the swashplate and synchronizes motion for all parts of the oscillating bearing, and the inner race member has means for holding the inner race against the convex bearing face of the swashplate. A separator is interposed between the inner and outer race members, the separator being formed in an arc having inner and outer surfaces parallel to the proximal surfaces of the race members, the separator also having an axially centered opening and two additional substantially rectangular openings axially spaced from the axial ends of the separator and the centered opening. The additional openings serve as pockets for anti-friction rollers. The separator further has one axial end which extends beyond the proximal axial ends of the inner and outer races and which includes a timing notch for engaging the timing member.