Crossed roller bearings are a specialized type of bearing featuring a split inner or outer ring. Because the split ring is secured to the mating ring after the rollers and spacers are inserted-preventing them from separating-installation is straightforward. Their split-ring construction allows for clearance adjustment and enables high-precision rotation even under preload; due to this unique architecture, they are commonly used as joint bearings in industrial robots.
The two main types of bearings widely used in industrial robots are thin-section bearings and crossed roller bearings. These bearings are critical components, suitable for a wide range of applications including robot joints and rotating sections, rotary tables for machining centers, robotic arm rotation units, precision rotary tables, medical instruments, measuring equipment, and IC manufacturing systems.
Advantages of crossed roller bearings for robots:
1. Excellent rotational accuracy
Internally, the rollers are arranged in a crossed pattern, oriented at 90° to one another. Spacers or separator blocks placed between the rollers prevent tilting and mutual friction, effectively avoiding increases in rotational torque. Furthermore, issues such as roller skewing or locking are eliminated; the split-ring design allows for clearance adjustment, ensuring high-precision rotation even when preload is applied.
2. Simplified installation
Since the split ring (either inner or outer) is secured together after the rollers and spacers are inserted, the installation process is very simple.
3. Ability to withstand heavy axial and radial loads
The rollers are arranged perpendicularly within 90° V-shaped raceways, separated by spacers. This design enables the bearing to withstand loads from all directions-including radial, axial, and moment loads-simultaneously.
4. Significant savings in installation space
Crossed roller bearings feature minimized dimensions for both inner and outer rings-with ultra-thin designs approaching the limits of compactness-while maintaining high rigidity. Consequently, they are suitable for a wide range of applications, including the joints and rotating sections of industrial robots, rotary tables for machining centers, robotic arm rotation units, precision rotary tables, medical instruments, measuring equipment, and IC manufacturing systems.
Crossed roller bearings are an ideal choice for industrial robots; they enhance joint flexibility and offer exceptional rotational accuracy. They are easy to operate, capable of handling substantial axial and radial loads, and allow for significant savings in installation space.