Roller bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and related methods of manufacture

摘要

In an embodiment, a roller bearing assembly may include superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis, with gaps located between adjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface and a pair of side surfaces intersecting the bearing surface. Each of the side surfaces may form a respective oblique angle relative to the axis. The roller bearing assembly may include a support ring having the superhard bearing elements affixed thereto. The bearing surfaces of the superhard bearing elements may be positioned and configured to form at least a portion of a superhard raceway for rolling elements to roll over. The oblique angle may be selected to at least partially inhibit the gaps from impeding the rolling elements during operation.

主权项

1. A roller bearing assembly, comprising:
a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis, with gaps located between adjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements including:
a bearing surface positioned and configured to form at least a portion of a superhard raceway for rolling elements to roll over; andat least one side surface intersecting the bearing surface, the at least one side surface forming a respective oblique angle relative to the axis, wherein the respective oblique angle is selected to at least partially inhibit the gaps from impeding the rolling elements during operation; and a support ring including a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses being distributed circumferentially about the axis, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements is affixed to the support ring within a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses.