Spring bearing assembly
First Claim
1. A spring bearing member disposed between an inner race surface and an outer race surface for supporting a load therebetween, a plurality of separate segments in annular disposition between the inner and outer race surfaces in end to end relation and having inner and outer surfaces, a portion of said inner and outer segment surfaces being in positive contact with said inner and outer race surfaces respectively for both static and dynamic conditions, said separate segments having a dimensional configuration so that elastic deformation only occurs about the arc length thereof by relative radial motion between said inner and outer race surfaces, whereby bearing loads are supported and relative rotation between said inner and outer races may occur.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bearing member positioned between an inner race surface and an outer race surface and urged into constant positive contact with said race surfaces by internal bearing spring forces. Predetermined contact areas are formed on the outer surface of said bearing member for contact with the outer race, and on the inner surface of said bearing for contact with the inner race. The bearing member is flexed between the inner and outer races within the range of elastic deformation of the bearing member material and is configured to cooperate with the inner and outer races to provide either radial or thrust load capability or a combination of both.
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Citations
9 Claims
- 1. A spring bearing member disposed between an inner race surface and an outer race surface for supporting a load therebetween, a plurality of separate segments in annular disposition between the inner and outer race surfaces in end to end relation and having inner and outer surfaces, a portion of said inner and outer segment surfaces being in positive contact with said inner and outer race surfaces respectively for both static and dynamic conditions, said separate segments having a dimensional configuration so that elastic deformation only occurs about the arc length thereof by relative radial motion between said inner and outer race surfaces, whereby bearing loads are supported and relative rotation between said inner and outer races may occur.
- 4. A spring bearing member for maintaining positive contact between an inner race and an outer race disposed for relative rotating motion therebetween for yieldably supporting a load, comprising a bearing member having a plurality of separate segments disposed in an annular array, an outer surface on each of said plurality of separate segments, an inner surface on each of said plurality of separate segments, said annular array of separate segments being disposed between the inner and outer races for contact therewith, the ends of one separate segment being adjacent ends of others of said plurality of separate segments, said annular array operating to support pressure between said inner and outer segment surfaces and the inner and outer races respectively.
- 6. A bearing for use between a housing and a journal, comprising an inner race on the journal, an outer race in the housing, a segmented bearing member disposed between said inner and outer races and having separate segments disposed in end to end relationship forming an annular array, means for retaining said separate segments axially between said inner race and said outer race, a first plurality of areas on said segmented bearing member for contact with said outer race, a second plurality of areas on said segmented bearing member for contact with said inner race, said separate segments yielding elastically only when subjected to bearing loading thereby maintaining a positive contact force between said second and first plurality of areas and said inner and outer races respectively for all operating conditions, whereby assembly of the bearing is facilitated by the segmented character of said bearing member and fretting and wear at said inner and outer races due to impact and vibratory bearing loads is reduced.
Specification