Patent ID: 6146471
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: B23D,B23P,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an improved plain spherical bearing comprising:A. providing an inner race member of steel with a convex spherical inner bearing surface extending therearound;B. providing an outer race member of steel defining a bearing cavity therein and with a concave spherical outer bearing surface extending therewithin;C. removing material from the outer race member in order to define a fracture zone thereon to facilitate fracturing of the outer race member within the fracture zone;D. surface hardening of the outer race member to a depth therein to form a case hardened outer layer extending thereover to increase wear resistance thereof and to facilitate fracturing of the outer race member within the fracture zone and to define a structural inner core within the case hardened outer layer which is more ductile and less brittle than the case hardened outer layer to enhance structural strength of the outer race member;E. fracturing of the outer race member at least once within the fracture zone defined therein to facilitate access into the bearing cavity defined therein;F. widening of the fracture formed in the outer race member to facilitate entry of the inner race member into the bearing cavity defined therein; andG. placing of the inner race member into the bearing cavity of the outer race member with the inner race surface thereof in abutting contact with respect to the outer race surface to allow relative bearing movement therebetween.