Patent ID: 6644172
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: F04B,F05C

Abstract:
A sliding system including a first movable member having a flat surface and a semi-spherical recess, a second movable member having a flat surface and a semi-spherical shoe having a semi-spherical surface which is fitted into the semi-spherical recess of the first movable member and an end face which is disposed in sliding contact with the flat surface of the second movable member, wherein an annular sliding contact region is formed on the semi-spherical surface in a region provided between the top of the shoe and the end face, the semi-spherical surface having a lead-in provided in a region located above the annular sliding contact region, the semi-spherical surface being arranged in the semi-spherical recess such that a clearance is formed between the lead-in and an opposing portion of the semi-spherical recess which gradually increases toward the top of the semi-spherical surface, the end face of the shoe comprising a flat annular sliding portion in slidable contact with the flat surface of the second movable member and a concave portion extending from the flat annular sliding portion and away from the second movable member and the outer perimeter of the flat annular sliding portion being located closer to the vertical axis line of the shoe than the inner perimeter of the annular sliding contact region.