Patent ID: 8376617
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bearing insert for a sliding bearing adapted for insertion into a substantially cylindrical longitudinally oriented opening in a bearing housing and for use with a shaft extending longitudinally through the cylindrical opening in the bearing housing and having a radius, an outer diameter, and a corresponding circumference thereof, the bearing insert comprising: a body of polymer material having a free-standing state when not inserted into the substantially cylindrical longitudinally oriented opening in the bearing housing; the body of polymer material also defining a longitudinal axis of the insert, first and second axially spaced axial ends of the insert, and first and second spaced longitudinal edges of the insert extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insert; the body further defining a plurality of longitudinally extending bearing segments joined to one another by flexible webs; the bearing segments each defining a radially inner and a radially outer surface thereof; the radially inner surface of each of the bearing segments having a longitudinally extending radiused recess therein with the radius of the radiused recess substantially matching the radius of the shaft when the body of the bearing insert is in the free-standing state, and formed for slidingly bearing against a portion of the circumference of the shaft when the bearing insert is disposed within the cylindrical longitudinally oriented opening in the bearing housing and engaging the shaft; the radially outer surface of each of the bearing segments formed in such a manner that, when the insert is disposed within the cylindrical opening in the bearing housing, the radially inner surfaces of the bearing segments, in combination with one another, substantially define a circumferentially interrupted bore having an internal diameter substantially slidingly matching the outer diameter of the shaft, and such that the longitudinal edges of the insert form a longitudinally extending opening therebetween; the body further including at least one locking lug extending substantially radially outward from the radially outer surface of one of the bearing segments; each locking lug of the insert being configured for locking engagement with a corresponding depression in the bearing housing, to thereby lock the bearing insert in place against relative movement circumferentially and axially with respect to the bearing housing; and wherein, each locking lug has a substantially semi-cylindrical profile extending outward from the radially outer surface of the bearing segment, with a flat portion of the semi-cylindrical profile being aligned substantially parallel to and facing one or the other adjacent longitudinal edge.