Journal bearing with bearing-shaft clearance zone

Abstract

The invention is an improvement in a mechanical drive train having a bushing-type plain journal bearing, a housing radially supporting the bearing to a reference plane, and a shaft extending through the bearing beyond the reference plane. That portion of the bearing between the reference plane and a bearing end is unsupported by the housing and therefore subject to fatigue breakage as the shaft repeatedly deflects or tips. The improvement comprises a contoured surface formed on an end of the bearing to define a clearance zone. When the shaft deflects or tips under load or for other reasons, the shaft is prevented from contacting the bearing along the zone. Fatigue breaking of the bearing is thereby substantially reduced. The invention also helps reduce localized heating and wear and formation of wear particles which may result in secondary damage. All of the foregoing would contribute to reduced bearing life.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.