US 6,854,890 B2 · Bearing assembly

Abstract

A bearing assembly includes a generally cylindrical main unit (10) made of ceramic material, and two blocks (30) made of sintered metallic material housed in the main unit. The main unit includes a cylindrical sleeve (12), and two opposite protrusions (14) arranged inside the sleeve. Each protrusion defines an inmost first support wall (20), and a through hole (24) that is narrow at a middle portion and flared at opposite ends. A slit (26) is defined in the protrusion between the first support wall and the through hole. The blocks are received in two corresponding cavities (18) defined between the protrusions. Each block defines an inmost second support wall (36). The first and second support walls cooperatively define a bearing bore (22) therebetween for receiving a rotatable shaft. The blocks have good lubricant-retaining characteristics. The highly rigid protrusions can accurately hold the shaft and protect the blocks from excessive abrasion.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A bearing assembly comprising:

a main unit comprising a sleeve and two opposite protrusions arranged inside the sleeve, each of the protrusions defining a first support wall opposing the other protrusion, a hole for retaining lubricant therein, and a slit spanning from the first support wall to the hole;
and
two blocks received in the sleeve respectively between the protrusions, each of the blocks defining a second support wall opposing the other block;
wherein
the first and second support walls cooperatively define a bore therebetween for receiving a rotatable shaft therein.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bearing assembly

Life of this patent

Bearing assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16