Patent · US Expired

Spherical bearing assembly with stress relief

US4248486A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
5References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 15, 1978
Grant dateFeb 3, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 15, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16C2326/43
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A spherical bearing adapted for use in rod end connections and the like, characterized by an outer race member having opposite faces and a concave spherical inner race surface, and a ball-like inner member within the outer race member having a complementary convex spherical outer bearing surface. At each face of the outer race member is a pair of diametrically opposed segmental slots. The diametrically opposed slots in each face are in alignment with the slots of the other and extend transversely partially through the housing with transversely opposed slots being separated by an annular contact band which maintains substantially constant side clearance between the inner member and outer race member thereby to prevent the development of high stress concentrations in the outer race member during loading. In use, the opposed slots are necessarily aligned substantially at right angles to the line along which the bearing is subjected to loads.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.