Retained needle thrust washer
US5813916A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D3/41
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A universal joint bearing assembly incorporates a thrust washer molded from plastic. The plastic thrust washer eliminates the metal galling and metal debris that have been found in prior art universal joint bearings. A support notch is formed at radially outer surfaces to support an inner end of needle bearings. Resilient members bias the notch against the needle bearings such that the needle bearings are supported on the notch and against a seal at the outer end of the bearing cup. The resilient members are compressed when the universal joint is assembled such that the needle bearings operate properly. A central dome extension on the thrust washer insures that the thrust washer is not improperly mounted within the bearing cup. An outer face of the thrust washer is formed at an angle such that central portion extend further towards the trunnion than radially outer portions. In a method of assembling a bearing according to the present invention, the thrust washer is initially placed within a bearing cup and the needle bearings are then mounted within the bearing cup as is the seal. The thrust washer biases the needle bearings such that they are supported between the thrust washer an…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.