Self-lubricating plain bearing
By introducing a fluid guide groove and a convex groove structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom into the self-lubricating sliding bearing, combined with a limiting sealing collar and connecting strip, the problems of wear debris accumulation and insufficient lubricant renewal capacity are solved, thereby achieving stable lubrication performance and reduced maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG ZHENLI PRECISION BEARING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing self-lubricating bearings suffer from several problems: wear debris easily accumulates, leading to accelerated wear; key friction components cannot be replaced individually, resulting in high maintenance costs; and the lubricating fluid has poor circulation and renewal capabilities.
A self-lubricating sliding bearing was designed, which adopts a structure with a liquid guiding groove and a first and second convex groove that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom on the inner sleeve of the bearing. Combined with a limiting sealing collar and a connecting strip, it can achieve stable storage and controllable flow of lubricating fluid. Wear debris is collected by a friction pad, which supports a replaceable structure of the friction pad and ensures the circulation and renewal of lubricating fluid.
It effectively prevents the accumulation of wear debris and channel blockage, reduces maintenance costs, extends bearing life, and improves the stability and maintainability of lubrication performance.
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Figure CN122345141A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical transmission and sliding bearing technology, specifically to a self-lubricating sliding bearing. Background Technology
[0002] In mechanical equipment, sliding bearings are widely used to support rotating shafts and bear loads. Traditional sliding bearings typically require an external lubrication system between the shaft and the bearing during operation, using lubricating oil or grease to form an oil film to reduce friction and wear. To reduce reliance on external oil supply systems, various self-lubricating bearings have emerged in existing technologies. These include embedding solid lubricants in the bearing housing, using oil-impregnated powder metallurgy materials, or incorporating oil reservoirs or guide channels within the bearing to achieve a degree of self-lubrication. Some self-lubricating bearings also incorporate seals and fluid exchange channels to extend lubrication effectiveness and service life.
[0003] However, existing self-lubricating bearings still have shortcomings in practical applications. On the one hand, with the shaft rotating at high speed for a long time, tiny metal or non-metal debris generated by friction easily accumulates inside the bearing, which is difficult to effectively remove or collect, thus exacerbating wear and even blocking the flow channels of the lubricating fluid. On the other hand, key friction components inside the bearing (such as support pads or friction pads that are in direct contact with the shaft) usually cannot be replaced individually after wear, leading to the need to scrap the entire bearing and resulting in high maintenance costs. In addition, the circulation and renewal capacity of the lubricating fluid inside existing bearings is limited, and the lubrication performance deteriorates after long-term operation, and it is difficult to clean and change the fluid inside without disassembling the entire structure. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-lubricating sliding bearing to solve the technical problems of existing self-lubricating bearings, such as the easy accumulation of wear debris leading to accelerated wear, the inability to replace key friction components individually resulting in high maintenance costs, and poor circulation and renewal capabilities of lubricating fluid.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a self-lubricating sliding bearing, comprising: a bearing sleeve; an inner bearing sleeve disposed inside the bearing sleeve, wherein a liquid exchange space is formed between the inner bearing sleeve and the bearing sleeve; a central rotating shaft disposed through the inner bearing sleeve; a plurality of liquid guiding grooves are formed on the side of the inner bearing sleeve near the bearing sleeve, the liquid guiding grooves being filled with lubricating liquid; a plurality of mounting grooves are formed on the inner bearing sleeve, wherein a support pad is installed in the mounting groove, and the side of the support pad away from the bearing sleeve extends to the bearing. The inner sleeve has an exchange slot that communicates with the interior of the bearing inner sleeve. A support plate is provided inside the exchange slot, and a friction pad is provided on the support plate. The friction pad contacts the central rotating shaft. The friction pad includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and a groove-like structure is formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The groove-like structure is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. A partition plate is provided inside the friction pad, and the partition plate separates a liquid passage in the friction pad. The liquid passage is connected to the gap formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
[0006] The present invention is further configured such that a pair of limiting sealing rings are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the bearing sleeve, and a sealing ring is provided on the side of the limiting sealing ring near the bearing sleeve to seal the space formed by the bearing sleeve and the bearing inner sleeve.
[0007] The present invention is further configured such that a connecting strip is provided between the bearing sleeve and the bearing inner sleeve at the position corresponding to the exchange joint, and the two ends of the connecting strip are connected to the limiting sealing ring for connecting an external pressure device to realize the flow of lubricating fluid.
[0008] The invention is further configured such that a pair of mounting plates are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the friction pad, the friction pad is mounted in the mounting groove through the mounting plates, and is configured as a replaceable structure.
[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the gap between a pair of friction pads is configured as a structure with a smooth transition and a gradually increasing opening, for collecting wear debris while supporting the central rotating shaft.
[0010] The invention is further configured such that the pressure generated by the central rotating shaft during rotation is used to prevent lubricating fluid from leaking out from the groove between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
[0011] The bottom of the groove-like structure between the first and second protrusions is used for the entry of lubricating fluid and for adsorbing and carrying away debris generated by the rotation of the central shaft.
[0012] In summary, the present invention has the following main beneficial effects: This invention achieves stable storage and controllable flow of lubricating fluid under pressure by using a fluid guide groove on the inner sleeve of the bearing in conjunction with the first and second convex groove structures that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This effectively prevents fluid leakage and, during rotation, uses the fluid to adsorb and carry away wear debris generated by the central rotating shaft, thus solving the problems of increased wear and channel blockage caused by debris accumulation in the prior art. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the friction pad structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the friction pad of the present invention.
[0014] In the diagram: 1. Bearing sleeve; 2. Limiting sealing ring; 3. Central rotating shaft; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Liquid guide groove; 6. Support pad; 7. Bearing inner sleeve; 8. Exchange joint; 9. Friction pad; 10. Support plate; 11. Mounting plate; 12. Connecting strip; 13. Mounting groove; 14. First protrusion; 15. Second protrusion; 16. Partition plate. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described.
[0017] A self-lubricating sliding bearing, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the self-lubricating sliding bearing described in this embodiment mainly includes: bearing sleeve 1, limiting sealing ring 2, central rotating shaft 3, sealing ring 4, liquid guiding groove 5, support pad 6, bearing inner sleeve 7, exchange joint 8, friction pad 9, support plate 10, mounting plate 11, connecting strip 12, mounting groove 13, first protrusion 14, second protrusion 15, and partition plate 16.
[0018] The bearing sleeve 1 serves as the outer housing, and an inner bearing sleeve 7 is disposed inside it. A certain radial clearance is maintained between the inner bearing sleeve 7 and the bearing sleeve 1, which forms a liquid exchange space for storing and exchanging lubricating fluid such as lubricating oil. A central rotating shaft 3 is axially inserted through the center of the inner bearing sleeve 7, and the central rotating shaft 3 is supported by the inner bearing sleeve 7 and rotates relative to the inner bearing sleeve 7 during operation.
[0019] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner bearing sleeve 7 has several fluid guiding grooves 5 on its outer surface, which is near the bearing sleeve 1. These grooves 5 can be straight grooves extending axially, spiral grooves, or other shaped recesses, and are filled with lubricating fluid such as lubricating oil or grease during bearing assembly. The function of the fluid guiding grooves 5 is to transport and store the lubricating fluid, ensuring that during bearing operation, the lubricating fluid is evenly distributed along the grooves 5 into the fluid exchange space between the inner bearing sleeve 7 and the bearing sleeve 1.
[0020] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bearing inner sleeve 7 is further provided with several mounting grooves 13. The mounting grooves 13 are through grooves or blind grooves that penetrate the wall thickness of the bearing inner sleeve 7, and support pads 6 are installed in them. The support pads 6 can be made of metal or non-metal materials with wear resistance and a certain degree of elasticity. The side of the support pad 6 away from the bearing sleeve 1, i.e., the inner side, extends into the interior of the bearing inner sleeve 7, and is used to directly or indirectly support the central rotating shaft 3.
[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, an exchange slot 8 is also provided on the inner bearing sleeve 7. The exchange slot 8 is a radially penetrating gap through the wall thickness of the inner bearing sleeve 7. One end of it communicates with the fluid exchange space between the inner bearing sleeve 7 and the bearing sleeve 1, and the other end communicates with the internal space of the inner bearing sleeve 7, i.e., the space where the central rotating shaft 3 is located. A support plate 10 is provided inside the exchange slot 8, and the support plate 10 is supported and installed by a support pad 6. The support plate 10 is fixed to the side wall of the exchange slot 8 or integrally formed with the inner bearing sleeve 7. A friction pad 9 is provided on the support plate 10. The side of the friction pad 9 facing the central rotating shaft 3 is in direct contact with the outer circumferential surface of the central rotating shaft 3, and bears sliding friction.
[0022] As attached Figure 6As shown, the working surface of the friction pad 9 in contact with the central rotating shaft 3 is divided into left and right parts. One side is provided with a second protrusion 15, and the other side is provided with a first protrusion 14. Both the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 are structures that protrude from the surface of the friction pad 9, forming an axially extending groove structure between them. This groove structure is designed to be wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, that is, the opening width near the central rotating shaft 3 is greater than the bottom width. This shape helps the lubricating fluid to enter the groove from the bottom and retain the fluid in the groove by utilizing the surface tension and pressure difference of the fluid when the central rotating shaft 3 rotates.
[0023] Furthermore, a partition plate 16 is also provided inside the friction pad 9. The partition plate 16 divides the interior of the friction pad 9 into an independent liquid channel, which is connected to the gap formed between the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15. In actual operation, when the central shaft 3 rotates, its surface will drive the lubricating liquid into the gap between the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15, and the liquid will flow in a directional manner through the liquid channel separated by the partition plate 16, thereby ensuring that a lubricating film is always present at the friction interface. At the same time, the pressure generated by the central shaft 3 during rotation, such as centrifugal force or hydrodynamic effect, can prevent the lubricating liquid from leaking out from the groove between the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15, thus playing a self-sealing role.
[0024] When the central shaft 3 and the friction pad 9 rotate relative to each other for a long time, tiny wear debris will inevitably be generated. Once these debris enters the friction interface, it will accelerate wear. In this invention, the debris will enter the groove-shaped structure between the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15, and will be adsorbed and carried away by the lubricating liquid flowing in the groove. Finally, it will be transported to the liquid exchange space or external filtration device with the circulation of the liquid, thereby effectively reducing the wear of hard particles on the friction interface.
[0025] When a pair of friction pads 9 are provided in the exchange joint 8, the relative gap between the two friction pads 9 is designed to have a smooth transition and a gradually increasing opening. Specifically, the gap has a larger opening on the side closer to the central rotating shaft 3 and transitions smoothly from the inside to the outside. This design can provide a smooth discharge channel for debris while ensuring effective support for the central rotating shaft 3, preventing debris from getting stuck or accumulating in the gap, and further enhancing the debris collection and discharge effect.
[0026] like Figure 2As shown, a connecting strip 12 is provided between the bearing sleeve 1 and the bearing inner sleeve 7, corresponding to the position of the exchange joint 8. Both ends of the connecting strip 12 are connected to the limiting sealing rings 2 at both ends. The connecting strip 12 may have channels or interfaces inside for connecting external pressure devices such as hydraulic pumps or pneumatic sources. When the external pressure device is activated, it can force the lubricating fluid to circulate between the fluid exchange space between the bearing sleeve 1 and the bearing inner sleeve 7, the exchange joint 8, the fluid passage of the friction pad 9, and the connecting strip 12, thereby actively enhancing the internal cleaning effect and the renewal speed of the lubricating fluid. This is particularly suitable for high-load, high-speed, or long-term continuous operation conditions.
[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of limiting sealing rings 2 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the bearing sleeve 1. Each limiting sealing ring 2 has a sealing ring 4 on the side near the bearing sleeve 1. When the limiting sealing ring 2 is fixedly connected to the bearing sleeve 1, for example by bolts or threads, the sealing ring 4 is pressed against the end face of the bearing sleeve 1, thereby sealing the liquid exchange space formed between the bearing sleeve 1 and the bearing inner sleeve 7, preventing lubricating fluid leakage and the entry of external contaminants.
[0028] After a bearing has been in operation for a period of time, the lubricating fluid may deteriorate or accumulate a lot of debris. At this point, operators can disassemble the limiting seal ring 2 and the sealing ring 4 to directly clean the interior of the bearing, including the fluid exchange space, the fluid guide groove 5, the exchange seam 8, and the friction pad 9, and refill it with new lubricating fluid. This structure ensures the reusability of the bearing and avoids the need for complete scrapping.
[0029] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a pair of mounting plates 11 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of each friction pad 9. The mounting plates 11 can be integrally formed with the friction pad 9 or can be separate and fixed structures. Through the mounting plates 11, the friction pad 9 is installed into the mounting groove 13 of the bearing inner sleeve 7. Specifically, the side wall of the mounting groove 13 can be provided with a slot or groove that mates with the mounting plate 11, so that the friction pad 9 can be inserted or pulled out radially or axially.
[0030] When the friction pad 9 experiences severe wear due to long-term friction with the central rotating shaft 3, affecting support accuracy and lubrication, the operator only needs to disassemble the limiting sealing ring 2 and the sealing ring 4 to remove the old friction pad 9 from the mounting groove 13 and replace it with a new one. This eliminates the need to replace the entire bearing inner sleeve 7 or bearing sleeve 1, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime, and ensuring long-term good bearing performance.
[0031] Furthermore, during assembly, first inject an appropriate amount of lubricating liquid into the liquid guide groove 5 and the liquid exchange space, install the support pad 6 into the mounting groove 13, install the friction pad 9 with the mounting plate 11 into the mounting groove 13, then install the bearing inner sleeve 7 into the bearing sleeve 1, then pass the central rotating shaft 3 through the bearing inner sleeve 7, finally install the limiting sealing ring 2 and the sealing ring 4, and connect the external pressure device and the connecting strip 12 as needed.
[0032] During operation, the central shaft 3 rotates, forming a lubricating film between the friction pad 9 and the central shaft 3. The groove-like structure between the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 utilizes the shaft pressure to prevent oil leakage and simultaneously collects debris. The lubricating fluid circulates naturally or by force between the fluid guide trough 5, the fluid exchange space, the exchange seam 8, and the connecting strip 12, carrying away heat and debris. For regular maintenance, the sealing structure is opened, cleaned, and the fluid is changed; the friction pad 9 is replaced if necessary.
[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the invention and are not intended to limit it. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, but such modifications, substitutions, and variations are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A self-lubricating sliding bearing, comprising: Bearing sleeve (1); The bearing inner sleeve (7) is disposed inside the bearing sleeve (1), and a liquid exchange space is formed between the bearing inner sleeve (7) and the bearing sleeve (1). A central rotating shaft (3) is disposed through the inner sleeve (7) of the bearing; The inner sleeve of the bearing (7) has several liquid guiding grooves (5) on the side near the bearing sleeve (1), and the liquid guiding grooves (5) are filled with lubricating liquid. The bearing inner sleeve (7) is provided with several mounting grooves (13), and a support pad (6) is installed in the mounting groove (13). The side of the support pad (6) away from the bearing sleeve (1) extends into the interior of the bearing inner sleeve (7). An exchange slot (8) is provided on the inner sleeve of the bearing (7), and the exchange slot (8) communicates with the inside of the inner sleeve of the bearing (7); A support plate (10) is provided inside the exchange joint (8), and a friction pad (9) is provided on the support plate (10). The friction pad (9) is in contact with the central rotating shaft (3). The friction pad (9) includes a first protrusion (14) and a second protrusion (15), and a groove structure is formed between the first protrusion (14) and the second protrusion (15), and the groove structure is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom; The friction pad (9) is provided with a partition plate (16) inside, which separates the liquid path in the friction pad (9) and the liquid path is connected to the gap formed between the first protrusion (14) and the second protrusion (15).
2. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pair of limiting sealing rings (2) are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the bearing sleeve (1). The side of the limiting sealing ring (2) close to the bearing sleeve (1) is provided with a sealing ring (4) to close the space formed by the bearing sleeve (1) and the bearing inner sleeve (7).
3. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting strip (12) is provided between the bearing sleeve (1) and the bearing inner sleeve (7) at the position corresponding to the exchange seam (8). The two ends of the connecting strip (12) are connected to the limiting sealing ring (2) for connecting to an external pressure device to realize the flow of lubricating liquid.
4. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pair of mounting plates (11) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the friction pad (9). The friction pad (9) is installed in the mounting groove (13) through the mounting plates (11) and is configured as a replaceable structure.
5. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the friction pad (9), the gap between a pair of friction pads (9) is configured as a structure with a smooth transition and a gradually increasing opening, which is used to collect wear debris while supporting the central rotating shaft (3).
6. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure generated by the central rotating shaft (3) during rotation is used to prevent lubricating fluid from leaking out of the groove between the first protrusion (14) and the second protrusion (15).
7. The self-lubricating sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the groove structure between the first protrusion (14) and the second protrusion (15) is used for the entry of lubricating liquid and for adsorbing and carrying away debris generated by the rotation of the central shaft (3).