Sliding bearing and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A newly constructed sliding bearing (100), in particular a newly constructed spherical sliding bearing, and a method for manufacturing such a sliding bearing (100) are disclosed, wherein the newly constructed sliding bearing comprises an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4), wherein the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) each comprise a sliding surface (6; 8), along which the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) are movable relative to each other, wherein an intermediate space (14) is formed between the sliding surface (6) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (8) of the outer ring (4), into which an initial grease is introduced, wherein at least one of the sliding surfaces (6; 8) comprises an anti-corrosion coating (7; 9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a newly built plain bearing according to the preamble of patent solution 1 and a method for manufacturing such a plain bearing. Background Art

[0002] Sliding bearings are used in many technical fields in which individual components, subassemblies or assemblies are moved relative to other components, assemblies or systems. Sliding bearings can thus enable corresponding relative movements of the individual components relative to one another. Thus, for example, using sliding bearings, the following movements can be enabled: rotation or oscillation about, for example, an axis; rectilinear movement ( / linear movement) along, for example, a direction of movement; and / or pivoting of the individual components relative to one another. Sliding bearings thus enable relatively low-friction movements for such movements or these movements.

[0003] Sliding bearings are used in particular as spherical plain bearings, for example radial spherical plain bearings and rod ends. With such spherical plain bearings, not only is a relative movement of components relative to one another possible, but forces or moments can also be transmitted from one component to another via the spherical plain bearing. However, in order to achieve a predetermined service life ( / service life), the radial steel / steel spherical plain bearings preferably used here require regular relubrication of the sliding surfaces of the sliding bearing.

[0004] However, precisely because of the need for relubrication that often occurs, the use of corresponding radial spherical plain bearings, rod ends or other plain bearings may introduce further problems or challenges with respect to design, construction, maintenance and operation. Therefore, in the prior art, a plain bearing has been proposed, which has an initial grease that has been introduced into the bearing during manufacture, so that due to the initial grease, no relubrication during the service life of the bearing is required.

[0005] However, although the disadvantages with regard to design, construction, maintenance and operation can be avoided with initial grease, it is disadvantageous that, due to the lack of relubrication, with which corrosion-inhibiting additives are introduced into the bearing, adequate corrosion protection cannot be ensured over the service life of the plain bearing, or the corrosion that occurs reduces the service life of the plain bearing. In addition, in the case of initial lubrication, the protective effect of the grease collar is omitted; in the case of regular relubrication, a grease collar is formed, thereby preventing the penetration of dust and corrosion-promoting media. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a low-maintenance ( / low-maintenance), universally usable and mountable sliding bearing having a long service life.

[0007] The object is achieved by a sliding bearing according to patent technical solution 1 and a method for manufacturing such a sliding bearing according to patent technical solution 8.

[0008] In the following, a newly built plain bearing or newly built spherical plain bearing is presented. In the sense of the present application, a newly built plain bearing / spherical plain bearing is to be understood as a plain bearing / spherical plain bearing which has not yet been operated or mounted. Such plain bearings / spherical plain bearings are usually manufactured in a production facility and then delivered to the respective point of use as newly built plain bearings / spherical plain bearings. Therefore, in particular, newly built plain bearings / spherical plain bearings exhibit the properties described below when they leave the factory (ex works).

[0009] For the sake of readability, only the general term "plain bearing" is used in the following text. However, all properties described can also be used directly with plain bearings of specific design, such as spherical plain bearings.

[0010] The newly built sliding bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring each include a sliding surface, and the inner ring and the outer ring can move relative to each other along the sliding surface. An intermediate space is formed between the sliding surface of the inner ring and the sliding surface of the outer ring, and initial grease is introduced into the intermediate space. Here, the initial grease is preferably introduced at the time of leaving the factory.

[0011] In order to ensure or even increase the service life, at least one of the sliding surfaces comprises an anti-corrosion coating even in the case of initially greased plain bearings. It is well known that corrosion is one of the factors that limit the service life of plain bearings. Although the initial grease known from the prior art initially prevents corrosion, however, such initial grease is not sufficient throughout the service life of the plain bearing. As mentioned above, for non-initial lubricated bearings, corrosion-inhibiting additives are usually introduced into the lubricant during relubrication in order to ensure the service life. However, such additives are consumed over time and, since the composition of the initial grease and the relubricant is significantly different, such additives cannot be added to the initial grease. In addition, in the case of initial grease, the formation and protective effect of the so-called grease collar is omitted, which is formed in the case of regular relubrication and thus prevents the penetration of dust and corrosion-promoting media.

[0012] However, an additional anti-corrosion coating applied to at least one sliding surface ensures that even an initially greased sliding bearing is protected against corrosion throughout its entire service life.

[0013] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the anti-corrosion coating is a coating comprising an anti-friction lacquer. Although such anti-friction lacquers are known from the prior art, they achieve only a very short service life when used in plain bearings and in particular in spherical plain bearings. However, the combination of anti-friction coating and initial grease surprisingly leads to synergistic effects and thus to a significant improvement in corrosion protection, and in particular to an extent that exceeds what would be expected from merely adding the two together.

[0014] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, such an anti-friction lacquer comprises, for example, a resin matrix containing tribologically active additives, in particular embedded solid lubricants. Here, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and / or molybdenum disulfide and / or graphite can preferably be used as solid lubricants. The embedded solid lubricants ensure optimal tribological properties, while the resin matrix seals the surface of the anti-friction (lacquer) coating and thus contributes to improving corrosion protection.

[0015] As an alternative or in addition, the anti-corrosion coating comprises a chemical nickel layer and / or a polymer coating, the chemical nickel layer being in particular a nickel-phosphorus layer, the polymer coating being in particular a coating comprising polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI) and / or PTFE. These anti-corrosion coatings are also sufficiently hard and wear-resistant to ensure optimized corrosion protection in combination with the initial grease and at the same time ensure that the tribological properties of the plain bearing are not degraded.

[0016] A further increase in corrosion protection, a reduction in friction and / or a reduction in wear can be achieved by making the inner ring and / or the outer ring at least partially comprise a phosphate layer, in particular a manganese phosphate layer. For this purpose, the sliding surface is phosphatized by subjecting it to an aqueous phosphate solution, for example by immersing, spraying, coating and / or flooding the sliding surface or the associated bearing ring. In addition, since a certain porosity is generated by the phosphatizing treatment, the accumulation or adhesion of the anti-corrosion coating, in particular the anti-friction coating, can be improved.

[0017] Here, a manganese phosphate solution is advantageously used as the aqueous phosphate solution, the manganese phosphate solution preferably having a pH value between about 1 and about 3 (e.g., a pH value between 1.4 and about 1.6) and a temperature between 50° C. and about 100° C. (e.g., a temperature between about 75° C. and about 95° C.). Here, the exposure of the sliding surface can include a time span ( / time length) between about 1 minute and about 30 minutes (e.g., a time span of about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes). Thus, a corresponding manganese phosphate layer can be formed using technically relatively simple means.

[0018] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, the initial grease comprises a grease which comprises at least one white solid lubricant in a total proportion of between about 5% by weight and about 40% by weight. This can further reduce the wear of the plain bearing and thus the need for relubrication, or can increase the service life and / or the load capacity of the plain bearing.

[0019] Here, at least one white solid lubricant can include an inorganic compound in the form of smooth, soft particles that are not abrasive or at least not significantly abrasive, thereby reducing friction and avoiding wear or damage to the sliding bearing due to abrasive particles. The white solid lubricant advantageously includes at least one phosphate, diphosphate, hydroxide or borate of a metal element (e.g., zinc or calcium). Thus, at least one white solid can, for example, include a calcium / zinc compound (CaZn compound). Additionally or as an alternative, the grease can also include a synthetic oil. Additionally or as an alternative, the grease can belong to NLGI consistency class 2 according to DIN 51818: 1981.12. Thus, as an option, the grease or solid lubricant can also be more specifically adapted to its subsequent application and thus reduce friction.

[0020] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, the sliding bearing further comprises at least one seal, which covers the intermediate space between the sliding surface of the inner ring and the sliding surface of the outer ring and is arranged such that the initial grease remains in the intermediate space. The seal ensures that the initial grease remains in the intermediate space even during transport from the factory to the point of use, intermediate storage, customer. Furthermore, during transport and during use, the seal ensures that no foreign particles ( / impurity particles) and contaminants, which could damage the bearing, can penetrate into the intermediate space.

[0021] The seal is usually connected to the inner ring or the outer ring so that the seal rotates together with the inner ring or the outer ring and abuts against the corresponding other bearing ring. The seal itself can include an elastomeric structure, which includes at least one sealing lip, which is oriented substantially parallel to or substantially radially to a common center point, and the elastomeric structure is arranged and oriented so that at least one sealing lip abuts against the other bearing ring. As a result, even in the case of mechanically strong loads and movement of the inner ring towards the outer ring, lubricant (i.e., initial grease, for example) can be prevented from escaping from the intermediate space between the inner ring and the outer ring. Of course, more than one sealing lip can also be used, so that the abutment of at least one of the sealing lips is ensured.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one of the seals can include a stiffening structure which is mechanically or materially connected to the elastomeric structure, thereby ensuring that at least one of the three sealing lips abuts against the other bearing ring, even in the event of mechanically high loads or a movement of the inner ring towards the outer ring, thereby reliably sealing the intermediate space.

[0023] The reinforcement structure may be formed from a metallic material, for example a steel plate. Furthermore, the reinforcement structure may comprise at least one first portion and a second portion indirectly or directly mechanically connected to the first portion, the at least one first portion and the second portion enclosing an angle of at least 60° and at most 120° with each other. Thus, the seal can abut against the other bearing ring even in the case of an inclination of the inner ring relative to the outer ring, as may occur in particular in spherical plain bearings.

[0024] The elastomeric structure preferably comprises an elastomer, for example, nitrile rubber (NBR = nitrile butadiene rubber). The elastomer can be connected to the optional reinforcement structure in a material-bonded, interference fit and / or friction fit manner. The elastomeric structure can, for example, be vulcanized onto the reinforcement structure.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a newly constructed sliding bearing as described above, the newly constructed sliding bearing comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring each comprise a sliding surface along which the inner ring and the outer ring can move relative to each other, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0026] providing an inner ring and an outer ring made of a starting material,

[0027] In a preparatory step, grinding the rings to form at least one sliding surface of the inner ring and a sliding surface of the outer ring,

[0028] applying an anti-corrosion coating to at least the sliding surface of the inner ring and the sliding surface of the outer ring,

[0029] Assembling the inner ring and the outer ring so that an intermediate space remains between the sliding surface of the inner ring and the sliding surface of the outer ring,

[0030] An initial grease is introduced into the intermediate space.

[0031] As described above, due to the combination of the initial grease and the anti-corrosion coating, a bearing can be provided in which, on the one hand, the need for relubrication is reduced or completely eliminated, and on the other hand, the service life of the bearing is prolonged because it ensures long-term corrosion protection of the bearing. It is particularly preferred here that when the intermediate space is sealed by a seal, the initial grease is prevented from escaping from the intermediate space or contaminants are prevented from entering the intermediate space.

[0032] For example, iron or steel, in particular rolling element bearing steel, can be used as starting material. Furthermore, as an option, the wear behavior of at least one of the bearing rings, i.e., for example, the wear behavior of the inner ring and / or the outer ring, can be improved by a corresponding hardening method. During hardening, the bearing ring is at least partially heated and subsequently quenched in order to influence the microstructure and thus the hardness. By correspondingly selecting the hardening process or the parameters of the hardening process, for example, a martensitic microstructure and / or a bainitic microstructure can be set. Thus, with this method, the bearing ring can be kept at a temperature between about 720° C. and about 1100° C. (for example, at a temperature between 850° C. and about 870° C.) for a predetermined time span. The subsequent quenching can be achieved, for example, to a temperature of about 10° C. to about 200° C. (for example, a temperature of about 50° C. to about 130° C.), wherein, for example, the bearing ring is immersed in an oil bath. Depending on the chosen heating temperature or the temperature gradient during quenching, different degrees of hardness can be achieved with high reproducibility.

[0033] For the sliding surface of the inner or outer ring, a hardness of 50 HRC (Rockwell hardness) to 64 HRC (e.g. a hardness of 58 HRC to 62 HRC) in the range of scale C according to DIN EN 6508-1:2005 is particularly advantageous. The above hardness values ​​can exist both in the entire bearing ring, but also in only one of the regions. Thus, for example, a specified hardness can exist only in the region below the surface of the bearing ring. Depending on the specific embodiment, this can apply, for example, to a depth of at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm in the region of the surface of the bearing ring.

[0034] In newly manufactured plain bearings, the outer and inner rings can have different hardness values ​​due to tolerances regarding process control, starting materials or other parameters.

[0035] However, it is also possible to provide a precise hardness difference between the inner ring and the outer ring. Thus, as an option, the inner ring and the outer ring can be designed more specifically for their subsequent use purpose or their expected load. The hardness difference can be at least 2HRC level, at least 3HRC level, at least 4HRC level or at least 5HRC level. According to an exemplary embodiment, according to a specific embodiment of this method and the corresponding sliding bearing, as an advisable option, the hardness difference can also be limited upward to, for example, at most 10HRC level, at most 9HRC level, at most 8HRC level, at most 7HRC level, at most 6HRC level or at most 5HRC level. Therefore, in order to extend the service life, as an advisable option, the hardness difference between the inner ring and the outer ring is not allowed to increase too much.

[0036] The grinding of the sliding surface can include honing or cross-grinding. When honing, a cup-shaped honing wheel with a particle size of at least about 200 is preferably used, for example, a particle size in the range between 320 and about 600, wherein honing oil can also be used. During honing, the bearing ring preferably performs a continuous rotational movement and the honing wheel performs an oscillating movement. Here, the oscillatory or oscillating movement of the honing wheel and the rotational movement of the bearing ring have a period, wherein the period of the rotational movement corresponds to exactly one complete revolution of the bearing ring. Here, the period of rotation of the bearing ring and the period of the honing disc performing the oscillating motion can have an integer ratio or an inverse integer ratio, a broken rational ratio, or can also have a non-rational or irrational ratio. If the period has an integer ratio or an inverse integer ratio, the pattern generated ( / appears) during honing returns to or enters each other after the course of the longer period of the two cycles. In the case of a broken rational ratio, this only occurs after a plurality of corresponding cycles, while in the case of an irrational ratio, this will never happen in an ideal situation or purely theoretically. In fact, the irrational ratio can of course be approximated by a correspondingly selected rational ratio. Here, changes to the bearing ring or the honing wheel that may occur due to the mechanical interaction between the bearing ring and the honing wheel are ignored.

[0037] Due to honing, an improvement in surface smoothness or an improvement in the surface contour of the sliding surface of the inner ring or outer ring can be achieved. Here, with respect to the geometric design of at least one sliding surface of the inner ring and at least one sliding surface of the outer ring, at least one sliding surface of the inner ring can be better adapted to at least one sliding surface of the outer ring or at least one sliding surface of the outer ring can be better adapted to at least one sliding surface of the inner ring, so as to achieve a smaller maximum surface pressure, which can correspondingly lead to a reduction in the maximum load that occurs.

[0038] For grinding at least one sliding surface, it is also conceivable to use a cup wheel with a particle size of at least about 200 (e.g., a particle size in the range between about 320 and about 600) for cross grinding, wherein, as an option, a water-based grinding emulsion is used. During the cross grinding of at least one sliding surface, the bearing ring and the cup wheel each perform a continuous rotational movement. Here, the rotation axis of the bearing ring and the rotation axis of the cup wheel cannot be aligned colinearly, i.e., can have a limited angle different from 0° to each other, i.e., for example 90°. However, the angular velocity or rotation speed of the cup wheel and the sliding surface can generally be selected as required. For example, these can be selected so that one complete rotation of the bearing ring corresponds exactly to one complete rotation of the cup wheel. However, it is also possible to rotate the cup wheel at a higher or lower speed than the speed of the bearing ring, so that one revolution of the cup wheel corresponds to more or less than one revolution of the bearing ring. Here, the ratio of the corresponding rotational speeds can be an integer or an inverse ratio to an integer, a polygonal rational number, or an irrational or non-rational number. In the case of integer or inverse integer ratios, the grinding tracks return into themselves again after one revolution, while in the case of polygonal rational ratios this may be the case after more than one revolution. In the case of irrational or non-rational rotational speed ratios (which can alternatively be approximated by the corresponding polygonal rational ratios), in the ideal case the individual grinding tracks do not return into each other.

[0039] In a further optional method step, the ground sliding surface can be subjected to an aqueous phosphate solution, for example by dipping, spraying, coating and / or overflowing the ground bearing ring. In this way, the blank or the inner ring and / or the outer ring can also be better protected against corrosion. In addition, the certain porosity that the phosphated layer ( / phosphated layer) usually exhibits allows ( / enables) a particularly good deposit accumulation or adhesion of the anti-corrosion coating.

[0040] The aqueous phosphate solution preferably includes a manganese phosphate solution to form a manganese phosphate layer at least on the sliding surface of the bearing ring. The phosphate solution can have a pH value between about 1 and about 3 (e.g., a pH value between 1.4 and about 1.6) and a temperature between 50° C. and about 100° C. (e.g., a temperature of about 75° C. to about 95° C.). Here, the ground bearing ring can be kept in the (phosphate) solution for a time span between about 1 minute and about 30 minutes (e.g., a time span of about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes). Here, the process parameters can be set so that a phosphate layer (in particular a manganese phosphate layer) is formed that exhibits optimized properties for adhesion of the anti-corrosion coating.

[0041] As mentioned above, the manufactured plain bearing is newly built. Here, it is particularly advantageous to introduce the initial grease into the plain bearing before delivery. This ensures that the initial grease is used that is optimally matched to the requirements of the bearing.

[0042] Here, it is particularly advantageous if, also before delivery and preferably also before the introduction of the initial grease, at least one seal is attached to the inner ring and / or the outer ring, the at least one seal covering the intermediate space between the sliding surface of the inner ring and the sliding surface of the outer ring and being arranged such that the initial grease remains in the intermediate space.

[0043] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are specified in the description, the drawings and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features specified in the description and the drawings are purely exemplary here, so that the features can also be presented individually or in other combinations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Hereinafter, the present invention shall be described in more detail using the exemplary embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. Here, the exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in the exemplary embodiments are purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope is limited only by the appended claims.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plain bearing in the form of a spherical plain bearing according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A cross-sectional illustration of a sliding bearing shown in FIG. 1 ; and

[0047] Figure 3 Shown for manufacturing Figure 1 and Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a sliding bearing is shown in FIG.

[0048] 100 Sliding bearings

[0049] 2 Inner ring

[0050] 4 Outer ring

[0051] 6.8 Sliding surface

[0052] 7.9 Anti-corrosion coating

[0053] 10, 12 axis

[0054] 14. The Space Between

[0055] 16, 18 holes for initial grease

[0056] 20 End surface

[0057] 22 Opening

[0058] 24 Seals

[0059] 26 Undercut

[0060] 28 Sealing lip

[0061] 30 Reinforcement elements DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sliding bearing 100, and Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of a plain bearing 100, which is implemented as a spherical plain bearing, more precisely, as a radial spherical plain bearing. The plain bearing 100 includes an inner ring 2 and an outer ring 4 having a spherical outer contour or inner contour, on which corresponding sliding surfaces 6, 8 are formed, and the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4 of the plain bearing 100 can move relative to each other via the sliding surfaces 6, 8. This design allows the inner ring 2 to rotate or turn relative to the outer ring 4 around the axis 10 and allows the two bearing rings 2, 4 to rotate relative to each other around the axis 12 (see Figure 2 ) can be tilted or pivoted. It is thereby possible to compensate for angular displacements of a shaft (not depicted) guided by the inner ring 2 relative to, for example, a seat (not depicted) which is connected to the outer ring 4 so that the seat and the outer ring 4 rotate together.

[0064] In summary, the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4 are also referred to as bearing rings. They can be presented as one part ( / integral piece) or also as multiple parts. Likewise, a multi-row plain bearing 100 is achievable, in which there are multiple bearing rings arranged adjacent to each other or the bearing rings include multiple sliding surfaces.

[0065] also, Figure 2 Schematically depicted in the figure are sliding surfaces 6 of the inner ring 2 and 8 of the outer ring including anti-corrosion coatings 7 and 9. After grinding the sliding surfaces 6, 8, the bearing rings 2, 4 are preferably coated with anti-corrosion coatings, and the coated portions may include only the sliding surfaces, but may also include the entire bearing ring.

[0066] However, the additional anti-corrosion coating 7, 9 ensures that even the initially greased plain bearing 100 is protected against corrosion over its entire service life. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the anti-corrosion coating 7, 9 is an anti-friction lacquer coating comprising an anti-friction lacquer. The anti-friction lacquer comprises a resin matrix comprising one or more tribologically active additives, in particular embedded solid lubricants, wherein PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and / or molybdenum disulfide and / or graphite are preferably used as solid lubricants. The embedded solid lubricants ensure optimal tribological properties, while the resin matrix seals the surface of the anti-friction (lacquer) coating 6, 8 and thus contributes to improving corrosion protection.

[0067] As an option, the anti-corrosion coating 7, 9 comprises a chemical nickel layer and / or a polymer coating, the chemical nickel layer is particularly a nickel-phosphorus layer, the polymer coating is particularly a coating comprising polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI) and / or PTFE. These anti-corrosion coatings 7, 9 are also hard and wear-resistant enough to ensure optimized corrosion protection in combination with initial greasing, and at the same time ensure that the tribological properties of the sliding bearing 100 are not reduced.

[0068] A further increase in corrosion protection, a reduction in friction and / or a reduction in wear can be achieved by making the inner ring 2 and / or the outer ring 4 at least partially comprise a phosphate layer (not shown), in particular a manganese phosphate layer. For this purpose, the sliding surfaces 6, 8 are phosphatized by subjecting the sliding surfaces 6, 8 to an aqueous phosphate solution, for example by immersing, spraying, coating and / or flooding the sliding surfaces 6, 8 or the sliding surfaces 6, 8 of the associated bearing rings 2, 4. In addition, since a certain porosity is generated by the phosphatizing treatment, the accumulation (accumulation) or adhesion (adhering) of the anti-corrosion coating 7, 9, in particular an anti-friction paint, can be improved.

[0069] During operation, the sliding surface 6 of the inner ring 2 and the sliding surface 8 of the outer ring 4 have a spacing between each other which on average falls in the range of a few tenths of a millimeter, i.e., for example, in the range of 0.01 mm and about 1 mm. Of course, in some embodiments, there may also be a smaller or larger spacing between the corresponding sliding surfaces 6, 8. Due to the spacing of the sliding surfaces 6, 8, an intermediate space 14 is formed, which in the depicted bearing 100 is filled with an initial grease (not depicted) to ensure low-friction movement even under load conditions occurring in the spherical plain bearing.

[0070] For introducing initial grease into the bearing, the depicted plain bearing 100 comprises one or more holes 16 in the region of the outer ring 4 and optionally a hole 18 in the inner ring 2, through which the initial grease is introduced during manufacture. Depending on the specific embodiment of the respective plain bearing 100, the holes 16, 18 can also be sealed after the initial (addition) grease.

[0071] also, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer ring 4 is shown to include end surfaces 20 on both sides along the axis 10, the end surfaces 20 being perpendicular to the axis 10. An opening 22 is formed in each of the end surfaces 20, in which a seal 24 is received to seal the intermediate region 14 or intermediate space between the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4. The opening 22 also includes an undercut 26, which is configured so that the seal 24 is connected to the outer ring 4 so that they rotate substantially together and the seal 24 abuts against the inner ring 2 via a sealing lip 28.

[0072] Of course, in other exemplary embodiments, connection techniques other than those described above can also be used. Thus, for example, different friction-fit, interference-fit or material-bonded connection techniques can also be selected. Thus, for example, a corresponding seal can also be adhered to the outer ring 4.

[0073] The seal 14 preferably has an elastomer structure which forms three sealing lips 28 which are oriented substantially parallel to a common center point or substantially radially relative to the common center point. The elastomer structure here comprises an elastomer such as nitrile rubber (NBR=nitrile butadiene rubber), however, as an alternative, they can also be made of other materials.

[0074] Furthermore, the seals 24 each comprise at least one stiffening structure 30 which is mechanically connected to the elastomeric structure. The mechanical connection can be realized, for example, based on friction fit, interference fit and / or material bonding connection techniques.

[0075] Of course, the seal 14 can also be fixed against the inner ring 2 and abut against the outer ring 4 .

[0076] Figure 3 A flow chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing the above-described sliding bearing 100 is shown.

[0077] First, in step S100, at least one blank made of a starting material is provided for the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4. The provided S100 may, for example, include a rotation, milling or another processing ( / machining) product of at least one blank, the at least one blank being made of at least one material piece of the starting material.

[0078] Then, in step S110, at least one bearing ring is heat treated before, in the case of step S120, at least one bearing ring is ground in a preliminary stage to form at least one sliding surface 6 of the inner ring 2 and at least one sliding surface 8 of the outer ring 4. Then, in an optional step S130, at least one sliding surface 6, 8 may be honed or cross-grinded in the preliminary stage.

[0079] Then, before the anticorrosion coating is applied to the sliding surface in step S150, in a further optional step S140, at least one of the honed or cross-ground sliding surfaces 6, 8 can be phosphated. Here, the phosphating treatment can result in particularly good adhesion of the anti-friction paint used as the anticorrosion coating. However, if the ground sliding surface is electrolessly nickel-plated or covered with a polymer for corrosion protection, the previous phosphating treatment can be omitted.

[0080] In step S160 , the inner ring 2 and the outer ring 4 are assembled to obtain the sliding bearing 100 .

[0081] Then, in an optional step S170 , at least one seal 24 is attached to the assembled sliding bearing to seal the intermediate space 14 between the at least one sliding surface 6 of the inner ring 2 and the at least one sliding surface 8 of the outer ring 4 .

[0082] In the final step S180 , initial grease is introduced into the central region 14 of the sliding bearing 100 .

[0083] In optional step S190, the inner ring 2 and / or the outer ring 4 of the sliding bearing 100 may be labeled before packaging the sliding bearing. This may be achieved, for example, by laser labeling, punching, printing, embossing ( / stamping) or another labeling and marking method.

Claims

1. A newly constructed sliding bearing (100), comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4), wherein: The inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) each comprise a sliding surface (6, 8), the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) being able to move relative to each other along the sliding surfaces (6, 8), an intermediate space (14) being formed between the sliding surface (6) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (8) of the outer ring (4), an initial grease being introduced into the intermediate space, It is characterized in that At least one of the sliding surfaces (6; 8) comprises an anti-corrosion coating (7; 9); the anti-corrosion coating (7; 9) is a coating comprising polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI) and / or PTFE.

2. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-corrosion coating (7; 9) is an anti-friction paint coating.

3. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The anti-corrosion coating (7; 9) is a chemical nickel layer and / or a polymer coating.

4. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The initial grease is introduced at the factory.

5. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The initial grease comprises a grease which comprises a white solid lubricant in a total proportion of between 5% by weight and 40% by weight.

6. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner ring (2) and / or the outer ring (4) at least partially comprises a phosphate layer.

7. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sliding bearing (100) further comprises at least one seal (24), which covers the intermediate space (14) between the sliding surface (6) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (8) of the outer ring (4) and is arranged so that the initial grease is retained in the intermediate space (14).

8. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding bearing (100) is a newly built spherical sliding bearing.

9. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-friction paint coating includes an anti-friction paint including a resin matrix including an embedded solid lubricant.

10. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The solid lubricant is PTFE and / or molybdenum disulfide and / or graphite.

11. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The chemical nickel layer is a nickel-phosphorus layer.

12. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The white solid lubricant is a phosphate, diphosphate, hydroxide and / or borate of the metallic elements zinc and / or calcium and / or comprises a zinc-calcium compound, and / or the grease comprises a synthetic oil, and / or the grease is a solid paste with an NLGI consistency grade of 2 according to DIN 51818:1981.

12.

13. The sliding bearing (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The phosphate layer is a manganese phosphate layer.

14. A method for producing a new sliding bearing (100) comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) each comprise a sliding surface (6; 8), along which the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) are movable relative to each other, the method comprising the following steps: - providing an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4) made of a starting material, - in a preparatory phase, grinding the rings to form at least one sliding surface (6; 8) of the inner ring (2) and a sliding surface (6; 8) of the outer ring (4), - applying an anti-corrosion coating (7; 9) to at least the sliding surface (6; 8) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (6; 8) of the outer ring (4), - assembling the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (4) such that an intermediate space (14) remains between the sliding surface (6) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (8) of the outer ring (4), An initial grease is introduced into the intermediate space (14).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The sliding bearing (100) is delivered only after the introduction of the initial grease.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Prior to delivery, at least one seal (24) is applied to the inner ring (2) and / or the outer ring (4), the at least one seal (24) covering the intermediate space (14) between the sliding surface (6) of the inner ring (2) and the sliding surface (8) of the outer ring (4) and being arranged so that the initial grease is retained in the intermediate space (14).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that Prior to applying the anti-corrosion coating (7; 9), the inner ring (2) and / or the outer ring (4) are at least partially treated with a phosphate solution.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Prior to the introduction of the initial grease, at least one seal (24) is applied to the inner ring (2) and / or the outer ring (4).

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The phosphate solution is a manganese phosphate solution.

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