Flanged bearing, assembly, and methods of manufacturing and using same

Abstract

To provide a bearing that has a longer lifetime, improved effectiveness, improved corrosion protection, and overall improved performance within an assembly.SOLUTION: The invention provides a bearing including a sidewall including an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material, the sidewall further including a generally cylindrical body and a flange, the flange being contiguous with and extends from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body, where 1) the flange includes a multi-wall construction including a plurality of flange sidewalls in contact with each other along at least 25% of a radial length of the flange, and / or 2) the sidewall or the flange has an outward conductive region and an inward conductive region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a bearing, and more particularly to a flange or a multi-layer bearing sidewall. The present invention relates to a sliding bearing having a bearing, and a manufacturing method and assembly method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Bearings generally provide a sliding interface between mating components. The device may include a low friction material connecting two or more components that are movable relative to the device. Additionally, some bearings include flanged bearings with one or two flanges. For example, door, hood and engine bay hinges, seats, steering columns, In assemblies for applications in the automotive industry such as lie wheels, balancer shaft bearings, etc. Some hinge assemblies may be used in automotive applications or may be used in non-automotive applications. This includes, but is not limited to, paint coatings that may be applied by paint application or other methods. In some areas, the bearings and other components of the hinge assembly may include coatings. It may contain gaps that can cause overcoating and corrosion to the hinge assembly. Corrosion and debris / contamination can occur. Therefore, despite advances in the art, longer Longer life, improved availability, improved corrosion protection, and overall improved performance within the assembly There is a continuing need for improved bearings having

[0003] The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the art and many of the teachings of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A number of features and advantages can be identified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a stepwise manufacturing process. [Figure 2A] 1 is an illustration of a layer structure of a bearing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1 is an illustration of a layer structure of a bearing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a bearing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1 is a radial cross-sectional view of a bearing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 1 is a radial cross-sectional view of a bearing, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bearing in an assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bearing in an assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bearing in an assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bearing in an assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bearing in an assembly, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity of presentation and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. It will be understood that the dimensions of some elements in the figures are not necessarily those of the present invention. The dimensions of the various elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments. The use of the same reference symbols in indicates similar or identical items.

[0006] The following description in conjunction with the figures will aid in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion focuses on specific embodiments and examples of the present teachings. This focus is presented to help explain the present teachings and is intended to be a guide to the scope of the present teachings. However, the scope or applicability of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Other embodiments may be used based on the teachings provided.

[0007] The terms "comprises" and "com "prising," "includes," "including g), "has", "having", or any of these other terms Any variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a list of features A method, article, or apparatus that includes such a feature is not necessarily limited to such a feature. , any other features not expressly recited or inherent in such method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" does not include "(or)" refers to an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. For example, A state of A or B is when A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), and A is False (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist). is satisfied by one of the following:

[0008] Also, the use of "a" or "an" refers to elements and structures described herein. This is merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. It is used to give flavor. It is not clear that this is not what is meant. The term "one," "at least one," or "singular" may be read as including "one," "at least one," or "singular" or vice versa. For example, when only one embodiment is described in this specification, Instead of just one embodiment, multiple embodiments may be used. Where multiple embodiments are described, only one embodiment shall be used in place of the multiple embodiments. It is sometimes used.

[0009] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein are defined by the The term "material" has the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. The methods and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. To the extent not stated, many details regarding specific materials and processing practices are conventional. , which can be found in textbooks and other sources within the art of bearings and bearing assemblies. .

[0010] For purposes of illustration, Figure 1 includes a schematic diagram illustrating a manufacturing process 10 for forming a bearing. The process 10 includes a first step 12 of preparing a base material; The first step is to coat the base material with a low-friction coating to form a composite material. The method may include a second step 14 of forming the composite material into a bearing, and a third step 16 of forming the composite material into a bearing. do.

[0011] Referring to the first step 12, the base material can be a substrate In one embodiment, the substrate is at least partially a metal support. According to a particular embodiment, the metal support may be made of iron, copper, titanium, bronze, tin, or the like. It can contain nickel, aluminum, alloys of these, or it can be another type of metal. More specifically, the substrate may be made of steel such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or spring steel. For example, the substrate may comprise, at least in part, 301 s Stainless steels may include 301 stainless steel, annealed, 1 / 4 hard. It can be hard, half hard, three-quarter hard, or full hard. In an embodiment, the base material may be a metal substrate coated with another metal, which is resistant to The eating or frictional properties may be improved.

[0012] The substrate may include an open metal substrate. The radial metal substrate may include a metal having a plurality of openings in a radial surface of the substrate. The surface may have a radial surface area, and the plurality of openings may be arranged in the radial surface area of ​​the substrate. The open metal substrate may have a void area defined as the surface area that the open metal surface occupies. It can be defined as having a void area of ​​at least 30% of the surface area of ​​the directional surface. In an embodiment, the open metal substrate is, for example, at least 40% of the radial surface area of ​​the open metal substrate. , for example, at least 50% of the radial surface area of ​​the open metal substrate, for example, At least 60% of the radial surface area, e.g., at least 60% of the radial surface area of ​​an open metal substrate at least 70%, for example at least 80% of the radial surface area of ​​the open metal substrate, or The radial surface area of ​​the open metal surface, such as at least 90% of the radial surface area of ​​the open metal substrate, The void area may be at least 30% of the area of ​​the open metal substrate. Not more than 95% of the surface area, in the radial direction of the open metal substrate Not more than 90% of the surface area, in the radial direction of the open metal substrate 80% or less of the surface area of ​​the open metal substrate, 70% or less of the surface area in the radial direction of the open metal substrate, 60% or less of the surface area in the radial direction of the open metal substrate, 50% or less of the surface area in the radial direction of the open metal substrate or less than 40% of the radial surface area of ​​an open metal substrate, or less than 30% of the radial surface area of ​​an open metal substrate, etc. , may cover up to 99% of the radial surface area of ​​the open metal substrate.

[0013] The open metal substrate may be a woven or non-woven metal, an expanded metal grid, or a perforated metal. or another type of metal sheet containing a plurality of openings in its radial surface. It may also contain metal.

[0014] In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may include a woven metal mesh. The first filament and the second filament are interwoven to create an opening or void. In one embodiment, the first filament The first and second filaments can have the same thickness. Alternatively, they can have different thicknesses. The woven metal mesh may have a thickness of 1000 mm or more. including but not limited to crimp, plain weave, flat top weave, flat stamp, or welded. The metal mesh may have various weave types, including but not limited to square weave. Patterned weave, Dutch weave, twill Dutch weave, reverse Dutch weave, or woven in another way It's fine.

[0015] In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may include a non-woven metal mesh. The shells are bonded together by chemical, mechanical, thermal, or solvent treatment to create openings or voids. The first filament and the second filament are fabricated to include filaments. In one embodiment, the first filament and the second filament have the same thickness. Alternatively, they may have different thicknesses.

[0016] In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may include an expanded metal grid. The metal grid can be manufactured by several different processes. The openings are stamped into the metal sheet to create some filaments and voids in the metal sheet. The stamp may be used to create openings in the sheet without removing material or significantly removing material. In some embodiments, the expanded metal grid may include a woven The expanded sheet may be prepared from a sheet having a flat major surface, but not from a metal. The metal may have at least one major surface planarity that is maintained after stretching to create a metal lattice. In one embodiment, the openings may be equally spaced from one another. In certain embodiments, the sheets may be expanded or spaced apart from one another during stamping. For example, a sawtooth press may reciprocate between an open and closed position to extend the opening. and simultaneously create an undulating surface profile for the sheet. The stamping process creates an opening in the first step and then expands it in the second step. The expansion of the sheet can occur in one direction, two directions, or other multi-directional ways. For example, in one embodiment, the sheets are rotated in opposite directions, e.g., a first direction and an 18-degree angle from the first direction. In another embodiment, the sheet can be expanded in both directions. It may be expandable, for example, in a first, second, third, and fourth direction. The first and third directions may be opposite to each other, and the second and fourth directions may be opposite to each other. More specifically, each of the first and third directions is 9 degrees from each of the second and fourth directions. It may be offset by 0°.

[0017] In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may comprise a perforated metal sheet. It can be manufactured by several different processes, for example by forming a plurality of openings in a metal sheet. The openings may be formed to produce some filaments and voids in the metal sheet. Cutting, drilling, stamping, sawing, shearing, turning, milling, grinding, burning, hydroforming , abrasive flow cutting, photochemical cutting, electrical discharge, sanding, or otherwise shaped. It can be done.

[0018] 2A-2B illustrate a first step 12 and a second step 14 of the fabrication process 10. 2A-2B include a diagram of a composite material 1000 that may be formed. 10 shows the layer-by-layer construction of the composite material 1000 after step 14 of FIG. In the example, the composite material 1000 includes a substrate 1119 (i.e., the composite material 1000 that was formed in the first step 12, above). prepared base material) and low friction layer 1104 (i.e., applied in the second step 14 In some embodiments, the substrate 1119 may include a low-friction coating. , can extend at least partially along the length of the composite material 1000. As shown in FIG. 1, the low friction layer 1104 is bonded to at least one region of the substrate 1119. In certain embodiments, low friction layer 1104 may provide low friction contact with another surface of another component. The low friction layer 1104 may be bonded to the surface of the substrate 1119 to form a joint. The low friction layer is radially attached to the substrate 1119 to form a low friction interface with another surface of the component. Bonding, laminating, or otherwise forming a substrate 1119 therein so as to be present on or on the inner surface thereof. The low friction layer 1104 can be embedded in the surface of another component to provide a low friction interface with another surface of the component. To form a low friction layer, a low friction layer is present or on the radially outer surface of the substrate 1119. The substrate 1119 may be bonded, laminated, or embedded therein, such as in another embodiment. The low friction layer 1104 is formed by a low friction material to form a low friction interface with another surface of another component. The friction layer is present on or overlaps both the radially inner and radially outer surfaces of the substrate 1119. , into which the substrate 1119 may be bonded, laminated, or embedded. The substrate 1119, such as a metal substrate, may be partially embedded within the low friction layer 1104. In the embodiment, the substrate 1119 is an open metal substrate, and the low friction material is radially distributed around the substrate 1119. extending along at least some portions of the substrate 1119 along the outer surface and the radially inner surface In one embodiment, the low friction layer 1104 may be fully embedded within the low friction layer 1104, as best seen in FIG. As shown, the substrate 1119 as an open metal substrate is provided with a first low friction layer 1104, and at least partially within the low friction layer 1104 to form a second low friction layer 1104' In some embodiments, the composite material 1000 may optionally be embedded in a second substrate. 1119'. In one embodiment, the second substrate 1119' may include a metal-containing substrate, such as a steel substrate. The substrate may be an open metal substrate, as described above.

[0019] The substrate 1119 may be approximately 100 microns thick, such as between about 50 microns and about 1500 microns thick. between about 150 microns and about 500 microns, such as between about 1000 microns and about 1000 microns, A thickness T between about 10 microns and about 2000 microns S Some In this embodiment, the substrate 1119 has a thickness T between about 200 and 600 microns. S may have In some embodiments, the substrate 1119 has a thickness T between about 250 and 450 microns. S The thickness T of the substrate 1119 S is one of the minimum and maximum values ​​above. It will be further understood that the thickness of the substrate 1119 may be any value between 1000 and 10000. That is, the thickness of the substrate 1119 at a first location may be The thickness of the substrate 1119 may be non-uniform. The thickness of 119 at a first location can be different from the thickness at a second location along the substrate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the low friction layer 1104 can include a low friction material. The material may be, for example, polyketone, polyaramid, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether Tersulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, polyamideimide, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, Fluoropolymer, polybenzimidazole, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate Polyethylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyimide (PI), Polyester Thermoplastic elastomers, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), poly Sulfone, polyamide (PA), polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyurethane, polyester, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any of these In one example, the low friction layer 1104 can include a polymer, such as a combination of a polymer Ether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone, polyether ketone ketone polyether ketone, polyether ketone, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof In a further example, the low friction layer 1104 includes ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In another example, the low friction layer 1104 may be made of fluorinated ethylene propylene (F EP), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) , perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropyl Terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride (THV), polychlorotrifluoroethylene Polytetrafluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or ethylene Fluoropolymers, including ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE) The low friction layer 1104 may include lithium soap, graphite, boron nitride, Molybdenum sulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon nitride, tungsten carbide Solid-based materials containing tungsten or diamond-like carbon, metals (aluminum , zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, Steel, stainless steel, etc.), metal alloys (including the listed metals), anodized metals (including the listed metals) In certain embodiments, the metals may be selected from the group consisting of fluorine, methyl methacrylate ... By way of example, fluoropolymers may be used.

[0021] In some embodiments, the low friction layer 1104 may be glass, carbon, silicon, PEEK, aromatic Polyester, bronze, fluoropolymer, thermoplastic filler, aluminum oxide, polyamide Polyimide (PAI), PPS, Polyphenylene sulfone (PPSO2), LCP, Aromatic Polyester, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, graphene, Fillers including foamed graphite, talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof The filler may further include alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, fluorine. Calcium nitride, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia Fillers may include carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof. The filler may be in the form of beads, fibers, powder, mesh, or any combination thereof. is at least 15 wt %, 20 wt %, 25 wt %, or It may even be at least 10% by weight, such as 30% by weight. The friction layer 1104 may have an electrical conductivity that is lower than the electrical conductivity of the substrate 1119 .

[0022] In one embodiment, the low friction layer 1104 (or the second low friction layer 1104') has a thickness of, for example, about 1 Between 0 microns and about 400 microns, for example, between about 30 microns and about 300 microns between about 1 micron and about 500 microns, for example, between about 50 microns and about 250 microns Thickness T in microns FL (T FL In some embodiments, the low friction layer 1 104 (or second low friction layer 1104′) has a thickness T FL ( T FL The low friction layer 1104 (or the second low friction layer 1104′) may have a thickness T F L (T FL ') can be any value between one of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. It will be further understood that the thickness of the low friction layer 1104 (or the second low friction layer 1104') is uniform. That is, the thickness of the low friction layer 1104 at a first location may be The thickness of the low friction layer 1104 (or the second low friction layer 1104') may be equal to the thickness at the The thickness may be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of the low friction layer 1104 at the first location may be The thickness at a second location along the low friction layer 1104 (or a second low friction layer) may be different from the thickness at a second location along the low friction layer 1104. The friction layer 1104') may cover one major surface of the substrate 1119 as shown, or may cover both major surfaces. The substrate 1119 may be partially covered by the low friction layer 1104 and the second low friction layer 1104′. That is, the low friction layer 1104 may be at least partially encapsulated within the substrate 1119. At least one area of ​​the substrate 1119 can be coated with a low friction layer 11. The friction layer 1104 may or may not be exposed from the surface of the substrate. The thickness of the friction layer 1104 may be the same as that of the second low friction layer 1104'. The thickness of the low friction layer 1104' may be different from that of the low friction layer 1104'.

[0023] In one embodiment, the composite material 1000 has a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, or even 0.3 mm. Thickness T in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, such as in the range of m to 2 mm SW It is possible to have The thickness T of the composite material 1000 SW is one of the minimum and maximum values ​​above. It will be further understood that the thickness T of the composite material 1000 can be any value between SW The thickness of the composite material 1000 at the first location may be uniform, i.e., the thickness of the composite material 1000 at the first location may be uniform along the The thickness of the composite material 1000, T SWis uneven That is, the thickness of the composite material 1000 at a first location may be greater than the thickness of the composite material 1000 at a second location along the The thickness at the position may be different from that at the position.

[0024] In the above example, under step 14 of FIG. 1, the substrate material is provided with a layer of low friction material or The friction layer 1104 may be partially or completely embedded in the friction layer 1104. A process may be milling, pressing, extrusion, molding, sintering, or otherwise Any of the layers of the composite material 1000 described above may be laminated together or otherwise embedded. If not, they are formed so as to at least partially overlap each other, as described above. The low friction layer 1104, 1104' may be formed on the substrate 1119 or another intervening layer, as described above. The sheet may be laminated or otherwise superimposed on the surface. The low friction layer 1104, 1104' may be formed on a substrate 1119 having an outer surface. At least one of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the 19 is formed with a low friction layer 1104, 1104' The substrate 1119 can be sealed so that it can be positioned within the In an embodiment, depending on the filler of the low friction layers 1104, 1104', the composite material 1000 may be a composite a lower surface-related conductivity towards at least one side of the material 1000 to a non-conductive surface; It is possible.

[0025] Referring now to the third step 16 of the manufacturing process 10 shown in FIG. According to an embodiment, forming the composite material 1000 into a bearing may be performed by forming a preform. To this end, the low friction layer 1104, 1104' or any intervening layer may be attached to the substrate using a hot melt adhesive. The preform may include bonding the preform to a material 1119. The preform may be molded into a bearing. Cutting the preform into blanks can be done using stamps, presses, etc. , punches, saws, deep drawing, or may be otherwise machined. When the preform is cut into blanks, the cut edges, including the exposed areas of the substrate 1119, The blank can be produced by rolling and flanging the preform to the desired shape. The blank may be formed into a bearing, such as by forming a semi-finished bearing having the shape of Forming a bearing can involve the use of stamps, presses, punches, saws, and deep drawing. In some embodiments, the edges of the blank may be machined or otherwise machined. In another embodiment, the bearing may be bent into a flange in a secondary operation. The bearing can be formed in just one operation. can be formed.

[0026] For purposes of illustration, FIGS. 3A-C show a bearing (generally, 300) that may be formed from a blank. In some embodiments, the bearing 3 shown in FIGS. 00 is a suitably sized composite material 1000, which may initially exist as a blank as described above. 3A can be produced by rolling a defined piece as described in the forming process above. FIG. 3B shows a top perspective view of a bearing 300 that may be formed as described above. FIG. 3C shows a radial cross-section of a bearing 300 that may be formed as described. 1 shows a close-up radial cross-sectional view of a bearing 300 that may be formed as described in the forming process. There are.

[0027] Referring now to Figures 3A-3C, in some particular embodiments, the bearings are plain bearings (straight bearings). In some embodiments, bearing 300 may be a plain bearing. The bearing 300 may extend axially relative to the central axis 3000. 0 is oriented to extend longitudinally along the length of bearing 100. The bearing 300 can include a bearing sidewall 308. The sidewall 308 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate 1119 and at least one low friction layer 11 of the composite material 1000 In some embodiments, the sidewall 308 may include an outer surface 312 and an inner surface 314. The sidewall 308, as viewed in longitudinal cross section, has a first axial end 303 and a The axial end 305 may include a generally cylindrical body 310 that may form an annular shape. As used herein, "substantially cylindrical" means a body of revolution arranged in a best fit cylinder about an axis. When the cylinder is rotated, the cylinder will be 15% or less from the optimum position, 10% or less from the optimum position, and 5% or less at any position, 4% or less at any position, 3% or less at any position, 2% or less at any position In one embodiment, "substantially cylindrical" refers to a shape that deviates by 1% or less at any point. A generally cylindrical member in an assembled or installed state between the inner and outer components. In another embodiment, "generally cylindrical" may refer to the inner and outer components. Before being assembled with the element, i.e., in an uninstalled state, the substantially cylindrical body 310 is In certain embodiments, the generally cylindrical sidewall may have an axis with two longitudinal planar ends. In a particular embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall may have a shape corresponding to a rotation about the The sidewalls of the shape may be formed by, for example, large amounts of material such as that produced during typical machining and manufacturing processes. The surface roughness may be a nominal value.

[0028] The bearing 300 may have an outer radial end 307 and an inner radial end 306. The bearing 300 may have an annular shape that is substantially L-shaped. Bearing 300 is best seen in FIG. 3C, where it has radially and axially extending L-shaped Other annular shapes of the bearing are also possible. The ends of the rolled piece of composite material 1000 extend axially along the generally cylindrical body 310. As best shown in FIG. 3B, the bearings 300 extends nonlinearly and / or obliquely (i.e., diagonally) relative to the central axis 3000 In some particular embodiments, the axial gap 330 is , welded or otherwise joined by other means to form a closed bearing 300. In some embodiments, the axial gap 330 is left unbonded. The bearing 300 may include an internal component of the assembly that extends along the axial length of the bearing 300. The bore 350 may include a central axis 3000. The bores 350 bend the planar composite material 1000 into a generally cylindrical shape. The cylindrical body 310 and sidewall 308 may be formed by forming a generally cylindrical body 310 and sidewall 308 .

[0029] The sidewall 308 of the bearing 300 may further include at least one flange 322. The flange 322 may be generally annular about the central axis 3000. radially outward from at least one of the axial end 303 or the second axial end 305 The flange 322 may extend radially from the inner radial end 306 to the outer radial end 307. Alternatively, the flange 322 may extend radially outward from the outer radial end 307. The flange 304 may extend radially inward to an inner end 307 (not shown). The flange 322 is located at the outer radial end 307 of the bearing 300, at the outermost axial end of the substantially flat surface. In some embodiments, the flange 322 may form a surface extending radially outward from the bearing 300. having a low friction layer 1104 or low friction material formed on the outermost axial surface of the end 307 In some embodiments, the flange 322 may be formed in the second axial direction of the bearing 300. In some embodiments, the outer radial end 307 may be located at the center axis 3 When measured radially from 000, the outer radius of the bearing 300 can be defined as In some embodiments, the inner radial end 306 is approximately 1 / 4" (measured radially from the central axis 3000). When the flange is engaged, the inner radius IR of the bearing 300 can be formed. Radial width W of range 322 RF is the distance based on the difference between the outer radius OR and the inner radius IR. In some embodiments, the flange 322 has an axial split 327. The axial division 327 can provide a gap in the flange 322. In some embodiments, flange 322 provides a segmented flange (not shown). In certain embodiments, the axial divisions 327 shown in FIGS. As such, the axial division 327 may be adjacent to an axial gap 330 within the generally cylindrical body 310. In other embodiments, the axial division 327 is not contiguous with the axial gap 330 within the generally cylindrical body 310. It may be adjacent.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the bearing 300 includes a central shaft 3000 to the inner radial end 306, and I R is ≧1 mm, such as ≧5 mm, ≧10 mm, ≧15 mm, ≧20 mm, or ≧50 mm. The inner radius IR can be ≦50 mm, ≦25 mm, ≦10 mm, ≦5 mm, or The inner radius IR may be ≦100 mm, such as ≦1 mm. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 has an overall diameter of between about 2 and 50 mm. The bearing 300 may have an inner radius IR between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. It will be appreciated that the inner radius IR may be in the range between Bearing 300 may have any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. It will further be appreciated that the inner radius IR may be 0.015 or 0.15.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the bearing 300 includes a central shaft 3000 to the outer radial end 307, and R is ≥ 1, such as ≥ 5 mm, ≥ 10 mm, ≥ 20 mm, ≥ 40 mm, or ≥ 70 mm. The outer radius OR can be ≦100mm, ≦75mm, ≦50mm, ≦25mm The overall outer radius OR may be ≦125 mm, such as ≦10 mm. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may have a diameter of approximately 3 to 60 mm. The bearing 300 may have an overall outer radius OR between the minimum of The outer radius of the sphere may be in the range between either 0.01 and 0.11, or the ... It will be understood that the bearing 300 may have a value between any of the minimum values ​​and any of the maximum values ​​listed above. It will be further appreciated that the outer radius OR may be any value between . Furthermore, as described above, the radial width W of the flange 322 RF is the outer radius OR and the inner radius I It can be a distance based on the difference in distance to R.

[0032] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the bearing 300 includes a first The axial end 303 may have an overall height H from the second axial end 305, where H is Can be ≧0.5 mm, ≧1 mm, ≧2 mm, ≧5 mm, ≧10 mm, or ≧50 mm The height H is ≦5, such as ≦250mm, ≦150mm, ≦100mm, or ≦50mm. In some embodiments, the bearing 300 may have a total length of between about 5 and 50 mm. The bearing 300 can have a high H. The bearing 300 can have any of the above minimum values ​​and any of the above maximum values. It will be appreciated that the bearing 300 may have an overall height H that may range between and a total height H, which may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​of It will be further understood.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one flange 32, as shown in FIG. 3B, 2 are adjacent to the axial ends 303, 305 of the generally cylindrical body 310 of the bearing 300, and then In one embodiment, the flange 322 may extend perpendicular to the generally cylindrical body 310. In other embodiments, the flange 322 may be positioned to protrude from the generally cylindrical body 310. In some embodiments, the flange 322 may be disposed to project at a non-perpendicular angle. An angle α can be formed with the cylindrical body 310 (and the central axis direction 3000). The angle α can be expressed as follows: The angle α may be in the range of at least 0° to 180°. The angle α may be greater than or equal to 45°, greater than or equal to 55°, or The angle α may be 30° or more, such as 85° or more. The angle α may be 135° or less, 120° or less, It may be 150° or less, such as 90° or less, or 60° or less. In this case, the angle α can range from 60° to 120°.

[0034] 3A-3C, bearing 300 generally comprises one or more flanges. The flange 322 may have a multi-wall structure that defines side walls 342, 344. In one embodiment, the first axial end 303 of the bearing 300 is formed by flanged side walls 342, 344. Alternatively, the second axial end 305 of the bearing may include a flange 322 having a flange Alternatively, the bearing may include a flange 322 having side walls 342, 344. The ends 303, 305 may include a flange 322 having flanged sidewalls 342, 344. As used herein, "multi-wall construction" refers to a structure that includes multiple flange side walls that overlap one another. In one embodiment, multiple side walls contact each other. The multi-wall structure is the bearing 300 A line extending axially parallel to the central axis 3000 of the 342, 344. In other words, the flange 322 can be folded over on itself to form multiple flanges. The flange sidewalls 342, 344 may form one of the sidewalls 308. More specifically, the flange side walls 342, 344 The axial end of the side wall 308 is folded toward the opposite axial end of the side wall 308. According to one or more embodiments, the flange sidewall may be at least partially formed by the flange sidewall. 342, 344 are at least one of the first axial end 303 or the second axial end 305. Alternatively, the flange side walls 342, 344 may be folded toward one side. 0 axial center 346.

[0035] The flange sidewalls 342, 344 include, for example, a substrate 1119 and a low friction layer 1104. In an embodiment that may be formed from the composite material 1000, the preform may be formed from one separate flange. side walls 342, 444. The multi-wall structure is comprised of three axially adjacent flange side walls. , four axially adjacent flange sidewalls, five axially adjacent flange sidewalls, or even In one embodiment, the multi-wall structure may include six axially adjacent flange side walls. The flange side walls are axially adjacent to each other and are not more than five, or the flange side walls are axially adjacent to each other and are not more than three. In one embodiment, the bearing may include ten or fewer axially adjacent flange sidewalls, such as ten or fewer axially adjacent flange sidewalls. 300, the flange side walls 342, 344 are at least 25% of the radial length of the flange 322. %, for example, along at least 50% of the radial length of flange 322 at least 60% of the radial length of the flange 322, and at least 70% of the radial length of the flange 322 along at least 80% of the radial length of flange 322, or along 5% of the radial length of flange 322 They may have multiple walls that are in contact with each other for at least 85% of their radial length. In another embodiment, the bearing 300 has flange sidewalls 342, 344 extending radially outward from the flange 322. along less than 100% of the axial length, e.g., 99% or less of the axial length, the diameter of flange 322 98% or less of the radial length, 97% or less of the radial length of the flange 322, 96% of the radial length 95% or less of the radial length of the flange 322, or 9% or less of the radial length of the flange 322 In some embodiments, the walls may be multi-walled, so that even 0% or less of the walls may be in contact with each other. The flange 322 has flange side walls 342, 344 that extend along at least one side of the circumference of the bearing 300. 80°, for example at least 210° of the circumference of the bearing 300, 240° of the circumference of the bearing 300 , 270° of the circumference of the bearing 300, 300° of the circumference of the bearing 300, or They may have multi-wall construction so that they can contact each other around up to 360°.

[0036] In one embodiment, at least one of the flange sidewalls 342, 344 of the flange 322 can define at least one compression feature having a spring effect, i.e., The side walls 342, 344 provide a connection between the inner and outer components, e.g., between the shaft and the bolt. In one embodiment, the spring effect can be , may be derived from the material properties of the sidewall 308, including the material properties of the flange sidewalls 342, 344. do.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, flange 322 may be approximately 0.75 Between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, between about 1.5 mm and about 4 mm Thickness T between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, such as RF It is possible to have In some embodiments, the flange 322 has a thickness T between about 0.7 and 5 mm. RF Having The flange 322 may be in a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. The thickness T may be within the range RF It will be appreciated that the flange 322 may have the above The thickness T, which can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values RF may have It will be further understood that the thickness T of the flange 322 RF is around the periphery of the bearing 300 It will also be understood that the temperature may vary.

[0038] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the generally cylindrical body 310 has a diameter At least one coined area 366 may be oriented in a direction. Region 366 may provide greater stiffness to the generally cylindrical body 310 or flange 322. In some embodiments, the coined region 366 may be formed on the generally cylindrical body 310 or the flange 322. and providing a retractable support for easy assembly and rigid support for at least one of the The coined region 366 has at least one ridge, depression, groove, indentation, plateau, or The coined area 366 may have a circular, polygonal, elliptical, or other shape. In some embodiments, the coined region 366 may have a cross-sectional shape that is circular or semicircular. may be disposed on the generally cylindrical body 310. In some embodiments, the coined region 366 may include: It may be disposed at an axial distance between the first axial end 303 and the second axial end 305 . In some embodiments, the coined region 366 is located at the first axial end 303 or the second axial end 304. In other words, the coined region 366 may be located along the circumference of the generally cylindrical body 310. In one embodiment, coined region 366 is in the shape of a radial deformation. As a result, the generally cylindrical body 310 may be aligned with the central axis of the bearing 300, as shown in FIG. 3A. 3000. The coined region 366 may be radially outward from a line parallel to the central axis 3000. It can be deformed outward or radially inward.

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 3B, the coined area 366 has a height H CR To have Height H CR is the height H of the bearing 300 and is ≧0.25H, ≧0.20H, ≧0.1 5H, ≧0.10H, or ≧0.05H, etc. CR ≧0.3H, etc. In another embodiment, the height H CR ≦0.45H, ≦0.40H, ≦0 .35H, ≦0.30H, ≦0.25H, ≦0.20H, ≦0.15H, ≦0.10H, or may be ≦0.5H, such as ≦0.01H. CR is the center It may vary around the axis 3000 and around the circumference of the bearing 300 .

[0040] In some embodiments, the sidewall 308 of the bearing 300 or the bearing itself may include a low friction layer 1104 or The low friction material is formed on at least one of the radially inner surface 314 and the radially outer surface 312 of the sidewall 308. In some embodiments, the metal layer may be coated to cover at least one metal layer. The sidewall 308 of the bearing 300 may include at least one conductive region 380. The conductive region 380 may not include a low friction layer 1104 or low friction material. , may allow electrical conductivity between the bearing 300 and one of the other components of the assembly. 380 may include multiple conductive regions. In one embodiment, conductive region 380 is formed on sidewall 30 8. In one embodiment, the conductive region 380 is formed on the sidewall 30. 8. In one embodiment, the conductive region 380 may include an inner conductive region 384. The conductive region 380 may include both an inner conductive region 384 and an outer conductive region 382. The conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382, ​​is at least partially made of a low friction material / layer 1104. and may include a modified notch recessed radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall 308. In some embodiments, the conductive region 380, the inner conductive region 384, or the outer conductive region At least one of the regions 382 may expose the substrate 1119. In this case, "radially inner" refers to the outer radial end 307 (e.g., the radially inner surface of the sidewall 308). 314) from the first axial end 303 to the second axial end 308 facing the bore 350 As used herein, "diameter" may be defined as the inner sidewall 308 of the bearing 300. "External" refers to the outer sidewall 308 of the bearing 300 extending from the outer radial end 307 (e.g., The wall 308 has a radially outer surface 312 extending from the first axial end 303 to the second axial end 308. In some embodiments, the conductive At least one of region 380, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 The low-friction layer 1104 or low-friction material is at least partially absent, and the low-friction layer 1104 is radially extending from the sidewall 308. In some embodiments, the conductive region 3 may include a protrusion extending radially inward or radially outward. At least one of the conductive regions 80, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 may be a low friction layer. 1104 or at least partially free of low friction material, and extending radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall 308 In at least one embodiment, the conductive region 3 may include a deformation notch that recedes outward in the direction of the arrow B. At least one of the conductive regions 80, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 is approximately The cylindrical body 310 may be disposed along the cylindrical body 310 .

[0041] Conductive region 380, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 may be cut, scarred, or otherwise removed. Diving, stamping, pressing, punching, sawing, deep drawing, chamfering 10. The composite material 1000 may be formed through a machining process, which may include the use of milling. In some embodiments, the conductive region 38 may be machined. 0, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 may be formed by a single operating process or multiple processes. By way of non-limiting example, a generally cylindrical mold may be formed using a die cut. The mold body 310 is plastically deformed either radially inward or outward to expose the substrate 1119. The conductive area 380 can be created by removing the low friction material that causes the conductive area 380 to be in contact with the surface of the conductive material.

[0042] Conductive region 380, inner conductive region 384, or outer conductive region 382 may be 0.5 mm 2 More than 1mm 2 More than 5mm 2 Above, 25mm 2 or more, or 50 mm 2 Above and so on, 0. 1mm 2 The surface area of ​​the bearing sidewall 308 may be greater than or equal to 100 mm. The conductive region 384 or outer conductive region 382 is 100 mm 2 Below, 50mm 2 Below, 2 5mm 2 Below, 10mm 2 Less than or equal to 1 mm 2 200mm or less 2 Axis that can be: The surface area of ​​the receiving wall 308 may include the conductive region 380, the inner conductive region 384, or the outer conductive region 386. The conductive region 382 may be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. It will be appreciated that the surface area of ​​the wall 308 may include the conductive area 380, the inner conductive The conductive region 384 or outer conductive region 382 may be between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​listed above. It will further be appreciated that the surface area of ​​the bearing sidewall 308 may be any value.

[0043] In some embodiments, bearing 300 may be included in assembly 2000, as described above. The assembly 2000 may further include an internal component, such as a shaft 28. The assembly 2000 may further include outer components such as a housing 30. The assembly 2000 may include inner components The element may include a bearing 300 disposed radially between the element and the outer component. In the example, bearing 300 is attached to the inner structure such that the bearing surrounds the inner component or shaft 28. The bearing 300 may be disposed between the outer component 28 and the outer component 30. The bearing 300 may be disposed radially around the sidewall 308. A substrate 1119 and low friction material 110 extend along the inner facing surface 314 and the radially outer surface 312. The sidewall 308 may have a generally cylindrical body 310 and a generally cylindrical body 312. 310 adjacent to the axial ends 303, 305 and extending from the axial ends 303, 305. The flange 322 may have at least one flange 322. The flange 322 may have a diameter A plurality of flange sidewalls 342, 344 contacting each other along at least 25% of their longitudinal length. 4, and / or the sidewalls 308 may have a multi-wall structure including the outer conductive region 38. 2 and inner conductive region 384.

[0044] 4 and 5 show examples of hinges for automobile door hinges, hood hinges, engine compartment hinges, etc. 2 shows an assembly 2000 in the form of an exemplary hinge 400. The hinge 400 has an inner component The hinge region 28 may include an inner hinge region 402 and an outer hinge region 404 . The hinge regions 402 and 404 are connected to the outer component 30 (such as rivets 406 and 408) as well as and bearings 410 and 412. Bearings 410 and 412 are 5 shows the hinge 400. 4 shows a cross section of the rivet 408 and bearing 412 in more detail.

[0045] 6 shows an assembly 2000 in the form of another exemplary hinge 600. 0 is a first hinge region 602 attached by a pin 606 and a bearing 608 The hinge region 604 may comprise two hinge regions 604. The bearing 608 may be any of the bearings previously described herein. , 300.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a portion of an automobile door hinge, including a bearing 704. 20 is a non-limiting example of an assembly 2000 in the form of another embodiment of the hinge assembly 700 with components. Figure 7 shows an example of a profile hinge. Bearing 704 supports the hinge door. The bearing 704 may be inserted into the bearing portion 706 as previously described herein and labeled 300. The rivet 708 secures the door portion 706 of the hinge to the hinge periphery. The rivet 708 is connected to the cylindrical body portion 710 by a set screw 712. The door portion 706 of the hinge is secured to the cylindrical body portion 710 through a washer 702. The device can be held in a fixed position.

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary headset assembly 800 for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The steering tube 802 is inserted through the head tube 804. Bearings 806 and 808 maintain alignment between the steering tube 802 and the head tube 804. The bearing 8 may be located between the steering tube 802 and the head tube 804 to support the steering tube 802 and prevent contact. 06 and 808 may be the bearing previously described herein and labeled 300. Additionally, seals 810 and 812 prevent dust and other particulate matter from entering the sliding surfaces of the bearings. This can prevent dirt from getting in the way.

[0048] All such assemblies described above are exemplary and other possible assemblies may be used. It is not intended to limit the use of bearing 300. For example, bearing 300 may be used in a moving For force transmission assembly applications (belt tensioners, etc.) or other assemblies with limited space The assembly 2000 may be used in a variety of applications.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bearing 300 is at least axially spaced relative to the inner or outer component. at least 0.01 mm, for example at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or even at least 5 mm, "Axial tolerance compensation" refers to the fact that the flange 322 of the bearing 300 It may be defined as the distance that provides for axial adjustment of size between adjacent axial components. do.

[0050] A method of forming the bearing 300 may include providing a blank. A preform including a substrate 1119 and a blanket including a low friction layer 1104 covering the substrate 1119. The method may further include forming the bearing 300 from a blank. The bearing may have a sidewall 308 and the low friction material 1104 may be formed on a radially inner surface of the sidewall 308. 314 and radially outer surface 312, and the sidewall further comprises a generally cylindrical body 310 and a generally and a flange 322 adjacent to and extending from the axial end of the cylindrical body 310. 1) flanges 322 are in contact with each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flanges; It may have a multi-wall construction including two or more adjacent flange side walls 342, 344. The sidewall 308 includes an outer conductive region 382 and an inner conductive region 384, or at least At least one side.

[0051] In some embodiments, the assembly 2000 may be coated using a coating process. The coating process may include a painting process, such as an electronic painting process. The coating process may be performed on at least one component of the assembly 2000 (e.g., Coating 9 deposited on the outer surface of bearing 300, inner component 28, outer component 30 In some embodiments, a bearing including an outer conductive region and an inner conductive region may be provided. The coating helps to secure the assembly by providing adequate electrical conductivity between the individual components. 000 components. For example, a multi-wall structure a flange 322 having a hexagonal wall construction, and / or an outer The bearing 300 has a sidewall 308 including an outer conductive region 382 and an inner conductive region 384. Provides electrical conductivity between the car door (outer component 30) and the rest of the car body (inner component 28). It is possible.

[0052] Applications of such embodiments include, for example, assemblies 1000 for hinges and other vehicle components. Furthermore, the use of bearing 300 or assembly 2000 is not limited to these. However, vehicle rear doors, door frames, seat assemblies, power transmission applications (belt tensioners, etc.), This can increase the benefits in some applications, as well as in other types of applications. According to an embodiment of the specification, the flange of the bearing is In comparison, it can allow for a desired axial preload and improved axial tolerance compensation. Furthermore, according to embodiments herein, the bearings may be used to maintain the integrity of the assembly without generating excessive debris. Providing adequate electrical conductivity between different components of an assembly for efficient coating / electronic painting Additionally, according to embodiments herein, the bearings may be easy to install and may not require retrofitting. can be cost-effectively implemented across several possible assemblies of varying complexity. As a result, these designs can lead to noise, harshness, ineffective paint designs, and The torque performance is improved while the vibration characteristics are significantly reduced, thereby extending the life of the The effectiveness and performance of the assembly, bearings, and other components of the assembly may be improved.

[0053] Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of these aspects and embodiments are described below. Those skilled in the art will understand, after reading this specification, that such aspects and embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. It will be understood that the examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. The present invention may be based on any one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] "Example 1" BEARING HAVING A SIDEWALL HAVING AN OPEN METAL SUBSTRATE AT LEAST PARTIALLY EMBEDDED IN A LOW-FRICTION MATERIAL - Patent application the sidewall further comprises a generally cylindrical body and a generally cylindrical body adjacent an axial end thereof and extending in an axial direction; and a flange extending from the end, wherein 1) the flange has a radial length of at least Also has a multi-wall structure with multiple flange side walls that contact each other along 25% or 2) the sidewall or flange has an outer conductive region and an inner conductive region. At least one of them is the bearing.

[0055] "Example 2" an inner component, an outer component, and a radially disposed component between the inner and outer components; and a bearing at least partially embedded in a low friction material. a sidewall having an open metal substrate embedded therein, the sidewall further comprising a generally cylindrical body; and a flange adjacent to and extending from the axial end of the flange, a plurality of flange sidewalls in contact with one another along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange; or 2) a sidewall or flange has an outer conductive region and an inner and / or a conductive region.

[0056] "Example 3" Providing a blank having an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material. and forming a bearing from the blank, wherein the bearing is a side wall adjacent to the generally cylindrical body and an axial end of the generally cylindrical body, the side wall extending from the axial end; and a flange extending from the flange, wherein 1) the flange is at least 25% of the radial length of the flange. %. ... 2) the sidewall or flange has an outer conductive region and an inner conductive region, At least one way.

[0057] Example 4 At least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is made of at least a low friction material. and a deformation notch recessed radially inward or radially outward from the side wall. 10. The bearing, assembly, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0058] "Example 5" At least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is made of at least a low friction material. and having a protrusion extending radially inward or radially outward from the side wall. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of the embodiments.

[0059] "Example 6" 10. The bearing assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the low friction material covers a surface of the substrate. Or method.

[0060] "Example 7" 7. The bearing of embodiment 6, wherein the low-friction material covers both the radially outer surface and the radially inner surface of the substrate. , assembly, or method.

[0061] "Example 8" Any of the previous embodiments, wherein the substrate comprises a woven metal mesh or expanded metal. 1. A bearing, assembly, or method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0062] "Example 9" The substrate metal may be from the group bronze, copper, aluminum, meshing, or stainless steel. The bearing, assembly, or method of Example 8, wherein the bearing, assembly, or method is selected from the group consisting of:

[0063] "Example 10" 10. The bearing assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer. Or method.

[0064] "Example 11" At least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is located on the generally cylindrical body. 2. The bearing, assembly, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0065] "Example 12" at least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is located on the flange; 10. The bearing, assembly, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0066] "Example 13" At least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region exposes the substrate. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0067] "Example 14" The generally cylindrical body is at least partially disposed between the first axial end and the second axial end of the bearing. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, having a gap extending longitudinally. Law.

[0068] "Example 15" 10. A bearing, assembly, or a bearing assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flange has a split portion. method.

[0069] "Example 16" 10. The shaft of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multi-wall structure has two flanged side walls. receiver, assembly, or method.

[0070] "Example 17" The multi-wall structure may have at least four flanged side walls or even at least five flanged side walls. 17. The bearing assembly of claim 16, having at least three flanged side walls, such as side walls. Or method.

[0071] "Example 18" A multi-wall structure may have five or fewer flanged side walls, such as four or fewer flanged side walls, or even three or fewer flanged side walls. 17. The bearing, assembly, or method of claim 16, having no more than two flange sidewalls.

[0072] "Example 19" The flange has a multi-wall structure around at least 180° of the circumference of the bearing. A bearing, assembly, or method according to any one of the examples.

[0073] "Example 20" Any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flange has a generally planar outermost axial surface. The bearing, assembly, or method as described.

[0074] "Example 21" The flange of any of the preceding embodiments is formed with a low friction material facing the outermost axial surface. A bearing, assembly, or method according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0075] "Example 22" The substrate has a low friction material extending along at least a portion of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: bearing, assembly, or method.

[0076] Not all of the above features are required, and certain feature areas may not be required. It should be noted that one or more features may be provided in addition to the features just described. Additionally, the order in which the features are described is not necessarily the order in which the features are introduced.

[0077] For clarity, some features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be combined. They may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment also can be used separately or in any subcombination. This can be realized by combining

[0078] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any benefits, advantages, or solutions that result Any feature that can be made more pronounced or that can be made more pronounced is included in any claim. These should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features of the device.

[0079] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments provided herein provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specifications and illustrations are intended to provide a basis for the use of the structures or methods described herein. It serves as a comprehensive and comprehensive description of all elements and features of the devices and systems Separate embodiments may also be combined in a single embodiment. Conversely, various embodiments may be implemented in the context of only one embodiment, for the sake of brevity. The features may also be implemented separately or in any subcombination. A reference to a range of values ​​includes any value within that range. Those skilled in the art will recognize many other Some embodiments may become apparent only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used, and this Structural substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made from the disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Logical substitutions or arbitrary modifications may be made. Accordingly, this disclosure is to be construed as illustrative and not restrictive. should be considered as such.

Claims

1. A bearing, The bearing has a sidewall having an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low-friction material, the low-friction material covering a surface of the metal substrate and forming a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface of the sidewall, the sidewall comprising: a generally cylindrical body; a flange adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body; a flange having a multi-wall structure at least partially formed by folding an axial end of the side wall toward an opposite axial end of the side wall, the flange having a plurality of flange side walls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange and not more than 95% of the radial length of the flange, the flange side walls contact each other such that the flange side walls are stacked in the axial direction, and the flange is located at an axial end of the bearing; or, a bearing comprising at least one of: 1) the flange having a multi-wall structure at least partially formed by folding an axial end of the side wall toward an opposite axial end of the side wall, the flange having a plurality of flange side walls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange and not more than 95% of the radial length of the flange, the flange side walls contact each other such that the flange side walls are stacked in the axial direction, and the flange is located at an axial end of the bearing; or 2) the generally cylindrical body or the flange includes outer and inner conductive regions that expose an open metal substrate and are recessed radially inward or radially outward from the low friction material of the side wall, the open metal substrate comprising iron, copper, titanium, bronze, tin, nickel, or an alloy thereof.

2. an inner component; an outer component; a bearing disposed radially between the inner and outer components; An assembly having: The bearing has a sidewall having an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low-friction material, the low-friction material covering a surface of the metal substrate and forming a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface of the sidewall, the sidewall comprising: a generally cylindrical body; a flange adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body; an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and an axial end of the flange that is recessed from the low-friction material of the sidewall; and

3. providing a blank having an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material; forming a bearing from the blank; A method comprising: The bearing is a sidewall having an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low-friction material, the low-friction material covering a surface of the metal substrate and forming a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface of the sidewall; a generally cylindrical body; a flange adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body; a flange having a multi-wall structure at least partially formed by folding an axial end of the side wall toward an opposite axial end of the side wall, the flange having a plurality of flange side walls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange and not more than 95% of the radial length of the flange, the flange side walls contact each other such that the flange side walls are stacked in the axial direction, and the flange is located at an axial end of the bearing; or, a method of at least one of: 1) the flange has a multi-wall structure at least partially formed by folding an axial end of the side wall toward an opposite axial end of the side wall, the flange having a plurality of flange side walls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange and not more than 95% of the radial length of the flange, the flange side walls contact each other such that the flange side walls are stacked in the axial direction, and the flange is located at an axial end of the bearing; or 2) the generally cylindrical body or the flange includes outer and inner conductive regions that expose an open metal substrate and are recessed radially inward or radially outward from the low friction material of the side wall, the open metal substrate comprising iron, copper, titanium, bronze, tin, nickel, or an alloy thereof.

4. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substrate comprises a woven metal mesh or expanded metal.

5. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer.

6. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flange has a multi-wall construction around at least 180° of the circumference of the bearing.

7. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flange is formed with the low friction material facing its outermost axial surface.

8. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substrate is fully embedded in the low friction material such that the low friction material extends along at least a portion of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the substrate.

9. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region has a deformation notch.

10. 4. The bearing, assembly, or method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is at least partially free of low friction material and has a protrusion extending radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall.

11. 4. A bearing, assembly or method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is located on the generally cylindrical body.

12. 4. The bearing, assembly or method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer conductive region or the inner conductive region is located on the flange (322).

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