Unitized liner hangar bearing
An axial bearing is designed to work in a liner hangar in which radial package space is at a premium. Rollers axially separate two washers. To hold the bearing together prior to installation, a sleeve radially surrounds the rollers and has tabs which fit into circumferential grooves in the washers. The sleeve may be metal or plastic.
1. A unitized axial bearing comprising:
a plurality of rollers axially separating two washers, each washer having a circumferential groove on a radially outer surface; and
a sleeve radially surrounding the washers and the rollers to radially retain the rollers, the sleeve having a plurality of inwardly directed tabs extending into the grooves of the washers to axially retain the washers;
wherein the sleeves defines at least one axial cut between respective tabs.
2. The unitized axial bearing of claim 1 wherein the rollers are cylinders.
3. The unitized axial bearing of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is made of sheet metal.
4. The unitized axial bearing of claim 3 wherein the inwardly directed tabs are formed by a punching operation.
5. The unitized axial bearing of claim 3 wherein the circumferential groove is V-shaped in cross section.
6. The unitized axial bearing of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is made of plastic.
7. A method of fabricating a unitized axial bearing comprising:
punching a steel sheet to form tabs;
rolling the steel sheet into a cylinder and welding it to form a sleeve;
providing two washers, each washer having a circumferential groove;
forcing the washers axially into opposite ends of the sleeve, the tabs springing into the grooves to axially retain the washers with respect to the sleeve; and
installing rollers between the washers.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising punching axial cuts into the sheet of steel.
9. The method of claim 7 further comprising heat treating the sleeve.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising placing the bearing on a false shaft for shipping.