Bearing system with self-lubrication features, seals, grooves and slots for maintenance-free operation

Abstract

A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thrust bearing comprising:
 a first thrust plate having a first axially outwardly facing surface and a first axially inwardly facing surface;   a second thrust plate having a second axially outwardly facing surface and a second axially inwardly facing surface;   the first axially inwardly facing surface and the second axially inwardly facing surface arranged to face one another; and   a self-lubricating liner being secured to the second axially inwardly facing surface, wherein a portion of the self-lubricating liner slidingly engages the first axially inwardly facing surface.   
     
     
         2 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one bearing seal extending between the first thrust plate and the second thrust plate, wherein the seal is moveable with respect to at least one of the first thrust plate and the second thrust plate. 
     
     
         3 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the first axially facing surface has a surface roughness of Ra 16 to Ra 8. 
     
     
         4 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the first thrust plate comprises a first central opening extending therethrough and the second thrust plate comprises a second central opening extending therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . The thrust bearing of  claim 4 , further comprising an annular shaft seal disposed in at least one of the first central opening and the second central opening. 
     
     
         6 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the first thrust plate comprises an annular flange extending from a first radially outer portion of the first thrust plate and over a second outer portion of the second thrust plate. 
     
     
         7 . The thrust bearing of  claim 2 , wherein the first thrust plate comprises an annular flange extending from a first radially outer portion of the first thrust plate and over a second outer portion of the second thrust plate and wherein one of the at least one bearing seals extends between the annular flange and the second thrust plate. 
     
     
         8 . The thrust bearing of  claim 2 , wherein one of the at least one bearing seals is disposed on radially inner portions of the first thrust plate and the second thrust plate. 
     
     
         9 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the self-lubricating liner comprises at least one groove formed therein for collection of debris. 
     
     
         10 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the first thrust plate has a decreasing taper in a radially outward direction and the second thrust plate has in increasing taper in the radially outward direction. 
     
     
         11 . The thrust bearing of  claim 1 , wherein the first inwardly facing surface has an arcuate contour. 
     
     
         12 . The thrust bearing of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one bearing seal has a C-shaped cross having two legs extending therefrom and wherein at least one of the legs has a lubricious cup secured thereto.