摘要 |
<p>A unitized sealed thrust bearing includes two annular races with a complement of bearing balls therebetween. One race includes an axially inwardly extending central cylindrical flange and the other race includes a pair of elastomeric sealing lips, one bonded to the outer edge and one bonded to the inner edge. The central flange includes an unobstructed radially inwardly facing wall and a radially outwardly facing wall with a radially and axially inwardly facing sealing surface terminating in a radially outwardly extending rib. The inner sealing lip includes an outer sealing wall which slopes axially and radially inwardly at a greater angle than the sealing surface, in its undeformed state, and an axially inwardly facing shoulder at the terminus thereof. As the races are moved axially together during assembly, the sealing wall of the inner lip flexes as it slides past the rib and into engagement with the sealing surface, the shoulder moves adjacent the rib, and the outer sealing lip engages the other race. Axial movement of the races apart engages the shoulder with the rib to compress the inner lip and retain the races.</p> |