초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a copper base alloy suitable for use in bearing structures. The copper base alloy consists of from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %, preferably from about 50 wt % to about 60 wt %, silver and the balance essentially copper. The copper base alloy is advantageously appli

The present invention relates to a copper base alloy suitable for use in bearing structures. The copper base alloy consists of from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %, preferably from about 50 wt % to about 60 wt %, silver and the balance essentially copper. The copper base alloy is advantageously applied to a surface of a component used in the bearing structure such as a surface of a bushing.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A bearing structure comprising: a component and a coating applied to a surface of said component; and said coating being formed by a copper base alloy consisting of from about 15 wt % to 90 wt % silver and the balance essentially copper. 2. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein

1. A bearing structure comprising: a component and a coating applied to a surface of said component; and said coating being formed by a copper base alloy consisting of from about 15 wt % to 90 wt % silver and the balance essentially copper. 2. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein said silver content in said copper base alloy is in a range from about 50 wt % to 60 wt %. 3. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein said component is formed from a metallic material. 4. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein said component is formed from an iron based alloy. 5. A bearing structure according to claim 1, further comprising a journal pin and said component comprising a bushing surrounding said journal pin. 6. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein said coating has a thickness in the range of from an amount sufficient to entrap metallic particles to about 0.1 inches. 7. A bearing structure according to claim 6, wherein said coating thickness is in the range of from about 30 microns to 100 microns. 8. A bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein said copper base alloy has an incipient melting temperature of at least about 779° C. 9. A method for forming a bearing structure comprising: providing a bearing component; and applying a layer of a copper base alloy consisting of from about 15 wt % to 90 wt % silver and the balance essentially copper to a surface of said bearing component. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises applying a layer of a copper base alloy consisting of from about 50 wt % to 60 wt % silver and the balance essentially copper to said surface of said bearing component. 11. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises sputtering said copper base alloy onto said surface of said bearing component. 12. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises depositing said copper base alloy onto said surface of said bearing component using an electron beam physical vapor deposition technique. 13. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises using an electrochemical technique to apply said copper base alloy to said surface of said bearing component. 14. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises using a chemical technique to apply said copper base alloy to said surface of said bearing component. 15. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises applying said copper base alloy to said surface using an electron jet process. 16. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises applying a layer of said copper base alloy having a thickness less than 0.1 inches on said surface. 17. A method according to claim 9, wherein said applying step comprises applying a layer of said copper base alloy having a thickness in the range of from about 30 to 100 microns on said surface. 18. A journal bearing comprising: a journal pin; a bushing surround the journal pin; and a coating on a surface of said bushing, said coating comprising a copper base alloy consisting of from about 15 wt % to 90 wt % silver and the balance essentially copper. 19. A journal bearing according to claim 18, wherein said silver content of said copper base alloy is in the range of from about 50 wt % to about 60 wt %. 20. A journal bearing according to claim 18, wherein said coating has a thickness sufficient to entrap metal particles.