Axial-radial slide bearing having polymer slide elements and corresponding slide element

Abstract

An axial-radial sliding bearing with polymer sliding elements includes a first bearing race and a second bearing race, which are rotatable oppositely to each other about a bearing shaft, wherein the second bearing race defines a substantially U-shaped cross section for receiving the first bearing race at least in certain regions. The sliding elements are made from tribopolymer and are arranged between the first and the second bearing races. The sliding elements each have a substantially L-shaped cross section comprising an axial region having axial sliding surfaces and a radial region having radial sliding surfaces. The radial region of the sliding elements includes at least one hinge connection, which connects two segments of the radial region in a flexible manner and so as to be movable oppositely to each other. A sliding element may include at least one such hinge connection in the radial region of the sliding element.