Low axial stiffness thrust bearing
US4438339A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1981 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C32/0692
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A low axial stiffnesss thrust bearing is disclosed. The thrust bearing includes a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein and a generally cylindrical thrust collar located coaxially within the space. The axial length of the cylindrical space is sufficiently greater than the axial length of the thrust collar to permit the thrust collar to move axially within the cylindrical space over a predetermined distance and to insure that first and second fluid chambers are formed on opposite sides of the thrust collar when the thrust collar is located centrally within the cylindrical space. A fluid circuit supplies fluid under pressure to the first and second chambers in such a manner that the fluid attempts to maintain the thrust collar at a predetermined axial location within the space even when external thrust forces are placed on the thrust collar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.