Hydrodynamic bearings having beam mounted bearing pads and sealed bearing assemblies including the same
US5660481A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C17/065
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrodynamic thrust, journal or combined radial and thrust bearing which may be mounted within a sealed housing assembly which can be, for example, be used to replace rolling element bearings. The bearing can be designed for mounting to either the shaft or housing. If mounted for rotation with the shaft, the bearing pads move relative to a smooth support surface. The bearing includes a bearing pad structure that may change shape and move in any direction (six degrees of freedom) to optimize formation of a converging wedge for hydrodynamic operation, equalization of load on the bearing pads in thrust bearings and to adjust for any shaft misalignment. The bearing pad may be formed so as to contact the shaft in the installed state and to deflect under fluid film pressure. The pad is separated from the support member by a support structure which includes one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion. The beams allow deflection of the pad by either deflecting or twisting in a torsional mode. The bearing pad support structure may include portions which are fluid dampened. Al…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.