Bearing system including lubricant circulation and cooling apparatus
US6264003A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16N39/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bearing system includes a lubricant circulation apparatus to provide a continuous supply of a cooled lubricant fluid to a bearing device. The bearing device may be a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a bearing housing defining a sump for maintaining lubricant fluid therein. The bearing sump is in fluid communication with a reservoir which maintains a supply of lubricant. A pump communicates with the reservoir to draw a desired quantity of lubricant fluid therefrom and deliver it to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger uses an existing source of air from an operative pump motor to increase the air circulation through the cooling fins of the heat exchanger. The cooled lubricant is thereafter delivered to the bearing inlet and provides a cooler operating environment for the bearing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.