Combination hydrodynamic and rolling bearing system
US8016554B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2360/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a hybrid bearing which will have the advantages of ball bearings as well as hydrodynamic oil films. The present invention is a hybrid bearing assembly for a turbocharger unit, having an inner race track with a series of grooves, and one or more roller balls located in the grooves of the inner race track. There is also an outer race track having a series of grooves for receiving the one or more roller balls, where the outer race track circumscribes the inner race track. The hybrid bearing also includes a sleeve made from an established tribological material located inside the inner race track, with a shaft located inside the sleeve. A hydrodynamic oil film is located between the sleeve and the shaft, wherein the hydrodynamic oil film allows the shaft to spin at greater speeds than the inner race track.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.