Bearing arrangement

Abstract

In order to accommodate loading in a number of situations such as with regard to thrusts in a gas turbine engine it is known to provide thrust bearings. These thrust bearings can be large and may be difficult to accommodate. By providing a duplex or multiplex thrust bearing which may be of increased axial length but reduced radial width easier accommodation may be achieved. By providing a thrust element 27 which compromises a balance beam from which extend elastic hinges to a mounting to a fixed bearing frame and ends of bearing races 21, 22 an appropriate thrust response can be achieved dependent upon bearing loads presented through bearing elements 23, 24. By rotation of the balance beam and flexing of the elastic hinges 30, 31, 32 an appropriate bearing load share is achieved.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.