US 6,091,175 A · Self-centering rotor bearing assembly for submersible pump motors

Abstract

The invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a motor containing self-centering rotor bearing assemblies. Each rotor bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a sleeve, a journal, and at least two seals. The journal is preferably disposed about the sleeve which is keyed to the power transmission shaft of the motor. The journal has a peripheral surface which is configured to have at least two circumferential support regions which are spaced apart from one another. Each of these circumferential support regions supports a corresponding seal. Each seal includes an interface member and an activating member. When in place in a rotor section of a submersible pump motor, the seals frictionally engage the inner surface of the stator and exert a centering force against the journal and thus against the bearing sleeve and the power transmission shaft. The seals also exert a force against the inner surface of the stator which prevents rotation of the journal when the power transmission shaft is rotating.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A submersible pumping system comprising:

a pump;
a motor drivingly coupled to the pump, the motor including a rotating assembly and a non-rotating assembly, the non-rotating assembly including a self-centering rotor bearing assembly, the rotor bearing assembly including a journal configured to be disposed about a rotating member of the rotating assembly, the journal having a peripheral surface, the surface being configured to possess at least two circumferential support regions, the support regions being spaced apart from one another, and at least two seals, each seal including an interface member and an activating member, each seal being disposed in a corresponding support region and being configured to exert a force against the journal and against a non-rotating member of the non-rotating assembly disposed about the periphery of the journal;
and
a motor protector for separating an interior region of the motor from surrounding fluids.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-centering rotor bearing assembly for submersible pump motors

Life of this patent

Self-centering rotor bearing assembly for submersible pump motors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims34