US 6,460,635 B1 · Load responsive hydrodynamic bearing

Abstract

A load responsive hydrodynamic bearing is provided in the form of a thrust bearing or journal bearing for supporting, guiding and lubricating a relatively rotatable member to minimize wear thereof responsive to relative rotation under severe load. In the space between spaced relatively rotatable members and in the presence of a liquid or grease lubricant, one or more continuous ring shaped integral generally circular bearing bodies each define at least one dynamic surface and a plurality of support regions. Each of the support regions defines a static surface which is oriented in generally opposed relation with the dynamic surface for contact with one of the relatively rotatable members. A plurality of flexing regions are defined by the generally circular body of the bearing and are integral with and located between adjacent support regions. Each of the flexing regions has a first beam-like element being connected by an integral flexible hinge with one of the support regions and a second beam-like element having an integral flexible hinge connection with an adjacent support region. A least one local weakening geometry of the flexing region is located intermediate the first and second beam-like elements. In response to application of load from one of the relatively rotatable elements to the bearing, the beam-like elements and the local weakening geometry become flexed, causing the dynamic surface to deform and establish a hydrodynamic geometry for wedging lubricant into the dynamic interface.

Claims39

Dependent claims

A load responsive hydrodynamic bearing for supporting and guiding a relatively rotatable member, comprising:

(a) a continuous ring shaped body of generally circular form;
(b) at least one dynamic surface being defined by said body;
(c) a plurality of support regions being defined by said body, each of said support regions defining a static surface being oriented in generally opposed relation with said at least one dynamic surface;
(d) a plurality of flexing regions being defined by said body between adjacent support regions, each of said flexing regions having a first beam having a first hinge connection with one of said plurality of support regions a second beam having a second hinge connection with an adjacent one of said plurality of support regions;
and
(e) at least one local weakening geometry being defined by said body intermediate at least one of said flexing regions and defining a flexing knee region interconnecting said first and second beams.

3 more elements

A load responsive hydrodynamic bearing assembly for supporting, guiding and lubricating a first rotatable member supported by a second relatively rotatable member, comprising:

(a) first and second spaced relatively rotatable surfaces being defined by said first and second relatively rotatable members and having a lubricant within the space therebetween;
(b) a continuous ring shaped integral body of generally circular form being located between said first and second relatively rotatable surfaces;
(c) at least one dynamic surface being defined by said body and establishing a dynamic interface with said first relatively rotatable surface;
(d) a plurality of support regions being defined by said body, each of said support regions defining a static surface being oriented in generally opposed relation with said at least one dynamic surface and being disposed in supporting engagement with said second relatively rotatable surface;
(e) a plurality of flexing regions being defined by said body between adjacent support regions, each of said flexing regions having a first beam having a first hinge connection with one of said plurality of support regions a second beam having a second hinge connection with an adjacent one of said plurality of support regions, said first and second beams being flexed under load and defining localized hydrodynamic geometry at said at least one dynamic surface for wedging said lubricant into said dynamic interface;
and
(f) at least one local weakening geometry being defined by said body intermediate said at least one of said flexing regions and defining a flexing knee region interconnecting said first and second beams.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Load responsive hydrodynamic bearing

Life of this patent

Load responsive hydrodynamic bearing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims39