초록 ▼

A series of axially stacked rolling bearing assemblies for transmitting axial thrust load between relative rotating cylinders, such as in a fluid powered downhole motor, is provided with the bearing races of each assembly formed from a bearing material significantly softer than the balls thereof so

A series of axially stacked rolling bearing assemblies for transmitting axial thrust load between relative rotating cylinders, such as in a fluid powered downhole motor, is provided with the bearing races of each assembly formed from a bearing material significantly softer than the balls thereof so as to readily wear to a condition wherein the thrust load is generally equally distributed throughout each assembly within the stack.

대표청구항 ▼

In a drilling tool having an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member in radial spaced relation therewith, and bearing means for supporting said members for relative rotation and transmitting thrust load therebetween, said bearing means comprising: a plurality of axially stacked rolling

In a drilling tool having an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member in radial spaced relation therewith, and bearing means for supporting said members for relative rotation and transmitting thrust load therebetween, said bearing means comprising: a plurality of axially stacked rolling bearing assemblies, each assembly comprising an inner race attached to said inner member and an outer race attached to said outer member and rolling means disposed for rolling engagement with said races; and means for distributing the thrust load on said rolling means of certain of said rolling bearing assemblies generally equally, said means comprising: at least one of the races of each certain assembly being formed of a bearing material significantly softer than said rolling means whereby, whichever of said certain bearing assemblies that is subjected to the initial thrust load is readily worn to a condition that distributes the load to the certain assembly next subjected to the greatest thrust load which in turn is worn in accordance with the load received so that the wear of the races of each said assembly promotes equal distribution of the load therebetween.