초록 ▼

An axial bearing includes a ring, pads and a base. Multiple, independent pads are orientated in a curved or circular configuration with respect to one another. The pads are retained by recesses in the base. If the pump is installed in a centrifugal pump, the base is preferably integrated into a fron

An axial bearing includes a ring, pads and a base. Multiple, independent pads are orientated in a curved or circular configuration with respect to one another. The pads are retained by recesses in the base. If the pump is installed in a centrifugal pump, the base is preferably integrated into a front impeller shroud. Each pad conforms in shape and size to a corresponding recess's shape and size. Each pad has a side which faces a face of the ring. Axial clearances between the base and the pads may be controlled by varying the pad heights. Fractured pads can potentially be retained in the recesses. The user may remove individual pads during repair and inspection of the axial bearing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [51.] A centrifugal pump comprising:a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet;a shaft located in the housing cavity;a radial bearing coaxially surrounding said shaft, the shaft and the radial bearing being rotatable with respect to one another;an impeller positioned to r

[ I claim:] [51.] A centrifugal pump comprising:a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet;a shaft located in the housing cavity;a radial bearing coaxially surrounding said shaft, the shaft and the radial bearing being rotatable with respect to one another;an impeller positioned to receive a fluid from the inlet and to exhaust a fluid to the outlet, the impeller cooperating with the shaft;an axial bearing coaxially located around said shaft, the axial bearing being associated with said impeller, the axial bearing having pads, a ring, and retaining means for retaining the pads; each of said pads having a first side and a second side; the ring having a first face; the first face being located adjacent to the first side of each pad; retaining means for retaining said pads restricting the radial movement of said pads, the second side of each pad disposed within said retaining means, said pads interlocking with said retaining means, the first side of each of said pads oriented substantially parallel to the first face the impeller having a front shroud; said retaining means comprising a set of pockets located in the front shroud; the pockets being arranged at an offset angle with respect to an imaginary circle which is concentric with an impeller periphery of the impeller.