초록 ▼

A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which can include hydrostatic support features. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The bearings may have hydrostatic and active control attributes and is very attractive in

A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which can include hydrostatic support features. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The bearings may have hydrostatic and active control attributes and is very attractive in cryogenic applications where it is very difficult to prevent leakage in conventional hydrostatic tilt pad bearings. The hydrostatic feed through the post eliminates this problem completely and prevents the fretting at the pivots common with conventional tilt pad bearings. A cavity provided under a pad support membrane can be used as an active control device. The pressure can cause the bearing set or assembly clearance to be reduced thus providing better damping and centering capability. The preload in the pad can be actively controlled in this manner. The pad has a limiting device to prevent a negative pre-load condition from occurring. This active control of bearing clearance can allow bearings to operate at large spreads in temperatures.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In an assembly that includes a shaft and a supply of liquid, a fluid film bearing for pressurizing the liquid so as to support the shaft for rotation on a pressurized liquid film, the bearing comprising: a plurality of substantially circumferential bearing pads spaced abo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In an assembly that includes a shaft and a supply of liquid, a fluid film bearing for pressurizing the liquid so as to support the shaft for rotation on a pressurized liquid film, the bearing comprising: a plurality of substantially circumferential bearing pads spaced about the shaft, each of the bearing pads having a shaft support surface; a bearing housing extending radially outside the bearing pads and encircling the bearing pads; at least one support member extending between one of the pads and the bearing housing so as to support the pad for movement, the support member comprising a radially outermost portion secured to the bearing housing, a radially innermost portion secured to the bearing pad and a central portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion, whereby, under load, the support member bends so that the pad moves relative to the shaft, and a hydrostatic feed passage formed in the bearing and providing communication between a supply of pressurized fluid and the bearing pad shaft support surface.