초록 ▼

A radial bearing structure for radially supporting a turret (14) rotatably carried by a vessel (10) including a plurality of arcuately spaced radial bearing assemblies (74) for radially supporting a rail (38) about the circumference of the turret (14). Each radial bearing assembly (74) has a roller

A radial bearing structure for radially supporting a turret (14) rotatably carried by a vessel (10) including a plurality of arcuately spaced radial bearing assemblies (74) for radially supporting a rail (38) about the circumference of the turret (14). Each radial bearing assembly (74) has a roller (104) and a follower (94). A pair of concentric spring assemblies (92, 98) continuously urge follower (94) and roller (104) toward rail (38) so that roller (104) remains in contact with the rail (38) at all times. As shown in FIG. 7, inner springs (92) have reached maximum radial travel toward rail (38) and do not exert a radial force against follower (94) and roller (104). During maximum lateral movements of the turret (14), outer coil spring (98) forces follower (94) and roller (104) a distance (D) relative to and beyond inner springs (92) to maintain a spring loading against roller (104) for maintaining contact of roller (104) against rail (38). As shown in FIG. 8, the inner spring assembly may comprise an elastomer spring (92A) having a plurality of elastomeric pads (93A) separated by metal discs (95A).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a support structure carried by a vessel for supporting a substantially vertically aligned turret for rotation relative to said vessel, the turret having an outer annular rail secured about its outer circumference; a radial bearing assembly for said turret comprising:a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a support structure carried by a vessel for supporting a substantially vertically aligned turret for rotation relative to said vessel, the turret having an outer annular rail secured about its outer circumference; a radial bearing assembly for said turret comprising:a roller in contact with said annular rail;a roller frame supporting said roller for rotation on an inner end and having a follower on an opposed outer end;a pair of spring assemblies mounted on said support structure radially outward of said follower and operatively connected to said follower for continuously urging said roller into contact with said rail;means mounting one of said spring assemblies for urging said follower and roller in a radial direction toward said rail less than the maximum radial movement of said roller; andmeans mounting the other of said spring assemblies for urging movement of said follower and roller in a radial direction toward said rail after full effective movement of said one spring assembly toward said rail thereby to maintain contact of said roller on said rail after said one spring assembly is ineffective.