초록 ▼

A cylindrical shaft including a rotor rotates within a housing. A foil bearing comprised of flexible foil segments encircles the rotor, and is located in between the rotor and the housing. The foil segments are attached to the housing, and are installed with a flexion to press against the rotor. A s

A cylindrical shaft including a rotor rotates within a housing. A foil bearing comprised of flexible foil segments encircles the rotor, and is located in between the rotor and the housing. The foil segments are attached to the housing, and are installed with a flexion to press against the rotor. A split ring is situated near each end of the foil bearing. Each ring is suspended in an circumferential groove in the rotor by springs which also apply a force tending to keep the ring closed. When the rings are closed, the foil segments can press against and support the rotor. The rings can be opened by respective solenoid-operated plungers to press against the foil segments and force them apart from the rotor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A foil bearing which can be engaged and disengaged, for supporting a rotatable shaft, comprising:a cylindrical shaft being rotatably disposed within a housing;a foil bearing encircling the shaft and situated in between the shaft and the housing;said foil bearing being fix

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A foil bearing which can be engaged and disengaged, for supporting a rotatable shaft, comprising:a cylindrical shaft being rotatably disposed within a housing;a foil bearing encircling the shaft and situated in between the shaft and the housing;said foil bearing being fixedly attached to the housing, wherebythe shaft rotates relative to said foil bearing;said foil bearing being for applying a radial force against the shaft in the absence of restraint;a ring having an adjustable circumference encircling the shaft and situated in between the shaft and said foil bearing;said ring having a disengagement circumference which restrains said foil bearing from applying the radial force against the shaft, and an engagement circumference less than said disengagement circumference which allows said foil bearing to apply the radial force against the shaft; andengagement means for adjusting the ring circumference, wherebysaid foil bearing is restrained from applying the radial force against the shaft while said engagement means is actuated, and is allowed to contact the shaft and apply the radial force when said engagement means is deactuated.