초록 ▼

An improved foil thrust bearing having a thrust runner and a thrust plate includes an underspring element positioned adjacent to the thrust plate. The underspring element comprises, in one embodiment, a plurality of alternating first apertures and spring portions, with at least one spring portion ha

An improved foil thrust bearing having a thrust runner and a thrust plate includes an underspring element positioned adjacent to the thrust plate. The underspring element comprises, in one embodiment, a plurality of alternating first apertures and spring portions, with at least one spring portion having a periodic configuration and comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge. The periodic configuration is defined by a plurality of pitches that vary between the leading and trailing edges. Also defining the periodic configuration is a plurality of periodic elements that vary in longitudinal length between the leading and trailing edges. A thrust bearing disk is disposed intermediate the underspring element and the thrust runner. The disk comprises a plurality of transition areas that provide a stepped configuration to the disk. The transition areas match a plurality of circumferential positions of the first apertures in the underspring.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. In an improved foil thrust bearing having a thrust runner and a thrust bearing disk, wherein the improvement comprises:an underspring element operatively engaged with said disk, said underspring element comprising:a plurality of spring portions having a periodic configuration, sa

[ We claim:] [1.]1. In an improved foil thrust bearing having a thrust runner and a thrust bearing disk, wherein the improvement comprises:an underspring element operatively engaged with said disk, said underspring element comprising:a plurality of spring portions having a periodic configuration, said spring portions comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, said periodic configuration being defined by a plurality of pitches that vary in size between said leading and trailing edges; anda plurality of first apertures disposed among said spring portions.