Hydrodynamic bearing

• US 4,322,116 A
• Filed: 07/23/1980
• Issued: 03/30/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Krupp Polysius AG
• Original Assignee: Krupp Polysius AG
• Inventors: Lucke, Helmut, Krumme, Helmut, Heinemann, Otto, Heiringhoff, Burkhard, Schobler, Werner
• Primary Examiner(s): Footland, Lenard A.
• Application Number:
  US06/171,471
• Time in Patent Office: 615 Days
• Field of Search: 308/9, 308/73, 308/122, 308/DIG. 1, 308/160, 308/170
• US Class Current: 384/100
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 13/04 Bearings with only partial enclosure of the member to be borne; Bearings with local support at two or more points
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 17/03 with tiltably-supported segments, e.g. Michell bearings hydrostatic bearings with tiltably supported bearing pads F16C32/0666; made from a plurality of rods F16C33/26; with flexible leaves F16C17/024; hydrodynamic bearings with chambers F16C33/1075
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 2300/14 Large applications, e.g. bearings having an inner diameter exceeding 500 mm
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 32/0644 Details of devices to control the supply of liquids to the bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 32/0666 of bearing pads
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 32/0685 for radial load only
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 33/1045 Details of supply of the liquid to the bearing
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 39/04 using hydraulic or pneumatic means
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 7/40 in a closed circulation system

Abstract

A hydrodynamic bearing for supporting a rotary member has a bearing gap between the rotary member and the bearing and which is occupied by fluid. Hydrodynamic pressure in the gap is monitored by a sensor which is coupled to a starting aid that is responsive to variations in the hydrodynamic pressure to switch on and off a starting aid. Upon being switched on the starting aid is operable to deliver additional fluid to the bearing gap.

Claims

1. Hydrodynamic bearing apparatus for supporting a rotary member, said apparatus comprising a bearing shoe having a first part tiltably and rotatably supporting a second part adapted to confront said rotary member with a bearing gap between said member and said second part;

starting aid means for delivering fluid to said bearing gap to generate hydrostatic pressure in said bearing gap;

means for sensing hydrodynamic pressure in said bearing gap; and

means coupling said sensing means and said starting aid means and responsive to changes in the hydrodynamic pressure in said bearing gap for switching such starting aid means on and off.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said bearing gap communicates with a pressure relief port in said second part, said sensing means being coupled to said port.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the coupling between said sensing means and said port includes a pressure line having a non-return valve means enabling fluid flow through said pressure line in a direction toward said port only.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the coupling includes a branch within said second part and extending laterally outwardly from said port between the ends of the latter.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said port communicates with said bearing gap in the region of minimum height of said gap.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 including a pressure relief chamber between said first and second parts and in communication with said port.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said pressure relief chamber is surrounded by a hemispherical angular supporting surface and a complementary countersupport surface formed on the confronting surfaces of the first and second members.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said angular support surface is concave and is formed in said first part, and wherein said complementary countersupporting surface is concave and is formed on said second part.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first part comprises a piston reciprocably accommodated in a cylinder, and including means for effecting movements of said piston in said cylinder.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 including a sealing member interposed between said first and second parts.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said sealing means comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.