Patent ID: 8613554
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A self-aligning radial bearing assembly for immersion in a fluid environment comprising: a stationary bearing housing having a bore formed therethrough, a housing axis and an inner concave surface, the bearing housing being adapted for mounting to a stationary support; an outer bearing support housed within the bore of the stationary housing, the outer bearing support having an outer convex surface, an inner bearing surface and a bore formed therethrough, the outer convex surface co-operating with the inner concave surface of the stationary housing for forming a spherical joint therebetween, the outer bearing support being tiltable at the spherical joint, the inner bearing surface comprising a plurality of radially, inwardly extending polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) buttons supported therein; and an inner bearing support, radially and rotationally supported within the bore of the outer bearing support and having an outer bearing surface and a bore formed therethrough, the bore having a rotor axis, being adapted for receiving a rotor extending therethrough and co-rotation therewith, the outer bearing surface comprising a plurality of radially outwardly extending PDC buttons supported therein, wherein the plurality of PDC buttons are arranged in at least two, axially-spaced, circumferential rows on each of the inner bearing surface and the outer bearing surface; and wherein the plurality of PDC buttons of the at least two rows on either of the inner bearing surface or the outer bearing surface are circumferentially indexed relative to one another so as to ensure there is always an inner PDC button engaging an outer PDC button and the plurality of PDC buttons of the at least two rows on the other of the inner bearing surface or the outer bearing surface are aligned axially for providing continuous radial support and load transition between the inner bearing surface and the outer bearing surface.