Patent ID: 6089754
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A thrust bearing for use with a shaft having a collar mounted thereon, comprisinga base ring,a series of thrust bearing shoes positioned on the base ring,each shoe having a leading edge connected to a trailing edge by an inner diameter edge and an outer diameter edge,each thrust bearing shoe having a working face,shoe pivot means on each shoe allowing the shoe to pivot in any direction,an oil distribution groove formed in the working face of each shoe near the leading edge of each shoe and extending radially for substantially the entire distance between the inner and outer diameter edges of each shoe,each oil distribution groove having an inner end and an outer end connected by a leading edge and a trailing edge,oil feed means leading to each oil distribution groove for feeding oil to each oil distribution groove, anda recess formed in the working face of each shoe commencing at the trailing edge of the oil distribution groove and extending rearwardly therefrom to develop hydrodynamic film pressure on the leading edge of each shoe to ensure that each shoe tilts properly at light loads.