Patent ID: 6102580
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A roller cage for an axial-thrust bearing in a rotating machine, comprising:a substantially flat annular body having a first face, a second face, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface;a plurality of radially-arrayed substantially rectangular roller pockets with axially oriented sidewalls and endwalls, said pockets extending between inner and outer rails of said annular body;and means for directing a flow of lubricant radially through said thrust bearing and axially through said radially arrayed roller pockets during operation of said machine;wherein the means for directing flow of lubricant radially through said thrust bearing comprises a recess on the inner rail between each roller pocket on the first face, a recess on the outer rail between each roller pocket on the second face of said cage, and a solid portion between each roller pocket, at least part of said solid portion has an axial extent less than the axial extent of said inner and outer rails;wherein the recesses on the inner rail between each roller pocket at the first face and on the outer rail at the second face are asymmetrically formed to provide a squeegee action such that lubricant flow is directed into otherwise lubricant-starved regions of the bearing.