Bearings – Rotary bearing – Fluid bearing
Patent
1996-04-26
1999-03-02
Footland, Lenard A.
Bearings
Rotary bearing
Fluid bearing
384119, 384124, F16C 3374
Patent
active
058761241
ABSTRACT:
A self-contained hydrodynamic bearing unit with improved sealing and performance is disclosed. Centrifugal capillary seals are angularly defined between an outwardly tapered outer surface of a top screw and an inwardly tapered inner surface of an annular clamp ring at the top of the bearing unit as well as between an outwardly tapered outer surface of a seal plate and an inwardly tapered inner surface of an annular clamp ring at the bottom of the bearing unit. During operation, bearing lubricant is pumped away from the seal opening and toward the bearings by centrifugal force at the seals, providing dynamic sealing. When the bearing unit is not rotating, capillary forces retain the lubricant within the seal, preventing the lubricant from leaking. The tapered configuration of the seals also shortens the vertical seal length for a given effective seal length, thereby maximizing the journal bearing length/span and improving dynamic performance of the bearing unit.
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Hatch Michael R.
Minakuchi Shinichi
Zang Yan
Chen John C.
Footland Lenard A.
Harrison David B.
Quantum Corporation
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