A bearing assembly

Abstract

A bearing assembly (2), comprising a first part (10) and a second part (20), the first and second parts being slidably arranged relative to each other, wherein the first part slides relative to the second part in a first direction (4), wherein the first part includes a plurality of first recesses (11) formed in a first surface (12) facing the second part, wherein the first recesses are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, adjacent first recesses being spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing (13), wherein the second part includes a plurality of second recesses (21) formed in a second surface (22) facing the first surface of the first part, wherein the second recesses are distributed in the second direction, adjacent second recesses being spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing (23), wherein the size of the first recesses is set to fit within the second spacing, and the size of the second recesses is set to fit within the first spacing, and wherein the first part and the second part are pushed into a relative position in the second direction in which the first and second recesses do not overlap each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bearing assembly, and although not limited thereto, particularly relates to a bearing assembly including a first sliding member and a second sliding member, the first sliding member and the second sliding member having recesses on their respective interface surfaces, and when the first member and the second member slide relative to each other, the recess of the first member and the recess of the second member are offset from each other. Background Art

[0002] Bearing assemblies generally allow one part to rotate or move relative to another part with as little friction as possible ideally. For example, a bearing assembly can support a rotating shaft. In another example, a bearing assembly can support parts that move linearly relative to each other, such as in an internal combustion engine that typically has one or more reciprocating pistons slidably disposed within cylinder bores.

[0003] The sliding surfaces are typically lubricated to reduce friction. However, due to shear forces generated in the lubricant, contact between asperities, and solid chemical films generated by additives in the lubricant, lubricated sliding contacts (such as the lubricated sliding contact between a piston ring of a piston and the inner surface of a cylinder bore) have frictional losses.

[0004] To improve the efficiency of an engine and reduce wear of engine components, it is desirable to reduce the friction between the piston ring and the inner surface of the cylinder. The friction between components can be determined by many factors, including the operating parameters of the engine and the configuration of each sliding surface. For example, the coefficient of friction between sliding members can be determined using a Stribeck curve, which is used to classify the friction characteristics between two surfaces based on the lubricant viscosity and the relative velocity between the unit load components. Thus, friction can be minimized by operating at the minimum point on the Stribeck curve, which defines the transition between hydrodynamic lubrication and mixed lubrication. However, since the relative velocity between the piston and the cylinder is low at the extreme cases of the piston motion range, it is difficult to maintain operation at the minimum point on the Stribeck curve across the entire piston stroke. Similar considerations apply to other bearing assemblies, and the present invention attempts to minimize the friction between bearing components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bearing assembly including a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being slidably disposed relative to each other, wherein the first member slides relative to the second member in a first direction.

[0006] The first component includes a plurality of first recesses formed in a first surface facing the second component, wherein the first recesses are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and adjacent first recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing.

[0007] The second component includes a plurality of second recesses formed in a second surface facing the first surface of the first component, wherein the second recesses are distributed in the second direction, and adjacent second recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing, and

[0008] wherein the size of the first recesses is set to fit within the second spacing, and the size of the second recesses is set to fit within the first spacing.

[0009] The first recesses may be staggered or scattered relative to the second recesses. The first recesses may be aligned with each other in the second direction, or may not be aligned with each other in the second direction. Similarly, the second recesses may be aligned with each other in the second direction, or may not be aligned with each other in the second direction.

[0010] The bearing assembly may be configured to accommodate a lubricant film between the first surface and the second surface. The first and second recesses may be configured to accommodate lubricant. The first and second recesses may be offset such that lubricant cannot flow directly between the first and second recesses.

[0011] The first and second components may be pushed (e.g., biased) into a relative position in the second direction, wherein the first and second recesses do not overlap each other. Through the interaction between the first and second components, the first and second components may be pushed into a non-overlapping position.

[0012] The first and second components may be constrained relative to each other in the second direction, e.g., such that the first and second recesses do not overlap. The first and second components may be constrained relative to each other, e.g., by corresponding abutting surfaces on the first and second components or connected to the first and second components.

[0013] Alternatively, the second component may be free to move relative to the first component in the second direction. The first and second components may be pushed (e.g., biased) into a relative position in the second direction, wherein the first and second recesses do not overlap each other by a change in frictional force as the second component moves relative to the first component in the second direction. For example, when the first recesses and the second recesses overlap, since the hydrodynamic film supported by the recesses will be damaged by the overlapping first recesses and second recesses, the frictional force in the first direction may increase as the first component slides relative to the second component in the first direction. This increase in frictional force may facilitate the first recesses and the second recesses being in a non-overlapping state with lower frictional force. Perturbation of the relative position of the first and second components in the second direction may contribute to biasing the first and second components towards the non-overlapping state with lower frictional force.

[0014] It may have one or more rows of first recesses. For example, the first component may include multiple rows of first recesses. Each row of first recesses may include a plurality of first recesses distributed in the second direction. The first recesses in a particular row may be aligned with each other in the second direction or may not be aligned with each other in the second direction. The first recesses passing through multiple rows may be aligned with each other in the first direction.

[0015] It may have one or more rows of second recesses. For example, the second component may include multiple rows of second recesses. Each row of second recesses may include a plurality of second recesses distributed in the second direction. The second recesses in a particular row may be aligned with each other in the second direction or may not be aligned with each other in the second direction. The second recesses passing through multiple rows may be aligned with each other in the first direction.

[0016] The first component may move linearly relative to the second component. For example, the first component may reciprocate relative to the second component. The first direction may be aligned with the reciprocating direction.

[0017] The piston assembly may include the first component. The cylinder may include the second component. The piston assembly may be configured to reciprocate in the cylinder. One of the piston and piston rings of the piston assembly may include a first surface. The cylinder wall of the cylinder may include a second surface. The first component may rotate relative to the second component about a rotation axis. The first direction may be perpendicular to the rotation axis. The first direction may be aligned with the circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

[0018] The first bearing component may include the first component, and the second bearing component may include the second component.

[0019] The first and second components may both be at least partially cylindrical. The first direction may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the at least partially cylindrical first and second components. Alternatively, the first direction may be aligned with the circumferential direction of the at least partially cylindrical first and second components.

[0020] The width of the first recess in the second direction may be substantially equal to the width of the second recess in the second direction. Alternatively, the width of the first recess in the second direction may be different from the width of the second recess in the second direction.

[0021] The width of the first recess in the second direction may be substantially equal to the second spacing. The width of the second recess in the second direction may be substantially equal to the first spacing. Alternatively, the width of the first recess in the second direction may be less than the second spacing and / or the width of the second recess in the second direction may be less than the first spacing. The difference between the width of the first recess and the second spacing and the difference between the width of the second recess and the first spacing may be greater than the relative position tolerance between the first and second components in the second direction.

[0022] The first and second recesses may be distributed in the second direction at respective frequencies, such as the number of recesses per unit length in the second direction. The sum of the first spacing and the first recess width may correspond to the sum of the second spacing and the second recess width.

[0023] The first spacing may be substantially constant, e.g., for each pair of adjacent first recesses. The second spacing may be substantially constant, e.g., for each pair of adjacent second recesses.

[0024] An internal combustion engine, a reciprocating machine, or a rotary machine may include the above bearing assembly.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for a bearing assembly including a first component and a second component slidably arranged relative to each other, wherein the first component slides relative to the second component in a first direction.

[0026] The method includes:

[0027] Providing a plurality of first recesses on a first surface of the first component configured to face the second component, wherein the first recesses are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and adjacent first recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing; and

[0028] Providing a plurality of second recesses on a second surface of the second component configured to face the first surface of the first component, wherein the second recesses are distributed in the second direction, and adjacent second recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing, wherein the size of the first recesses is set to fit within the second spacing, and the size of the second recesses is set to fit within the first spacing.

[0029] The method may further include urging the first and second components into a relative position in the second direction where the first and second recesses do not overlap each other.

[0030] To avoid unnecessary duplication of work and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described only with respect to one or more aspects or embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that features described with respect to any aspect or embodiment of the present invention may also be used in combination with any other aspect or embodiment of the present invention where technically feasible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To better understand the present invention and to more clearly illustrate how the present invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a partial schematic view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2is a partial schematic view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly shown.

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a bearing assembly arranged according to the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly shown. Detailed Description

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , according to the arrangement of the present invention, the bearing assembly 2 includes a first component 10 and a second component 20. The first component 10 and the second component 20 are slidably arranged relative to each other, wherein the first component 10 slides relative to the second component 20 in a first direction 4.

[0042] The first component 10 includes a plurality of first recesses 11 formed in a first surface 12 facing the second component 20. The first recesses 11 are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction 4. Adjacent first recesses 11 are spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing 13.

[0043] The second component 20 includes a plurality of second recesses 21 formed in a second surface 22 facing the first surface 12 of the first component 10. The second recesses 21 are distributed in the second direction. Adjacent second recesses 21 are spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing 23.

[0044] The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can form discrete indentations in the respective first surface 12 and second surface 22. The bottoms of the recesses 11, 21 can be closed. The recesses 11, 21 can be of any shape, for example, they can be square, rectangular, circular, arc-shaped or any other shape.

[0045] The size of the first recess 11 of the first component 10 is set to fit within the corresponding second spacing 23 between the second recesses 21 of the second component 20. Similarly, the size of the second recesses 21 of the second component 20 is set to fit within the corresponding first spacing 13 between the first recesses 11 of the first component 10. Thus, the first recesses 11 can be spread between the second recesses 21 in a second direction. For example, the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can alternate in the second direction. When the first component 10 moves relative to the second component 20 in a first direction, the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 maintain a mutually spread relationship.

[0046] There can be one or more rows of first recesses 11 (the rows being perpendicular to the first direction). In the described arrangement, the first component 10 includes multiple rows of first recesses 11. Each row of the first recesses 11 can include a plurality of first recesses 11 distributed in the second direction. Similarly, there can be one or more rows of second recesses 21, and in the described arrangement, the second component 20 includes multiple rows of second recesses 21. Each row of the second recesses 21 can include a plurality of second recesses 21 distributed in the second direction. (For completeness, note that there can be a single row of first recesses and multiple rows of second recesses, and vice versa.)

[0047] The first recesses 11 passing through the multiple rows can be aligned with each other in the first direction 4. The second recesses 21 passing through the multiple rows can be aligned with each other in the first direction 4. When the first component 10 moves relative to the second component 20 in the first direction 4, the alignment of the recesses in the first direction helps to maintain the mutually spread relationship.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, the first recesses 11 within a particular row can be aligned with each other in the second direction. Similarly, the second recesses 21 within a particular row can be aligned with each other in the second direction. However, as Figure 2 shown, the first recesses 11 may not be aligned with each other in the second direction, and the second recesses 21 may not be aligned with each other in the second direction. In other arrangements (not shown), the first recesses can be aligned in the second direction while the second recesses are not aligned in the second direction, and vice versa.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , which depict partial side cross-sectional views of the first component 10 and the second component 20, the first recesses 11 can have a width 14 in the second direction, and this width 14 is substantially equal to the width 24 of the second recesses 21 in the second direction. However, in alternative arrangements (not shown), the width 14 of the first recesses 11 can be different from the width 24 of the second recesses 21.

[0050] As Figure 3As shown, the width 14 of the first recess 11 can be substantially equal to the second spacing 23 between the second recesses 21. Similarly, the width 24 of the second recess 21 can be substantially equal to the first spacing 13 between the first recesses 11.

[0051] Alternatively, as Figure 4 shown, the width 14 of the first recess 11 can be less than the opposing second spacing 23, and the width 24 of the second recess 21 can be less than the opposing first spacing 13. The difference between the second spacing 23 and the width 14 of the first recess, and the difference between the first spacing 13 and the width 24 of the second recess can be greater than the relative positional tolerance between the first and second components in the second direction. In this way, any overlap between the first and second recesses can be avoided, regardless of the final relative position of the first and second components in the second direction within their positional tolerances.

[0052] Referring again to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can be distributed in the second direction with corresponding (e.g., equal) frequencies, such as the number of recesses per unit length in the second direction. In other words, the sum of the first spacing 13 and the width 14 of the first recess can correspond to the sum of the second spacing 23 and the width 24 of the second recess. The distribution frequency is described as being constant in the second direction, but it can also vary in the second direction.

[0053] Although the first spacing 13 is depicted as constant, the first spacing 13 can vary in the second direction from one pair of first recesses 11 to another pair of first recesses 11. This can be due to a change in the distribution frequency and / or a change in the width 14 of the first recess. Similarly, although the second spacing 23 is depicted as constant, the second spacing 23 can vary in the second direction from one pair of second recesses 21 to another pair of second recesses 21. This can be due to a change in the distribution frequency and / or a change in the width 24 of the second recess.

[0054] The bearing assembly 2 can accommodate a lubricant film between the first surface 12 and the second surface 22. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can be configured to accommodate lubricant. The recesses 11, 21 can include any type of opening or depression in the respective surfaces that enables the lubricant to be retained within the recess when the opposing surfaces move over the recess. For example, the recesses can include a plurality of discrete grooves shaped to retain the lubricant and / or reduce the rate at which the lubricant drains from the contact zone. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can be offset from each other such that the lubricant cannot flow directly between the first and second recesses.

[0055] The first surface 12 and the second surface 22 can be flat, such as in the case of a linear bearing. However, referring toFigures 5 - 9 The first surface 12 and the second surface 22 can be curved, for example having corresponding curvatures such that the first surface and the second surface can slide relative to each other. For example, both the first component 10 and the second component 20 can define at least partially cylindrical surfaces corresponding to the first surface 12 and the second surface 22. As described above, the first component 10 can move relative to the second component 20 in a first direction 4. In the case where the first surface and the second surface are at least partially cylindrical, the first direction 4 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical surface; aligned with the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface; or aligned with a combination of the longitudinal and circumferential directions (e.g., if one component moves helically relative to the other component).

[0056] Specific reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first component 10 can move linearly relative to the second component 20. In the particular arrangement shown, the shaft or piston assembly 30 can include the first component 10, and the bore or cylinder assembly 40 can include the second component 20. The piston / shaft and cylinder / bore assemblies 30, 40 can be provided in an internal combustion engine, a reciprocating engine, a reciprocating pump, or any other machine in which the piston or shaft can reciprocate slidably in a bore of the machine (such as a valve stem or a push rod). Thus, the piston assembly 30 can reciprocate relative to the cylinder assembly 40 such that the first component 10 can also reciprocate relative to the second component 20. As described above, the first component 10 can move relative to the second component 20 in a first direction 4, and the first direction 4 can be aligned with the reciprocating direction.

[0057] The cylinder assembly 40 includes a cylinder inner wall 41 configured to engage the piston assembly 30. The cylinder inner wall 41 can be the inner surface of a cylinder bore directly formed in the cylinder block, or the inner surface of a cylinder liner assembled to the cylinder block.

[0058] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 either of the arrangements shown, the cylinder wall 41 of the cylinder assembly 40 can include a second surface 22 having second recesses 21. The second recesses 21 are distributed in a circumferential direction corresponding to the second direction described above. In addition, multiple rows of second recesses 21 can be distributed axially along the length of the cylindrical wall. (It should be noted that the sizes and spacings of the recesses shown in all figures are schematic and may be much smaller than those shown in the figures.)

[0059] In Figure 5 the particular arrangement shown, the piston 31 of the piston assembly 30 can include a first surface 12 having first recesses 11. The first recesses 11 are distributed in a circumferential direction corresponding to the second direction described above. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 can alternate in the circumferential direction. In addition, multiple rows of first recesses 11 can be distributed axially along at least a portion of the length of the piston 31.

[0060] In contrast, in Figure 6 the arrangement shown, one or more piston rings 32 of the piston assembly 30 may include a first surface 12 having a first recess 11. It should be understood that the piston ring or each piston ring 32 includes a circumferential surface configured to engage the cylinder wall 41. The first recesses 11 are distributed in a circumferential direction corresponding to the second direction described above. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 may alternate in the circumferential direction. In addition, one or more rows of the first recesses 11 may extend axially across the thickness of the piston ring 32. Although only one piston ring 32 is shown, the piston assembly 30 may have any suitable number of piston rings, and any number of these piston rings may include a first surface 12 having a first recess 11.

[0061] As described above, a lubricant film may be provided between the first surface 12 and the second surface 22 to reduce friction between the sliding first member 10 and the second member 20. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 may help to retain the lubricant film in the contact zone between the first member 10 and the second member 20. To maximize efficiency, the "leakage" of lubricant from the recesses may be restricted. In Figure 6 the case of the arrangement shown, the size of the contact zone between the piston ring 32 and the cylinder wall 41 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder may be greater than the corresponding sizes of the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21. In addition, for any arrangement, the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be urged (e.g., biased) into a relative position in the second direction in which the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 do not overlap each other to limit the extent to which lubricant can pass between the first recess and the second recess.

[0062] In Figure 6 the case of the reciprocating piston 31 shown, the piston 31 may be restricted in its movement in the circumferential direction by an associated connecting rod and crankshaft (not shown). Such an arrangement may maintain the relatively non-overlapping positions of the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21. (As described above, the spacings 13, 23 may be selected to account for the positional tolerances of the first member and the second member in the second direction.)

[0063] However, in the case where the piston assembly 30 has piston rings 32, the previously proposed piston rings may rotate freely in the circumferential direction. Thus, with reference to Figure 7, the rotation of the piston ring 32 can be restricted by a protrusion 33 extending from the piston ring 32 into a recess 34 in the piston 31. The protrusion 33 can include one or more support surfaces that engage corresponding support surfaces in the recess 34 and are used to restrict the rotation of the piston ring 32 relative to the piston 31. (Alternatively, the piston 31 can include the protrusion and the piston ring 32 can include the recess.) Since the rotation of the piston 31 relative to the cylinder wall 41 can be restricted separately (e.g., by a connecting rod and crank assembly), the circumferential position of the piston ring 32 is also restricted relative to the cylinder wall 41. In this way, the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 on the corresponding piston ring 32 and cylinder wall 41 can be kept in non-overlapping positions.

[0064] In an alternative arrangement, the piston ring 32 can be kept free to rotate circumferentially relative to the piston 31 and the cylinder wall 41. (In other words, the protrusion 33 and the recess 34 can be omitted.) The piston ring 32 can be urged (e.g., biased) into a circumferential position relative to the cylinder wall 41 where the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 do not overlap due to a change in frictional force as the piston ring 32 moves circumferentially. For example, when the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 overlap, as the piston 31 slides relative to the cylinder wall 41, the frictional force in the first direction 4 can increase because the hydrodynamic film supported by the recesses is impaired by the overlapping first and second recesses. This increase in frictional force can favor the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 being in a non-overlapping state with lower frictional force (since the system will tend towards a lower energy state). For example, a perturbation of the circumferential position of the piston ring 32 that may occur during use may help bias the piston ring towards the non-overlapping state with lower frictional force because a perturbation towards a lower frictional force position may be more favorable than a perturbation towards a higher frictional force position. In this way, the piston ring 32 can tend to move towards a relative position where the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 do not overlap. Although the first recess 11 and the second recess 21 may overlap during use, it is expected that the first and second recesses will not overlap most of the time, and greater benefits will be achieved than by providing recesses on only a single surface.

[0065] Referring to Figure 8 , the first component 10 can rotate relative to the second component 20 about a rotation axis 6 rather than move in a linear manner. As described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first direction 4 can be perpendicular to the rotation axis. For example, the first direction 4 can be aligned with the circumferential direction about the rotation axis 6. In the particular example shown, the first rotary bearing component 50 can include the first component 10, while the second rotary bearing component 60 can include the second component 20. The first rotary bearing component 50 and the second rotary bearing component 60 can together form a rotary bearing, such as a journal bearing, such as a fluid journal bearing.

[0066] The cylindrical inner wall 61 of the second rotary bearing member 60 may include a second surface 22 having second recesses 21. The second recesses 21 are distributed in the axial direction corresponding to the second direction described above. In addition, the shaft portion 51 of the first rotary bearing member 50 may include a first surface 12 having first recesses 11. The shaft portion 51 may be supported by the inner wall 61 and may engage with the inner wall 61. The first recesses 11 are distributed in the axial direction corresponding to the second direction described above. The first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 may alternate in the direction of the rotary shaft 6. In addition, multiple rows of the second recesses 21 may be circumferentially distributed around the circumference of the inner wall, and multiple rows of the first recesses 11 may be circumferentially distributed around the circumference of the shaft portion 51. (It should be noted again that the recess dimensions and spacings shown are schematic and may be much smaller than those shown.)

[0067] As described above, a lubricant film may be provided between the first surface 12 and the second surface 22 to reduce the friction between the sliding first member 10 and the second member 20. To help maintain the fluid film, the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 may be pushed into non-overlapping positions by restricting the relative axial movement of the first rotary bearing member 50 and the second rotary bearing member 60. For example, referring to Figure 9 , the protrusion 52 may extend from the shaft portion 51 into the recess 62 in the inner wall 61. The recess 62 may extend around the circumference of the inner wall 61. The protrusion 52 may (or may not) extend around the circumference of the shaft portion 51. The protrusion 52 may include one or more bearing surfaces that engage with corresponding bearing surfaces in the recess 62 and are used to restrict the axial movement of the shaft portion 51 relative to the inner wall 61. The interaction of the adjacent surfaces may help to keep the first recesses 11 and the second recesses 21 in non-overlapping positions. (Alternatively, the inner wall 61 may include protrusions, while the shaft portion 51 may include recesses, or bearing surfaces may be provided at other positions on or outside the rotary bearing.)

[0068] The above arrangement minimizes the frictional loss between the first member 10 and the second member 20 by maximizing the number of recesses per unit area, which better supports the lubricant film between the surfaces 12, 22. The first member 10 and the second member 20 may be pushed to a relative position where the first recesses and the second recesses do not overlap to restrict the flow of the lubricant between the first recesses and the second recesses. The result may maximize the benefits. The first and second members may be pushed to such a relative position by the changing frictional forces encountered as the members move and / or by mechanical bearing surfaces. In addition, since the recess density of a particular member is less than the total density and it is easier to manufacture a member with a larger recess spacing, the above arrangement maximizes the total number of recesses per unit area and simplifies the manufacture of each member.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the present invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more examples, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bearing assembly, comprising a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being slidably arranged relative to each other, wherein the first component slides relative to the second component in a first direction, wherein the first component includes a plurality of first recesses formed on a first surface facing the second component, wherein the first recesses are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein adjacent first recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing, wherein the second component includes a plurality of second recesses formed in a second surface facing the first surface of the first component, wherein the second recesses are distributed in the second direction, and wherein adjacent second recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing, wherein the size of the first recesses is set to fit within the second spacing, and the size of the second recesses is set to fit within the first spacing, wherein the first component and the second component are pushed in the second direction to a relative position in which the first recesses and the second recesses do not overlap with each other, and the first recesses are scattered relative to the second recesses, and wherein the first recesses and the second recesses are pushed in the second direction to the relative position by a frictional force that changes as the second component moves relative to the first component in the second direction.

2. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are pushed into a non-overlapping position by the interaction between the first component and the second component.

3. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component and the second component are restricted relative to each other in the second direction such that the first recesses and the second recesses do not overlap.

4. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second component is free to move relative to the first component in the second direction.

5. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bearing assembly is configured to accommodate a lubricant film between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the first recesses and the second recesses are configured to accommodate the lubricant.

6. The bearing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first recesses and the second recesses are offset such that the lubricant cannot flow directly between the first recesses and the second recesses.

7. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component includes multiple rows of first recesses, each row of first recesses including a plurality of first recesses distributed in the second direction, and the rows of first recesses are aligned with each other in the first direction.

8. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second component includes multiple rows of second recesses, each row of second recesses including a plurality of second recesses distributed in the second direction, and the rows of second recesses are aligned in the first direction.

9. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component moves linearly relative to the second component.

10. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the piston assembly includes the first component, and the cylinder includes the second component, and the piston assembly is configured to reciprocate in the cylinder.

11. The bearing assembly according to claim 10, wherein one of the piston and the piston ring of the piston assembly includes the first surface, and the cylinder wall of the cylinder includes the second surface.

12. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component rotates relative to the second component about a rotation axis, and the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis.

13. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first bearing component includes the first component, and the second bearing component includes the second component.

14. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first component and the second component are at least partially cylindrical.

15. The bearing assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first direction is aligned with the longitudinal axes of the at least partially cylindrical first and second components.

16. The bearing assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first direction is aligned with the circumferential directions of the at least partially cylindrical first and second components.

17. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each of the first recesses in the second direction is substantially equal to the width of each of the second recesses in the second direction.

18. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each of the first recesses in the second direction is different from the width of each of the second recesses in the second direction.

19. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each of the first recesses in the second direction is substantially equal to the second spacing, and the width of each of the second recesses in the second direction is substantially equal to the first spacing.

20. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each of the first recesses in the second direction is less than the second spacing, and the width of each of the second recesses in the second direction is less than the first spacing.

21. The bearing assembly according to claim 20, wherein the difference between the width of the first recess and the second spacing and the difference between the width of the second recess and the first spacing are greater than the relative position tolerance between the first and second components in the second direction.

22. The bearing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first recesses and the second recesses are distributed in the second direction at corresponding frequencies.

23. An internal combustion engine, a reciprocating machine, or a rotating machine including the bearing assembly according to any one of the above claims.

24. A method for a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including a first component and a second component, the first and second components being slidably arranged relative to each other, wherein the first component slides relative to the second component in a first direction, wherein the method comprises: Provide a plurality of first recesses for the first component on a first surface configured to face the second component, wherein the first recesses are distributed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein adjacent first recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a first spacing; Provide a plurality of second recesses for the second component on a second surface configured to face the first surface of the first component, wherein the second recesses are distributed in the second direction, and wherein adjacent second recesses are spaced apart in the second direction by a second spacing, wherein the size of the first recesses is set to fit within the second spacing, and the size of the second recesses is set to fit within the first spacing, and Push the first component and the second component into a relative position in the second direction, in which the first recesses and the second recesses do not overlap with each other, and the first recesses are scattered relative to the second recesses, wherein the first recesses and the second recesses are pushed into the relative position in the second direction by a frictional force that changes as the second component moves relative to the first component in the second direction.

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