Oil bearing

Abstract

An oil bearing includes a static frame and a swivel bearing rotatable in a rotational direction and coaxial with the static frame. The static frame includes a frame wall defining a frame lumen extending through the frame wall in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of frame oil passages through the wall. Each of the plurality of frame oil passages is arranged at a first angle relative to the radial direction, wherein the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification generally relates to oil bearings, and more particularly to oil bearings including oil passages extending through a static frame. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many gas turbine engines and other machines include gearboxes, pitch change mechanisms, and other components that require the transfer of oil from a static frame of reference to a rotating frame of reference. This transfer can be accomplished through journal bearings and / or other structures. For example, a gearbox can include a journal bearing having one static frame and one rotating bearing. Oil lubricating the gearbox can fill the space between the static frame and the rotating bearing. When the oil contacts the rotating frame of reference, such as the rotating bearing, efficiency-impairing issues such as heating and "windage" losses can occur, forcing sudden acceleration and directional changes of the oil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are exemplary and not intended to be limiting in aspect to the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the drawings, in which like structures can be referred to with like numerals, and in which:

[0004] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an oil bearing taken along a longitudinal axis, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0005] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a rearward-looking forward (ALF) cross-sectional view of the oil bearing of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0006] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an ALF cross-sectional view of another oil bearing, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0007] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an ALF cross-sectional view of yet another oil bearing, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0008] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an ALF cross-sectional view of yet another oil bearing, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0009] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another oil bearing taken along a longitudinal axis, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of various devices, assemblies, and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An oil bearing is schematically illustrated that includes a static frame and a rotating bearing that is rotatable in a rotational direction and coaxial with the static frame. The static frame can include a frame wall that defines a frame lumen extending through the frame wall in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of frame oil passages through the frame wall. Each of the plurality of frame oil passages can be disposed at a first angle relative to a radial direction, where the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. As will be described in greater detail herein, this angle can produce a rotational velocity of the oil that can reduce windage losses and / or other inefficiencies related to the transport of oil from the static frame to the rotating bearing.

[0011] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, the description herein is to be considered as illustrative only and not as restricting the scope of the application.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of individual components.

[0013] The terms “forward” and “aft” refer to relative positions within a turbine engine or vehicle and refer to the normal operating attitude of the turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with respect to a turbine engine, forward refers to a position closer to the engine inlet and aft refers to a position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust.

[0014] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” or “the” component can include instances where there is more than one such component, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] The word “oil” is used broadly to refer to any material used to lubricate a bearing. The word “oil” as used herein is not limited to petroleum-based lubricants, but can also include other materials, such as synthetic materials.

[0016] The approximate language used in this specification and claims is intended to modify any quantitative expression that may allow for variation without altering the underlying functionality. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms, such as “about,” “approximate,” and “basically,” are not limited to specified precise values. In at least some examples, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a margin of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% at the endpoints of a single value, a range of values, and / or a defined range of values.

[0017] In this specification and claims, the scope definitions are combinable or interchangeable. Unless the context or language otherwise indicates, such scopes are explicit and include all subscopes contained therein. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints can be independently combined with each other.

[0018] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram schematically depicts an oil bearing 100. The oil bearing 100 can be used in a gearbox, planetary gearbox, pitch changing mechanism (such as a pitch changing mechanism for an open-circuit fan engine), or any other suitable component. The oil bearing 100 supplies oil from a static frame 110 to a rotary bearing 120. As will be described in more detail herein, the rotary bearing 120 can be assembled within a frame lumen 112 of the static frame 110 such that the rotary bearing 120 is rotatable relative to the static frame 110. Specifically, the rotary bearing 120 is rotatable in the direction of rotation ω. Oil can be supplied through one or more oil inlets 130 (… Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Fuel supply.

[0019] The static frame 110 may have a frame wall 114, and the frame wall 114 may define a frame cavity 112 extending along a longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the frame cavity 112 may have a generally circular cross-section, thereby forming a generally cylindrical frame cavity 112; however, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the wall thickness of the frame wall 114 may vary along the longitudinal axis A.

[0020] See Figure 2The static frame 110 may have a plurality of frame oil channels 116 extending from the outer perimeter 114a through the frame wall 114 to the inner perimeter 114b. As will be described in more detail herein, oil can flow from the outer perimeter 114a through the frame oil channels 116 to the inner perimeter 114b. Each frame oil channel 116 may have an elongated shape extending along a centerline L1. The centerline L1 may be arranged at an angle θ1 to a radial direction R, which is measured at the inner perimeter 114b in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the centerline L1 may be angled such that the frame oil channels 116 are aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 120. In other words, if the rotation direction ω is clockwise (as shown), the centerline L1 may extend clockwise from the outer perimeter 114a of the frame wall 114 to the inner perimeter 114b.

[0021] More specifically, in some embodiments, the angle θ1 can be selected such that the frame oil passage 116 can be substantially tangent to the rotary bearing 120. For example, the angle θ1 can be about 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0022] Because the frame oil passage 116 is oriented at an angle θ1, the oil flowing through the frame oil passage 116 will flow out of the frame oil passage 116 with an angular velocity in that direction. This can effectively “pre-rotate” the oil before it contacts the rotary bearing 120. Therefore, the acceleration of the oil when it contacts the rotary bearing 120 may be smaller compared to oil that is not pre-rotated and must accelerate rapidly to match the rotation of the rotary bearing 120. Thus, for some embodiments, arranging the frame oil passage 116 at an angle θ1 can reduce wind resistance losses and / or other inefficiencies associated with the rapid acceleration of the oil caused by the transfer of oil from the static reference (i.e., the static frame 110) to the rotating reference (i.e., the rotary bearing 120).

[0023] Still referencing Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the static frame 110 may have four frame oil channels 116; however, other embodiments may have more or fewer frame oil channels 116. In some embodiments, the frame oil channels 116 may be evenly distributed around the outer perimeter 114a of the frame wall 114, so that the oil is evenly distributed within the frame lumen 112.

[0024] In some embodiments, the frame oil channel 116 may be substantially straight, as shown in the figure; however, in other embodiments, the frame oil channel 116 may have curvature. In embodiments where the frame oil channel has curvature, the angle θ1 may be located at the inner perimeter 114b in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The angle θ1 at this location may be approximately 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, the static frame 110 may be a metal or a metal alloy, such as a titanium alloy. The static frame 110 may be made of an alloy or steel alloy. In some embodiments, the static frame 110 may be made of a non-metallic material or a composite material. Features of the static frame 110, such as the frame oil channel 116, may be manufactured using drilling, milling, laser, or other methods. In some embodiments, the frame oil channel 116 may be cast within the static frame 110.

[0026] Still referencing Figure 2 The oil bearing 100 may have a plurality of oil inlets 130. Each oil inlet 130 may be connected to one of the frame oil channels 116. Specifically, in some embodiments, at least a portion of each oil inlet 130 may be disposed within the frame oil channel 116. In other embodiments, the oil inlet 130 may be adjacent only to the frame oil channel 116. In some embodiments, the oil inlet 130 may be integrally formed with the frame oil channel 116.

[0027] Oil inlet 130 may be aligned with the frame oil passage 116. Therefore, oil inlet 130 may also be arranged at an angle relative to the radial direction R. This orientation reduces the overall radial dimension of the oil bearing 100 compared to an orientation in which oil inlet 130 is aligned with the radial direction R. Oil inlet 130 may include a nozzle or injector configured to discharge oil from oil inlet 130 and into the corresponding frame oil passage 116. Thus, oil can flow from oil inlet 130 through frame oil passage 116 and into frame lumen 112.

[0028] The oil bearing 100 may include a rotary bearing 120. The rotary bearing 120 may be disposed within the frame cavity 112. Specifically, the rotary bearing 120 may be arranged within the frame cavity 112 such that the static frame 110 and the rotary bearing 120 are coaxial along the longitudinal axis A.

[0029] The rotary bearing 120 may have a bearing wall 124 that defines a bearing cavity 122 extending along a longitudinal axis A. As shown, the bearing cavity 122 may have a generally circular cross-section, forming a generally cylindrical bearing cavity 122; however, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable and possible. The bearing cavity 122 may be designed to allow oil to flow freely within it without any additional hardware.

[0030] Still referencing Figure 2 The rotary bearing 120 may have a plurality of bearing oil channels 126 extending through the bearing wall 124 from an outer perimeter 124a to an inner perimeter 124b. Each bearing oil channel 126 may have an elongated shape extending along a centerline L2. The centerline L2 may be arranged at an angle θ2 relative to a radial direction R measured at the inner perimeter 124b. In some embodiments, the centerline L2 may be arranged at an angle such that the bearing oil channel 126 is aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 120. In other words, if the rotation direction ω is clockwise (as shown), the centerline L2 may extend clockwise from the outer perimeter 124a to the inner perimeter 124b of the bearing wall 124. More specifically, in some embodiments, the angle θ2 may be approximately 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, the plurality of bearing oil channels 126 may be substantially tangent to the inner perimeter 114b of the rotary bearing 120. Angle θ2 may be less than, greater than or equal to angle θ1.

[0031] As shown, the rotary bearing 120 may have four bearing oil channels 126; however, other embodiments may have more or fewer bearing oil channels 126. The number of bearing oil channels 126 may be the same as, more than, or less than the number of frame oil channels 116. In some embodiments, the bearing oil channels 126 may be uniformly distributed around the outer perimeter 124a of the bearing wall 124, such that the oil is uniformly distributed within the bearing cavity 122. In some embodiments, the bearing oil channels 126 may be substantially straight, as shown; however, in other embodiments, the bearing oil channels 126 may have curvature. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the bearing oil channels 126 may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the frame oil channels 116. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be different.

[0032] Still referencing Figure 2The bearing oil passage 126 of the rotating bearing 120 and the frame oil passage 116 of the static frame 110 can be axially aligned. In other words, the bearing oil passage 126 and the frame oil passage 116 can be seen in the same axial cross section, as shown in the figure. However, in other embodiments, the bearing oil passage 126 and the frame oil passage 116 can be axially staggered or spaced apart in the longitudinal axis A direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the rotary bearing 120 may be a metal or a metal alloy, such as a titanium alloy. The rotary bearing 120 may be made of an alloy or steel alloy. In some embodiments, the rotary bearing 120 may be made of a non-metallic material or a composite material. The rotary bearing 120 may be made of the same material as the static frame 110 or a different material. Features of the rotary bearing 120, such as the bearing oil passage 126, may be manufactured using drilling, milling, laser cutting, or other methods. In some embodiments, the bearing oil passage 126 may be cast within the rotary bearing 120.

[0034] What can be understood now is the combination of Figure 1 and Figure 2 Oil can be drawn from the oil inlet 130 ( Figure 1 (Not shown) The oil flows into the frame cavity 112 through the frame oil channel 116, and then into the bearing cavity 122 through the bearing oil channel 126, thereby transferring the oil from the static reference (i.e., the static frame 110) to the rotating reference (i.e., the rotating frame 120).

[0035] In some embodiments, the rotary bearing 120 may not include the bearing oil passage 126. Instead, the rotary bearing 120 may be a solid continuous piece. In such embodiments, oil can flow from the oil inlet 130 through the frame oil passage 116 and into the frame cavity 112. Within the frame cavity 112, oil can flow as the rotary bearing 120 rotates, thereby transferring oil from the static reference (i.e., the static frame 110) to the rotating reference (i.e., the rotary frame 120).

[0036] Now for reference Figure 3 This schematically illustrates another embodiment of the oil bearing 200. The oil bearing 200 and... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The oil bearing 100 is substantially similar to the oil bearing 100 in the figure. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same features. For example, the oil bearing 200 may have a swivel bearing 120 having a plurality of bearing oil passages 126.

[0037] The oil bearing 200 may have a static frame 210. The static frame 210 may have a plurality of frame oil channels 216 extending through the frame wall 114 from an outer perimeter 114a to an inner perimeter 114b. The centerline L1 of each frame oil channel 216 may form an angle θ1 with the radial direction R measured at the inner perimeter 114b. Specifically, the centerline L1 may be arranged at an angle such that the direction of the frame oil channel 216 is opposite to the direction of rotation ω of the rotary bearing 120. In other words, if the direction of rotation ω is clockwise (as shown), the centerline L1 may extend counterclockwise from the outer perimeter 114a to the inner perimeter 114b of the frame wall 114. In some embodiments, the angle θ1 may be approximately 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the frame oil channel 216 may be substantially tangential to the rotary bearing 120.

[0038] Still referencing Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the bearing oil passage 126 can be aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 120, as referenced above. Figure 2 Therefore, in some embodiments, the bearing oil passage 126 and the frame oil passage 216 may be oriented in opposite directions.

[0039] Although illustrated as aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 120, in some embodiments, the bearing oil passage 126 may be aligned in the opposite direction of rotation ω. Therefore, it is understood that in some embodiments, both the frame oil passage 116 and the bearing oil passage 126 may be aligned with the rotation direction ω. In other embodiments, the frame oil passage 116 may be aligned with the rotation direction ω, while the bearing oil passage 126 may be aligned in the opposite direction of rotation ω. In other embodiments, the frame oil passage 216 may be aligned in the opposite direction of rotation ω, while the bearing oil passage 126 may be aligned with the rotation direction ω. In other embodiments, both the frame oil passage 216 and the bearing oil passage 126 may be aligned in the opposite direction of rotation ω.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 4 Another embodiment of the oil bearing 300 is schematically depicted. The oil bearing 300 and... Figures 1-3 Oil bearings 100 and 200 are substantially similar. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. For example, oil bearing 300 may have a swivel bearing 120 having a plurality of bearing oil passages 126.

[0041] The oil bearing 300 may have a static frame 310. The static frame 310 may have a plurality of frame oil channels 316 extending through the frame wall 114 from the outer perimeter 114a to the inner perimeter 114b. More specifically, the static frame 310 may have a first set 316a and a second set 316b of frame oil channels 316.

[0042] Each oil passage in the first group 316a of the frame oil passages 316 may have an angle θ with the radial direction R measured at the inner perimeter 114b. a The centerline L of the arrangement a Specifically, the centerline L a The components can be arranged at an angle so that the first set 316a of the frame oil channels 316 is aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 120. In other words, if the rotation direction ω is clockwise (as shown in the figure), then the centerline L... a It can extend clockwise from the outer perimeter 114a to the inner perimeter 114b of the frame wall 114. In some embodiments, the angle θ a The angle can be greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, or greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, the frame oil passage 316 of the first group 316a can be substantially tangent to the rotary bearing 120.

[0043] The second group 316b of the frame oil channels 316 may have substantially the same dimensions and shape as the first group 316a. The centerline L of each of the second group 316b of the frame oil channels 316... b It can be angled θ with the radial direction R measured at the inner perimeter 114b. b Arrangement. Angle θ b Can be related to angle θ a They are equal and opposite. In other words, if the first group 316a of the frame oil passages 316 extends in a clockwise direction, then the second group 316b can extend in a counterclockwise direction. Therefore, the second group 316b can be symmetrical to the first group 316a.

[0044] In this embodiment, the number of frame oil channels 316 in the first group 316a and the second group 316b can be equal, and each frame oil channel in the first group 316a can be paired with one frame oil channel in the second group 316b. More specifically, each frame oil channel in the first group 316a can be connected to one frame oil channel in the second group 316b at the outer perimeter 114a, such that each frame oil channel in the first group 316a and one frame oil channel in the second group 316b share a single oil inlet 130. In other words, each oil inlet 130 can be connected and interlocked with one channel in the first group 316a and one channel in the second group 316b. This forms an approximate triangle between one channel in the first group 316a, one channel in the second group 316b, and the inner perimeter 114b of the static frame 110, as shown in the figure.

[0045] The oil inlet 130 can be oriented in the radial direction R to avoid bias towards either the first group 316a or the second group 316b. Therefore, the oil flowing out of the oil inlet 130 can be distributed substantially evenly between the first group 316a and the second group 316b of the frame oil channels 316. In this way, approximately 50% of the oil will flow out of the frame oil channels 316 in the rotational direction ω, and approximately 50% of the oil will flow out of the frame oil channels 316 in the direction opposite to the rotational direction ω.

[0046] Still referencing Figure 4 In some embodiments, the plurality of bearing oil channels 126 may be arranged at an angle such that the bearing oil channels 126 are aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotating bearing 120. Therefore, the bearing oil channels 126 may be rotated aligned with approximately 50% of the frame oil channels 316.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 5 Another embodiment of the oil bearing 400 is schematically depicted. The oil bearing 400 and... Figures 1-4 Oil bearings 100, 200, and 300 are substantially similar. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. For example, the static frame 410 of oil bearing 400 may have a frame cavity 112 and a plurality of frame oil channels 116. The rotary bearing 420 of oil bearing 400 may have a bearing cavity 122 and a plurality of bearing oil channels 126.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the static frame 410 can be assembled inside the bearing cavity 122 of the rotary bearing 420. Therefore, the rotary bearing 420 can be positioned radially outside the static frame 410.

[0049] The oil bearing 400 may include an oil inlet 430 located within the frame cavity 112. In other words, the oil inlet 430 may be located radially inside both the static frame 410 and the rotary bearing 420. The oil inlet 430 may be configured to supply oil evenly around the static frame 410. Thus, oil may be evenly distributed to the frame oil passages 116. For example, the oil inlet 430 may include an array of nozzles (not shown) arranged at or near the longitudinal axis A or circumferentially distributed around the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the oil inlet 430 may include a single nozzle (not shown) arranged at or near the longitudinal axis A. Oil may flow radially outward from the oil inlet 430, through the plurality of frame oil passages 116 into the bearing cavity 122, and through the plurality of bearing oil passages 126 into the outer perimeter 124a of the rotary bearing 420, thereby transferring oil from the static reference (i.e., the static frame 410) to the rotary reference (i.e., the rotary bearing 420).

[0050] As shown in the figure, both the frame oil channel 116 and the bearing oil channel 126 can be arranged at an angle, such that the frame oil channel 116 is aligned with the rotation direction ω of the rotary bearing 420. In other embodiments, the frame oil channel 116 and / or the bearing oil channel 126 can be aligned in different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the frame oil channel 116 can be arranged at an angle, such that the frame oil channel 116 is aligned in the opposite direction of rotation ω, while the bearing oil channel 126 is aligned with the rotation direction ω.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 6 An embodiment of the oil bearing 500 is schematically depicted. The oil bearing 500 and... Figures 1-5 The oil bearings 100, 200, 300, and 400 are substantially similar. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. For example, the static frame 110 of the oil bearing 500 may have a frame cavity 112 and multiple frame oil channels 516.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the centerline L1 of the frame oil channel 516 can form an angle α with the radial direction R, which is measured at the inner perimeter 114b and is located at an angle α with the rotation direction ω (as shown in the figure). Figure 2 (As shown) in a plane that is perpendicular to and extends along the longitudinal axis A. In other words, except for the reference... Figure 2 In addition to the described tangential alignment, the frame oil passage 516 may also have an axial tilt. The axial tilt provided by angle α may cause the oil flowing through the frame oil passage 516 to generate axial velocity, which may be advantageous in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the frame oil passage 516 may not have an axial tilt.

[0053] like Figure 6As shown, the oil bearing 500 may have a single row of frame oil channels 516 arranged circumferentially around the oil bearing 500. In other embodiments, the oil bearing 500 may have multiple rows of frame oil channels 516, wherein each row of frame oil channels 516 is circumferentially distributed and the rows are stacked along the axial direction of the oil bearing 500.

[0054] although Figure 6 Not shown, but it should be understood that bearing oil passage 126 (e.g., as shown in the image) Figure 2 (As shown) can be arranged at an angle relative to the radial direction R, which is at the inner perimeter 124b (e.g.) Figure 2 The measurement is taken at (as shown), within a plane perpendicular to the rotation direction ω and extending along the longitudinal axis A. In other words, besides the reference... Figure 2 In addition to the described tangential alignment, the bearing oil passage 126 may also have an axial tilt. This axial tilt may cause the oil flowing through the bearing oil passage 126 to generate axial velocity, which may be advantageous in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the bearing oil passage 126 may not have an axial tilt.

[0055] In some embodiments, both the frame oil channel 516 and the bearing oil channel 126 may have an axial tilt; while in other embodiments, only the frame oil channel 516 or only the bearing oil channel 126 may have an axial tilt. In some embodiments, the frame oil channel 516 and the bearing oil channel 126 may have substantially the same axial tilt, i.e., arranged at substantially the same angle α with the radial direction R. In other embodiments, the axial tilt of the frame oil channel 516 may be greater than or less than the axial tilt of the bearing oil channel 126.

[0056] In some embodiments, the bearing oil channels 126 may be arranged in a single row and distributed circumferentially. In other embodiments, the bearing oil channels 126 may be arranged in multiple rows, wherein the bearing oil channels 126 in each row are distributed circumferentially and the rows are stacked axially. The rows of bearing oil channels 126 may or may not be directly aligned with the rows of frame oil channels 516.

[0057] In view of the foregoing, it should now be understood that at least some embodiments of this disclosure relate to an oil bearing comprising a static frame and a rotary bearing rotatable in a rotational direction and coaxial with the static frame. The static frame may include a frame wall defining a frame lumen extending longitudinally through the frame wall, and a plurality of frame oil channels passing through the frame wall. Each of the plurality of frame oil channels may be arranged at a first angle relative to the radial direction, wherein the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Due to this first angle, the frame oil channels can effectively “pre-rotate” the oil flowing through them before it contacts the rotary bearing. Therefore, the oil has a lower acceleration upon contact with the rotary bearing compared to oil that is not pre-rotated, thereby reducing wind resistance losses and / or other inefficiencies.

[0058] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0059] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0060] An oil bearing includes: a static frame comprising: a frame wall defining a frame cavity extending in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of frame oil channels extending through the frame wall, each of the plurality of frame oil channels being arranged at a first angle relative to a radial direction, wherein the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees; and a rotary bearing rotatable in a rotational direction and coaxial with the static frame.

[0061] According to the oil bearing described in the foregoing clause, the plurality of frame oil channels are angled in the direction of rotation.

[0062] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the plurality of frame oil channels are substantially tangentially angled to the rotary bearing.

[0063] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the rotary bearing further comprises: a bearing wall defining a bearing cavity extending through the bearing wall in the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of bearing oil channels extending through the bearing wall, each of the plurality of bearing oil channels being arranged at a second angle relative to the radial direction.

[0064] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the plurality of bearing oil passages are angled in the direction of rotation.

[0065] According to any of the preceding clauses, the plurality of bearing oil passages are angled in opposite directions to the plurality of frame oil passages.

[0066] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the static frame is assembled within the bearing cavity of the rotary bearing.

[0067] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses further includes an oil inlet located within the frame cavity.

[0068] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a plurality of oil inlets, each of the plurality of oil inlets being aligned with one of the plurality of frame oil channels.

[0069] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of oil inlets are arranged at an inlet angle.

[0070] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first angle is between 75 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0071] An oil bearing includes: a static frame comprising: a frame wall defining a frame cavity extending in a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of frame oil channels extending through the frame wall, each of the plurality of frame oil channels being arranged at a first angle relative to a radial direction; and a rotary bearing rotatable in a rotational direction and disposed within the frame cavity of the static frame, the rotary bearing comprising: a bearing wall defining the bearing cavity extending in the longitudinal direction; and the plurality of bearing oil channels.

[0072] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0073] According to any of the preceding clauses, each of the plurality of bearing oil passages is arranged at a second angle relative to the radial direction.

[0074] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0075] According to any of the preceding clauses, the plurality of bearing oil channels and the plurality of frame oil channels are each angled in the direction of rotation.

[0076] According to any of the preceding clauses, the plurality of frame oil channels are uniformly distributed around the outer perimeter of the frame wall.

[0077] An oil bearing includes: a static frame comprising: a frame wall defining a frame cavity extending in a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of frame oil channels extending through the frame wall, at least some of the plurality of frame oil channels being arranged at a first angle relative to a radial direction; a plurality of nozzles aligned with the frame oil channels and configured to allow oil to flow through the frame oil channels and into the frame cavity; and a rotary bearing rotatable in a rotational direction and disposed within the frame cavity of the static frame, the rotary bearing comprising: a bearing wall defining the bearing cavity extending in the longitudinal direction; and the plurality of bearing oil channels.

[0078] According to any of the preceding clauses, the plurality of frame oil channels include a first set of channels and a second set of channels, the first set being arranged at a first angle relative to the radial direction, and the second set being arranged at a second angle relative to the radial direction.

[0079] According to any of the preceding clauses, the first set of channels is angled in the clockwise direction and the second set of channels is angled in the counterclockwise direction.

[0080] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the frame oil passage is angled in the clockwise direction and the bearing oil passage is angled in the counterclockwise direction.

[0081] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the frame oil passage is angled in the counterclockwise direction and the bearing oil passage is angled in the clockwise direction.

[0082] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the frame oil passage and the bearing oil passage are at an angle in the counterclockwise direction.

[0083] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing wherein the frame oil passage and the bearing oil passage are at an angle in the clockwise direction.

[0084] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the frame oil passage has an axial inclination.

[0085] The oil bearing according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing oil passage is axially inclined.

[0086] According to any of the preceding clauses, each of the plurality of nozzles is aligned with one of the first set of channels and one of the second set of channels.

[0087] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing, wherein the static frame is made of titanium alloy, Made from at least one of an alloy or a steel alloy.

[0088] According to any of the preceding clauses, the oil bearing, wherein the rotating frame is made of titanium alloy, Made from at least one of an alloy or a steel alloy.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover modifications and alterations to the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and alterations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An oil bearing, characterized in that, include: A static framework, comprising: A frame wall defining a frame lumen extending in a longitudinal direction; and A plurality of frame oil channels extending through the frame wall, each of the plurality of frame oil channels being arranged at a first angle relative to a radial direction, wherein the first angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees; and A rotary bearing, which is rotatable in the rotational direction and coaxial with the static frame.

2. The oil bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of frame oil channels are angled in the direction of rotation.

3. The oil bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of frame oil channels are substantially tangential to the rotary bearing at an angle.

4. The oil bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary bearing further includes: Bearing wall, the bearing wall defining a bearing cavity extending through the bearing wall in the longitudinal direction; and A plurality of bearing oil channels extend through the bearing wall, each of the plurality of bearing oil channels being arranged at a second angle relative to the radial direction.

5. The oil bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of bearing oil channels are angled in the direction of rotation.

6. The oil bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of bearing oil channels are angled in the opposite direction to the plurality of frame oil channels.

7. The oil bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The static frame is assembled within the bearing cavity of the rotary bearing.

8. The oil bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a plurality of oil inlets, each of which is aligned with one of the plurality of frame oil channels.

9. The oil bearing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of oil inlets are arranged at an inlet angle.

10. The oil bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first angle is between 75 degrees and 90 degrees.

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