Improved efficiency of journal bearings.

Abstract

Hybrid bearings can increase heat transfer, bearing load capacity, and bearing life in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, radial tilting pad bearings and axial tilting pad bearings. In an exemplary hybrid bearing, the hybrid bearing can include at least one tilt pad that is movable relative to and engaged with the main body, and at least one fixed pad that is fixed relative to the main body. Either the fixed pad or the tilt pad (and / or their surfaces) can be constructed from a non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer or ceramic material). [Selection diagram] Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing. [Background technology]

[0002] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This non-provisional utility patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 482,279, filed April 6, 2017. There are many types of bearings. Tilting pad journal bearings typically rely on a fluid film for adequate operation. However, the temperature of the fluid film and the bearing surface temperature in such bearings can significantly affect the performance and life of the bearing. Therefore, attempts have been made to cool the bearing surfaces that may be in direct contact with the fluid. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,182, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a sleeve bearing with side-channel cooling. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,123,409, 5,743,657, and 4,597,676, as well as U.S. patent applications 14 / 460,418 and 14 / 210,339, disclose various bearings that may serve as background for one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Alternative materials from traditional bearing surface materials are used in journal bearings to enable operation at higher temperatures and higher unit loads. Thus, operation at higher temperatures and higher unit loads allows for smaller bearings with less power loss. Among other features, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,597,676 discloses alternative materials to reduce power losses, allowing for further power loss savings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 482,279 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,485,182 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,123,409 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 5,743,657 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4,597,676 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 460,418 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 210,339 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a journal bearing of improved efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a journal bearing of improved efficiency.

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a trailing edge cooled bearing; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a radial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 adjacent the journal pad. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hybrid bearing that utilizes conventional metallic bearing materials (without non-metallic materials). [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an axial view of the hybrid bearing of FIG. 5. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 taken along the longitudinal axis of the bearing. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is another cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIGS. 5 to 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIGS. 5 to 7B taken along a radial plane of the bearing. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another hybrid bearing with a non-metallic material disposed on the fixed pads. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIG. 8A taken along the longitudinal axis of the bearing. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B along a radial plane of the bearing. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another hybrid bearing, in which a non-metallic material is disposed on a fixed pad and a lubrication direction is defined. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another hybrid bearing in which a non-metallic material is placed on the tilt pad. [Figure 11] Wireframe diagram of a hybrid bearing with defined lubrication direction and surface features on the tilt pad. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another hybrid bearing in which non-metallic material is placed on the fixed pads and tilt pads. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIG. 12A taken along the longitudinal axis of the bearing. [Figure 12C] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid bearing shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B taken along a radial plane of the bearing. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative hybrid bearing, where the tilt pads can be constructed from a non-metallic material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Before the present method and apparatus are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the method and apparatus are not limited to particular methods, components or particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0009] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by the use of "about" the antecedent, it is to be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is to be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant in relation to the other endpoint, and independent of the other endpoint.

[0010] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or circumstance described thereafter may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs as well as instances in which the event or circumstance does not occur.

[0011] Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprise" and variations of such words, such as "comprising" and "comprises," mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers, or steps. "Exemplary" means "one example of," and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Etc." is used in a limiting sense, but for purposes of description.

[0012] Components that can be used to implement the disclosed methods and devices are disclosed. These and other components are disclosed herein. When disclosing combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components, specific references to various individual and collective combinations and permutations thereof may not be expressly disclosed, but each is understood to be specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and devices. This applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the disclosed methods. Thus, if there are various additional steps that can be implemented, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be implemented in any particular embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0013] The method and apparatus of the present invention may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the examples contained herein, the drawings, and the above and following descriptions. The terms bearing and hybrid bearing 10' may be used interchangeably when referring to the generality of the configuration of structures and / or corresponding components, aspects, features, functions, methods and / or materials, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0014] Before describing various aspects of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components illustrated in the following description or in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Similarly, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein with respect to the orientation of devices or elements (e.g., terms such as "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc.) are used for simplicity of description only and do not indicate or imply that the referred devices or elements must have only a particular orientation. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used in the present specification and the appended claims for descriptive purposes only and do not indicate or imply any relative importance or significance.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a trailing edge cooled bearing 10. As shown, the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 may include one or more pads 20 disposed about a hole 14 formed in the trailing edge cooled bearing 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pads 20 may be configured as journal pads 20, but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. Thus, the term "journal pad" as used herein, when referring to a pad 20 configured in accordance with the present disclosure, in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure to a trailing edge cooled bearing 10 having a journal pad. While the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is primarily directed to a tilting pad journal bearing, the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 disclosed and claimed herein is not so limited and extends to any bearing that may require cooling, whether unidirectional or bidirectional, including, but not limited to, a tilting pad thrust bearing or journal bearing.

[0016] In referring to the exemplary embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 shown in Figure 1, each journal pad 20 includes a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24, and these distinctions may vary depending at least on the direction of rotation of a rotating body (e.g., a shaft) interacting with the trailing edge cooled bearing 10. In Figure 1, for purposes of explanation, reference to the direction of rotation is counterclockwise, and thus, of the two visible journal pads 20, the left side includes the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20 and the right side includes the leading edge 22 of the journal pad 20. In bearings such as that shown in Figure 1, the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20 often experiences the thinnest fluid film and the highest temperatures.

[0017] An axial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a trailing edge cooled bearing 10 is shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 provides a radial cross-sectional view thereof. With particular reference to FIG. 3, it will be understood that this embodiment of a trailing edge cooled bearing 10 is shown engaged with a machine housing 11, with a cap 11a disposed over the trailing edge cooled bearing 10. For reference purposes, the curved arrow in FIG. 3 indicates the direction of shaft rotation, which is clockwise (when viewed from left to right in the cross-sectional view), which affects the definition of the leading edge 22 and the trailing edge 24, which will be described in more detail below. This exemplary embodiment may be configured as a two-piece design, where the trailing edge cooled bearing includes a main body 50 comprised of a top portion 52 and a bottom portion 54, which may be engaged with one another via one or more fasteners 15 and corresponding openings (which may or may not be threaded) in the top portion 12a and / or bottom portion 12b. In many applications, the bottom portion 54 is secured to the machine housing 11. Attach to Any suitable structure and / or method may be used to mount the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 to the machine and / or machine housing 11. Attach to The top portion 52 may be secured to the bottom portion 54 of the main body 50 using any suitable structure and / or method, including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), an interference fit, chemical adhesives, welding, and / or combinations thereof. Further, any suitable structure and / or method may be used to secure the top portion 52 to the bottom portion 54 of the main body 50. Attach to These suitable structures and / or methods may include, but are not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), interference fits, chemical adhesives, welding, and / or combinations thereof.

[0018] In other embodiments, the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 may be constructed as a single unitary structure, and in other embodiments, the trailing edge cooled bearing may be constructed of three or more parts. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the number of parts used to construct the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, and extends to, without limitation, embodiments that utilize a single unitary main body 50, and embodiments that utilize two or more parts that mate together to form the main body 50.

[0019] 2, the end plates 40 may be disposed adjacent both axial faces of the main body 50. Both end plates 40 may be attached to the main body 50 via one or more fasteners 15, as shown in FIG. Attach to However, any suitable structure and / or method may be used to attach the end plate 40 to the main body 50. Attach to Suitable structures and / or methods may include, but are not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), interference fits, chemical adhesives, welding, and / or combinations thereof. Each end plate 40 may be configured such that its inner diameter is disposed relatively close to a diameter of the shaft around which the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 may be disposed. It is contemplated that the gap between the inner diameter of the end plate 40 and the diameter of the shaft may be selected to allow lubricant to exit the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 at the point of the gap. For some embodiments, the gap may be configured to be 10 millimeters (mm), while in other embodiments, the gap is greater than 10 mm, and in other embodiments, the gap is less than 10 mm. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the gap, and extends, but is not limited to, all alternative configurations that allow lubricant to exit the trailing edge cooled bearing 10. As used herein, the terms “lubricant” and “fluid” may be used interchangeably and generally for any fluid that may be beneficially used in any embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 .

[0020] The main body 50 and the end plates 40 may be configured to form annulus 42 on either side of the main body 50. The main body 50 may include one or more passages 51 formed therein which, for the exemplary embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 shown in FIG. 2, may be axially oriented relative to the axis of rotation of a shaft about which the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 may be disposed. One or more of the passages 51 formed in the main body 50 may be in fluid communication with both of the annulus 42 formed adjacent either side of the axial face of the main body 50.

[0021] The shank or shanks 34 are adapted to engage the main body 50 along the inner diameter of the main body 50 at various rotational positions. Attach toIn an exemplary embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, two shanks 34 may be associated with each journal pad 20, allowing for a total of four journal pads 20 and eight shanks 34 to be included. However, in other embodiments of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, not shown, a different number of shanks 34 may be associated with each journal pad 20. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the number of shanks 34 relative to the number of any other elements of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10. Additionally, the number, relative placement and / or configuration of the journal pads 20 may vary from one embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 to the next, with some embodiments of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 including, but not limited to, six journal pads 20, eight journal pads 20, or an odd number of journal pads. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the number, orientation and / or configuration of the journal pads 20.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more fasteners 15 (which may be axially oriented) may be used to engage and / or secure each shank 34 to the main body 50, as best shown in Figure 2. However, any suitable structure and / or method may be used to engage and / or secure each shank 34 to the main body 50, including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), an interference fit, chemical adhesives, welding, and / or combinations thereof.

[0023] The proximal end of each shank 34 may be disposed within the main body 50 such that the interior passages of the shank 34 may be in fluid communication with one or more of the passages 51 formed within the main body 50. The distal end of each shank may be disposed within the spray wand 30. Attach to34. The spray bar 30 may be configured to have an inner passageway in the annulus 42 such that the inner passageway of the spray bar 30 may be in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the shank 34. Thus, lubricant (which may be pressurized using any lubricant supply method and / or device appropriate for the particular application of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10) may be supplied to the passageway 51 in the annulus 42 and / or body 50, which may pass through the inside of the shank 34 and into the spray bar 30 engaged with the shank 34. Without limitation, other methods and / or devices may be used to supply lubricant and / or fluid to the spray bar 30, and the methods and / or devices shown and described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not meant to be limitations on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The multiple journal pads 20 can be spaced around the inner diameter of the main body 50 at various locations. Again, an exemplary embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 can include four journal pads 20 evenly spaced around the main body 50, although the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited and the number, relative placement, orientation and / or configuration of the journal pads 20 can vary, without limitation, from one embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 to the next.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, each journal pad 20 is attached to a main body 50 via a ball-and-socket arrangement. Attach to In such an embodiment, the journal pad 20 may be formed with a ball 28 on an outer circumferential surface of the journal pad 20 that corresponds to a socket 56 formed in the main body 50. This configuration allows the journal pad 20 to move and / or tilt relative to the main body 50. However, other embodiments of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 use other features (e.g., axial ridges formed in the main body 50 that engage the journal pad 20) that allow the journal pad 20 to move and / or tilt relative to the main body. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the method and / or structure used to allow relative movement and / or tilt between the main body 50 and any journal pad 20, unless otherwise provided in the claims below.

[0026] The spray bars 30 may be positioned adjacent the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 4. The spray bars 30 may also be positioned on the leading edge 22 of the journal pad 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the spray bars 30 shown in the top portion of FIG. 2 may be configured to be positioned adjacent the leading edge 22 of the journal pad 20. As shown in FIG. 3 for an exemplary embodiment, the spray bars 30 positioned nearest the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions may be configured to be positioned adjacent the leading edge 22 of the journal pad 20, and the remaining four spray bars 30 may be configured to be positioned adjacent the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20.

[0027] Both spray wands 30 have shanks 34 Attach to The shank 34 may be attached to the main body 50 of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 as previously described. Attach toThe spray bar 30 adjacent the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20 may be configured to direct fluid toward the trailing edge 24 of the journal pad 20, and in some embodiments, directly toward the trailing edge surface 25, as described in more detail below. Each spray bar 30 and / or shank 34 may have one or more openings 32 formed therein, which may be configured to direct a flow of fluid outward from an internal passage of the spray bar 30 and / or shank 34 in one or more particular directions, with particular fluid flow characteristics (e.g., velocity, volumetric flow rate, etc.), and with a known pressure drop across the openings 32. In some embodiments, the spray bar 30 and / or shank 34 disposed adjacent the leading edge 22 of the journal pad 20 may be configured with two sets of openings 32, a first set of openings 32 may be configured to remove existing lubricant from the shaft, and a second set of openings 32 may be configured to provide clean lubricant to the working surface 26 and / or shaft. However, other embodiments of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 may have different configurations of the openings 32 in any of the spray bars 30 and / or shanks 34, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the claims below. For example, the exemplary embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 shows the spray bar 30 associated with the leading edge 22 and the spray bar 30 associated with the trailing edge 24 as separate elements. However, other embodiments of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, not shown herein, may configure multiple openings 32 in a single spray bar 30 to provide any of the spray bar 30 functions and / or additional functions and configurations of openings in the spray bar 30 disclosed herein. That is, a single spray bar 30 and / or openings 32 therein (and / or shank 34 and / or openings 32 therein), without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the claims below, may be configured to direct fluid flow to the shaft, the leading edge 22, the trailing edge 24, the trailing edge face 25, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] The journal pad 20 may include a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24 as previously described. Additionally, the journal pad 20 may include one or more contours (not shown) on the working surface 26 of the journal pad 20. Lubricant passages (not shown) may be formed in an inner portion of the journal pad 20 to direct lubricant to the working surface 26 and / or contours formed in the working surface 26 under certain operating conditions (or the lubricant passages may not be formed depending on the particular embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing). However, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the number, configuration and / or orientation of any contours and / or lubricant passages in the journal pad 20 used in the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, unless otherwise provided in the claims below. Additionally, one or more of the journal pads 20 may be formed with holes configured to accommodate respective temperature sensors. However, the presence or absence of such holes and / or respective temperature sensors in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise provided in the claims below, and the trailing edge cooled bearing 10 disclosed and claimed herein extends to both journal pads 20 having temperature sensors and journal pads 20 without temperature sensors.

[0029] As shown, the trailing surface 25 may be formed with one or more grooves 25a thereon. The grooves 25a may be adjacent to the spray bar 30 having a plurality of openings 32 formed along the length of the spray bar 30, embodiments of the openings 32 already described in detail above. In some embodiments, the openings 32 in the spray bar 30 adjacent the trailing surface 25 may be aligned with the grooves 25a, such that one opening 32 corresponds to one groove 25a in the trailing surface 25 and directly supplies fluid to the corresponding groove 25a. These spray bars 30 and / or the openings 32 formed therein (or formed in the shank 34) may be configured to increase the velocity of the lubricant impinging on the grooves, thereby increasing the rate and / or amount of heat transfer between the lubricant and the journal pad 20.

[0030] The grooves 25a can serve to increase the surface area over which lubricant can act to exchange thermal energy with the pad 20. Generally, the deeper the grooves 25a, the more surface area there is for heat exchange. However, removing material from portions of the journal pad 20 can compromise the rigidity and / or structural integrity of the journal pad 20.

[0031] Thus, the optimal configuration for the grooves 25a may vary from one embodiment of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, and the optimal configuration may involve a balance between the desired heat transfer of the journal pad 20 and the desired structural integrity and / or resistance to deflection. Thus, the specific number, orientation, relative location, shape, geometry, size, configuration, etc. of the groove(s) 25a may vary from one embodiment of the cooled bearing 10 to the next, and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise provided in the claims below. Furthermore, the grooves 25a formed in any given trailing edge surface 25 need not be identical and / or uniform. The spray bar 30, shank 34, and / or the arrangement of the openings 32 on the spray bar 30 and shank 34 may be configured to efficiently deliver fluid to the grooves 25a to achieve a desired amount of heat transfer with a given fluid velocity configuration (e.g., different spray patterns, etc.) passing over the grooves 25a.

[0032] Although the specific numbers, orientations, relative positions, shapes, geometries, dimensions, configurations, etc. of the trailing edge cooled bearing 10, hybrid bearing 10' and their various elements may vary from one embodiment of the cooled bearing 10 to the next, one specific embodiment will be described. The listed dimensions are for illustrative purposes only. For a shaft having an outer diameter of approximately 580 millimeters (mm), the outer diameter of each end plate 40 may be 1000 mm and the inner diameter may be 590 mm. The axial width of the main body 50 may be 493 mm and the axial width of each end plate 40 may be 40 mm. The outer diameter of the main body 50 may be 1100 mm.

[0033] The gap between the working surface 26 of each journal pad 20 and the shaft may be 0.05 mm. Each journal pad 20 may have a radial dimension of 200 mm thick and encompass an arc of 20 to 90 degrees based on the axis of rotation of the shaft. The axial dimension of each journal pad 20 may be 520 mm and the thickness of each journal pad 20 may be determined by the surface area of ​​the trailing edge face 25.

[0034] Exemplary Embodiments of Hybrid Bearings 5-12, and more particularly, FIG. 5-7C, FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an exemplary hybrid bearing 10' prior to placement of any non-metallic material 12' on any of the pads 20a', 20b'. In one aspect, the hybrid bearing 10' can be configured with one or more working surfaces 26a', 26b' of one or more fixed pads 20a' and / or tilt pads 20b', with materials selected to ensure safer operation, increased life, and eliminate and / or reduce lift pocket features as compared to bearings found in the prior art for a particular application, as described in further detail below. These various materials can be incorporated with existing bearing features, including, but not limited to, those shown in Figures 1-4 (already discussed above) and Figures 5-12 (described in detail below), as well as anti-rotation features, lift pocket features, pivot features, mechanisms for securing the anchor pad(s), and / or bearing alignment features, unless otherwise indicated in the claims below.

[0035] In one aspect, advanced materials (advanced materials include, but are not limited to, engineering polymers and hard surface materials, unless otherwise indicated in the claims below) may be utilized in conjunction with other aspects of the bearing to achieve various benefits. Some aspects of the hybrid bearing 10' that may complement advanced materials include, but are not limited to, lubrication directional spray bars 30' and / or lubrication pockets, fixed pads 20a' adjacent the top or bottom halves of the hybrid bearing 10', tilt pads 20b' adjacent the top or bottom halves of the hybrid bearing 10', surface feature(s) 27' on the working surfaces 26a', 26b', large gap end plates 40', and / or combinations thereof, allowing for the elimination of hydrostatic lift pocket features in one or more pads 20a', 20b', and / or allowing for higher loads, temperatures and / or pressures during start / stop and operation. Eliminating the hydrostatic lift pocket feature and allowing for higher loads and / or temperatures is contemplated to reduce power losses while simultaneously ensuring adequate bearing life, all of which can be accomplished via the hybrid bearing 10' (with alternative and / or non-metallic materials 12' described in more detail below). Additionally, the hybrid bearing 10' (with alternative and / or non-metallic materials 12' described in more detail below) is contemplated to allow for more instantaneous contact between the rotating shaft and the pads 20a', 20b' without failure and to not easily create a boundary of partial lubrication. In general, the fixed pads 20a' on the upper portion of the hybrid bearing 10' are contemplated to reduce power losses and provide a rocking bearing surface.

[0036] In general, it is contemplated that the hybrid bearing 10' can increase the overall efficiency of a machine having a rotating shaft, thereby reducing the power consumption of the machine. In general, it is further contemplated that the selection of advanced materials for the hybrid bearing 10' allows for higher unit loads, thinner films (in fluid film applications), and / or elimination of features on the working surfaces 26a', 26b' of the pads 20a', 20b', as compared to prior art bearings in corresponding applications. Thus, in one aspect, the hybrid bearing 10' (with alternative and / or non-metallic materials 12', described in more detail below) allows for thinner films and / or higher operating temperatures as compared to bearings found in the prior art.

[0037] As shown, the hybrid bearing 10' may include a main body 50' which may be formed as a top portion 52' and a bottom portion 54' as previously described. The main body 50' may be formed with end plates 40' on either side of the axial face of the main body 50'. Attach to Although engagement via a plurality of screws and corresponding threaded holes is illustrated, any suitable structure and / or method may be used to engage and / or secure each end plate 40' to the main body 50', including, without limitation, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), interference fits, chemical adhesives, welding, and / or combinations thereof, unless otherwise provided in the claims below, or one or both end plates 40' are integral with the main body 50'.

[0038] 5-7C, the main body 50' of the hybrid bearing 10' may also be formed with an annular groove 58' on an outer surface of the main body 50'. The annular groove 58' may be in fluid communication with one or more shanks 34', which may be in fluid communication with one or more spray bars 30' as previously described. Thus, lubricant (which may be pressurized using any lubricant supply method and / or device appropriate for the particular application of the hybrid bearing 10') may be supplied to the annular groove 58' in the body 50', pass inside the shanks 34', and to the spray bar 30' engaged with the shanks 34', such that the lubricant contacts one or more pads 20a', 20b'.

[0039] As shown at least in Figures 5-7C, the hybrid bearing 10' may be configured with at least one fixed pad 20a' having a fixed pad working surface 26a' and at least one tilt pad 20b' having a tilt pad working surface 26b'. The hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figures 5-7C may be configured with one fixed pad 20a' (which may be generally located adjacent to an upper half of the hybrid bearing 10') and two tilt pads 20b' (which may be generally located adjacent to a lower half of the hybrid bearing 10'), but is not limited thereto and other numbers and configurations of fixed pads 20a' and tilt pads 20b' may be utilized unless otherwise provided in the claims below. For example, the hybrid bearing 10' may be configured with two tilt pads 20b' and two fixed pads 20a', or with three tilt pads 20b' and one fixed pad 20a', or with four tilt pads 20b' and two tilt pads 20a'. Additionally, in other exemplary embodiments, without limitation and unless otherwise provided in the following claims, the tilt pad 20b' may be disposed adjacent an upper half of the hybrid bearing 10' and the fixed pad 20a' may be disposed adjacent a lower half of the hybrid bearing 10'.

[0040] Generally, the tilt pads 20b' can be movable relative to the main body 50' in at least one axis of freedom. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each tilt pad 20b' can be moved relative to the main body 50' via a button arrangement. Attach to In such an embodiment, the tilt pad 20b' may be formed with a button 28' on the circumferential outer surface of the tilt pad 20b' that tilts on the inner diameter of the body 50'. Such a configuration allows for movement and / or tilting of the tilt pad 20b' relative to the main body 50. However, other embodiments of the hybrid bearing 10' may use other features that allow for movement of the tilt pad 20b' relative to the main body 50' (e.g., an axial ridge formed in the main body 50' that engages the tilt pad 20b', or a ball 28-socket 56 configuration, in which the ball may be formed in either the body 50 or the tilt pad 20, and the socket may be formed in either the tilt pad 20 or the body 50, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and previously described). Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the method and / or structure used to enable relative movement and / or tilt between the main body 50' and any tilt pad 20b', unless otherwise provided in the claims below.

[0041] As explained above, the shank 34' and associated spray bar 30' having one or more apertures 32' formed therein may be positioned adjacent to the leading or trailing edges of the fixed pad 20a' and / or tilt pad 20b'. Different configurations of hybrid bearings 10' configured with multiple spray bars 30' are shown in Figures 9-11 and 13, where each hybrid bearing 10' may be configured with one or more spray bars 30' adjacent to either or both of the fixed pad 20a' and / or tilt pad 20b'. However, the optimal placement, configuration and / or number of spray bars 30' may vary from one application of the hybrid bearing 10' to the next, and in some applications of the hybrid bearing 10', the spray bar 30' may not be necessary (as shown at least in Figures 8A-8C and 12A-12C). Accordingly, the presence / absence of spray wands 30', the number, orientation, and / or configuration of spray wands 30' in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0042] In one embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figures 5-7C, one or more of the tilt pads 20b' and / or the fixed pads 20a' can be coated with a non-metallic material 12', although Figures 5-7C show the hybrid bearing 10' without such a non-metallic material 12'. In general, the non-metallic material 12' can be configured as a polymeric material or a ceramic material. Alternatively, one or more of the tilt pads 20b' and / or the fixed pads 20a' can be constructed entirely of the non-metallic material 12' (as shown in Figure 13 and described further below) or can be constructed with a non-metallic material 12' insert. In another embodiment shown in at least Figures 11-12C, both the fixed pads 20a' and the tilt pads 20b' can be coated with a non-metallic material 12'. Or alternatively, both the fixation pad 20a' and the tilt pad 20b' may be constructed from or with a non-metallic material 12' insert. The particular location, configuration and / or structure of the non-metallic material 12' on the pads 20a', 20b' in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0043] In another embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10', the non-metallic material 12' can be disposed on all or a portion of the fixed pad working surface 26a' and / or the tilt pad working surface 26b'. For example, in one embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figures 8A-8C, the non-metallic material 12' can be disposed on each side of the fixed pad working surface 26a', such that the fixed pad working surface 26a' comprises at least three distinct portions, each portion constituting approximately one-third of the surface area of ​​the working surface 26a', 26b'. As shown, the metallic material 14' can be disposed between the outer portions, with the non-metallic material 12' disposed on each of the outer portions. It is contemplated that the portion of the fixed pad working surface 26a' having the metallic material 14' can be slightly recessed (i.e., have a diameter greater by 0.01 mm to 5 mm) than both adjacent portions of the fixed pad working surface 26a' having the non-metallic material 12' thereon. It is contemplated that such a configuration may include various advantages, including, without limitation, reduced power loss, unless otherwise specified in the following claims. Other ratios between the three portions of the pad working surface 26a', 26b' may be utilized, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the following claims. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the two portions each constituting one-quarter of the working surface 26a', 26b' may be separated by another portion of the working surface 26a', 26b' constituting one-half of the working surface 26a', 26b'. Similarly, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the following claims, the tilt pad working surface 26b' may be comprised of three distinct portions. As another illustrative example, the non-metallic material 12' may be disposed over the entire axial length of the working surface 26a', 26b' such that the metallic material 14' is not present on the working surface 26a', 26b'. In the exemplary embodiment where one of the pads 20a', 20b' is constructed entirely from a non-metallic material 12', the anchor pad 20a' may have a recessed section in the anchor pad working surface 26a' due to the non-metallic material 12.

[0044] The non-metallic material 12' may be a coating applied to another material (e.g., applied via spraying), an insert (which may chemically bond to the metallic support material of the pads 20a', 20b'), or a separate feature made up of the non-metallic material 12' secured to another material of the pads 20a', 20b' (e.g., Babbitt material) via a chemical or mechanical bond. In another exemplary embodiment, the non-metallic material 12' may be molded to the metallic support material of the pads 20a', 20b'. Although the various figures show the non-metallic material 12' extending from the leading edges 22a', 22b' to the trailing edges 24a', 24b', in other exemplary embodiments of the hybrid bearing 10', the non-metallic material 12' may terminate before the leading edges 22a', 22b' and / or the trailing edges 24a', 24b'. Accordingly, the particular location, shape, size and / or configuration of the non-metallic material 12' on the working surfaces 26a', 26b' in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0045] It is contemplated that in some applications, the thickness (i.e., radial dimension) of the non-metallic material 12' may be between 1 / 10,000 and 1 / 4 of the overall thickness of the pads 20a', 20b'. For non-metallic materials 12' comprised of ceramics, it is contemplated that in some applications, it may be advantageous to configure the pads 20a', 20b' such that the thickness of the non-metallic material 12' is between 1 / 10,000 and 1 / 8 of the overall thickness of the pads 20a', 20b'. For non-metallic materials 12' comprised of polymers, it is contemplated that in some applications, it may be advantageous to configure the pads 20a', 20b' such that the thickness of the non-metallic material 12' is between 1 / 100 and 1 / 8 of the overall thickness of the pads 20a', 20b'. For other applications, it is contemplated that it may be advantageous to configure the pads 20a', 20b' such that the thickness of the non-metallic material 12' is from 1 / 32 to 1 / 12 of the overall thickness of the pads 20a', 20b'.

[0046] In general, the hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figures 9, 11 and 12A-12C may be configured with fixed pads 20a' and tilt pads 20b' (as well as other features such as end plates 40' and main body 50') similar to the fixed pads 20a' and tilt pads 20b' described above for the hybrid bearing of Figures 8A-8C. However, the hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figure 9 may also be configured with one or more spray bars 30', as previously described.

[0047] In general, the hybrid bearing 10' shown in FIG. 10 may be constructed with a standard fixed pad 20a'. However, both tilt pads 20b' may be constructed with a non-metallic material 12' on a portion of the tilt pad working surface 26b'. As shown, the non-metallic material 12' may cover the entire area of ​​the tilt pad working surface 26b'. However, in other embodiments, the non-metallic material 12' may be constructed differently, and without limitation, unless otherwise provided in the claims below, the tilt pad working surface 26b' may be constructed of various portions having non-metallic material 12' and metallic material 14' thereon.

[0048] As previously mentioned, the hybrid bearing 10' shown in FIG. 11 can have a fixed pad 20a' (as well as other features such as end plates 40' and main body 50') similar to the fixed pad 20a' and tilt pad 20b' described above for the hybrid bearing of FIGS. 8A-8C. However, in another embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' shown in FIG. 11, the tilt pad working surface 26b' can be configured to include a surface feature 27' thereon. While FIG. 11 shows a simple lift pocket suitable for the surface feature 27', the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited and extends, without limitation, to any advantageous surface feature 27' unless otherwise specified in the following claims. Additionally, the hybrid bearing 10' shown in FIG. 11 can be configured with a trailing edge cooling bearing feature for one or more of the pads 20a', 20b' therein, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the following claims.

[0049] The hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figures 12A-12C may be configured with fixed pads 20a' (as well as other features such as end plates 40' and main body 50') similar to the fixed pads 20a' and tilt pads 20b' described above for the hybrid bearing of Figures 8A-8C. However, the hybrid bearing shown in Figures 12A-12C may also have one or more tilt pads 20b' that may be configured with a non-metallic material 12' on a portion of the tilt pad working surface 26b', as described above for the hybrid bearing 10' shown in Figure 10. As shown, the non-metallic material 12' may cover the entire area of ​​the tilt pad working surface 26b'.

[0050] However, in other embodiments, the non-metallic material 12' may be configured differently and the tilt pad working surface 26b' may be configured of various portions having non-metallic material 12' and metallic material 14' thereon, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0051] In general, the hybrid bearing 13' shown in FIG. 13 can be configured with a standard fixed pad 20a', but both tilt pads 20b' can be configured to be entirely made of non-metallic material 12'. Thus, the non-metallic material 12' can cover the entire area of ​​the tilt pad working surface 26b'. However, in other embodiments, the non-metallic material 12' can be configured differently and the tilt pad working surface 26b' can be configured of various portions having non-metallic material 12' and metallic material 14' thereon, without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0052] In one embodiment, the non-metallic material 12' may be constructed as a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based polymer. In another hybrid bearing 10', the non-metallic material 12' may be constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In still other hybrid bearings 10', the non-metallic material 12' may be constructed of, but is not limited to, fluorinated ethylene propylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkanes, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or difluoride, liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamides (e.g., nylons), polyimides, acetals, or the like, unless otherwise specified in the claims below. resin , other suitable polymers suited to the particular application of the hybrid bearing 10', and / or combinations thereof. Additionally, the non-metallic material 12' can be filled, blended and / or have other materials embedded therein, including, without limitation, other polymers, fibers (natural or synthetic), other materials (e.g., solid lubricants), and / or combinations thereof that may provide better tribological properties and / or higher strength, unless otherwise specified in the claims below. When tested, PEEK-based polymers have performed satisfactorily when used at higher temperatures with thinner films compared to prior art bearings. By allowing thinner films at higher temperatures, the design of the hybrid bearing 10' allows for higher unit loads and also allows for lower viscosity fluids, which may reduce power losses associated with the hybrid bearing 10' compared to prior art bearings.

[0053] It is contemplated that at least one pad 20a', 20b in the hybrid bearing 10' may have a non-metallic material 12' thereon, and that the non-metallic material 12' may be comprised of a ceramic. For example, in one embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' shown in FIG. 10, the tilt pad 20b' having the surface features 27' formed thereon may be comprised of a coating of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of a ceramic, an insert of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of a ceramic, or the entire tilt pad 20b' may be comprised of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of a ceramic, unless otherwise provided in the claims below, without limitation. Additionally, the hybrid bearing 10' illustrated herein may have tilt pad 20b' and / or fixed pad 20a' constructed with a coating made of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of ceramic, an insert made of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of ceramic, or the entire tilt pad 20b' and / or fixed pad 20a' may be constructed of a non-metallic material 12' comprised of ceramic, unless otherwise specified in the claims below, without limitation.

[0054] The non-metallic material 12' composed of ceramic can be composed of any suitable ceramic (e.g., nano- and / or ultra-nano ceramic materials composed of aluminum nitride, boron nitride, cordierite, silicon, silicon carbide, diamond, nano diamond, ultra-nano diamond, polycrystalline diamond, graphite, tungsten nitride, cobalt-chromium alloys, etc.) and / or any suitable material having the properties of the non-metallic material 12' (e.g., required hardness, strength, fracture toughness, wear resistance, anti-static, friction behavior, etc.) without limitation and unless otherwise specified in the claims below. The optimal non-metallic material 12' can vary from one application of the hybrid bearing 10' to the next and thus does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way unless otherwise specified in the claims below. The specific location of the non-metallic material 12' on the pads 20a', 20b' does not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0055] In other aspects of the hybrid bearing 10', the non-metallic materials 12' may be disposed one above the other on a given pad 20a', 20b' or may be disposed separately on different pads 20a', 20b', as well as being disposed differently on one or more pads 20a', 20b', without limitation, unless otherwise specified in the claims below. The specific location of the non-metallic materials 12' on the working surfaces 26a', 26b', whether the non-metallic materials 12' are comprised of a polymer, a ceramic, or a different non-metallic material 12', in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the claims below.

[0056] Prior art bearings often required the formation of lift pockets in the bearing pads and pressurized fluid from a source external to the bearing was necessary to prevent damage to the bearing and possible failure when the load on the bearing exceeded a certain amount. The use of non-metallic material 12' on all or a portion of fixed pad working surface 26a' and / or tilt pad working surface 26b' is contemplated to reduce or eliminate the need for lift pockets and / or pressurized fluid from a source external to the bearing.

[0057] The number, configuration, size, geometry, and / or relative location of the non-metallic material 12', journal pad 20, fixed pad 20a', tilt pad 20b', fixed pad working surface 26a', tilt pad working surface 26b', surface features 27', grooves 25a, spray bars 30, 30', and / or openings 32, 32' may vary from one embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' to the next, as the configuration of the hybrid bearing 10' is optimal. Thus, the hybrid bearing 10' disclosed and claimed herein is in no way limited by specific constraints on these elements, unless otherwise specified in the claims that follow.

[0058] The hybrid bearing 10' disclosed and claimed herein can be extended to any rotating machine where increased reduction in power losses is desirable and is in no way limited to the specific embodiment shown and / or described herein. The optimal number, size, geometry, relative location, shape, and / or configuration of the journal pads 20, fixed pads 20a', tilt pads 20b', grooves 25a', spray bars 30', openings 32', and / or any other elements of the hybrid bearing 10' or trailing edge cooled bearing 10 can vary from one embodiment of the hybrid bearing 10' or trailing edge cooled bearing 10 to the next, and thus in no way limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise provided in the following claims. The various elements of a device employing at least one feature of the present disclosure can be formed from any material suitable for the application in which the device is to be used. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals and metal alloys, polymeric materials, ceramics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0059] Although the particular embodiment shown and described herein may pertain to a tilting pad journal bearing having equal numbers of journal pads 20, fixed pads 20a' and / or tilt pads 20b', the hybrid bearing 10' may be configured with other orientations and / or different quantities of various elements, which may have different shapes and / or orientations, or may be evenly or unevenly spaced from other elements of the bearing 10, 10'. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the particular shapes, configurations and / or dimensions of such elements, and / or the relative quantities and / or locations of such elements, unless otherwise specified in the claims that follow.

[0060] The materials used in the construction of the devices and / or device components for a particular method will vary depending on the particular application, but it is contemplated that polymers, synthetic materials, metals, metal alloys, natural materials, ceramics, composite materials, and / or combinations thereof may be particularly useful in some applications. Thus, the elements referred to above may be constructed from any materials known to those of skill in the art or later developed that are appropriate for a particular application of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise provided in the claims that follow.

[0061] While preferred aspects of the various methods and devices have been described, other features of the present disclosure will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art, as there are numerous modifications and alternatives to the embodiments and / or aspects shown herein, all of which can be accomplished without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the methods and embodiments shown and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to all methods, devices and / or structures that provide various benefits and / or features of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the following claims.

[0062] Although hybrid bearings and hybrid bearing components have been described in connection with preferred aspects and specific examples, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments and / or aspects shown, as the embodiments and / or aspects herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the apparatus and embodiments shown and described herein are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the following claims.

[0063] While some of the drawings are drawn to scale, any dimensions provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the claims below. It should be noted that the hybrid bearing and / or components thereof are not limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein, and the scope of the inventive features according to the present disclosure is defined by the claims herein. Modifications and alternatives from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] Any of the various features, components, functions, advantages, aspects, configurations, etc. of the hybrid bearing or its components may be used alone or in combination with one another depending on the suitability of the features, components, functions, advantages, aspects, configurations, method steps, method parameters, etc. Thus, there are an almost infinite number of variations on this disclosure. The modification and / or substitution of one feature, component, function, aspect, configuration, method step, method parameter, etc. for another in no way limits the scope of the disclosure, unless otherwise specified in the following claims.

[0065] It is to be understood that the present disclosure extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features described above that are apparent from the text and / or drawings and / or that are inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure and / or its components. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for carrying out the apparatus, methods and / or components disclosed herein and enable those skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims should be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0066] Unless otherwise specified in the claims, it is in no way intended that any process or method set forth herein be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or where there is no specific statement in the claims or specification limiting the steps to a particular order, no order is intended to be inferred in any respect. This applies to all possible implicit criteria of interpretation, including, but not limited to, logical matters regarding the organization of steps or operational flow; plain meaning resulting from grammatical construction or punctuation; number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0067] List of embodiments of improved efficiency journal bearings (hybrid bearings) 1.Hybrid bearings are: a. Allows fluid to pass a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body, The main body Can be attached to A first pad, On the inside facing the shaft a first pad including an active surface; and c. a first portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to non-metallic materials It can be embodied as: 2. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a polymeric material. 3. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1 or 2 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a ceramic material. 4. A second portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to 4. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2 or 3 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, further comprising a second non-metallic material. 5. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3 or 4 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in combination, further comprising a third portion on the working surface comprised of a metallic material, the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material being further defined as being separated from each other by the third portion. 6. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in combination, further defined as the first portion of the working surface having an area that is less than 85% of the area of ​​the working surface. 7. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in combination, further defined as the first portion of the working surface having an area equal to an area of ​​the working surface. 8. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in combination, wherein the first pad is movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension. 9. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, further comprising a second pad having an active surface thereon, the position of said second pad being fixed relative to said main body, having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in any combination. 10. A first portion of the working surface of the second pad Can be attached to 10. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 having any of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, further comprising a second non-metallic material. 11. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in combination, further defined as the first pad being composed of a non-metallic material. 12.Hybrid bearings are: a. Allows fluid to pass through a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body,The main body Can be attached to a first pad including an interaction surface and movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; c. the main body Can be attached to a second pad, the second pad including an interaction surface, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; d. a portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to non-metallic materials It can be embodied as: 13. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 12, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a polymeric material. 14. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 12 or 13 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a ceramic material. 15.a. a second portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to a second non-metallic material; and b. a third portion on said working surface, said third portion being made of a metallic material; 15. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 12, 13 or 14 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in any combination, further defined as comprising: 16. A first portion of the working surface of the second pad Can be attached to 16. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 12, 13, 14 or 15 having any of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, further comprising a second non-metallic material. 17. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in combination, further defined as the second pad being composed of a non-metallic material. 18.a. Allows fluid to pass through a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body, The main body Can be attached toa first pad movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; c. the main body Can be attached to a second pad configured with an operating surface thereon, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; and d. a portion of the working surface of the second pad Can be attached to non-metallic materials 11. An embodiment of a hybrid bearing comprising: 19. A portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to 19. A hybrid bearing as described in embodiment 18, further comprising a second non-metallic material. 20. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 18 or 19 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as being composed of a polymer. 21. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 18, 19 or 20 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein, individually or in any combination, wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as consisting of a ceramic. 22. The main body Can be attached to 22. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 18, 19, 20 or 21, further comprising a third pad, the third pad being movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension, having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in any combination. 23. The polymer is polyetheretherketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylenepropylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkane, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride, liquid crystal polymer, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, polyimide, and acetal. resin 23. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22 having all the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in combination, selected from the group consisting of: 24. The hybrid bearing of embodiment 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 having all of the features and structures disclosed herein individually or in combination, wherein the ceramic is selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, boron nitride, cordierite, silicon, silicon carbide, polycrystalline diamond, graphite, tungsten nitride and cobalt-chromium alloys, and or combinations thereof. 25.a. Allows fluid to pass through a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body, The main body Can be attached to A first pad, On the inside facing the shaft a first pad including an active surface; c. a first portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to Non-metallic materials; and a second pad having an active surface thereon; the non-metallic material may be defined as a polymeric or ceramic material, and a second non-metallic material is a second portion of the working surface of the first pad. Can be attached to You can, d. a third portion on the working surface may be comprised of a metallic material, the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material being further defined as being separated from one another by the third portion; e. the first portion of the working surface may be defined as having an area that is less than 85% of the area of ​​the working surface; f. the first portion of the working surface is further defined as having an area equal to an area of ​​the working surface; g. the first pad is movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; h. the position of said second pad may be fixed relative to said main body; i. a second non-metallic material is a first portion of the working surface of the second pad; Can be attached to You can, j. An embodiment of the hybrid bearing, wherein the first pad may be further defined as being composed of a non-metallic material. 26.a. Allows fluid to pass through a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body, The main body Can be attached to a first pad including an interaction surface and movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; c. the main body Can be attached to a second pad, the second pad including an interaction surface, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; d. a portion of the working surface of the first pad Can be attached to non-metallic materials Equipped with e. the non-metallic material may be further defined as a polymeric material; f. the non-metallic material may be further defined as a ceramic material; g. a second non-metallic material is disposed on a second portion of the working surface of the first pad; Can be attached to a third portion on the working surface may be comprised of a metallic material, and the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material may be further defined as being separated from each other by the third portion; h. a second non-metallic material is disposed on a first portion of the working surface of the second pad; Can be attached to You can, i. An embodiment of a hybrid bearing, wherein the second pad may be further defined as being composed of a non-metallic material. 27.a. Allows fluid to pass through a main body having a passageway formed therein; b. Located on an inner circumference of a central bore of the main body, The main body Can be attached to a first pad movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; c. the main body Can be attached to a second pad configured with an operating surface thereon, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; d. a portion of the working surface of the second pad Can be attached to non-metallic materials Equipped with e. a second non-metallic material is a portion of the working surface of the first pad; Can be attached to You can, f. the non-metallic material may be further defined as being composed of a polymer; g. the non-metallic material may be further defined as consisting of a ceramic; h. a third pad, Can be attached to and the third pad is movable relative to the main body in at least one dimension; i. the polymer is polyetheretherketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylenepropylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkane, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride, liquid crystal polymer, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, polyimide and acetal; resin and combinations thereof; j. An embodiment of a hybrid bearing, wherein the ceramic may be selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, boron nitride, cordierite, silicon, silicon carbide, polycrystalline diamond, graphite, tungsten nitride, and cobalt-chromium alloys, and combinations thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10 Trailing Edge Cooled Bearing 11 Machine casing 11a Cap 14 center hole 15 Fasteners 20 Pads 22 Leading Edge 24 Trailing edge 25 Trailing edge surface 25a groove 28 Ball 30 spray rod 32 Aperture 34 Shank 40 End plate 42 Ring 50 Main body 52 Upper part 54 Bottom part 56 Sockets 10' Hybrid Bearing 12' Non-metallic materials 14' metal material 20a' fixed pad 22a' Fixed pad leading edge 24a' Fixed pad trailing edge 26a' Fixed pad working surface 20b' Tilt Pad 22b' Tilt pad leading edge 24b' Tilt pad trailing edge 25' Trailing surface 25a' groove 26b' Tilt Pad Working Surface 27' Surface Features 28' Ball 30' spray rod 32' opening 34' Shank 40' end plate 50' Main body 51' Aisle 52' upper part 54' bottom part 56' Socket 58' Circular Groove

Claims

1. A hybrid bearing using metallic and non-metallic materials, a. a main body having a passageway formed therein for the passage of a fluid therethrough; b. a first pad disposed about an inner periphery of a central bore of said main body and attached to said main body, said first pad including an inner working surface facing the shaft; c. a non-metallic material attached to a first portion of the working surface of the first pad; a second non-metallic material attached to a second portion of the working surface of the first pad; A third portion of the working surface made of a metallic material. Equipped with The non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material are separated from one another in an axial direction parallel to a central axis defined by a central bore of the main body by the third portion, the third portion being recessed from adjacent portions of the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material. A hybrid bearing characterized by:

2. The hybrid bearing of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a polymeric material.

3. The hybrid bearing of claim 1 , wherein said non-metallic material is further defined as a ceramic material.

4. 2. The hybrid bearing of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the working surface is further defined as having an area that is less than 85% of an area of ​​the working surface.

5. The hybrid bearing of claim 1 , wherein the first pad is moveable relative to the main body in at least one dimension.

6. 2. The hybrid bearing of claim 1, further comprising a second pad disposed on an inner circumference of a central bore of the main body and having an inner working surface facing a shaft, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the main body.

7. The hybrid bearing of claim 6 further comprising a second non-metallic material attached to a first portion of said working surface of said second pad.

8. A hybrid bearing using metallic and non-metallic materials, a. a main body having a passageway formed therein for the passage of a fluid therethrough; b. a first pad disposed about an inner periphery of a central bore of said main body and attached to said main body, said first pad including a first working surface on an inner side facing a shaft, said first pad being movable relative to said main body in at least one dimension; c) a second pad disposed about an inner circumference of the central bore of the main body and having a second working surface on an inner side facing the shaft, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; a non-metallic material attached to a first portion of the second working surface of the second pad; a second non-metallic material attached to a second portion of the second working surface of the second pad; a third portion of the second working surface of the second pad, the third portion being comprised of a metallic material; wherein the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material are separated from each other by the third portion in an axial direction parallel to a central axis defined by a central bore of the main body, and the third portion is recessed from adjacent portions of the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material. A hybrid bearing characterized by:

9. The hybrid bearing of claim 8 , wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a polymeric material.

10. The hybrid bearing of claim 8 , wherein the non-metallic material is further defined as a ceramic material.

11. The hybrid bearing of claim 8 , wherein the second pad is further defined as being constructed from a non-metallic material.

12. A hybrid bearing using metallic and non-metallic materials, a. a main body having a passageway formed therein for the passage of a fluid therethrough; b. a first pad disposed about an inner periphery of a central bore of said main body and attached to said main body, said first pad being moveable relative to said main body in at least one dimension; c) a second pad disposed about the inner circumference of the central bore of the main body, the second pad having an inner working surface facing the shaft, the position of the second pad being fixed relative to the position of the main body; and d. a non-metallic material attached to a first portion of the working surface of the second pad; a second non-metallic material attached to a second portion of the working surface of the second pad; a third portion constructed from a metallic material of the working surface of the second pad; the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material are separated from each other by the third portion, and the third portion is recessed from adjacent portions of the non-metallic material and the second non-metallic material. A hybrid bearing characterized by:

13. The hybrid bearing of claim 12 , wherein the non-metallic material or the second non-metallic material is further defined as comprising a polymer.

14. 13. The hybrid bearing of claim 12, wherein the non-metallic material or the second non-metallic material is further defined as comprising a ceramic.

15. 14. A hybrid bearing according to claim 13, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheretherketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylenepropylene, perfluoroalkoxyalkanes, ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or difluoride, liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamides, polyimides and acetal resins.

16. 15. The hybrid bearing of claim 14, wherein the ceramic is selected from the group consisting of boron nitride, silicon, silicon carbide, polycrystalline diamond, and graphite.

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