Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
In a sliding thrust bearing having a first sliding bearing surface with grooves open to a lubricant supply, the grooves being inclined to the circumferential direction of the bearing, and a second bearing surface in sliding engagement with said first bearing surface, whereby hydrodynamic or aerodynamic pressure builds up in said grooves upon relative rotation of said first and second bearing surfaces in both circumferential rotational directions, the improvement wherein said first bearing surface has a plurality of regions each of which has a slot extending radially from a circumferential edge of said first bearing surface, and wherein each region further has first and second groups of grooves extending from opposite sides of the respective slots, the grooves of said first and second groups being oppositely inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the bearing surface, whereby pressure builds up in said grooves of said first group upon relative rotation of said first and second surfaces in one direction, and pressure builds up in said grooves of said second group upon relative rotation of said first and second surfaces in the opposite direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
In a sliding thrust bearing having a first sliding bearing surface with grooves open to a lubricant supply, the grooves being inclined to the circumferential direction of the bearing, and a second bearing surface in sliding engagement with said first bearing surface, whereby hydrodynamic or aerodynamic pressure builds up in said grooves upon relative rotation of said first and second bearing surfaces in both circumferential rotational directions, the improvement wherein said first bearing surface has a plurality of regions each of which has a slot extending radially from a circumferential edge of said first bearing surface, and wherein each region further has first and second groups of grooves extending from opposite sides of the respective slots, the grooves of said first and second groups being oppositely inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the bearing surface, whereby pressure builds up in said grooves of said first group upon relative rotation of said first and second surfaces in one direction, and pressure builds up in said grooves of said second group upon relative rotation of said first and second surfaces in the opposite direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein lands are provided in said first bearing surface circumferentially separating said regions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein an annular land is provided at the other circumferential edge of said first bearing surface, whereby at least some of said grooves are closed at one end by said land.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein a circular land is provided in said bearing surface opposite said circumferential edge, whereby at least some of said grooves are closed at said land.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein said grooves are open at their radially outer ends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein said grooves are open at their radially inner ends.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein said grooves are spiral shaped.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein said first and second bearing surfaces are flat.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein said first and second bearing surfaces are curved.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sliding thrust bearing of claim 9, wherein said first and second bearing surfaces are spherical surfaces.