Welded Spiral Groove Bearing Assembly

摘要

A structure and associated method for forming a liquid metal or spiral groove bearing assembly for an x-ray tube is illustrated that utilizes a unitary sleeve and a thrust ring or seal each formed of a weldable, non-refractory material. The sleeve and the thrust seal are welded to one another to provide an improved construction for minimizing leaks of the liquid metal bearing fluid. The structure of the sleeve and the thrust seal are formed with deformation restricting features that maintain the integrity of the bearing surfaces of the assembly when the thrust seal is secured within the sleeve and welded thereto to form the bearing assembly.

主权项

1. A bearing assembly comprising:
a) a sleeve comprising a first welding feature thereon; b) a shaft rotatably disposed within the sleeve; c) a thrust seal seated at least partially within the sleeve, the thrust seal comprising a central aperture through which the shaft extends and a second welding feature thereon; and d) a weld joining the first weld feature and the second weld feature to one another.