Pad-type thrust bearing and rotary machine comprising such a thrust bearing

摘要

The present invention relates to a pad-type thrust bearing (1) in which each pad (104) rests on a volume of liquid enclosed in a cavity (V4) connected to adjacent cavities by ducts (6). The thrust bearing (1) comprises a number of convex casings (4) each on its own delimiting a cavity (V4) and which are connected to one another by ducts (6). The convex casings (4) and the ducts (6) together form a hollow functional subassembly (2) which is separate from the other constituent components of the thrust bearing (1) and which delimits a liquid-filled closed volume (V2). According to the invention, each casing (4) comprises two half-shells positioned one on each side of a flexible bladder and each duct (6) comprises a flexible hose inserted in a sheath.