Whirl inhibiting coast-down bearing for magnetic bearing systems

摘要

A coast-down bearing and method for a magnetic bearing system is provided. The bearing includes first, second, and third rings disposed around a shaft. The first, second, and third rings each have an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the shaft and provide a running clearance therebetween. The first, second, and third rings are eccentrically positioned with respect to each other to form a pocket for receiving the shaft during a drop, radial shock, or both.

主权项

1. An apparatus for supporting a shaft during coast-down, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of eccentric rings disposed around the shaft and radially-spaced therefrom to provide a running clearance between the shaft and the plurality of eccentric rings, wherein
at least two of the plurality of eccentric rings each have a center vertically offset above a nominal center of the apparatus, such that the at least two of the plurality of eccentric rings provide a pocket to receive the shaft during the coast-down, andat least one of the plurality of eccentric rings is received in a groove defined in a housing, the housing receiving the shaft and the housing supporting the apparatus.