Bearing assemblies including a thermally conductive structure, bearing apparatuses, and methods of use

摘要

Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.

主权项

1. A bearing assembly, comprising:
a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements having a superhard material including a superhard bearing surface; and a support ring structure including:
a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements, the support ring including an interior channel; anda thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the plurality of superhard bearing elements, the thermally-conductive structure including a thermally-conductive element secured to the support ring and located within the interior channel of the support ring, the thermally-conductive structure having a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring.