| 摘要 |
There is disclosed an improved bearing and particularly an improved bearing assembly ( 15, 15 A), eg. a thrust bearing assembly, which may be used in down-hole applications, such as down-hole drilling applications. Thrust bearing assemblies for use in down-hole applications have the conflicting requirements of a thick shaft assembly and high axial load bearing capacity in a small cross-section. The invention, therefore, provides: a bearing assembly ( 15, 15 A) having at least two bearing elements ( 400, 400 A) spaced by a first body ( 500, 500 A), the first body ( 500, 500 A) having means for flexing. Thus when a load is applied to the bearing assembly ( 15, 15 A) the first body ( 500, 500 A) is caused to flex. In an embodiment the flexing means comprise at least one circumferential groove or notch ( 510, 510 A) formed on the first body ( 500, 500 A). |
