DE212013000164U1 - Tipping superhard bearing elements in bearing assemblies, devices and motor assemblies using them - Google Patents

Abstract

Bearing assembly comprising: a support ring; a plurality of superhard bearing elements circumferentially distributed about an axis, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements comprising a superhard member having a bearing surface and a base portion bonded to the superhard member, the base portion of at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing members comprising a curved rocker has, which is designed such that a tilting movement of the same about a tilting axis is possible; and a plurality of retainers each securing a corresponding one of the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing members to the carrier ring such that the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing members are tilted and / or tiltably secured to the carrier ring; each of the plurality of retainers extending in a generally radial direction when the bearing assembly is configured as a thrust bearing assembly; and wherein each of the plurality of retainers extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis when the bearing assembly is configured as a radial bearing assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of US Application No. 13 / 550,831, filed Jul. 17, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Wear-resistant, super-hard compacts are used in numerous mechanical applications. For example, polycrystalline diamond compacts ("PDCs") are used in drilling tools (eg, cutting elements, caliber trimmers, etc.), cutting tools, storage devices, wire drawing machines, and other mechanical devices.

PDCs have found particular utility as superhard bearing elements in fixed position thrust bearings in underground drilling systems. A PDC bearing element typically includes a superhard diamond layer, commonly referred to as a diamond tablet. The diamond tablet is formed on and bonded to a substrate using a high pressure / high temperature ("HPHT") process.

A fixed position thrust bearing device includes a series of PDC bearing elements mounted on a carrier ring. The PDC bearing elements press against PDC bearing elements of an adjacent bearing assembly during use. PDC bearing elements are typically brazed directly into a preformed recess formed in a support ring of a fixed position thrust bearing.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies and devices that use single superhard bearing elements as tilting bearing elements. The disclosed bearing assemblies and devices can be used in bearing assemblies for use in downhole motors of a subsurface drilling system or other mechanical systems.

In one embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements, each tilted and / or tiltably mounted relative to the support ring and circumferentially spaced around an axis. Each of these super hard bearing elements may have a bearing surface and a base region. The base region of at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature (tilting device) that allows the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to tilt about a tilting axis. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of retainers that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring such that the superhard bearing elements are tilted and / or tiltably mounted relative to the support ring. In one embodiment, the tilting feature may include a pivoting device, such as. B. a substantially hemispherical pivoting device or a rocker arm pivoting device.

In another embodiment, a bearing device includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor or stator may include any of the bearing assembly embodiments disclosed herein.

Further embodiments are directed to motor assemblies incorporating any of the bearing assembly and device embodiments disclosed herein.

Features of each of the disclosed embodiments may be used without limitation in combination. Further, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after considering the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals designate identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

1A an isometric view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assembly according to one embodiment.

1B an isometric partial sectional view taken along a line 1B-1B of the in 1A shown hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assembly.

1C an isometric view of one of the in 1A and 1B shown tilting segments, wherein the tilting segment is divided into a plurality of individual segments, which according to one embodiment in Have substantially planar adjacent ends.

1D a sectional view taken along a line 1D-1D of in 1C shown bearing tilting segment.

2A an isometric view of three adjacent superhard bearing segments of a tilting segment according to an embodiment, wherein the superhard bearing segments have slotted ends that form a set of seams between the three illustrated superhard bearing segments.

2 B a top view of the tilting of the 2A wherein the tilting pad is fully assembled and includes six super hard bearing segments between which seams are formed.

3 a plan view from above of a tilting segment according to another embodiment, which has a plurality of segments with sawtooth-shaped ends forming seams between the plurality of segments.

4 an isometric view of a tilting segment with a uniform superhard bearing element according to another embodiment.

5A 10 is an isometric, cutaway view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assembly according to an embodiment that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assemblies, with a housing thereof shown in section.

5B an isometric sectional view of the hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing device along a line 5B-5B of 5A showing a fluid film that develops between tilting segments of a stator and a substantially continuous superhard bearing element of a rotor.

6A an isometric view of a rotor of a hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assembly according to an embodiment.

6B an isometric, partial sectional view along a line 6B-6B of 6A ,

7A an exploded isometric view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device according to an embodiment may be used in the teachings of any of the disclosed hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assemblies.

7B an isometric, partial sectional view of a stator with radial tilting segments of the hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device of 7A according to one embodiment.

7C an isometric, partial sectional view of a rotor of the hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device of 7A according to one embodiment.

8A an isometric view of a thrust bearing assembly according to an embodiment.

8B a top view from the top in the 8A illustrated thrust bearing assembly.

8C an isometric, partial sectional view taken along line 8C-8C of FIG 8A shown thrust bearing assembly.

8D an isometric view of one of the in 8A shown tilting bearing elements or tilting bearing elements according to one embodiment.

8E a sectional view taken along a line 8E-8E of in 8D illustrated tilting bearing element.

8F a top view from below on the in 8D illustrated tilting bearing element.

9A an isometric view of a thrust bearing assembly according to another embodiment.

9B a top view from the top in the 9A illustrated thrust bearing assembly.

9C a partial sectional view taken along a line 9C-9C of in 9A illustrated thrust bearing assembly.

9D a partial plan view from above on the in 9A illustrated carrier ring.

9E an isometric view of one of the in 9A illustrated tilting bearing elements according to one embodiment.

9F a sectional view taken along a line 9F-9F of in 9E illustrated tilting bearing element.

10A an isometric view of a tilting bearing element according to another embodiment.

10B a sectional view taken along a line 10B-10B of in 10A illustrated tilting bearing element.

11A an isometric, cutaway view of a thrust bearing device according to another embodiment, which can use any of the disclosed thrust bearing assemblies.

11B an isometric sectional view of the thrust bearing device along a line 11 B-11 B of 11A according to one embodiment.

12A an isometric exploded view of a radial bearing device according to another embodiment.

12B an isometric, partial sectional view of a stator of the radial bearing device of 12A according to one embodiment.

12C an isometric, partial sectional view of a rotor of the radial bearing device of 12A according to one embodiment.

13 a schematic, isometric, cutaway view of a subsoil drilling system according to another embodiment, which includes one of the disclosed thrust bearing devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies and devices that use single superhard bearing elements as tilting bearing elements that can be hydrodynamically actuated. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and devices can be used in downhole motors of a subsurface drilling system or other mechanical systems. Motor assemblies employing at least one such bearing assembly or device are also disclosed, as well as methods of making such bearing assemblies and devices using superhard compacts.

While the present description sets forth examples of underground drilling assembly and motor assembly, the embodiments of tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatus disclosed herein may be used in any number of applications. For example, tilting pad bearing assemblies and devices may be employed in pumps, motors, compressors, turbines, generators, gearboxes, and other systems and devices, or any combination of the foregoing. Further, while the embodiments disclosed herein are described as being hydrodynamically operated, the tilt pad bearing assemblies and devices may also be operated partially hydrodynamically or not hydrodynamically if desired or necessary.

The 1A and 1B show an isometric or an isometric partial sectional view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing assembly 100 according to one embodiment. The bearing arrangement 100 includes a carrier ring 102 comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tilting segments 104 wearing. The tilting segments 104 For example, they may include fixed tilting segments, adjustable tilting segments, self-adjusting tilting segments or other bearing segments or bearing elements, or combinations of the aforementioned elements.

The tilting segments 104 The illustrated embodiment generally has a truncated pie-pie-shaped geometry or a generally trapezoidal geometry and may be about a thrust axis 106 be distributed along which essentially a thrust during use may be directed. Each tilting segment 104 can be adjacent in the circumferential direction to another tilting segment 104 be arranged, with a gap between them 108 or another displacement exists. For example, the gap 108 adjacent tilting segments 104 with a distance of about 2.0 mm to about 20.0 mm, or in particular with a distance of about 3.5 mm to about 15 mm, separate from each other, although the separation distance can also be larger or smaller. For example, as the size of the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly increases 100 also the size of the tilting segments 104 and / or the size of the column 108 increase. Each tilting segment 104 includes a separate super hard bearing surface 116 so that the tilting segments 104 Collectively form a non-continuous superhard bearing surface. The term "superhard" as used herein means a material having a hardness at least equal to the tungsten carbide hardness.

For supporting the tilting segments 104 the bearing arrangement 100 can the carrier ring 102 a channel 110 form, and the tilting segments 104 can in the channel 110 to be placed. In further embodiments, the carrier ring 102 form several pockets or otherwise locations for placing the Kippsegmente 104 form. The tilting segments 104 may then be in any suitable manner in the carrier ring 102 be supported or attached. For example, as explained below, a pivotal connection for attaching the Kippsegmente 104 in the carrier ring 102 used, although any other suitable fastening or Festlegemechanismus can be used. The carrier ring 102 may also have an inner peripheral surface having an opening 114 forms. The opening 114 can generally be about the thrust axis 106 centered and may be configured to receive a shaft (eg, a downhole motor shaft).

How best in 1B Shown is any tilting segment 104 include a plurality of superhard bearing segments comprising a plurality of materials, layers, discrete segments or other elements, or any combination of the foregoing. As will be explained in more detail herein, the tilting segments 104 be formed for example of several superhard bearing segments. In such an embodiment, a plurality of individual segments may be arranged relative to each other such that they collectively form a hydrodynamic superhard bearing surface 116 for each tilting segment 104 form.

Each tilting segment 104 optionally includes multiple layers or other components. For example, it may be in each individual segment of the tilting segment 104 to act as a superhard compact, one to a substrate 120 bound, super hard plate or blackboard 118 includes. The super hard blackboard 118 may be formed, at least in part, from a number of different superhard materials. Suitable materials for use in the superhard board 118 include natural diamond, sintered PCD, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, diamond grains bonded together with silicon carbide, or combinations of the above materials. In one embodiment, the superhard tablet is 118 around a PCD panel having a plurality of directly interconnected diamond grains having a diamond-diamond bond (e.g., an sp ³ bond) therebetween and defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A portion of or substantially all of the interstitial regions of such a superhard sheet may include a metal dissolving catalyst or a metallic infiltrate disposed therein that is separated from the substrate 120 or another source is infiltrated. For example, the metal-dissolving catalyst or metallic infiltrate may be selected from iron, nickel, cobalt and alloys thereof. The super hard blackboard 118 may further include thermally stable diamond in which the metal dissolving catalyst or metal infiltrate is partially or substantially wholly from a selected surface or volume of the superhard sheet 118 for example, using an acid leaching process is eliminated.

For example, appropriately configured PDCs may be considered tilting segments 104 which can be formed in an HPHT process. For example, diamond particles may be adjacent to the substrate 120 and subjected to an HPHT process to sinter the diamond particles to form a PDC sheet which binds to the substrate to thereby form the PDC. The temperature of the HPHT process may be at least about 1000 ° C (eg, about 1200 ° C to about 1600 ° C), and the cell pressure of the HPHT process may be at least 4.0 GPa (eg, about 5, 0 GPa to about 12 GPa or about 7.5 GPa to about 11 GPa) for a sufficient time to sinter the diamond particles.

The diamond particles may have an average particle size of about 50 microns or less, such as about 30 microns or less, about 20 microns or less, about 10 microns to about 18 microns, or about 15 microns to about 18 microns. In some embodiments, the average particle size of the diamond particles may be about 10 μm or less, such as about 2 μm to about 5 μm or submicron. In some embodiments, the diamond particles may have a relatively larger size and at least a relatively smaller size. As used herein, the terms "relatively larger" and "relatively smaller" refer to particle sizes (by any suitable method) that differ by at least a factor of two (eg, 30 μm and 15 μm). According to various embodiments, the mass of diamond particles may include a portion that is a relatively larger size (eg, 30 μm, 20 μm, 15 μm, 12 μm, 10 μm, 8 μm) and includes another part that at least a relatively smaller size (eg 6 μm, 5 μm, 4 μm, 3 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, less than 0.5 μm, 0.1 μm, less than 0.1 μm). In one embodiment, the diamond particles may include a portion that has a relatively larger size between about 10 μm and about 40 μm, and another portion that has a relatively smaller size between about 1 μm and 4 μm. In some embodiments, the diamond particles may include, without limitation, three or more different sizes (eg, a relatively larger size and two or more relatively smaller sizes). The PCD sheet formed in this manner may have an average diamond grain size after sintering equal to or similar to any of the above diamond particle sizes and distributions.

In some embodiments, one or more sp ² carbon containing additives may be mixed with the diamond particles. For example, the one or more sp ² -carbon containing additives may be mixed in a blend with the diamond particles in an amount of about 1 weight percent ("wt%") to about 15 wt%. be present, such. From about 3 wt% to about 12 wt%, from about 4.5 wt% to about 6.5 wt%, from about 4.5 wt% to about 5.5 wt% or about 5% by weight of the mixture. The one or more sp ² carbon containing additives may be selected from graphite, graphene, fullerenes, ultra-dispersed diamond particles, or combinations of the above elements.

In one embodiment, the superhard board 118 in an integral way with the substrate 120 be educated. For example, the superhard tablet may be 118 to act on a sintered PCD board, integrally with the substrate 120 is trained. In such an embodiment, the infiltrated metal-dissolving catalyst may be used to catalyze the formation of a diamond-diamond bond between diamond grains of the superhard sheet 118 made of diamond powder during HPHT processing. In another embodiment, the superhard tablet may be 118 to act on a pre-sintered superhard board, which in a second HPHT process by HPHT machining to the substrate 120 after it has been initially formed in a first HPHT process. For example, the superhard tablet may be 118 to be a pre-sintered PCD panel that has been subjected to a leaching process to substantially completely remove the metal-dissolving catalyst used in the manufacture thereof, and then to the substrate in a separate process by HPHT bonding or brazing 120 has been tied.

In some embodiments, the superhard board 118 leached to remove a metal dissolving catalyst or metallic infiltrate therefrom, to improve the thermal stability of the superhard sheet 118 to increase. If it is the super hard blackboard 118 The superhard board can be a PCD board 118 For example, to leach at least a portion of the metal dissolving catalyst from a working area thereof to a selected depth that has been used to initially sinter the diamond grains to form a leached thermally stable region. The leached thermally stable region may be different from the superhard bearing surface 116 extend inward to a selected depth. In one example, the depth of the thermally stable region may be about 10 μm to about 500 μm. More specifically, in some embodiments, the selected depth is about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or about 200 μm to about 350 μm. The leaching may be carried out in a suitable acid, such. As aqua regia, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid or mixtures thereof.

The substrate 120 may similarly be formed from any number of different materials and may be compatible with the superhard tablet 118 be integrally formed or otherwise bound to this or connected to this. For the substrate 120 suitable materials may without limitation carbides such. Tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, chromium carbide, niobium carbide, tantalum carbide, vanadium carbide or combinations thereof which are solidified with iron, nickel, cobalt or alloys thereof. For example, the substrate 120 in one embodiment, cobalt consolidated or sintered tungsten carbide. However, in certain embodiments, the superhard boards may 118 can be omitted, and each super hard bearing segment can be made of a superhard material such. B. of sintered tungsten carbide. In other embodiments, the substrate 120 can be omitted, and the superhard bearing segment may be a superhard material such. A polycrystalline diamond body which has been subjected to leaching to decompose metal-dissolving catalyst therefrom, or it may be a non-leached PCD body.

At the in 1A and 1B illustrated embodiment, the superhard panels 118 The superheated bearing segments interconnected collectively form a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface 116 a respective tilting segment 104 form. More specifically, the tilting segments 104 used in conjunction with a runner or other super hard bearing element. In general, the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly 100 rotate relative to a rotor or other superhard bearing member while a lubricant or other fluid rotates the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly 100 and overflowing the runner. While the bearing assembly 100 is rotationally moved relative to a rotor, a fluid film can develop, the runner of the superhard bearing surfaces 116 separates. For an advantageous use of the hydrodynamic forces within the lubricant, the tilting segments 104 This may lead to a higher lubricant film thickness at a leading edge (ie, a rim of a tilting segment) 104 , which is crossed first by any line on the runner while the assembly 100 in the direction of rotation of the assembly 100 moved) than at a trailing edge (ie, an edge of a tilting segment) 104 that is second to a line of the superhard bearing element in the direction of rotation of the assembly 100 is crossed), at which a minimum film thickness can develop.

In the illustrated embodiment, the set of superhard bearing segments is collectively at least part of the tilting segment 104 form, on a support plate 122 attached. The carrier plate 122 can z. B. of a metal, an alloy, a hard metal material or other material or any combination thereof may be formed. The substrate 120 The superhard bearing segments can be attached to the carrier plate 122 be fixed by brazing, welding or another method. In some embodiments, the carrier plate 122 form a pocket in which the superhard bearing segments can be mounted and / or positioned. In at least one embodiment, the carrier plate 122 a one-piece construction, so that a single segment is essentially the complete carrier plate 122 While several superhard bearing segments can form to form the superhard bearing surface 116 can be used. In other embodiments, multiple segments of one or more materials may be used to form or define the backing plate 122 be used.

The extent to which the tilting segments 104 rotate or tilt, can be varied in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the tilting segments 104 are tilted about respective radial axes extending radially from the thrust axis 106 away as well as through the respective tilting segment 104 extend through. In 1B can the carrier plate 122 on a pen 124 to be appropriate. The pencil 124 may be at least partially rotatable or otherwise a tilting axis 125 define or match. For example, in some embodiments, the pen is 124 in the carrier ring 102 stored or otherwise attached to the pin 124 a rotational movement relative to the carrier ring 102 is possible. The pencil 124 can be attached to the carrier plate 122 be set so that upon rotation of the pen 124 relative to the carrier ring 102 the carrier plate 122 also relative to the axis 125 of the pen 124 can rotate or tilt. The pencil 124 and the carrier plate 122 In some embodiments, between 0 and 20 degrees may rotate or tilt, such that the superhard bearing surfaces 116 the respective tilting segments 104 also a tilting motion between about 0 and about 20 degrees relative to the pin 124 or another horizontal axis. In other embodiments, the pen 124 and / or the superhard bearing surface 116 perform a rotational movement between about 0 and about 15 degrees, such as. At a positive or negative angle (θ) of about 0.5 to about 3 degrees (eg, about 0.5 to about 1 degree or less than 1 degree) relative to the axis 125 of the pen 124 , In some cases, the carrier ring 102 be designed for bidirectional rotation. In such a case, the pen 124 be configured to perform a rotational movement in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In such an embodiment, therefore, the superhard bearing surface 116 in both directions relative to the axis of the pen 124 and / or the carrier ring 102 tilt. For example, the superhard bearing surface 116 in any position between a positive or a negative angle of about 20 degrees relative to an axis of the pen 124 be moved in rotation, such. A positive or negative angle (θ) of about 0.5 to about 3 degrees (eg, about 0.5 to about 1 degree or less than 1 degree) relative to the axis 125 of the pen 124 ,

The pencil 124 can be used to tilt the tippers 104 to allow a selective rotational movement. For example, the tilting segments 104 be self-adjusting, so that on the basis of the lubricant used, the axial forces exerted along the thrust axis, the rotational speed of the rotor or the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly 100 , other factors or combinations of the above factors the tilting segments 104 can adjust automatically or otherwise in a desired Kipporientierung or other orientation. In still other embodiments, the tilting pads 104 be fixed to a certain tilt position or tilt or be adjusted by hand to a certain inclination, with or without selbsteinstellende training thereof.

Furthermore, the pen represents 124 a single mechanism for facilitating rotation, translation, or other positioning of the tilting pads 104 to super-hard tilting pad storage areas 116 provide. In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used. As an illustration, leveling links, pivoting levers, spherical pivoting elements, other elements, or any combination of the protruding elements may be used to facilitate positioning of the tilting pads 104 be used in a tilted configuration. In one embodiment, the carrier plate 122 for facilitating rotation of a respective tilting segment 104 be used. The carrier plate 122 can z. B. by machining or otherwise be formed such that it has a receptacle, an opening or other construction in which the pin 124 at least partially absorbed or fixed. In embodiments in which the pin 124 not available, the carrier plate can 122 machined or otherwise formed so that it includes other components, such. B. an interface with a spherical pivoting device, a pivot lever or a leveling Link. The carrier plate 122 may be formed of any suitable material, such. Steel or another alloy; however, in some embodiments, the carrier plate is 122 made of a material that is relatively softer than the substrate 120 is, so that the carrier plate 122 relatively easily machined or can be brought into a desired shape. In other embodiments, the carrier plate 122 be eliminated, and the substrate 120 can be directly machined or formed to tilt the tilting segment 104 to facilitate.

In some embodiments, the tilt axis of the tilting segments 104 relative to the tilting segments 104 centered. For example, if the carrier ring 102 can be designed for bidirectional rotation, the tilting axis of the tilting segments 104 be centered by looking at one of the opposite edges of the tilting segments 104 is based on a particular direction of rotation about the leading or trailing edge. In other embodiments, the tilt axis of a tilting segment 104 relative to a center of the tilting segments 104 be offset. If z. B. the carrier ring 102 Part of a rotor which is designed only for a rotation in one direction, the axis of rotation of the tilting segment 104 be offset such that the rotation axis closer to one of the front edge or the rear edge of the tilting segment 104 located. In other embodiments, although a rotor is configured for bi-directional rotation, a tilt axis may be offset from the center, or a tilt axis may be centered, although a rotor is configured for rotation in one direction.

The use of superhard materials contemplated in the present disclosure may provide for wear resistance, frictional properties, or other properties that prolong the useful life and / or benefits of the corresponding bearing, motor, or other arrangements described herein. For example, in some applications, hardened steel bearing tilting pads may wear at a rate that is between 5 and 20 times greater than bearing pads made of superhard materials. Thus, at least in some applications, the use of superhard materials in a tilt pad bearing assembly can result in a significant increase in the potential useful life of a bearing assembly.

Thus, while superhard materials can provide desirable wear properties, the use of some superhard materials may be limited in many ways. For example, certain types of superhard materials may be manufacturable in limited quantities or available with certain size constraints. Such restrictions may be the result of technological, quality or economic constraints. For example, in some cases, the technology for making large pieces of superhard material may not be present, or the development of machinery that can be used to make large pieces may be prohibitive for cost reasons or result in low quality components. PDCs are a super-hard article that includes at least one such material that is believed to be subject to production size constraints. For example, as described herein, PDCs may be prepared using an HPHT sintering process and / or bonding process. Maintaining the temperature and pressure requirements over a large surface area and thus producing large segments of PDCs can consume large amounts of energy and require large, powerful and complex machinery. If such pressure and temperature tolerances are not met, the PDCs may contain defects that reduce the desirable wear resistance and / or friction characteristics of the PDCs. In addition, the temperature and / or printer requirements for producing high quality and large PDCs may exceed the capabilities of currently available HPHT presses. As a result, PDCs are currently manufactured under size constraints. For example, PDCs are available in limited sizes, typically ranging from up to about 25 mm to about 75 mm (eg, about 25 mm to about 30 mm) in diameter for cylindrical PDCs and up to about 3.0 mm in diameter the diamond board thickness lie.

When the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly of 1A and 1B For example, if superhard bearing segments of PDCs or other polycrystalline diamond material are involved, the use of a unitary PDC for an entire molded element may currently be available primarily in those cases where the tilting segment 104 is very small (eg, has size dimensions limited to a maximum dimension of about 25 mm to about 30 mm). However, tilt pad bearing assemblies often require or use tilt pads that far exceed the size of a typical PDC. For example, in a turbine application, it may not be uncommon for tilt pad bearing assemblies to use tilting segments with length and / or width dimensions of 30 mm or more. For example, tilting pads can be used in bearing systems where tilting pads have dimensions between about 30 mm and about 1500 mm. in the More specifically, in some embodiments, a length and / or a width of a tilting segment may be between about 50 mm and about 1000 mm, although larger or smaller tilting segments may be used. However, because of the significant wear resistance properties provided by PDCs or other superhard materials, it is desirable to use superhard materials for large tilting pads or other superhard bearing segments, even if the tilting pads exceed the size of the superhard materials available.

In some embodiments, superhard materials, such as e.g. For example, polycrystalline diamond or PDCs incorporating polycrystalline diamond may be formed in the form of a plurality of independent superhard bearing segments which may be interconnected and / or assembled to collectively form a superhard bearing member and / or superhard bearing surface. The 1C and 1D illustrate in more detail an embodiment in which a plurality of individual segments are combined to form a superhard bearing element in the form of a tilting segment.

More specifically, it is 1C and 1D an isometric view or a sectional view of a single tilt segment 104 , which can be used in conjunction with the above-described hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing arrangement. The tilting segment 104 includes several superhard bearing segments 126a -F, collectively the stock segment 126 form and a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface 116 exhibit. Every superhard bearing segment 126a -F can be a super hard blackboard 118 which are attached to a substrate 120 is bound, and every segment 126a F can also be inside the carrier plate 122 by brazing, press-fitting, fastening by means of fasteners or other suitable fastening mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier plate 122 the attachment of the segments 126a -F on the carrier plate 122 Simplify by creating an inner surface 128 which has an inner pocket 130 forms. The pocket 130 may be sized to generally be a size of the collective assembled set of segments 126a -F corresponds. The superhard bearing segments 126a -F can be in your pocket 130 mounted and on the carrier plate 122 be attached by the segments 126a -F by brazing on the carrier plate 122 be attached, the segments 126a -F by press fit on the carrier plate 122 and / or against each other, the respective superhard bearing elements 126a -F on the carrier plate 122 using a mechanical fastener or any other suitable technique or combination of the above techniques is used. It should be noted that the carrier plate 122 merely one embodiment for a carrier plate and that other configurations can be used. For example, in another embodiment, a pocket or other receptacle may be missing from a backing plate. In yet another embodiment, the carrier plate may be eliminated. For example, the segments 126a -F can be directly connected to each other, and the substrates 120 can directly with the carrier ring 102 ( 1A and 1B ) and / or a tilting mechanism cooperate.

The illustrated embodiment illustrates an exemplary structure of the superhard bearing segments 126a -F and an example of how the superhard bearing segments 126a -F can be composed. In this embodiment, six superhard bearing segments form 126a -F collectively a pie-shaped bearing segment 126 and a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface 116 However, more or fewer than six segments may be present. In general, more than one bearing segment may be provided for collectively forming a tilting segment. Every superhard bearing segment 126a -F can have at least one outer border area 132 and at least one inner edge region 134 include. In the illustrated embodiment, each outer edge region forms 132 a part of a periphery of the superhard bearing surface 116 , Every inner border area 134 may be formed such that it has corresponding inner edge regions of one or more other superhard bearing segments 126a Equals -f, and in some embodiments may engage with them. In 1C z. For example, each of the superhard bearing segments 126a F is designed for such an arrangement that the inner edge region 134 with corresponding inner margins of at least two and sometimes three adjacent segments 126a -F is related.

In the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearing surface 116 substantially planar, although such an embodiment is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 116 curved or have a different contour or topography. Furthermore, the outer edges of the super hard bearing surface 116 optionally a chamfer 140 on. The chamfering 114 can be formed by a bevel at each outer edge areas 132 from each of the superhard bearing segments 126a -F is provided. The super hard storage area 116 can also take a number of other forms. For example, the superhard bearing surface 116 in 1C essentially pie-shaped with a curved and bevelled outer edge 142 as well as a curved and chamfered inner edge 144 , Chamfered margins 146 . 148 can be essentially straight and from the outer edge 142 to the inner edge 144 tapering inwards. In other embodiments, the edges of a superhard bearing surface 116 form other shapes that include rounded, arcuate, circular, ellipsoidal, trapezoidal or otherwise shaped surfaces, or they may form a sharp edge.

The superhard bearing segments 126a -F may also be arranged such that they each have a desired individual shape. For illustration, a set of seams 136 at least partially between separate superhard bearing segments 126a -F, and any superhard bearing segment 126a -F may have a different size and / or shape. The superhard bearing segments 126a -F and / or seams 136 can be asymmetric. In other embodiments, however, the seams 136 and / or the superhard bearing segments 126a -F the superhard bearing surface 116 form in a substantially symmetrical manner.

There may be any number of superhard bearing segments to form a super hard bearing surface 116 be used. As mentioned above, z. For example, a bearing tilting pad may be formed many times larger than a largest available size of a PDC or other material used to form a portion of the bearing tilting segment, or may be small enough to be formed from a single PDC. In 1C can have six superhard bearing segments 126a -F to make the full size of the superhard bearing surface 116 be used. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer than six superhard bearing segments may be used. By way of illustration, a bearing tilting segment having a circumferential width of 75 mm and a radial length of 100 mm may include ten or more individual segments. In some embodiments, some individual segments include only inner edges of the corresponding superhard bearing surface, for example, in those instances where the superhard bearing segment is bounded in all directions by other of the superhard bearing segments. Therefore, it is not necessary for a superhard bearing segment to have an area adjacent to an outer edge of the superhard bearing surface 116 equivalent.

The inner edge areas 134 the superhard bearing segments 126a -F may be adapted to prevent possible leakage of fluid through the sutures 136 to limit, between adjacent superhard bearing segments 126a -F are formed. To illustrate, it should be mentioned that the seams 136 by interfaces between the inner edge regions 134 be interconnected and defined. Depending on the tolerances of the superhard bearing segments 126a -F can all or part of the seams 136 a relatively small gap 138 exhibit. For example, the gap 138 a width of about 0.001 mm to about 3.5 mm, more particularly a width of about 0.0025 mm to about 2.5 mm, and more particularly a width of about 0.125 mm to about 1.25 mm. More specifically, the gap can 138 have a width of about 0.025 mm to about 1.0 mm. In a further embodiment, the gap 138 have a width of about 0.005 mm to about 0.50 mm. To the extent that the size of the column 138 decreases, it may be difficult for the fluid, radially between the column 138 to flow and a leak from the superhard bearing surface 116 of the superhard bearing element 104 to cause. It should be noted, however, that at least under some operating conditions entrained fluid in the columns 138 the formation of a hydrodynamic film on the superhard bearing surface 116 can support.

The inner edge areas 134 the superhard bearing segments 126a -Find 1C and 1D may be substantially straight or planar and substantially planar seams 136 between the different segments 126a Generate -f. In other embodiments, one or more segments may have other configurations or geometries different from the illustrated embodiment 1A to 1D differ. For example, the show 2A and 2 B an isometric view and a top view of a tilting segment 204 according to a further embodiment. The tilting segment 204 includes several superhard bearing segments 226a -F, each one to a substrate 220 bound super hard blackboard 218 may include. The substrate 220 and / or the super hardboard 218 can also use a carrier plate 222 be connected, using a brazing, attachment process or other operation such. As described herein. The tilting segment 204 may also be designed to perform a pivoting movement or other tilting movement. For example, a pen 224 on the carrier plate 222 to be appropriate. The pencil 224 can be a central axis 235 around which he performs a tilting movement, so that even the superhard bearing surface 216 performing a pivotal movement, rotational movement, tilting movement, or otherwise moving about the central axis 235 is possible.

The superhard bearing segments 226a -F of the illustrated embodiment each include inner border areas 234 , which are formed such that they inner edge regions 234 of two or three adjacent superhard bearing segments 226a Correspond and / or be associated with them. Each of the superhard bearing segments 226a F can also have an outer edge area 232 include at least part of the periphery of the superhard bearing surface 216 forms. The foregoing, as discussed herein, is meant to be exemplary only. In other embodiments, one or more superhard bearing segments may be present that do not include an outer edge region that includes an outer edge region that corresponds to or communicates with only one or more than three adjacent superhard bearing segments, or superhard bearing segments may have other configurations ,

In the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearing segments 226a -F at their respective inner edge regions 234 generally rectangular slots 250 and rectangular shaped ribs 352 exhibit. The slots 250 and the ribs 252 may be formed such that they have corresponding ribs 252 and slits 250 from adjacent segments 226a -F and potentially interfere with them. As a result, the superhard bearing segments 222a At least partially along the respective inner edge regions 234 be coupled with each other.

The superhard bearing segments 226a -F can thus each one of the super-hard bearing segments 226a Be positioned radially, circumferentially or otherwise adjacent, wherein one of the seams 236 is formed in between. In some embodiments, interconnected superhard bearing segments 226a -F a limitation of fluid leakage at the superhard bearing surface 116 cause. For example, the seams 236 define a tortuous path to fluid leakage through the sutures 236 to limit. If present, between adjacent superhard bearing segments 226a F -filled column may further be filled with a sealing material, thereby limiting the leakage of fluid through the seams 236 to support. For example, gaps may be between inner perimeter areas 234 be substantially filled with a sealing material. Examples of sealing materials include ceramic material, metallic material, polymeric material or other suitable material, or any combination of the aforementioned materials. In one embodiment, the sealing material may have wear resistance and / or erosion resistance over commonly used drilling fluids (also known as drilling mud). For example, a gasketing material may include chemical vapor deposited ("CVD") diamond material or a CVD deposited carbide material (eg, binderless tungsten carbide). More specifically, an example of a commercially available, applied by CVD binder-free tungsten carbide (currently marketed under the trademark Hardide ^®) by the company Hardide Layers Inc., Houston, Texas, ready to move.

In other embodiments, a binderless tungsten carbide material may be used without limitation by physical vapor deposition ("PVD"), PVD, high-velocity oxygen fuel ("HVOF"), supersonic transfer ("SST"), or high-velocity flame spraying be formed any other suitable process. In still other embodiments, the braze alloy used to braze the superhard bearing segments 226a -F to the carrier plate 222 is used, the seams 236 Infiltrate or penetrate and essentially all or part of the column at the seams 236 fill at the interfaces of the inner margins 234 of interconnected superhard bearing segments 226a -F can be present. For example, suitable wear resistant braze alloys include silver-copper based braze alloys commercially available as braze 505 and braze 516 are known and available from the company Handy & Harmon of Canada Limited. In another embodiment, a sealant material may include a hardfacing material (eg, a nickel or cobalt alloy) that is applied at least within the gap by thermal spraying. In yet another embodiment, a sealing material may comprise polyurethane or other suitable polymer, metal, alloy or other material. In another embodiment, a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface 216 at least partially by applying a diamond layer to the surface 216 as well as in the column between the segments 226a -F are formed.

The 3 and 4 12 illustrate a top plan view and an isometric view, respectively, of various embodiments of tilting pads that may be used in a hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assembly according to an embodiment. More specifically illustrated 3 a tilting segment 304 containing a plurality of superhard bearing segments 326a -D can contain, each a super hard blackboard 318 with a superhard bearing surface bonded to a substrate (not shown) 316 include. The super hard blackboard 318 and the substrate (not shown) are optional on a carrier plate 322 bound or otherwise associated with this.

The superhard bearing elements 326a -D can each have an outer edge area 332 and an inner edge area 334 exhibit. The superhard bearing segments 326a -D can be at the inner edge areas 334 be formed with a serrated geometry. Such a configuration may allow adjacent superhard bearing segments 326a Allow to connect with each other and at least partially coupled with each other, while seams 336 be formed with a geometry that allows fluid leakage radially through the gaps between adjacent superhard bearing segments 326a -D limited.

The illustrated and described seams between adjacent superhard bearing segments are for illustration only, and the seams between superhard bearing segments and / or the configurations of the inner peripheral regions of the superhard bearing segments may have any number of configurations. For example, a set of interconnected superhard bearing segments may have substantially straight, serrated, sawtooth, sinusoidal, curved or otherwise shaped inner edge regions or any combination of the protruding shapes. Further, some portions of an inner edge portion may have a configuration or shape while another portion of an inner edge portion may have a different configuration or shape on the same superhard bearing portion. Thus, various superhard bearing segments may also have different connection geometries or other configurations.

As discussed herein, a tilt pad bearing assembly may be used to meet certain conditions or any number of other situations or industries. For example, an application may be mentioned in which the use of a superhard bearing element with a superhard material would be beneficial; however, the superhard material may also have production limitations associated therewith (eg size, availability, etc.). In cases where the superhard bearing element has a size, shape, or feature (s) that exceeds such production limits, the superhard bearing element may be formed of a plurality of discrete segments that collectively form a super hard bearing surface of the superhard bearing element. In other instances, the type of material used in the superhard bearing element may not include the same production limits as PDCs or other superhard materials, or the superhard bearing element may be small enough that a single superhard or other material may be used to form the superhard bearing surface. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which a tilting segment 404 a size and / or material configured such that a single segment comprises a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface 416 can form. In particular, the tilting segment 404 a super hard blackboard 418 which are attached to a substrate 420 is bound. The substrate in turn can be attached to a carrier plate 422 be bound. Optional is the carrier plate 422 relative to the substrate 420 oversized; however, the carrier plate can 422 also about the same size as the substrate 420 have or be less than this. In this embodiment, a single segment 426 essentially the entire superhard bearing surface 416 form. For example, the segment 426 have a length and / or width that can be about 15 mm by 10 mm, so that a single superhard board 418 can be made of polycrystalline diamond or other materials in the desired shape, even without the provision of a plurality of coupled together, adjacent or adjacent segments. In further embodiments, the segment 426 have different sizes and even exceed a maximum size available for PCDs. For example, other superhard materials (eg, tungsten carbide) may be used to form the superhard bearing surface 116 using a single, integral segment.

Any of the embodiments of the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assemblies described above may be used in a hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing device. The 5A and 5B show an isometric cutaway sectional view and an isometric partial sectional view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing device 500 according to one embodiment. The hydrodynamic tilting pad thrust bearing device 500 can be a rotor 554 and a stator 556 include. The stator 556 may be configured as any of the described embodiments of hydrodynamic tilt pad bearing assemblies or include any of the described embodiments of superhard bearing members or tilting pads. The stator 556 can be a carrier ring 502 and a plurality of tilting segments 504 include that on the carrier ring 502 attached or otherwise secured, each of the tilting segments 504 a super hard storage area 516 having. The tilting segments 504 can be relative to a rotation axis 505 the hydrodynamic tilting pad device 500 and / or to one or more surfaces of the carrier ring 502 be tilted and / or tilt. The tilting segments 504 can be set to a certain tilting position, can be manually adjusted to assume a certain tilting position, can assume a certain tilting position by self-adjustment or can be otherwise formed. The terms "rotor" and "stator" refer to the rotating or stationary component of the tilting pad bearing device 500 However, the rotating and the stationary status of the illustrated embodiments may also be reversed. For example, the carrier ring 502 and the tilting segments 504 stay stationary while getting a carrier ring 558 rotates.

The rotor 554 may be configured in any suitable manner, including according to the embodiments described herein. The rotor 554 can be a carrier ring 558 have, with one or more superhard bearing segments 562 connected is. The rotor 554 may include a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface, generally the superhard bearing surfaces 516 of the stator 556 is adjacent. A fluid film may exist between the substantially continuous superhard bearing surface of the rotor 554 and the superhard storage areas 516 of the stator 556 be formed. In some embodiments, the superhard bearing surface of the rotor 554 may be formed of a single material and may be of the same or different material relative to that used to form the superhard bearing elements 504 be formed in the form of tilting materials used materials. In other embodiments, such as. In 6A and 6B shown, the superhard bearing surface of the rotor 554 at least partially by a plurality of circumferentially adjacent superhard bearing segments 562 (eg, a plurality of superhard compacts) each having an outer super hard bearing surface 560 comprising at least part of the substantially continuous superhard bearing surface of the rotor 554 forms. The superhard bearing segments 562 can on a carrier ring 558 by brazing, by press-fitting, by mechanical fasteners or in any other way.

As in 5A shown, can be a wave 564 with the carrier ring 558 coupled and operatively coupled to a device for rotating the shaft portion 564 in one direction R (or in an opposite direction) is capable. A device capable of providing such rotation may include a downhole motor. For example, the shaft may 564 through the carrier ring 558 of the rotor 554 extend therethrough and be secured thereto by press fitting or a threaded connection through which the shaft 564 with the carrier ring 502 or using any other suitable technique. A housing 566 can on the carrier ring 502 of the stator 556 z. B. by press fitting or threaded coupling of the housing 566 with the carrier ring 502 be attached and can be circumferentially around the shaft 564 , the stator 556 and the rotor 554 extend around.

The operation of the hydrodynamic tilting pad storage device 500 is referring to 5B explained in more detail. 5B shows an isometric, partial sectional view in which the shaft 510 and the case 511 are not shown for the sake of clarity. In operation, drilling fluid, mud or other fluid may be between the shaft 510 and the housing 511 as well as between the tilting segments 504 of the stator 556 and the superhard bearing segments 562 of the rotor 554 be pumped. More specifically, a rotational movement of the rotor 554 with a sufficient rotational speed fluid on the superhard bearing surfaces 516 of the stator 556 rinse and develop a fluid film 568 between the superhard bearing surfaces 560 of the rotor 554 and the superhard storage areas 516 of the stator 556 enable. The fluid film 568 may develop under certain operating conditions where the rotational speed of the rotor 556 is sufficiently high and the axial load is sufficiently low.

The stator 556 can tilting segments 504 include, which optionally consists of several segments 526 are formed. Further, at least in some embodiments, the tilting pads 504 be designed such that they tilt in the manner described herein. In such an embodiment, the tilting segments 504 be positioned at a fixed tilt angle or in a configurable or self-adjusting tilt angle. The tilting segments 504 of the stator 556 can have a front edge 570 at a different location than a rear edge 572 in relation to the rotor 554 , For example, in 5B the tilting segments 504 be tilted such that a greater separation between the tilting segments 504 and the superhard bearing segments 562 at the front edge 570 as at the back edge 572 is available. Under such conditions, the lubricating film 568 a variable thickness over the tilting segment 504 exhibit. In this particular embodiment, a higher lubricant film thickness may be at the leading edge 570 as at the back edge 572 to be available.

Under certain operating conditions, the pressure of the fluid film 568 be sufficient to make contact between the superhard bearing surfaces 560 of the rotor 554 and the super hard storage areas 516 of the stator 556 To substantially prevent, and thereby wear the superhard bearing segments 562 and the tilting segments 504 be significantly reduced. When the axial loads exceed a certain value and / or the rotational speed of the rotor 554 is reduced, is the pressure of the fluid film 568 may not be sufficient to allow contact between the superhard bearing surfaces 560 of the rotor 554 and the superhard storage areas 516 of the stator 556 essentially to prevent. Under such operating conditions, the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing device is not operated as a hydrodynamic bearing. Therefore, under certain operating conditions, the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing device 500 can be operated as a hydrodynamic bearing device, and under other conditions, the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing device 500 be operated such that the superhard bearing surfaces 516 . 560 during operation, or a partially developed fluid film between the superhard bearing surfaces 516 . 560 is available. However, the tilting segments can 504 and the superhard bearing segments 562 have superhard materials that are sufficiently resistant to wear, to account for repeated contact with each other, such. B. when starting and while sitting still a subway bus system or other system that the hydrodynamic tilting pad storage device 500 used, or in other operating conditions, the formation of the fluid film 568 are not conducive. In still other embodiments, a support roll or other bearing (not shown) may be provided for use during certain operating conditions, such as during operation. B. when starting or in the development of the fluid film 558 ,

The 6A and 6B illustrate an isometric view from above or an isometric partial sectional view of the rotor 554 and show an embodiment of a configuration of multiple superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b in a more detailed way. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearing segments may be 562a . 562b to be a superhard compact (eg, a PDC), which is a superhard tablet 574 which is attached to a substrate 576 is bound. Every super hard blackboard 574 can be a superhard bearing surface 560 exhibit. The superhard storage areas 560 the superhard boards 574 can collectively form a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface of the stator 556 form.

An exemplary way in which the superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b can be assembled in the 6A and 6B illustrated; however, in other embodiments, multiple segments may be assembled in other ways, using different geometries, or using a single material rather than a set of multiple segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b extend in the circumferential direction in a generally circular manner, and they can on the support ring 558 be fixed by brazing, interference fit, fasteners or other attachment mechanism. There can be several outer segments 562a and several inner segments 562b to be available. The outer segments 562a For example, in some embodiments, an outer edge region 586 and at least one inner edge area 588 exhibit. The outer edge areas 586 of the collective set of outer segments 562 may cover all or part of the outermost edge of the superhard bearing surface 560 form. Similarly, the inner segments 562b in some embodiments, an inner edge region 588 and at least one outer edge region 586 include. The outer edge areas 588 the collective set of inner segments 562b can cover all or part of the innermost edge of the superhard bearing surface 560 form. For example, the innermost edge of the superhard bearing surface 560 press against a shaft (see 5A ).

The inner edge areas 584 the superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b can compete with others of the several superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b be coupled or otherwise correspond. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each outer superhard bearing segment 562a at opposite ends with other outer superhard bearing segments 562a be connected, which extend in the circumferential direction relative thereto. Every outer superhard bearing segment 562a may also have an interface with one or more inner superhard bearing segments 562b that is relative to the outer superhard bearing segment 562a extend radially inward, forming or combing with this. However, such an arrangement is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, there may be more than two superhard bearing segments that extend radially to form the substantially continuous super hard bearing surface, there may be any number of different segments that may be used to form the substantially continuous superhard bearing surface Extend circumferential direction, or a super hard bearing segment may form an interface with a segment that extends at least partially in both the circumferential direction and in the radial direction with respect to this. Thus, a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface may be formed by a collective set of superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b be formed each of which has a respective superhard bearing surface 560 and such superhard bearing segments 562a . 562b may be arranged, connected or formed in any suitable manner.

In the 6A and 6B can the inner edge areas 584 each having an alternating slot-and-rib pattern, although such a configuration is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, the inner margins 584 have any of the geometries described above, such. As a jagged, a straight, a curved or another geometry. Such geometries may allow for coupling interconnected superhard bearing segments together and / or for limiting fluid leakage through seams between adjacent superhard bearing segments.

Thus, regardless of the particular arrangement, multiple segments form the substantially continuous superhard bearing surface of the stator 556 , where a set of seams 582 between adjacent segments 562a . 562b can be formed. The seams 582 may form a tortuous or tortuous course, causing fluid leakage radially through the sutures 582 limited. The seams 582 can have a relatively small gap 580 match that between the segments 562a . 562b is available. Although it is not necessary, however, the size of the column can be 580 the same or similar to the sizes described above with respect to exemplary superhard bearing elements in the form of tilting segments. For example, the column 580 have a width of about 0.001 mm to about 3.5 mm, in particular have a width of about 0.0025 mm to about 2.5 mm, and more particularly have a width of about 0.125 mm to about 1.25 mm. More specifically, the gaps may have a width of about 0.005 mm to about 1.0 mm. The gap 580 are optionally filled with a sealing material as described herein.

The concepts used in the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing assemblies and bearing devices described above may also be used with tilting pad radial bearing assemblies and devices. The 7A to 7C illustrate an isometric, an exploded or an isometric partial sectional view of a hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device 600 according to yet another embodiment. The hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device 600 can be an inner race 654 (eg, a rotor or motor) that has an inner surface 667 can have an opening 655 forms for receiving a shaft or other component. The inner race 654 can also be a plurality of circumferentially and / or longitudinally adjacent superhard bearing segments 662 (eg, a plurality of superhard compacts) at or near an outer surface 669 of the inner race 654 each of which has a convexly curved superhard bearing surface 660 can have.

The hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device 600 can also have an outer race 656 (eg, a stator) configured to wrap around the inner race 654 to extend around and / or accommodate this. The outer race 656 may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tilting segments 604 each of which has a superhard bearing surface 616 can have. The super hard storage area 616 may be substantially planar, although in other embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 616 may be a concavely curved superhard bearing surface, so that it generally shapes convex curved superhard bearing surfaces of the inner race 654 equivalent. The terms "rotor" and "stator" refer to the rotating or stationary component of the radial bearing system 600 , So if the inner race 654 designed to be stationary, the inner race 654 be referred to as a stator, and the outer race 656 can be referred to as a rotor.

The hydrodynamic tilting pad radial bearing device 600 can be used in many different mechanical applications. For example, rotary drills can advantageously utilize a radial bearing device disclosed herein. More specifically, the inner race 654 attached or attached to a spindle of a rotary drill, and the outer race 656 may be attached to an inner bore, leaving an outer race 656 and an inner race 654 to form the radial bearing system 600 can be mounted.

With further reference to 7A may be a rotational movement of one on the inner race 654 fixed shaft (not shown) a rotational movement of the inner race 654 relative to the outer race 656 cause. Drilling fluid or other fluid or lubricant may exist between the superhard bearing surfaces 616 of the inner race 654 and the superhard storage areas 660 of the outer race 656 be pumped. When the inner race 654 turns, the front edge areas can 670 the tilting segments 604 Lubricant (eg drilling fluid or other lubricant) on the superhard bearing surfaces 660 of the outer race 656 do the washing up. As referred to above to the hydrodynamic tilting pad storage device 500 described, may be sufficient rotational speeds for the inner race 654 a fluid film between the superhard bearing surfaces 616 . 660 the tilting segments 604 and the superhard bearing segments 662 develop, and there may be sufficient pressure to hold the superhard bearing surfaces 616 and the superhard storage areas 660 evolve in a spaced apart manner. Thus, wear on the tilting segments 604 and the superhard bearing segments 662 be reduced compared to the case in which a direct contact between the tilting segments 604 and the superhard bearing segments 662 occurs.

As further in 7A and 7B is illustrated includes the outer race 656 a carrier ring 602 that is about an axis 606 extends. The carrier ring 602 can have an inner channel 603 for receiving a set of superhard bearing elements in the form of tilting segments 604 in the circumferential direction about the axis 606 is formed distributed. Each tilting segment 604 can be a super hard blackboard 618 with a super hard storage area 616 exhibit. The super hard storage area 660 may be curved (eg, concavely curved) or substantially planar, and in some embodiments may have peripheral chamfering. In other embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 616 otherwise curved, having no beveled edge, having a different contour or configuration, or any combination of the above. Every super hard blackboard 618 can be attached to a corresponding substrate 620 be bound. Furthermore, any superhard bearing surface 616 be tilted or inclined in the circumferential direction relative to an imaginary cylindrical surface. The super hard boards 618 and substrates 620 can be made of the same materials as those mentioned above for in the 1A and 1B shown tilting segments 104 have been described.

Every super hard storage area 616 a corresponding tilting segment 604 can be tilted in a manner that involves flushing a lubricant or other fluid to form a fluid film between the inner race 654 and the outer race 656 facilitated. Each tilting segment 604 can be one to the central axis 606 be tilted and / or tilt generally parallel axis. As a result, each tilting segment can 604 at an angle relative to the inner and outer surfaces of the ring 602 and circumferentially tilted such that the front edges 670 the tilting segments 604 approximately parallel to the central axis 606 are. The front edge 670 Can be of help to add lubricant or other fluid to the superhard bearing surfaces 616 of the stator 656 to flush a fluid film in a manner similar to that in Figs 5A and 5B shown tilting segments 504 to build. More specifically, if the inner race 654 relative to the outer race 656 is concentrically positioned, the front edges 670 relative to the outer edge 669 of the outer race 656 be offset, by a distance which is greater than a distance between the outer race 656 and a rear edge of the superhard bearing elements 604 , It should be noted that in other embodiments, the radial bearing device 600 can be designed as a plain bearing. In such an embodiment, the inner race 654 relative to the outer race 656 be arranged eccentrically.

In some embodiments, the tilting pad may 604 from a plurality of superhard bearing segments 626 be formed, which collectively a respective tilting segment 604 and / or a superhard bearing surface 616 form. The superhard bearing segments 626 may each be substantially identical, or the superhard bearing segments 626 can with respect to other of the superhard bearing segments 626 be different. In some embodiments, the superhard bearing segments include 626 one each to a substrate 620 bound super hard blackboard 618 as described herein. Optionally, the substrate 620 with a carrier plate 622 , the carrier ring 602 or other material or component, or be supported relative thereto. At the carrier plate 622 it can be a single component or a single segment, which simplifies the assembly of multiple segments 626 to the superhard bearing element 604 is used, although in other embodiments, the support plate 622 may also have multiple composite segments.

With further reference to 7A and 7B can the seams 636 between circumferentially and / or longitudinally adjacent the superhard bearing elements 604 be formed. As in the hydrodynamic tilting pad bearing arrangement described above 100 , the edges of the superhard bearing segments can 626 have any number of configurations or shapes, and may be formed or coupled to adjacent edges in any number of different ways. Further, sealing materials may be disposed within a gap (not shown) between adjacent superhard bearing segments 662 may be formed to prevent fluid leakage through the seams 636 continue to support.

As further in 7A and 7C Illustrated is the inner race 654 of the Radial bearing assembly 600 with a carrier ring 658 shown having a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally adjacent superhard bearing segments 662 connected to form a substantially continuous superhard bearing element 626 and a substantially continuous superhard bearing surface are composed. In other embodiments, an outer race of a radial bearing system may include a plurality of superhard bearing segments extending only circumferentially around the inner race 654 spaced from one another, or include a plurality of superhard bearing segments which are only longitudinally in relation to the inner race 654 are provided at a distance from each other. In still other embodiments, the inner race 654 form a superhard bearing surface formed of a single segment so that there are no multiple segments that are assembled together. For example, a single segment may be used in a case where the size of the inner race 654 is sufficiently small, so that the super hard bearing surface 660 forming material can be formed as a single material. Under certain conditions, such as when the material forming the superhard bearing surface has limitations on limited production, the superhard bearing surface may 660 be formed of several segments.

As mentioned above, the majority of superhard bearing segments 662 relative to the axis 606 be distributed in the circumferential direction and / or in the longitudinal direction. If the superhard bearing segments 662 a super hard blackboard 674 and / or a substrate 676 can contain the superhard boards 674 and the substrates 676 be made of the same materials as those above for in the 1A to 1D shown superhard bearing segments 104 are described. One or more seams 682 can be between adjacent superhard bearing segments 662 be formed. As with the tilt pad bearing assembly described above 100 For example, the seams may follow edge geometry in the form of slits and ribs, jagged, straight, curved geometry, or other edge geometry. Further, if desired, any of the sealing materials described above may be placed in a gap (not shown) between adjacent superhard bearing segments 662 may be formed and thus to further prevent fluid leakage through the seams 682 can be of help.

The carrier ring 658 of the inner race 654 may comprise a circumferential recess adapted to receive the plurality of superhard bearing segments 662 is trained. The superhard bearing segments 662 may be secured inside the recess or otherwise attached to the carrier ring 658 be fixed, by brazing, press fitting, using fasteners or other suitable technique. The carrier ring 658 can also have an inner surface 667 define an opening 655 forms, in the z. For example, a shaft of the motor may be received by a downhole motor assembly or other device.

The 8A to 8C show an isometric view, a top view and an isometric sectional view of a thrust bearing assembly 900 according to a further embodiment. The bearing arrangement 900 includes a carrier ring 902 comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tilting bearing members 904 wearing. As with the tilting segments 104 can also the tilting bearing elements 904 For example, fixed tilting bearing elements, adjustable tilting bearing elements, self-adjusting tilting bearing elements, other bearing elements or combinations thereof.

The tilting bearing elements 904 The illustrated embodiment generally has a cylindrical geometry and may be circumferentially about a thrust axis 906 be provided distributed along which may be directed during use substantially a thrust. In other embodiments, the bearing surface 916 from each of the tilting bearing elements 904 have a generally elliptical geometry, a generally pie-shaped geometry, a generally rectangular geometry, combinations thereof, or any other suitable individual geometry. Each tilting bearing element 904 can in the circumferential direction of another tilting bearing element 904 be provided adjacent, with a gap between them 908 or a transfer exists. Each tilting bearing element 904 can be a separate, uniform superhard bearing surface 916 include, so that the tilting bearing elements 904 Collectively form a non-continuous superhard bearing surface.

For supporting the tilting bearing elements 904 the bearing arrangement 900 can the carrier ring 902 several depressions 910 for receiving the tilting bearing elements 904 form. In other embodiments, the carrier ring 902 form a channel, and the tilting bearing elements 904 can be arranged in the channel. The tilting bearing elements 904 may be in any suitable manner in the carrier ring 902 supported or at least partially secured. For example, a pivotal connection for securing the tilting bearing elements 904 within the carrier ring 902 although any other suitable attachment or attachment mechanism can be used. Similar to the carrier ring 102 can also be the carrier ring 902 an inner circumferential surface having an opening 914 forms. The opening 914 can generally be about the thrust axis 906 centered and may be configured to receive a shaft (eg, a downhole motor shaft).

Each tilting bearing element 904 optionally includes multiple layers or other components. For example, it may be at each tilting bearing element 904 a super-hard bearing element or a super-hard compact, the one to a substrate 920 bound super hard blackboard 918 having. The super hard blackboard 918 and the substrate 920 can be made of the same materials as those mentioned above for the in 1A and 1B illustrated tilting bearing elements 104 have been described.

Similar to the tilting segments 104 can also the tilting bearing elements 904 used in conjunction with a runner or other bearing assembly. Like the bearing arrangement 100 can the thrust bearing assembly 900 rotate relative to a rotor or other bearing assembly, while a lubricant or other fluid, the thrust bearing assembly 900 flooded. Upon rotation of the thrust bearing assembly 900 For example, a fluid film can develop that can take the runner off the superhard bearing surfaces 116 separates. For advantageous use of the hydrodynamic forces within the lubricant, the tilting bearing elements 904 This may lead to a higher lubricant film thickness at a leading edge (ie, edge of a tilting bearing element) 904 which is crossed first by a line on a rotor / stator while the thrust bearing assembly 900 moved in the direction of rotation) as being present at a trailing edge (ie an edge of a tilting bearing element 904 last crossed by a line on a rotor / stator while the thrust bearing assembly 900 moved in the direction of rotation).

The extent to which the tilting bearing elements 904 can be rotated or tilted in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the tilting bearing elements 904 be tilted about respective axes, which are generally radially from the thrust axis 906 away as well as through the respective tilting bearing element 904 extend. The tilting bearing element 904 can with the carrier ring 902 be connected via a rotary joint. For example, in the 8A to 8C the tilting bearing element 904 with a retaining device, such. B. a pen 924 , be rotatably connected. The pencil 924 can be a tilt axis 925 (in 8B shown) or correspond to this. The pencil 924 can in the carrier ring 902 be attached in such a way that the tilting bearing element 904 a rotational movement relative to the axis 925 and the pen 924 is possible. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing element 904 at the pin 924 be firmly attached, and the pin 924 can in the carrier ring 902 be rotatably mounted such that the tilting bearing element 904 and the pen 924 a rotational movement relative to the carrier ring 902 is possible. Furthermore, in further embodiments, in which the tilting bearing element 904 at the pin 924 firmly attached, the pin 924 be movable or adjustable between different fixed positions, so that the tilting bearing element 904 manually adjustable to accept a selected tilt position. In other embodiments, each well 910 have a pair of protrusions extending from a side surface of the recess 910 extend radially away, and the tilting bearing element 904 may include openings or grooves for receiving the elevations of the depressions 910 are formed to a rotational connection between the carrier ring 902 and the tilting bearing element 904 to build.

In one embodiment, the tilting bearing element may 904 and / or the pen 924 about 0 to about 20 degrees in the positive or negative direction relative to the tilt axis 925 or another horizontal axis to rotate or tilt. In some embodiments, the superhard bearing surfaces may also be used 916 the respective tilting bearing elements 904 perform a tilting movement of about 0 to about 20 degrees in a positive or negative direction. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 904 and / or the superhard bearing surface 916 perform a rotational movement of about 0 to about 15 degrees, such as. At a positive or negative angle (θ) of about 0.5 to about 3 degrees (eg, about 0.5 to about 1 degree or less than 1 degree) relative to the axis 925 of the pen 924 (as in 8E shown). Like the carrier ring 102 can also be the carrier ring 902 be designed for bidirectional rotation. In such a case, the tilting bearing element 904 and / or the pen 924 be configured to perform a rotational movement in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. For example, the superhard bearing surface 916 in any position between a positive or a negative angle of about 20 degrees relative to the axis 925 be moved in rotation, such. A positive or negative angle (θ) of about 0.5 to about 3 degrees (eg, about 0.5 to about 1 degree or less than 1 degree) relative to the axis 925 of the pen 924 , Like the pen 124 can also be the pen 924 used for selective rotation of the tilting bearing elements 904 to enable. In still other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 904 be set to a selected pitch size or manually set to a selected pitch size with or without self-adjusting training.

As described above, in some embodiments, a single superhard bearing member or compact forms a respective tilt bearing member 904 , The tilting bearing elements 904 For example, various mechanisms may be used to facilitate rotation, translation, or otherwise positioning the tilting bearing element 904 exhibit. The 8D to 8E show an isometric sectional view and a bottom view of the tilting bearing element 904 , In one embodiment, the tilting bearing element 904 for example, machined or otherwise formed such that there is a recess 927 (For example, a blind hole or a through opening), an opening or other construction in which the pin 924 (or another component) can be at least partially received or attached. The recess 927 can by machining or otherwise training in a base region of the tilting bearing element 904 be formed, which is the substrate 920 having. In other embodiments, the recess 927 by machining or otherwise forming in a base region of the tilting bearing element 904 be formed, which is another layer of material 922 has, such. Steel or other alloy or other metallic material attached to the substrate 920 (eg a base surface) is attached. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing element 904 have a plurality of recesses. For example, the tilting bearing element 904 a second recess (not shown) generally perpendicular to the recess 927 exhibit. Such a configuration may allow a user to use the pen 924 alternately in the recess 927 and insert the second recess so that a user can orient the tilting bearing element 904 can rotate as needed to the useful life of the tilting bearing element 904 to increase.

In addition to this, the tilting bearing element 904 machined or otherwise formed such that there is a pivoting device 928 for facilitating the rotational movement of the tilting bearing elements 904 having. For example, the pivoting device 928 generally hemispherical, rounded, generally cylindrical or otherwise configured to tilt the tilting bearing elements 904 to facilitate or facilitate. In one embodiment, the pivoting device 928 in the additional material layer 922 be formed on a base surface of the substrate 920 is appropriate. For the additional material layer 922 it can be any suitable material, such. Steel, or another alloy or other material that is relatively softer than the substrate 920 is. In other embodiments, the additional material layer 122 be omitted, and the substrate 920 can be machined or formed directly such that it is the pivoting device 928 includes. The pivoting device 928 can be formed by computer-aided milling, electro-discharge machining, laser cutting, grinding, combinations thereof or other suitable techniques. For example, suitable laser cutting techniques are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 166,007, filed June 2, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, similar to the tilt axis 125 also the tilt axis 925 the tilting bearing elements 904 essentially between the front and the rear edge of the tilting bearing elements 904 be centered. For example, in such cases where the carrier ring 902 can be configured for bidirectional rotation, the tilt axis 925 the tilting bearing elements 904 be substantially centered by being located at one of the opposite edges of the tilting elements 904 is based on a selected direction of rotation about the leading or trailing edge. In other embodiments, the tilt axis 925 a tilting bearing element 904 relative to a symmetry axis on the bearing surface 916 be offset. An axis of symmetry is a line that divides the bearing surface into two substantially symmetrical parts so that the bearing surface on one side is essentially the mirror image of the bearing surface on the other side. If z. B. the carrier ring 902 Part of a rotor, which is designed only for a rotation in one direction, the tilting axis 925 of the tilting bearing element 904 be offset so that the tilt axis 925 closer to one of the front edge or the rear edge of the tilting bearing element 904 located. In other embodiments, a tilt axis of symmetry axes on the bearing surface 916 on the tilting bearing element 904 although a rotor is designed for bidirectional rotation, or a tilt axis may be relative to an axis of symmetry on the bearing surface 916 of the tilting bearing element 904 be substantially centered, although a rotor is designed for rotation in one direction.

In other embodiments, one or more tilting bearing elements may have other features to facilitate tilting of the tilting bearing elements. For example, the show 9A to 9C an isometric view, a partial plan view from above or a partial sectional view of a thrust bearing assembly 1000 incorporating tilt bearing elements that have different configurations or geometries according to one embodiment. The thrust bearing assembly 1000 can a carrier ring 1002 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tilting bearing elements 1004 wearing. In the illustrated embodiment, the tilting bearing elements have 1004 generally a generally cylindrical geometry, and they can be around a shear axis 1006 be arranged distributed along which can be directed a thrust during use substantially. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 1004 have a generally elliptical geometry, a generally pie-shaped geometry, a generally rectangular geometry, combinations thereof, or any other suitable individual geometry. Each tilting bearing element 1004 can in the circumferential direction of another tilting bearing element 1004 be arranged adjacent, with a gap between them 1008 or another displacement exists. Each tilting bearing element 1004 includes a separate, uniform superhard bearing surface 1016 so that the tilting bearing elements 1004 Collectively form a non-continuous superhard bearing surface.

For supporting the tilting bearing elements 1004 the bearing arrangement 1000 can the carrier ring 1002 a plurality of depressions 1010 for receiving the tilting bearing elements 1004 define. The tilting bearing elements 1004 may be via one or more retaining means in the carrier ring 1002 supported or at least partially attached. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded retaining elements 1030 with head areas 1032 used to tilt the bearing elements 1004 within the carrier ring 1002 although other suitable attachment or attachment mechanisms may be used. For example, press-fit, welded, bolted, or positionally brazed pins may be used in place of the threaded fasteners 1030 be used. Similar to the carrier rings 102 and 902 can also be the carrier ring 1002 an inner circumferential surface having an opening 1014 Are defined. The opening 1014 can generally be about the thrust axis 1006 be centered and formed to receive a shaft.

Each tilting bearing element 1004 optionally includes multiple layers or other components. For example, it may be in the respective tilting bearing element 1004 to be a superhard bearing element or a superhard compact, one to a substrate 1020 bound super hard blackboard 1018 having. The super hard blackboard 1018 and the substrate 1020 can be similar to the superhard blackboard 118 and the substrate 120 be trained in terms of 1B have been described. Similar to the tilting segments 104 can also also the tilting bearing elements 1004 used in conjunction with a runner or other bearing assembly.

The thrust bearing assembly 1000 can have various features to facilitate rotation, translation or other positioning of the tilting bearing elements 1004 include. The 9E and 9F show an isometric view and a sectional view of a single tilt bearing element 1004 , As shown, the tilting bearing elements 1004 a bottom surface and a pivoting device formed on the bottom surface 1034 exhibit. The pivoting device 1034 may have a generally semi-cylindrical convex portion disposed between a pair of planar portions. In other embodiments, the convex portion of the pivoting device 1034 essentially the entire area of the bottom surface of the tilting bearing element 1004 form. The pivoting device 1034 can be a tilt axis 1025 define or match this so that the tilting bearing element 1004 a rotational movement or tilting movement relative to the tilting axis 1025 can perform. In one embodiment, the convex portion of the pivoting device 1034 over the entire bottom surface of the tilting bearing element 1004 extend. In other embodiments, the convex portion of the pivoting device may 1034 only over a part of the bottom surface of the tilting bearing element 1004 extend. In still other embodiments, the pivoting device 1034 include a plurality of convex portions. For example, the pivoting device 1034 include three spaced-apart convex portions, each convex portion along a linear path on the bottom surface of the tilting bearing member 1004 is positioned.

In one embodiment, the pivoting device 1034 in the substrate 1020 be formed. In other embodiments, the pivoting device 1034 be formed in an additional layer, which at the base surface of the substrate 1020 is appropriate. The additional material layer may be any suitable material, such. Steel or another alloy or other metal material that is relatively softer than the substrate 1020 is. Like the swiveling device 928 can also be the pivoting device 1034 by CNC milling, electrical discharge machining, laser cutting, grinding, combinations thereof, or by other suitable techniques.

In some embodiments, the pivot axis 1025 or the pivoting device 1034 relative to a symmetry axis on the bearing surface 1016 the corresponding tilting bearing element 1004 be essentially centered. In other embodiments, the tilt axis 1025 relative to axes of symmetry on the bearing surface 1016 the corresponding tilting bearing element 1004 be offset. For example, in a case where the carrier ring 1002 Part of a rotor, which is designed only for a rotation in one direction, the axis of rotation of the tilting bearing element 1004 be offset so that the tilt axis 1025 closer to an edge of the tilting bearing element 1004 located. In other embodiments, a tilt axis of symmetry axes on the bearing surface 1016 of the tilting bearing element 1004 although a rotor is designed for bidirectional rotation, or a tilting axis may be offset relative to an axis of symmetry of the bearing surface 1016 of the tilting bearing element 1004 be substantially centered, although a rotor is designed for a rotational movement in one direction.

Optionally, the depressions 1010 of the carrier ring 1002 be adapted to a lighter tilting movement of the tilting bearing elements 1004 to support. For example, the depressions 1010 include a base surface which is a pair of generally planar regions 1036 that passes through a concave area 1038 are separated from each other, as in 9D is shown. The concave area 1038 the depression 1010 may be a lighter tilting movement or rotational movement of the tilting bearing element 1004 within the recess 1010 support. The depression 1010 may be rounded, generally hemispherical, generally semi-cylindrical, etc., and have a different radius than the pivoting device 1034 , For example, the pivoting device 1034 of the tilting bearing element 1004 for a tilting or tilting movement in the concave area 1038 the depression 1010 be educated. In other embodiments, the depressions 1010 of the carrier ring 1002 have a generally planar bottom portion on which the pivoting device 1034 can perform a tilting or pivoting movement.

In addition to the swivel device 1034 can the tilting bearing elements 1004 further features for facilitating rotation, translation or other positioning of the tilting bearing elements 1004 exhibit. For example, the tilting bearing element 1004 machined or otherwise formed such that there is a groove 1040 or another holding device, in which at least a part of the head region 1032 of the threaded retaining element 1030 (or other retaining means or retaining structure) can be at least partially received or secured (best in 9C illustrated). As shown, the threaded retaining elements 1030 in receiving openings 1037 screwed into place in an upper surface of the carrier ring 1002 between adjacent ones of the tilting bearing elements 1004 in the columns 1008 are formed. At least part of the head area 1032 each threaded retaining element 1030 can in the groove 1040 of the tilting bearing element 1004 be positioned so that the tilting bearing elements 1004 in the wells 1010 be held securely while a limited tilting movement of the tilting bearing element 1004 relative to the carrier ring 1002 is possible. For example, the groove 1040 and the head area 1032 the threaded retaining elements 1030 be positioned and configured such that the tilting bearing element 1004 a selective tilting movement relative to the carrier ring 1002 can run until the head area 1032 on one of the side walls of the groove 1040 abuts.

In one embodiment, the groove 1040 a width W and a depth D (in 9F shown). The depth D of the groove 1040 may be between a base of the groove and a side surface of the tilting bearing element 1004 extend. The depth D may be about 0.1 inch to about 0.4 inch, for example about 0.15 inch to about 0.25 inch. In other embodiments, the depth D of the groove 1040 be bigger or smaller. The width W of the groove 1040 can be between the opposite side walls of the groove 1040 extend. In one embodiment, the width W of the groove 1040 from about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch, for example about 0.2 inch to about 0.3 inch. In further embodiments, the width W of the groove 1040 be taller or narrower.

Referring again to 9C can the head area 1032 of the threaded retaining element 1030 have a thickness T between a top surface and a bottom surface of the head region 1032 is defined. The head area 1032 may also have an effective length L between an outer surface of the stem of the threaded retaining member 1030 and a side surface of the head area 1032 is defined.

In one embodiment, the relationship between the width W of the groove 1040 and the thickness T of the head area 1032 for adjusting the rotational movement of the Kipplagerelements 1004 relative to the carrier ring 1002 be educated. For example, the thickness T of the head area 1032 from about twenty (20) percent to about ninety-five (95) percent or about forty (40) to about eighty (80) percent of the width W of the groove 1040 be. In other embodiments, the thickness T of the head area 1032 and the width W of the groove 1040 relative to each other be larger or smaller.

In one embodiment, the relationship between the effective length L of the header area 1032 and the depth D of the groove 1040 be formed such that it influences the rotation of the tilting bearing element 1004 relative to the carrier ring 1002 Has. For example, the effective length L of the header area 1032 from about thirty (30) percent to about one hundred (100) percent, or about sixty (60) percent to about ninety (90) percent of the depth D of the groove 1040 be. In further embodiments, the effective length L of the head region 1032 and the depth D of the groove 1040 relative to each other be larger or smaller.

In one embodiment, the relationship between the effective length L of the header area 1032 and the width W of the groove 1040 be formed such that it influences the rotation of the tilting bearing element 1004 relative to the carrier ring 1002 Has. For example, the width W of the groove 1040 from about ten (10) percent to about eighty (80) percent or about twenty (20) percent to about sixty (60) percent of the effective length L of the header 1032 be. In further embodiments, the effective length L of the head region 1032 and the width W of the groove 1040 relative to each other be larger or smaller.

As described above, the tilting bearing element 1004 in the depression 1010 be positioned so that the tilting bearing element 1004 a rotational movement relative to the carrier ring 1002 around the tilt axis 1025 executes (in 9E shown). In one embodiment, the tilting bearing elements 1004 and the threaded retaining elements 1030 on and / or in the carrier ring 1004 be loosely organized or positioned so that at least part of the head areas 1032 the threaded retaining elements 1030 in the grooves 1040 is positioned. The threaded retaining elements 1030 can then be selectively tightened or into the receiving openings 1037 be screwed to the tilting bearing elements 1004 in the wells 1010 to secure. In one embodiment, the threaded retaining elements 1030 in a star-shaped pattern in the receiving openings 1037 be screwed until all of the tilting bearing elements 1004 in the wells 1010 are secured. In a further embodiment, a free end portion of the threaded retaining elements 1030 into the receiving openings 1037 be screwed. The tilting bearing elements 1004 can then between the threaded retaining elements 1030 over the wells 1010 be pushed so that at least part of the head areas 1032 the threaded retaining elements 1030 inside the grooves 1040 is positioned. Subsequently, the threaded retaining elements 1030 further into the receiving openings 1037 screwed or tightened to the tilting bearing elements 1004 into the wells 1010 pull until the tilting bearing elements 1004 secured and positioned in these.

In one embodiment, the tilting bearing element 1004 a rotational movement or tilting movement of about 0 to about 20 degrees in a positive or negative direction relative to the carrier ring 1002 To run. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 1004 and / or the superhard bearing surface 1016 a rotational movement of about 0 to about 15 degrees, such as. At a positive or negative angle (θ) of about 0.5 to about 3 degrees (eg, about 0.5 to about 1 degree or less than 1 degree) relative to the pivot 1034 To run. Like the carrier ring 102 can also also the carrier ring 1002 be designed for bidirectional rotation. In such a case, the tilting bearing element 1004 be able to perform a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.

The pivoting device 1034 , the groove 1040 , the threaded retaining elements 1030 or combinations thereof may be used for the tilting bearing elements 1004 to allow a selective rotational movement. For example, the tilting bearing elements 1004 be self-adjusting, so that on the basis of the lubricant used, the axial forces exerted along the thrust axis, the rotational speed of the rotor or the bearing assembly 100 , other factors or combinations of the above factors, the tilting bearing elements 1004 can adjust automatically or otherwise in a desired Kipporientierung or other orientation. In still other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 1004 be fixed to a particular Kippeinstellung or inclination or adjusted by hand to a certain inclination, with or without selbsteinstellende training thereof.

Furthermore, the pivoting device provides 1034 an embodiment of a mechanism for facilitating rotation, translation or other positioning of the tilting bearing elements 1004 to superhard storage areas 1016 to provide the tilting bearing elements. In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used. By way of illustration, leveling links, generally semi-elliptical pivoting devices, generally hemispherical pivoting devices, pivot pins or other elements, or any combination thereof, may be used to facilitate positioning of the tilting bearing elements 1004 be used in a tilted configuration.

Referring again to the 9E and 9F can the tilting bearing element 1004 by machining or otherwise so be formed that it is the groove 1040 in a side surface of the substrate 1020 having. As shown, the groove 1040 have a generally U-shaped cross-section. In other embodiments, the groove 1040 have a generally rectangular cross-section, a generally V-shaped cross-section, a generally parabolic cross-section, a generally trapezoidal cross-section, combinations thereof, or other suitable cross-sectional shapes. In one embodiment, the groove 1040 essentially around a circumference of the substrate 1020 extend around. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing element 1004 have a plurality of grooves or the groove 1040 can only cover part of the circumference of the substrate 1020 extend around. For example, a pair of grooves, each on opposite sides of the tilting bearing element 1004 are provided along the side surface of the substrate 1020 substantially adjacent to the threaded retaining elements 1030 extend. In one embodiment, the groove 1040 by machining or otherwise in the substrate 1020 be formed. In further embodiments, the groove 1040 be formed in a different material layer, which at a base surface of the substrate 1020 is appropriate.

10A and 10B show an isometric view and a sectional view of a tilting bearing element 1104 according to a further embodiment. The tilting bearing element 1104 generally has a rounded, rectangular geometry. In the illustrated embodiment, the tilting bearing element includes 1104 a separate, uniform superhard bearing surface 1116 , The tilting bearing element 1104 optionally includes multiple layers or other components. For example, it may be in the tilting bearing element 1104 a superhard bearing element or a compact, the one to a substrate 1120 bound super hard blackboard 1118 having. The super hard blackboard 1118 and the substrate 1120 can be made of the same materials as those mentioned above for the 1A and 1B shown tilting bearing elements 104 have been described.

In one embodiment, the tilting bearing element 1104 be mounted within a carrier ring (not shown) in a manner that corresponds to the tilting bearing element 1104 allows a rotational movement relative to the carrier ring. For example, the tilting bearing element 1104 be formed by machining or otherwise such that there is a recess 1127 (eg, a partial aperture or aperture), an aperture, or other construction in which a pin (not shown) attached to the carrier ring may be at least partially received or secured. The recess 1127 can be a tilt axis 1125 define or correspond to the tilting bearing element 1104 allows a rotational movement relative to the carrier ring around the pin. The recess 1127 may be by machining or otherwise in the substrate 1120 or in another metal material layer, such as steel or other alloy, attached to the substrate 1120 attached (eg on a base surface). In some embodiments, the tilt axis is 1125 and / or the recess 1127 of the tilting bearing element 1104 relative to a symmetry axis on the bearing surface 1016 of the tilting bearing element 1104 essentially centered. In other embodiments, the tilt axis 1125 and / or the recess 1127 relative to axes of symmetry on the bearing surface 1016 of the tilting bearing element 1104 be offset.

Furthermore, the tilting bearing element 1104 be formed by machining or otherwise such that there is a pivoting device 1128 for facilitating a tilting or rotational movement of the tilting bearing element 1104 having. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting device 1128 have a convex portion which on the base surface of the tilting bearing element 1104 is formed and has a generally semi-elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing element 1104 Leveling links, rocker arms or other elements, or it can also be any combination of the above elements to facilitate a tilting movement of the tilting bearing elements 1104 be used. The pivoting device 1128 may be substantially the entire base surface of the tilting bearing element 1104 include. In some embodiments, the pivoting device may 1128 only on a part of the base surface of the tilting bearing element 1104 be formed. The substrate 1120 Can by machining or training directly with the swivel device 1128 be educated. In further embodiments, the pivoting device 1128 be formed in an additional layer, which on a base surface of the substrate 1120 is appropriate. The pivoting device 1128 may be formed by CNC milling, electrical discharge machining, laser cutting, grinding, combinations thereof, or other suitable techniques.

11A and 11B show an isometric cutaway view and an isometric sectional view of a thrust bearing device 1200 according to another embodiment, which may use any of the disclosed thrust bearing assemblies. Similar to the thrust bearing device 500 can also be the thrust bearing device 1200 a rotor 1254 and a stator 1256 exhibit. In general, the rotor, the stator or both include one or more tilting bearing elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the stator 1256 as in any of the described embodiments of the tilting bearing assemblies may be formed or it may include any of the described embodiments of the tilting bearing elements. The stator 1256 can be a carrier ring 1102 and a plurality of tilting bearing elements 1204 have, via a fastener or a pin 1224 on the carrier ring 1202 mounted or otherwise mounted, wherein each of the tilting bearing elements 1204 a super hard storage area 1216 having. The tilting bearing elements 1204 may be relative to a tilt axis (not shown) extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the pin 1224 or another horizontal axis, tilted and / or tilted relative thereto. The tilting bearing elements 1204 can be set in a certain tilt position, can be manually set to a selected tilt position, can self-adjust to a certain tilt position, or otherwise configured. The terms "rotor" and "stator" refer to the rotating or stationary component of the tilting bearing device 1200 , For example, the carrier ring 1202 and the tilting bearing elements 1204 stay stationary while getting a carrier ring 1258 of the rotor 1254 rotates. However, the rotating status and the stationary status of the illustrated embodiments may also be reversed.

The rotor 1254 may be configured in any suitable manner, including according to embodiments described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 1254 the carrier ring 1258 and a plurality of non-tilting superhard bearing elements 1262 have, on the support ring 1258 attached or otherwise attached, each of the superhard bearing elements 1262 a super hard storage area 1270 having. As shown, a wave 1264 with the carrier ring 1258 be coupled and operatively coupled to a device that is capable of the shaft 1264 in a direction R (or in a generally opposite direction) to rotate, such. B. a downhole motor. For example, the shaft may 1264 through the carrier ring 1258 of the rotor 1254 extend therethrough and by this by press-fitting or threaded coupling of the shaft 1264 with the carrier ring 1258 or any other suitable technique. A housing 1266 can on the carrier ring 1202 of the stator 1256 be attached and circumferentially around the shaft 1264 and the rotor 1254 extend around. In other embodiments, both the rotor 1254 as well as the stator 1256 include tilting bearing elements or tilting bearing elements. For example, the rotor 1254 a plurality of tilting bearing elements, with the support ring 1258 are connected.

In operation, lubricating fluid (which may include, for example, lubricating fluid, drilling fluid, or mud) may be interposed between the shaft 1264 and the housing 1266 as well as between the tilting bearing elements 1204 of the stator 1256 and the superhard bearing elements 1256 of the rotor 1254 be pumped. More specifically, a rotational movement of the rotor 1254 with a sufficient rotational speed and under appropriate loading conditions, the development of a fluid film 1268 between the superhard bearing surfaces 1216 of the stator 1256 and the superhard storage areas 1270 of the rotor 1254 cause. The fluid film 1268 may develop under certain operating conditions where the rotational speed of the rotor 1254 are sufficiently large and the axial load is sufficiently low. The tilting bearing elements 1204 of the stator 1256 may have a leading edge located in a position other than a rear edge relative to the rotor 1254 located. For example, the tilting bearing elements 1204 be inclined or tilted so that a greater separation between the tilting bearing elements 1204 and the superhard bearing elements 1262 at the front edge than at the rear edge. Under these conditions, the fluid film 1268 a variable thickness over the tilting bearing element 1204 exhibit. The fluid film 1268 may have sufficient pressure to prevent contact between the respective superhard bearing surfaces, and thus wear of the tilting bearing elements 1204 as well as the superhard bearing elements 1262 Reduce. In such a situation, the thrust bearing device 1200 be described as hydrodynamically working. If the axial loads exceed a certain value and / or the rotational speed of the motor 1254 is reduced, is the pressure of the fluid film 1268 may not be sufficient to prevent the superhard bearing surfaces 1270 of the rotor 1254 and the superhard storage areas 1216 of the stator 1256 get in touch with each other. Thus, the thrust bearing device 1200 for lubricating the contact surface between the superhard bearing surfaces 1270 of the rotor 1254 and the superhard storage areas 1216 of the stator 1256 or operated as a hydrodynamic bearing. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the rotor or stator may be configured in accordance with any of the embodiments of thrust bearing assemblies described above.

The 12A to 12C show an isometric view, an exploded view and an isometric partial sectional view of a radial bearing device 1300 according to yet another embodiment. The radial bearing device 1300 can be an inner race 1354 (eg, a rotor or rotor) having an inner surface 1367 may have a opening 1355 defined for picking up a wave or other component. The inner race 1354 may also be a plurality of circumferentially adjacent superhard bearing elements 1362 (eg, a plurality of superhard compacts) extending radially across an outer surface 1369 of the inner race 1354 extend and each of which has a convex curved super hard bearing surface 1370 can have. In the illustrated embodiment, the superhard bearing surfaces 1370 have a generally rounded rectangular geometry. In other embodiments, the bearing surfaces may have a generally elliptical geometry, a generally cylindrical geometry, a generally wedge-like geometry, combinations of the foregoing, or any other suitable shaping geometry.

The radial bearing device 1300 can also have an outer race 1356 (eg, a stator) configured to wrap around the inner race 1354 to extend around and / or accommodate this. The outer race 1356 may be a plurality of circumferentially adjacent Kipplagerelementen 1304 each of which includes a superhard bearing member or a compact having a super hard bearing surface 1316 may include. The super hard storage area 1316 may be substantially planar. In other embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 1316 however, have a convexly curved superhard bearing surface around the convexly curved superhard bearing surfaces of the inner race 1354 generally mirror images. The terms "rotor" and "stator" refer to the rotating or stationary component of the radial bearing system 1300 , So if the inner race 1354 is designed to be stationary, the inner race 1354 be referred to as a stator, and the outer race 1356 can be referred to as a rotor.

The radial bearing device 1300 can be used in many different mechanical applications. For example, so-called "rotary" rotary drills, pumps, turbo machinery, transmissions or turbines may benefit from a radial bearing device as described herein. In operation, rotation may be on the inner race 1354 fixed shaft (not shown) influence on the rotation of the inner race 1354 relative to the outer race 1356 to have. Lubricating fluid may pass through the radial bearing device 1300 be pumped. When the inner race 1354 rotates, the tilting bearing elements can 1304 Make sure that the lubricating fluid forms a film between the superhard bearing surfaces 1316 of the outer race 1356 and the storage areas 1370 of the inner race 1354 can develop. As above with respect to the thrust bearing device 1200 described, may be sufficient rotational speeds for the inner race 1354 a fluid film between the superhard bearing surfaces 1316 . 1370 the tilting bearing elements 1304 and the superhard bearing elements 1362 develop.

As further in 12A and 12C is illustrated includes the outer race 1356 a carrier ring 1302 that is about a rotation axis 1306 extends. For supporting the tilting bearing elements 1304 can the carrier ring 1302 a plurality of depressions 1310 for the tilting bearing elements 1304 form. The tilting bearing elements 1304 may be in any suitable manner in the carrier ring 1302 supported or at least partially attached. For example, retaining means, such. As pins or fasteners 1324 for fastening the tilting bearing elements 1304 within the carrier ring 1302 can be used, although any other suitable attachment or attachment mechanism can be used.

The tilting bearing elements 1304 The illustrated embodiment generally has a rounded rectangular geometry. In other embodiments, the tilting bearing elements 1304 have a generally elliptical geometry, a generally cylindrical geometry, a generally non-cylindrical geometry, combinations thereof, or any other suitable geometry. As mentioned above, each tilting bearing element 1304 a super-hard bearing element or a super-hard compact with a super-hard board 1318 have the superhard bearing surface 1316 includes. The super hard storage area 1316 may be curved (eg, convex curved) or may be substantially planar and, in some embodiments, may have peripheral chamfering. In other embodiments, the superhard bearing surface 1316 be curved differently, have no beveled edge or have a different contour or configuration or any combination of the above. Furthermore, the superhard bearing surfaces 1316 each tilted. For example, the tilting bearing elements 1304 relative to a tilt axis 1325 which extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the pin 1324 or another axis, tilted and / or tilted. The tilting bearing elements 1304 can be set to a specific tilt position, can be manually adjusted to a selected tilt position, can go to a specific tilt position by self-adjustment or can be configured differently. Every super hard blackboard 1318 can be attached to a corresponding substrate 1320 be bound. The super hard boards 1318 and the substrates 1320 can be made of the same materials like these above for the in 1A and 1B shown tilting segments 104 have been described. The illustrated tilting bearing element 1304 may include one or more recesses (not shown), openings or other structures in which the pin 1324 at least partially absorbed or fixed. The one or more recesses may be machined or otherwise formed in the substrate 1320 or in another material layer formed on a base surface of the substrate 1320 is appropriate. As with the tilting bearing element 1104 can also be the tilting bearing element 1304 a generally semi-elliptical pivoting device 1328 for facilitating the tilting movement of the tilting bearing element 1304 in the respective recess 1310 exhibit.

Every super hard storage area 1316 a corresponding tilting bearing element 1304 can be tilted in a manner that involves forming a fluid film between the inner race 1354 and the outer race 1356 facilitated. Each tilting bearing element 1304 can be around the tilt axis 1325 be tilted and / or tilt. As a result, the storage areas 1316 the tilting bearing elements 1304 at a positive or negative angle relative to the inner and outer surfaces of the carrier ring 1302 and tilted circumferentially. A front edge (ie an edge of a tilting bearing element 1304 which is first traversed by a line on a rotor / stator while the rotor is moving in the rotational direction) of the tilting bearing member 1304 Can be of help to add lubricant or other fluid to the superhard bearing surfaces 1316 of the stator 1356 to rinse in a similar way as in the 11A and 11B illustrated tilting bearing elements 1204 to form a fluid film. In other embodiments, the radial bearing device 1300 be designed as a sliding bearing. In such an embodiment, the inner race 1354 relative to the outer race 1356 be positioned eccentrically.

Like also in 12A and 12B is shown is the inner race 1354 the radial bearing device 1300 with a carrier ring 1358 shown having a plurality of wells 1372 comprising, for receiving the plurality of superhard bearing elements 1362 are formed. The superhard bearing elements 1362 may be mounted in the recess or otherwise on the support ring 1358 be fixed by brazing, welding, locking, interference fit, use of fasteners or any other suitable technique. The superhard bearing elements 1362 can be in the circumferential direction and / or in the longitudinal direction relative to the axis 1306 be distributed. In cases where the superhard bearing elements 1362 a super hard blackboard 1374 and / or a substrate 1376 can have the super hard blackboard 1374 and the substrate 1376 be prepared from the same materials as those described above for in the 1A to 1D illustrated tilting segments 104 have been described. In other embodiments, the inner race 1354 form a superhard bearing surface formed of only a single element, so that there are no multiple superhard bearing elements. For example, a single, uniform superhard bearing element can be used in cases where the size of the inner race 1354 is sufficiently small.

13 shows a schematic, isometric, cut away view of a subterranean drilling system 1400 according to a further embodiment. The underground drilling system 1400 can be a case 1460 include a downhole motor 1462 (ie, a motor, a turbine, or any other device capable of rotating an output shaft) which is connected to an output shaft 1456 can be operatively connected. An axial bearing device 1464 can with the downdrill motor 1462 be operationally coupled. The thrust bearing device 1464 may be configured as any of the above-described thrust bearing device embodiments. A rotary drill 1468 may be configured to engage a subterranean formation and drill a borehole, and may be connected to the output shaft 1456 be connected. The illustrated rotary drill 1468 has a drill body 1490 that radially and longitudinally extending cutting 1492 wherein a plurality of PDCs 1494 at the cutting edges 1492 is attached. Other embodiments, however, may use other types of rotary drills, such as: B. core drill or roller cone drill. When drilling the borehole, pipe sections can be used with the underground drilling system 1400 to form a drill string capable of drilling the wellbore to an increasingly greater depth in the earth.

The thrust bearing device 1464 can be a non-rotating stator 1472 and a rotor 1474 have on the output shaft 1456 can be attached and together with the output shaft 1456 rotates. As described above, the thrust bearing device 1464 as any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the stator 1472 at least one tilting bearing element (not shown) similar or identical to the tilting bearing elements shown and described herein. The rotor 1474 may comprise a plurality of circumferentially distributed superhard bearing elements (not shown).

In operation, lubricating fluid may be through the downhole motor 1462 be circulated to generate torque and the output shaft 1456 and the attached rotary drill 1468 to rotate so that a borehole can be drilled. Part of the lubricating fluid may also be used to lubricate opposing bearing surfaces of the stator 1472 and the rotor 1474 be used. Optionally, during rotation of the rotor 1474 the tilting bearing elements of the stator 1472 and / or the rotor 1474 be adapted to assist the formation of a hydrodynamic film between the opposite bearing surfaces by rinsing lubricating fluid between the opposite bearing surfaces.

Although the bearing arrangements and apparatus described above have been explained in the context of underground drilling systems and applications, in other embodiments the bearing assemblies and apparatus disclosed herein are not limited to such use and may be used as desired and without limitation for numerous other applications. Therefore, such bearing assemblies and devices are not limited to use in underground drilling systems and may be used without limitation in various other mechanical systems.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments may be considered. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the words "include," "own," and variants thereof (eg, "includes" and "owns") as used herein, also in the claims, should not be construed conclusively but have the same meaning the word "having" and variants thereof (eg, "comprising" and "having").

Claims (14)

Bearing arrangement comprising: a carrier ring; a plurality of superhard bearing elements circumferentially distributed about an axis, each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements comprising a superhard member having a bearing surface and a base portion bonded to the superhard member, the base portion of at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing members comprising a curved rocker has, which is designed such that a tilting movement of the same about a tilting axis is possible; and a plurality of retainers each securing a corresponding one of the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elements to the carrier ring such that the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elements are tilted and / or tiltably secured to the carrier ring; each of the plurality of retainers extending in a generally radial direction when the bearing assembly is configured as a thrust bearing assembly; and wherein each of the plurality of retainers extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis when the bearing assembly is configured as a radial bearing assembly. Bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support ring has a plurality of recesses, each receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. Bearing assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of recesses has a base surface having a substantially planar portion. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elements are tiltable from about 0.5 degrees to 20 degrees about the tilt axis. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing elements are tiltable in two or more directions. Bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the curved tilting means comprises at least one of a generally semi-elliptical pivoting device, a generally hemispherical pivoting device, a rounded pivoting device, a rocker arm pivoting device or a generally semi-cylindrical pivoting device. Bearing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the rocker arm pivot means comprises a convex portion which is arranged between two substantially planar portions of the base portion. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of retaining means rotatably connects the curved tilting means of a corresponding one of the at least some of the plurality of superhard bearing members to the support ring. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of retention means comprises: a base recess extending at least partially through the base region of the at least one of A plurality of superhard bearing elements extending therethrough; and an elongate retaining member, wherein at least a portion of the elongate retaining member is positioned in the base recess to tiltably attach the at least one of the plurality of superhard bearing members to the support ring. The bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes a metallic portion attached to a substrate of the at least one of the superhard bearing members. Bearing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the axle is a thrust axis and the carrier ring and the tilting bearing members form the thrust bearing assembly; or wherein the axle is an axis of rotation and the carrier ring and the tilting bearing members form the radial bearing assembly. Storage device, comprising: a first bearing assembly formed according to one of the bearing assemblies of claims 1 to 11; and a second bearing assembly comprising a second plurality of superhard bearing elements disposed generally opposite the plurality of superhard bearing elements of the first bearing assembly; and a second carrier ring supporting the second plurality of superhard bearing elements. Bearing device according to claim 12, wherein the first bearing arrangement is designed as a stator and the second bearing arrangement is designed as a rotor. Bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of retaining means comprises a retaining pin.

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