Bearing

Abstract

In one embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a bearing for surrounding a rotating shaft. The bearing comprises at least one external opening communicating with an exterior of the bearing; and at least one ramped internal cavity, each cavity communicating with one of the at least one external openings and an interior of the bearing. In another embodiment, there is disclosed a method for urging a lubricating fluid into an internal pressure gallery of a rotating shaft. The method comprises forming a first bearing to surround the rotating shaft, the first bearing comprising at least one external opening communicating with an exterior of the first bearing, and at least one ramped internal cavity, each cavity communicating with one of the at least one external openings and an interior of the first bearing, such that, in use, lubricating fluid in the at least one ramped internal cavity is pressurized as the rotating shaft rotates such that the lubricating fluid is urged into the internal pressure gallery. Further related embodiments are also disclosed.

1 . A bearing for passage of a lubricating fluid, the bearing comprising at least one opening communicating between an interior of the bearing and an exterior of the bearing, the opening being shaped to increase a pressure of the lubricating fluid as it flows past the opening, such that the bearing acts to urge the lubricating fluid toward the interior of the bearing.  
   
   
       2 . A bearing according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one opening comprises a ramped cavity on an internal surface such that it acts to urge the lubricating fluid toward the interior of the bearing.  
   
   
       3 . A bearing according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one opening is ramped in two directions, to form an internal cavity comprising on one side of the opening first a long ramp and a second relatively short ramp on the other side of the opening.  
   
   
       4 . A bearing according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one ramp is curved.  
   
   
       5 . A bearing according to  claim 4 , wherein a first ramp comprises a long radius of curvature and a second ramp comprises a relatively short radius of curvature.  
   
   
       6 . A bearing according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one ramp is substantially flat.  
   
   
       7 . A bearing according to  claim 1 , provided in an engine.  
   
   
       8 . A bearing according to  claim 1 , wherein the bearing is a main bearing of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.  
   
   
       9 . A bearing according to  claim 8 , wherein the bearing acts to urge oil from the exterior of the main bearing to an internal pressure gallery of the crankshaft.  
   
   
       10 . A method for encouraging passage of a lubricating fluid through a bearing, the method comprising: 
 forming a plurality of openings communicating between an interior of the bearing and an exterior of the bearing, at least one of the openings being shaped to increase a pressure of the lubricating fluid as it flows past the opening and urge the lubricating fluid toward the interior of the bearing.    
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , comprising forming a plurality of ramped openings.  
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11 , comprising forming each of the plurality of ramped openings by forming a first ramp having a longer radius of curvature and a second ramp having a shorter radius of curvature.  
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 11 , comprising forming the ramped openings on the interior surface of the bearing.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein each ramp is substantially flat.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the bearing is a main bearing of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the bearing acts to urge oil from the exterior of the main bearing to an internal pressure gallery of the crankshaft.