GAS SUPPORT Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: machine-tool industry; spindle units of metal-cutting machines; bearing industry. SUBSTANCE: proposed gas support includes drive shaft mounted in body on two radial thrust bearings formed by taper surfaces of shaft and taper surfaces of bushes embracing them; surfaces are separated by gas gap. One bush is rigidly mounted in body and second bush is mounted for axial motion by means of motion unit acting on end surface of this bush. Provision is made for oil supply system. Second bush is mounted in body through adjusting ring. Taper surfaces of shaft are provided with blind longitudinal segment grooves of varying depth which increases towards end faces of bearings. Motion unit is made in form of group of springs possessing different stiffness. EFFECT: modification of gas support; possibility of maintaining constant thickness of gas layer which increases carrying capacity of support; enhanced operational reliability. 2 cl, 3 dwg