Abstract: In a method of monitoring the operation of a plain bearing, a lubricant passage (15) of a bearing segment, this lubricating passage (15) being provided for jacking oil for example, is used during hydrodynamic operation of the plain bearing for extracting samples for a temperature measurement. For producing the measuring operation, a switch-over device (19) clears a flow path from the lubricant passage (15) into an outflow passage (23) in such a way that lubricant from the lubricating film (13) flows through the lubricant passage, the temperarature of this lubricant being determined by a temperature sensor (16, 18).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic plain bearing is provided and includes a raceway which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is mounted in the axial direction on a plurality of carrying segments (12). A lubricating oil film is formed between the raceway and the carrying segments (12) in a bearing gap. In such a plain bearing, a circulation of the lubricating oil is brought about in a simple way in that the plain bearing is equipped with an integrated pumping device (15) for pumping the lubricating oil around in a circuit.

Abstract: A bearing segment of a heavy-duty hydrodynamic axial plain bearing for an electric machine and including a stationary subassembly and a rotary subassembly is described. The bearing segment includes a sliding surface facing a front surface of the rotary subassembly and in close proximity to the front surface so as to form a lubricant gap containing a lubricant between the sliding surface and the front surface. The front surface slides relative to the sliding surface when the rotary subassembly is rotating so as to create a high pressure region and a low pressure region of the lubricant gap. The bearing segment also includes an equalizing duct interconnecting the high-pressure region and the low-pressure region.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic plain bearing is provided and includes a raceway which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is mounted in the axial direction on a plurality of carrying segments (12). A lubricating oil film is formed between the raceway and the carrying segments (12) in a bearing gap. In such a plain bearing, a circulation of the lubricating oil is brought about in a simple way in that the plain bearing is equipped with an integrated pumping device (15) for pumping the lubricating oil around in a circuit.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic plane thrust bearing (26) for a generator (10), preferably operable with a water turbine, with a rotor (12), a track ring (30) rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12), and a bearing segment (32) not rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12) and supported on a bearing housing (24), characterized in that the track ring (30) substantially consists of a plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers embedded therein.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the rotor (11) of a rotating machine, in particular of a hydrogenerator (20) rotating about a vertical axis (19), comprises a combined axial and radial bearing (23) which is accommodated in a bearing body (24), on which supporting arms (27) are arranged for absorbing axial forces. The supporting arms (27) are supported with the free ends on a load-bearing base. Tangentially oriented connecting elements (29) are additionally provided between the bearing body (24) and a foundation (21), enclosing the rotor, for absorbing radial forces and for centering the bearing, which connecting elements (29) are fastened at a first end to the foundation (21) and are fastened at a second end to articulation points (31) arranged directly on the bearing body (24). This results in a material-saving construction, optimization of the individual bearing functions, and improved adjustability.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic plane thrust bearing (26) for a generator (10), preferably operable with a water turbine, with a rotor (12), a track ring (30) rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12), and a bearing segment (32) not rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12) and supported on a bearing housing (24), characterized in that the track ring (30) substantially consists of a plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers embedded therein.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring the operation of a plain bearing, a lubricant passage (15) of a bearing segment, this lubricating passage (15) being provided for jacking oil for example, is used during hydrodynamic operation of the plain bearing for extracting samples for a temperature measurement. For producing the measuring operation, a switch-over device (19) clears a flow path from the lubricant passage (15) into an outflow passage (23) in such a way that lubricant from the lubricating film (13) flows through the lubricant passage, the temperarature of this lubricant being determined by a temperature sensor (16, 18).