Abstract: An axial bearing for absorbing high axial loads of a shaft has a support structure and a load transmission device for transmitting the load from the shaft to the support structure. The support structure includes a bearing plate, a plurality of spring elements, and a plurality of bearing shoes. The spring elements are supported on the bearing plate and arranged in groups, and each group of spring elements being covered by a bearing shoe. The load transmission device is firmly connected to the shaft and has a tracking ring which is arranged such that the tracking ring can rotate on the bearing shoes. The bearing plate and the tracking ring are in each case arranged concentrically with the shaft, and the axial bearing has an advantageously designed measuring device for measurement of the mean distance between the bearing plate and a bearing shoe.

Abstract: An axial bearing for absorbing high axial loads of a shaft has a support structure and a load transmission device for transmitting the load from the shaft to the support structure. The support structure includes a bearing plate, a plurality of spring elements, and a plurality of bearing shoes. The spring elements are supported on the bearing plate and arranged in groups, and each group of spring elements being covered by a bearing shoe. The load transmission device is firmly connected to the shaft and has a tracking ring which is arranged such that the tracking ring can rotate on the bearing shoes. The bearing plate and the tracking ring are in each case arranged concentrically with the shaft, and the axial bearing has an advantageously designed measuring device for measurement of the mean distance between the bearing plate and a bearing shoe.