Hydrodynamic thrust washers with pumping features for sparse lubrication applications

Abstract

A thrust washer includes an annular body with an aperture therein and having a first axial face and a second axial face, an outer diameter edge and an inner diameter edge extending between the first and second axial faces. At least one of the first and second axial faces includes a plurality of recessed grooves extending at least partially between the inner edge and the outer edge and defining un-recessed lands between the recessed grooves. The plurality of recessed grooves include a transition region transitioning to the lands and a scoop region separated from the transition region by a stepped wall portion extending between the scoop region and the tapered region. The recessed grooves can include directional symmetric bi-directional grooves for use in systems with rotation in both directions.