spacers

Abstract

Spacers (100; 400), comprising: at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404), each of the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) having at least one axial spacer passage (106, 406) for receiving a part of a connecting bolt (428), wherein the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) fit between each of two respective end faces (418) of two concentric cylinders (420), each end face (418) having a cylindrical receptacle (422), wherein the connecting bolt (428) is designed to tighten the end faces (418) of the two concentric cylinders (420) against the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404); and a ring (108; 408) with an outer surface (110; 410) adjacent to an inner surface (112) of each of the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to devices for aligning concentric cylinders and in particular to a spacer for maintaining the alignment of two concentric cylinders. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Joining two concentric cylinders may be necessary, for example, when connecting two impellers for the assembly of a steam or gas turbine. Another example might involve joining two pipes in a piping system. When joining two concentric cylinders, after the cylinders have been aligned, it may be necessary to adjust their combined length. By inserting a spacer between the end faces of the two concentric cylinders being joined, the width of the spacer can be used to adjust the combined length. Different spacer widths can be used to adjust the combined length, either by machining the spacer or by replacing it with a spacer of the required width.However, a uniform spacer between the two cylinders cannot be inserted and / or removed between the two concentric cylinders without affecting the alignment.

[0003] JP H09-264476 A discloses a sealing arrangement with a sealing material, which also acts as a spacer, pressed between two pipe flanges of two concentric pipes, with two spacer sections bent into a semicircle. Each bent spacer section carries the sealing material on its radial inner surface and has a radially outwardly projecting flange at its circumferential ends with a spacer passage oriented tangentially or circumferentially for receiving a portion of a bolt. The bolts secure the radial flanges of opposite ends of the bent spacer sections to one another, forming a complete 360° ring and fastening it around the circumference of the pipe flanges. A radially projecting portion of the sealing material fits snugly between the end faces of the pipe flanges of the two concentric pipes.The pipe flanges are held together by means of retaining bolts that axially penetrate the pipe flanges. A sealing ring is inserted between the axial end faces of the two concentric pipes and is positioned radially inside the curved spacer sections and the retaining bolts at a small distance from them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A first aspect of the invention relates to a spacer, wherein the spacer comprises: at least two curved spacer sections, each of the at least two curved spacer sections having at least one axial spacer passage for receiving a portion of a connecting bolt, wherein the at least two curved spacer sections fit between each of two respective end faces of two concentric cylinders, each end face having a cylindrical receptacle, wherein the connecting bolt is configured to tighten the end faces of the two concentric cylinders against the at least two curved spacer sections; and a ring having an outer surface adjacent to an inner surface of each of the at least two curved spacer sections.

[0005] The spacer's at least two curved sections may contain a machine-machinable material.

[0006] The at least two curved spacer sections of any previously mentioned spacer can together form an arc of approximately 360 degrees, with each curved spacer section being no larger than an arc of 180 degrees.

[0007] The axial ring width of any previously mentioned spacer can be greater than the axial spacer section width.

[0008] The radial spacer section width of any previously mentioned spacer can be approximately the same as the receiving rim width of the two concentric cylinders.

[0009] The outer surface of the ring of any previously mentioned spacer can run along an inner surface of a wall formed by the cylindrical recess of any concentric cylinder.

[0010] The connecting bolt of any previously mentioned spacer can be adjusted to accommodate different axial spacer section widths of the at least two curved spacer sections.

[0011] Each of the at least two curved spacer sections of any previously mentioned spacer can be removed in response to the loosening of the connecting bolt between each of the end faces with the cylindrical receptacles.

[0012] The ring of any previously mentioned spacer can maintain an alignment between the two concentric cylinders in response to the loosening of the connecting bolt.

[0013] A second aspect of the invention relates to a spacer for maintaining the alignment of two impellers, each impeller having an end face with a cylindrical receptacle, the spacer comprising: at least two curved spacer sections, each of the at least two curved spacer sections having at least one axial spacer passage for receiving a portion of a connecting bolt, the at least two curved spacer sections fitting between each of the respective end faces with the cylindrical receptacles, the connecting bolt being configured to tighten the end faces of the two concentric cylinders against the at least two curved spacer sections; and a ring having an outer surface adjacent to an inner surface of each of the at least two curved spacer sections.

[0014] The at least two curved spacer sections of any previously mentioned spacer may contain a machineable material.

[0015] The at least two curved spacer sections of any previously mentioned spacer can together form an arc of approximately 360 degrees, with each curved spacer section being no larger than an arc of 180 degrees.

[0016] The axial ring width of any previously mentioned spacer can be greater than the axial spacer section width.

[0017] The radial spacer section width of any previously mentioned spacer can be approximately the same as the mounting rim width of the two wheels.

[0018] The outer surface of the ring of any previously mentioned spacer can run along an inner surface of a wall formed by the cylindrical receptacle of each impeller.

[0019] The connecting bolt of any previously mentioned spacer can be adjusted to accommodate different axial spacer section widths of the at least two curved spacer sections.

[0020] These and other aspects, advantages and outstanding features of the invention are evident from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the associated drawings in which identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals in all drawings, reveals embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The preceding and further aspects, features and advantages of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following more detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the associated drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows an axial view of parts of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an axial view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a radial cross-sectional view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a radial cross-sectional view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. They are merely simplified representations and are not intended to depict specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to illustrate typical embodiments of the invention and should therefore not be considered to limit its scope. In the drawings, identical numbers represent identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Regarding Fig. Figure 1 shows an axial view of an embodiment of the parts of a spacer 100. The spacer 100 can have at least two curved spacer sections 102, 104. Each of the at least two curved spacer sections 102, 104 can have at least one spacer passage 106 for receiving a part of a connecting bolt (see Figure 428 in [reference missing]). Fig. 4) exhibit. The spacer 100 may have a ring 108. The at least two bent spacer sections 102, 104 may contain a machinable material, for example a low-alloy steel, a stainless steel or a polymer.

[0024] Regarding Fig. Figure 2 shows an axial view of one embodiment of the spacer. Fig. 2 are the parts of the spacer 100 that are in Fig. The figures shown in 1 have been assembled. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the at least two curved spacer sections 102, 104 together form an arc of approximately 360 degrees. Furthermore, each curved spacer section 102, 104 is no larger than an arc of 180 degrees. The spacer 100 can therefore have more than two curved spacer sections 102, 104, provided that the more than two curved spacer sections 102, 104 together form an arc of approximately 360 degrees and that each curved spacer section 102, 104 is no larger than an arc of 180 degrees. An outer surface 110 of the ring 108 adjoins an inner surface 112 of each of the at least two curved spacer sections 102, 104.

[0025] Regarding Fig. Figure 3 shows a radial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the spacer 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the at least two curved spacer sections 102, 104 jointly abut the ring 108. An axial ring width 114 can be greater than an axial spacer section width 116.

[0026] Regarding Fig. Figure 4 shows a radial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the spacer 400. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the at least two curved spacer sections 402, 404 fit between each of the two respective end faces 418 of two concentric cylinders 420, each end face 418 having a cylindrical receptacle 422. The radial spacer section width 424 of each curved spacer section 402, 404 can be approximately the same as the receptacle rim width 426 of the two concentric cylinders 420. Each curved spacer section 402, 404 has at least one spacer passage 406 for receiving the connecting bolt 428. At least two connecting bolts 428 are used – at least one connecting bolt 428 for each curved spacer section 402, 404. Depending on the size (dimensions and / or weight) of the concentric cylinders 420, it may be practical to include more than one connecting bolt 428 for each curved spacer section 402, 404.The connecting bolt 428 can tighten the end faces 418 of the two concentric cylinders 420 to the at least two curved spacer sections 402, 404. The connecting bolt 428 passes through a flange 430 on an outer cylinder surface 432 of each concentric cylinder 420 near each end face 418, each flange 430 having a flange passage 434 for receiving each connecting bolt 428. The spacer passage 406 on each curved spacer section 402, 404 and the flange passage 434 may be slightly oversized compared to the connecting bolt 428, allowing for a clearance fit. As is known in the field, the “play fit” or “play seat” can be a distance between the spacer and flange passage 406, 434 and the connecting bolt 428 of approximately 0.762 mm (thirty thousandths of an inch) or more in diameter.The ring 408 can be shrunk-fit, so that the outer surface 410 of the ring 408 runs along the inner surface 412 of a wall 436 formed by the cylindrical receptacle 422 of each concentric cylinder 420. A gap 438 between the ring 408 and a base 440 of the cylindrical receptacles 420 can provide the necessary clearance to adjust the combined length of the concentric cylinders 420. The connecting bolt 428 can be adjusted to accommodate different widths of the at least two curved spacer sections 402, 404. Each of the at least two curved spacer sections 402, 404 is removable in response to loosening the connecting bolt 428 between each of the respective end faces 418 with the cylindrical receptacles 422. The ring 408 can maintain an alignment between the two concentric cylinders 420 in response to the loosening of the connecting bolt 428.

[0027] The concentric cylinders 420 can be solid (rod-like) or hollow (tubular). The concentric cylinders 420 can have any desired length or width. The cylindrical receptacle 422 can be a partial bore in the end of the concentric cylinder 420 or a bore passing through the concentric cylinder 420. The concentric cylinders 420 can be impellers of a steam or gas turbine. The spacer 400 can, for example, maintain an alignment of two impellers, each impeller having an end face with a cylindrical receptacle 422.

[0028] The concentric cylinders 420 can be assembled with the spacer 400 between their respective end faces 418. If the combined length of the assembled concentric cylinders 420 needs to be adjusted, the connecting bolts 428 can be loosened. The ring 408 can maintain the alignment of the concentric cylinders 420. Without changing the alignment of the concentric cylinders 420, each curved spacer section 402, 404 between the concentric cylinders 420 can be removed. The axial width 416 of each curved spacer section 402, 404 can be adjusted by machining.After machining, each bent spacer section 402, 404 can be reinserted between the concentric cylinders 420, thereby adjusting the combined length of the concentric cylinders 420 while minimizing any potential impairment of the alignment of the concentric cylinders 420. Alternatively, instead of machining, each bent spacer section 402, 404 could be replaced by another bent spacer section (not shown) having a different axial width (not shown) than the removed bent spacer section. Once all bent spacer sections 402, 404 have been reinserted, the connecting bolts 428 can be used to tighten the concentric cylinders 420 together.

[0029] The terms used herein serve only to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," "the," "the," and "the" used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprehensive," when used in this description, indicate the presence of the aforementioned features, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more further features, integers, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] Even though various embodiments are described here, it can be seen from the description that different combinations of elements, variants or improvements to it can be made by a person skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

[0031] In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the invention without deviating from its essential scope. The invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the particular embodiment described as the best embodiment considered for this invention, but rather to include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] A spacer for maintaining an alignment of two concentric cylinders, comprising at least two curved spacer sections, each of the at least two curved spacer sections having at least one spacer passage for receiving a portion of a connecting bolt, each of the at least two curved spacer sections fitting between each of two respective end faces of two concentric cylinders, each end face having a cylindrical receptacle; and a ring with an outer surface adjacent to an inner surface of each of the at least two curved spacer sections. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 spacers 102 curved spacer section 104 curved spacer section 106 spacer passage 108 rings 110 outdoor area 112 interior surface area 114 axial ring width 116 axial spacer section width 400 spacers 402 curved spacer section 404 curved spacer section 406 Spacer passage 408 Ring 410 outdoor area 412 interior surface area 416 axial spacer section width 418 End surface 420 concentric cylinder 422 cylindrical mount 424 radial spacer section width 426 Recording edge width 428 connecting bolts 430 flange 432 Cylinder outer surface 434 Flange passage 436 Wall 438 gap 440 floor

Claims

[1] Spacer (100; 400) comprising: at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404), each of the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) having at least one axial spacer passage (106, 406) for receiving a portion of a connecting bolt (428), wherein the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) fit between each of two respective end faces (418) of two concentric cylinders (420), each end face (418) having a cylindrical receptacle (422), wherein the connecting bolt (428) is arranged to tighten the end faces (418) of the two concentric cylinders (420) against the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404); and a ring (108; 408) having an outer surface (110; 410) adjacent to an inner surface (112) of each of the at least two curved spacer portions (102, 104; 402, 404). [2] The spacer (100; 400) of claim 1, wherein the at least two bent spacer portions (102, 104; 402, 404) comprise a machinable material. [3] The spacer (100; 400) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least two curved spacer portions (102, 104; 402, 404) together form an arc of approximately 360 degrees, and wherein each curved spacer portion (102, 104; 402, 404) is no greater than an arc of 180 degrees. [4] Spacer (100; 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an axial ring width (114) is greater than an axial spacer section width (116; 416); and / or wherein a radial spacer section width (424) is approximately the same as a receiving edge width (426) of the two concentric cylinders (420). [5] Spacer (100; 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface (110; 410) of the ring (108; 408) extends along an inner surface (412) of a wall (436) formed by the cylindrical receptacle (422) of each concentric cylinder (420). [6] Spacer (100; 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting bolt (428) can be adjusted to accommodate different axial spacer section widths (116; 416) of the at least two bent spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404). [7] A spacer (100; 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two curved spacer portions (102, 104; 402, 404) is removable in response to the release of the connecting bolt (428) between each of the end surfaces (418) with the cylindrical receptacles (422). [8] A spacer (100; 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring (108; 408) maintains alignment between the two concentric cylinders (420) in response to the release of the connecting bolt (428). [9] A spacer (100; 400) for maintaining an alignment of two impellers, each impeller having an end face (418) with a cylindrical receptacle (422), the spacer (100; 400) comprising: at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404), each of the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) having at least one axial spacer passage (106, 406) for receiving a portion of a connecting bolt (428), wherein the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404) fit between each of the respective end surfaces (418) with the cylindrical receptacles (422), wherein the connecting bolt (428) is arranged to tighten the end faces (418) of the two concentric cylinders (420) against the at least two curved spacer sections (102, 104; 402, 404); and a ring (108; 408) having an outer surface (110; 410) adjacent to an inner surface (112) of each of the at least two curved spacer portions (102, 104; 402, 404).

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