Adjustment ring assembly for adjusting vanes of a turbomachine, turbomachine assembly, method for operating an adjustment ring assembly and method for preparing an adjustment ring assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjusting ring arrangement for adjusting blades (2) of a turbomachine, wherein the adjusting ring arrangement comprises an adjusting ring (10) and a sliding element arrangement with at least one sliding element for at least temporary sliding on a surface (1A) of a housing (1) of the turbomachine during adjustment of blades (2) of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, wherein this sliding element has a retaining section (30) that is pressed into a recess (11) of the adjusting ring (10). The invention further relates to a turbomachine assembly, a method for operating an adjusting ring arrangement, and a method for providing an adjusting ring arrangement.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjusting ring arrangement for adjusting blades of a turbomachine, a turbomachine assembly with the adjusting ring arrangement, and a method for operating or providing the adjusting ring arrangement.

[0002] According to internal company practice, it is known to adjust the blades of a turbomachine by adjusting an adjusting ring which is coupled to the blades accordingly.

[0003] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to improve an adjusting ring arrangement for adjusting blades of a turbomachine (assembly) or its operation and / or provision.

[0004] This problem is solved by an adjusting ring arrangement with the features of claim 1, or a turbomachine assembly according to claim 11 with at least one adjusting ring arrangement described herein, or a method for operating or providing an adjusting ring arrangement described herein according to claims 13 or 14. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjusting ring arrangement, which is designed or used for adjusting blades of a turbomachine, comprises an adjusting ring, in particular a so-called unison ring, and a sliding element arrangement with at least one sliding element which, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, slides at least temporarily on a surface of a housing of the turbomachine, in particular opposite the sliding element(s) (arrangement), preferably radially, when adjusting blades of the turbomachine, or is provided or designed or used for this purpose.

[0006] The turbomachine is, in one embodiment, a gas turbine, preferably an aircraft engine gas turbine. Accordingly, a turbomachine assembly protected herein is, in one embodiment, a gas turbine assembly, preferably an aircraft engine gas turbine assembly. In a further embodiment, the gas turbine assembly comprises at least one turbine or compressor stage, preferably at least one high-pressure compressor stage. Accordingly, the housing of the turbomachine can, in particular, be a housing for or with one or more turbine or compressor stages, preferably for or with at least one high-pressure compressor stage. The adjustable blades are, in one embodiment, preferably rotatable about their longitudinal axis, guide vanes. Preferably, the blades are mechanically coupled to the adjusting ring, in one embodiment by means of coupling elements.The adjusting ring is designed to adjust the blades relative to the housing, preferably around a (main) machine or rotation axis of the turbomachine or turbine or compressor stage(s), or is configured for this purpose.

[0007] The present invention is particularly suitable for such adjusting ring arrangements, especially due to the operating conditions.

[0008] In one interpretation, the term "radial" refers to a direction perpendicular to a (main) machine or rotation axis of the turbomachine (assembly) and / or perpendicular to a rotation or circumferential direction around this axis.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sliding element has a retaining section which is pressed into a recess of the adjusting ring, in one embodiment such that it forms an interference fit with this recess and / or is frictionally fixed by pressing it in or the interference fit (in the recess).

[0010] This allows for a reduction in the number of parts, installation space, and / or weight in a single design compared to a multi-part screw connection solution with shims or the like.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sliding element arrangement has at least three, in a further development at least six, and in one embodiment at least ten sliding elements, each of which, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, when adjusting blades of the turbomachine, slide at least temporarily on a surface of the housing of the turbomachine, in particular opposite the (respective) sliding element or the sliding element arrangement, preferably radially, or are provided or arranged or used for this purpose, wherein these sliding elements each have a retaining section which is pressed into a recess of the adjusting ring.

[0012] Radial guidance can be improved by at least three sliding elements; by at least six sliding elements, guidance can be further improved and / or load reduced. Radial guidance can be achieved with exceptional precision by at least ten sliding elements, and / or load can be reduced particularly advantageously. In particular, the weight savings compared to a multi-part screw connection can enable such a higher number of sliding elements and thus a correspondingly improved guidance or reduced load.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement (each) has a sliding section that protrudes from the adjusting ring, in particular the corresponding recess into which the retaining section of the (respective) sliding element is pressed, preferably radially protruding or extending beyond, and has a sliding surface which, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, when adjusting blades of the turbomachine, at least temporarily slides on a surface of the housing of the turbomachine, in particular opposite this sliding surface, preferably radially, or is provided or arranged or used for this purpose.

[0014] In one design, this advantageously avoids grinding the adjusting ring itself against the housing, thereby improving the functionality of the adjusting ring and / or reducing wear of the adjusting ring and / or housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement (each) has a sliding surface which, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, slides at least temporarily on a surface of the housing of the turbomachine, preferably radially opposite this sliding surface, when adjusting the blades of the turbomachine, or is provided or arranged or used for this purpose, preferably the aforementioned sliding surface of a projecting sliding section.

[0016] In a further development, this sliding surface (each) comprises plastic, in a further development polyimide, preferably Vespel®, and / or, preferably fiber-reinforced, particularly preferably carbon fiber-reinforced, graphite.

[0017] This allows for particularly advantageous friction properties to be achieved in a single design.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the retaining section of one or more of the sliding elements is formed in one piece. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the sliding section of one or more of the sliding elements is formed in one piece. Particularly preferred are, in one embodiment, the retaining section and the sliding surface of one or more of the sliding elements, and in a further development, the retaining section and the sliding section of the respective sliding element, formed in one piece, in another embodiment integrally formed or metallurgically bonded together, and in a particularly advantageous embodiment, one or more of the sliding elements is formed in one piece.

[0019] This allows for a further advantageous reduction in the number of parts, installation space, and / or weight in a single design.

[0020] In In one embodiment, a stop limits the insertion of the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement (each) into the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is or will be pressed, in a form-fitting manner.

[0021] This allows, in one embodiment, the radial positioning of the corresponding sliding element, in particular pressing it into a desired depth, to be improved and / or a radial position to be secured and / or a press fit to be relieved of stress.

[0022] In In one embodiment, the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement, preferably its sliding section(s), has (each) a projection, in a further development a collar, which positively limits the insertion of this sliding element into the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed.

[0023] This allows existing recesses in a given design to be used to create a positive-locking stop. Additionally or alternatively, this also allows the recess(es) to be manufactured more easily in a given design.

[0024] In one embodiment, the (respective) recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed, has (each) a shoulder that positively limits the insertion of this sliding element into this recess.

[0025] This makes it easier to manufacture and / or replace the sliding element(s) in one version.

[0026] In one embodiment, the recess into which the retaining section of the sliding element is or will be pressed into the recess, and / or the retaining section of the sliding element that is or will be pressed into the recess, has (each) at least one non-rotationally symmetric cross-section.

[0027] This allows existing elongated hole recesses to be used in a design and / or a positive locking anti-rotation device for the sliding element to be implemented and / or assembly with a predetermined orientation to be improved.

[0028] In one embodiment, the recess into which the retaining section of this sliding element is or will be pressed, and / or the retaining section of this sliding element which is or will be pressed into the recess, and / or the sliding section of this sliding element (each) is cylindrically formed; in a further development, the recess is stepped, preferably to form the aforementioned step or stop.

[0029] This makes it easier to produce the cutouts and / or simplify assembly in one version.

[0030] In one embodiment, the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed, has a through-opening in one or more of the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement.

[0031] This allows for weight savings in one version and / or makes the recess easier to manufacture and / or simplifies assembly.

[0032] In one embodiment, the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed, is arranged between two bearings on which coupling elements are mounted or are provided or used for this purpose, and by means of these coupling elements adjustable blades of the turbomachine are coupled or are provided or used to the adjusting ring.

[0033] This allows these sliding elements to be positioned particularly advantageously in one design, especially with regard to their functionality and / or load capacity and / or space requirements.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement contacts a surface of the housing in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, or the turbomachine (assembly) or adjusting ring arrangement is configured or operated accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, a (radial) gap is formed between at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement and a surface of the housing opposite this sliding element, preferably radially, or the turbomachine (assembly) or adjusting ring arrangement is configured or operated accordingly.

[0035] In other words, the sliding elements mentioned here can support the adjusting ring on the housing permanently or only occasionally or temporarily, or in one or more operating states of the turbomachine, or in one embodiment only exceptionally, in particular if, especially due to temperature and / or vibration, a radial gap between the sliding element and the housing surface that is provided for in itself or by design temporarily closes or disappears.

[0036] Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, the adjusting ring is adjusted, preferably by rotating it about its longitudinal axis, by blades, preferably guide vanes, coupled to the adjusting ring, preferably mechanically, preferably via lever or arm mechanisms or coupling elements, preferably about a (main) machine or rotation axis of the turbomachine or turbine or compressor stage(s), and in doing so, the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement slides at least temporarily on a surface of a housing of the turbomachine.

[0037] To provide an adjusting ring arrangement described herein, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining section of the or one or more of the sliding element(s) of the sliding element arrangement is pressed (each) into a recess of the adjusting ring.

[0038] In one embodiment, a sliding surface of at least one of these sliding elements, which is provided, arranged, or used for at least temporary sliding on the surface of the turbomachine housing, is post-machined after the retaining section of this sliding element has been pressed into a recess of the adjusting ring. In another embodiment, this is done before mounting the adjusting ring on the housing and / or by material removal. In a further development, it is done by machining, preferably by grinding. This allows the clearance between the sliding element and the housing to be advantageously adjusted to the required dimension.

[0039] In one embodiment, a sliding surface of one or more of the sliding elements, which is provided, arranged, or used for at least temporary sliding on the surface of the turbomachine housing, is countersunk without material removal after the retaining section of this sliding element has been pressed into a recess of the adjusting ring. In particular, the (radial) gap between the sliding element and the housing (surface) can be designed in such a way that grinding or similar measures are no longer necessary.

[0040] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. The following is shown, in part schematically: Fig. 1 shows a part of an adjusting ring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in a radial top view; Fig. 2 shows a part of this adjusting ring arrangement in a section along line II-II. Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a part of an adjusting ring arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention in Fig. 1 corresponding illustration; Fig. 4 shows a part of this adjusting ring assembly in a section along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 a part of the adjusting ring arrangement of the Fign. 1, 2 in Fig. 2 corresponding illustration during the assembly of a sliding element; Fig. 6 the sliding element in a radial view from below; and Fig. 7 a turbomachine assembly with an adjusting ring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 7 Figure 1 illustrates a turbomachine assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a housing 1 of a turbomachine, adjustable blades of the turbomachine, of which two blades 2 are shown by way of example for clarity, and an adjusting ring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, in particular according to Fig. 1, 2 , 5 und 6 or 3, 4 , for adjusting the blades. The adjusting ring arrangement in turn has an adjusting ring 10, to which the blades 2 are coupled via coupling links 21 such that a rotation of the adjusting ring 10 by a (in Fig. 7 horizontal) axis of rotation causes a rotation of the blades 2 about their longitudinal axes.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a part of an adjusting ring arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in a radial top view, Fig. 2 a part of this adjusting ring assembly in a section along line II-II in Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 a part of this adjusting ring assembly in Fig. 2 corresponding representation during the assembly of a sliding element and Fig. 6 This sliding element in a radial view from below.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a part of an adjusting ring arrangement according to a (further) embodiment of the present invention in a radial top view, Fig. 4 a part of this adjusting ring assembly in a section along line IV-IV in Fig. 3 .

[0044] As already mentioned, the adjusting ring arrangement of the turbomachine assembly of the Fig. 7 in particular the adjusting ring arrangement according to Fig. 1, 2 , 5 und 6 or the adjusting ring arrangement according to Fig. 3, 4 Therefore, the two statements will be according to Fig. 1, 2 , 5 und 6 or according to Fig. 3, 4 The following joint explanations identify corresponding features with identical reference symbols and address differences between the two versions.

[0045] The adjusting ring arrangement comprises (each) a sliding element arrangement with several sliding elements for at least temporary sliding on a surface 1A of the housing 1 of the turbomachine when adjusting the blades 2 of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, wherein these sliding elements each have a retaining section 30 which is pressed into a recess 11 of the adjusting ring 10.

[0046] Although in Fig. 1 or where only three sliding elements are recognizable, the sliding element arrangement preferably has more than ten of these sliding elements, each of which has such a retaining section 30, which is pressed into such a recess 11 of the adjusting ring 10.

[0047] The sliding elements of the sliding element arrangement each have a sliding section 31 integrally formed with the retaining section 30, which protrudes from the adjusting ring 10 or the corresponding recess 11 and has a sliding surface 32 for at least temporary sliding on the surface 1A of the housing 1 of the turbomachine when adjusting the blades 2 of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, wherein the sliding surface 32 preferably comprises plastic, in particular polyimide, and / or, in particular, fiber-reinforced graphite.

[0048] In the execution according to Fig. 1, 2 , 5 und 6 The sliding sections 31 of the sliding elements of the sliding element arrangement each have a collar 31A which positively limits the insertion of the respective sliding element into the corresponding recess 11 of the adjusting ring 10, into which the retaining section 30 of this sliding element is or will be pressed.

[0049] In the execution according to Fig. 3, 4 In the sliding elements of the sliding element arrangement, the cylindrical recesses 11 of the adjusting ring 10, into which the cylindrical retaining section 30 of the respective sliding element is pressed, have a shoulder 12 that positively limits the insertion of this sliding element into this recess.

[0050] Thus, in both versions, a stop limits the insertion of the respective sliding element into the respective recess 11 of the adjusting ring 10, into which the retaining section 30 of this sliding element is pressed, in a form-fitting manner.

[0051] In the execution according to Fig. 1, 2 , 5 und 6 The recesses 11 and the retaining sections 30 of the sliding elements of the sliding element arrangement each have a non-rotationally symmetric cross-section.

[0052] In the execution according to Fig. 3, 4 The recesses 11 and the retaining section 30 of the sliding elements of the sliding element arrangement are each cylindrical in shape.

[0053] In both versions, the recesses 11 of the adjusting ring 10, into which the retaining sections 30 of the sliding elements are pressed, each have a through-opening and are each arranged between two bearings 22 for coupling elements 21 for coupling adjustable blades 2 of the turbomachine.

[0054] To provide an adjusting ring assembly as shown here, the retaining sections 30 of the sliding elements of the sliding element assembly are pressed into the corresponding recesses 11 of the adjusting ring 10. This is illustrated by example in Fig. 5 indicated, whereby Fig. 6 a sliding element in a radial view from below or from the recess 11.

[0055] In the present disclosure, "has an X" does not generally imply an exhaustive list, but is a shorthand for "has at least one X" and also includes "has two or more X" as well as "has Y in addition to X." Although exemplary embodiments were explained in the preceding description, it should be noted that a multitude of variations are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way.Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guide for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without leaving the scope of protection as defined by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features. Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Housing 1A Surface 10 Adjusting ring 11 Recess 12 Shoulder 2 Blade 21 Coupling link 22 Bearing 30 Retaining section (sliding element) 31 Sliding section (sliding element) 31A Collar (sliding element) 32 Sliding surface (sliding element)

Claims

1. Adjustment ring arrangement for adjusting blades (2) of a turbomachine, wherein the adjustment ring arrangement comprises an adjustment ring (10) and a sliding element arrangement with at least one sliding element for at least temporary sliding on a surface (1A) of a housing (1) of the turbomachine when adjusting blades (2) of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, wherein this sliding element has a retaining section (30) which is pressed into a recess (11) of the adjustment ring (10).

2. Adjusting ring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe sliding element arrangement comprises at least three, in particular at least six, in particular at least ten, sliding elements for at least temporary sliding on the surface of the housing of the turbomachine when adjusting blades of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, wherein these sliding elements each have a retaining section which is pressed into a recess of the adjusting ring.

3. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement has a sliding section (31) that protrudes from the adjusting ring and has a sliding surface (32) for at least temporary sliding on the surface of the housing of the turbomachine when adjusting blades of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine.

4. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement has a sliding surface (32) for at least temporary sliding on the surface of the housing of the turbomachine when adjusting blades of the turbomachine in at least one operating state of the turbomachine, which comprises plastic, in particular polyimide, and / or, in particular fiber-reinforced, graphite and / or is formed integrally with the retaining section of the sliding element.

5. Adjustment ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, a stop provides a form-fitting limitation to the insertion of this sliding element into the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed.

6. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatat least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement has a projection (31A) which positively limits the insertion of this sliding element into the recess of the adjusting ring into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed.

7. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed, has a shoulder (12) which positively limits the insertion of this sliding element into this recess.

8. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatin at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, the recess of the adjusting ring into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed is, and / or the retaining section of this sliding element, which is pressed into the recess, has at least one non-rotationally symmetric cross-section.

9. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that in at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, the recess of the adjusting ring into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed is formed, and / or the retaining section of this sliding element, which is pressed into the recess, is cylindrical.

10. Adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatIn at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, the recess of the adjusting ring, into which the retaining section of this sliding element is pressed, has a through-opening and / or is arranged between two bearings (22) for coupling members (21) for coupling adjustable blades (2) of the turbomachine.

11. Turbomachinery assembly comprising a housing (1) of a turbomachine, adjustable blades (2) of the turbomachine and an adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims for adjusting the blades.

12. Turbomachine assembly according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatin at least one operating state of the turbomachine at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement contacts a surface of the casing; and / or in at least one operating state of the turbomachine a gap is formed between at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement and a surface of the casing opposite this sliding element.

13. Method for operating an adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one operating state of the turbomachine the adjusting ring (10) is adjusted for adjusting blades (2) of the turbomachine and at least one sliding element (30, 31) of the sliding element arrangement slides at least temporarily on a surface (1A) of a housing (1) of the turbomachine.

14. Method for providing an adjusting ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining section (30) of at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement is pressed into a recess (11) of the adjusting ring (10).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that a sliding surface (32) of at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, which is intended to slide at least temporarily on the surface of the housing of the turbomachine, is reworked after the retaining section of this sliding element has been pressed into a recess (11) of the adjusting ring.

16. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 14-15, characterized by the fact thata sliding surface (32) of at least one sliding element of the sliding element arrangement, which is intended to slide at least temporarily on the surface of the housing of the turbomachine, is lowered without material removal after the retaining section of this sliding element has been pressed into a recess (11) of the adjusting ring.

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