Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a service tool (100) for translating a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) in relation to a bearing housing (30) supporting the rotary shaft assembly (20). The service tool (100) comprises a tool (110) body, a shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) configured to be releasably attached to an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a translation unit (180) configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the tool body (100) along a translation axis (TA). The tool body (110) comprises a radially inwardly facing support surface (120) extending along an axial direction (AD), the support surface (120) being circumferentially distributed about the translation axis (TA) and being configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly (20) while translating the rotary shaft assembly (20) in relation to the bearing housing (30) along the translation axis (TA), such that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly (20) is counteracted. A service arrangement (200) and a method (300) of translating a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) in relation to a bearing housing (30) are also provided

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of agitators. More particularly, it is related to a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly and a service arrangement including such service tool. The invention also relates to a method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly using such service tool.Background Art

[0002] Agitators are used in numerous applications. In for example, the food industry, the pharma industry, and the chemical industry, mixing tanks including agitators are used in various processing operations where a product or similar held in a mixing tank is to be mixed or agitated. Agitators are commonly used where two or more constituents are to be mixed. Further, agitators are commonly used for preventing solids or particles dispersed in a liquid from floating to the surface or from sinking to the bottom.

[0003] Agitators for tanks typically include a rotatable shaft which is provided with one or more impellers or agitator blades used to agitate a product held in a tank. The rotatable shaft is typically rotated by a motor located in a so-called drive unit outside the tank. During service and maintenance of the agitator the drive unit, and hence the motor, must typically be removed from the rotatable shaft in order to access wear parts, such as bearings and seals, that are to be replaced or serviced.

[0004] The rotatable shaft of an agitator is typically rotationally supported by some form of casing or housing via bearings. Thus, the bearings are typically accommodated within such casing which in turn is attached to the tank. Further, the interface between the rotatable shaft and the tank is typically sealed by seals which can accommodate the rotation of the rotatable shaft in relation to the tank. Such seals are generally also accommodated in the casing. Thus, in order to access the bearings and the seals during service, the bearings and seals will have to be removed from within the casing. Such removal is typically done by lifting the bearings and seals together with the rotatable shaft along its length such that the bearings and seals exit the casing. Once the bearings have left the casing, the rotatable shaft will no longer be supported via the bearings. This means that an outspoken risk of damaging the delicate bearings and seals when lifting the rotatable shaft together with delicate bearings and seals. Correspondingly, there is an outspoken risk of damaging the delicate bearings and seals when putting back the rotatable shaft after service or maintenance. Further the rotatable shaft typically has a significant weight meaning that lifting the rotatable shaft is not only heavy but can also involve safety risks for personnel if the rotatable shaft is not adequately secured when being lifted.

[0005] Given the above limitations, it has been suggested to use a dedicated tool for lifting the rotatable shaft during service. However, particularly when the rotatable shaft extends in a direction other than vertical, it is tricky to lift the rotatable shaft using such tool.

[0006] Hence, there is room for improvement when it comes to translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly.Summary

[0007] With the above in mind, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly, as well as service arrangement for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly; and a method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly.

[0008] Another objective is to provide such a service tool which supports the rotary shaft assembly during translation.

[0009] Another objective is to provide such a service tool which may be used irrespective of an orientation of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0010] Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is safe to use.

[0011] Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is easy to use.

[0012] Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is more cost-effective.

[0013] To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects that will be evident from the following description, a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly, having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present inventive concept. A service arrangement for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly is provided according to claim 14. A method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly using a service tool is provided according to claim 17.

[0014] More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly, the service tool comprising: a tool body comprising an attachment portion and a distal portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion of the tool body is located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly as seen along an axial direction of the rotary shaft assembly, a shaft assembly attachment bracket configured to be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly, and a translation unit connecting the distal portion and the shaft assembly attachment bracket, the translation unit being configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the tool body along a translation axis extending along the axial direction, wherein the tool body comprises a radially inwardly facing support surface extending along the axial direction from the attachment portion towards the distal portion, the support surface being circumferentially distributed about the translation axis and being configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis, such that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly is counteracted.

[0015] Hereby an improved service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly is provided.

[0016] The service tool is designed for and hence suitable for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly.

[0017] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "rotary shaft assembly" may mean any unit or assembly which includes a rotary shaft of an agitator system. The rotary saft assembly may typically include and rotationally support a rotary shaft.

[0018] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "shaft assembly attachment bracket" may mean any bracket, unit or assembly which is configured to be releasably attached to an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly. Thus, the shaft assembly attachment bracket may be configured to be releasably attached to or to releasably engage any part, portion, detail or similar of the rotary shaft arrangement. In practice, the shaft assembly attachment bracket may be configured to releasably engage an attachment member of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0019] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "translation unit" may mean any unit, arrangement, aggregate, system or similar which when actuated is configured to translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the tool body along the translation axis.

[0020] The present invention is based on the realization that by providing a service tool which has a radially inwardly facing support surface of radius corresponding to a radius of the rotary shaft assembly, the rotary shaft assembly may be radially supported by the service tool during translation in relation to the bearing housing. More specifically, the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted from being radially displaced in relation to the bearing housing. In this way, the rotary shaft assembly and the bearing housing may be counteracted from being damaged during such translation. In this regard, it is to be noted that the inwardly facing support surface must not resemble the shape of circle and hence have a radius corresponding to a radius of the rotary shaft assembly. What is important is that the radially inwardly facing support surface is shaped such that it configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis. Thus, the radially inwardly facing support surface may resemble any shape as long as it is capable of slidingly bearing against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis.

[0021] By the tool body comprising an attachment portion and a distal portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion of the tool body is located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly as seen along an axial direction of the rotary shaft assembly, the tool body and hence the entire service tool may be attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion transverses the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly. In other words, the tool body may be attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion extends above the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly. In yet other words, the tool body may be attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion extends through a projected extension of the rotary shaft assembly. In this way, the shaft assembly attachment bracket may be translated towards and releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0022] By the shaft assembly attachment bracket being configured to be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly, the service tool as such may be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0023] By the translation unit connecting the distal portion and the shaft assembly attachment bracket, wherein the translation unit being configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the tool body along the translation axis, the rotary shaft assembly may be translated in relation to the bearing housing by actuating the translation unit when the attachment portion is releasably attached to the bearing housing and the shaft assembly attachment bracket is releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly. In this way, the rotary shaft assembly may be translated in relation to the bearing housing in a controlled manner by actuating the translation unit. Thus, the rotary shaft assembly and the bearing housing may be counteracted from moving towards each other or away from each other when the translation unit is not actuated. Hence, the rotary shaft assembly and the bearing housing may be held still in relation to each other along the translation axis when the translation unit is not actuated. This means that the translation unit may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the rotary shaft assembly and the bearing housing in relation to each other along the translation axis. This is advantageous in that the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted from falling or sliding down towards a lowermost position within a movement range allowed by the service tool. Such falling or sliding down may otherwise risk damaging the rotary shaft assembly and the bearing housing. Moreover, such falling or sliding down may otherwise risk injuring personnel working on the agitator system, e.g. by crushing or hitting an arm or hand of the personnel.

[0024] By the tool body comprising a radially inwardly facing support surface extending along the axial direction from the attachment portion towards the distal portion, wherein the support surface being circumferentially distributed about the translation axis and being configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis, a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted. More specifically, a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly in any radial direction may be counteracted by the circumferentially distributed support surface bearing against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis.

[0025] In practice, the radially inwardly facing support surface may circumscribe more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the tool body such that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly in any radial direction may be counteracted by the circumferentially distributed support surface bearing against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis.

[0026] The radially inwardly facing support surface may circumscribe more than 200 degrees of the circumference of the tool body.

[0027] The radially inwardly facing support surface may circumscribe more than 250 degrees of the circumference of the tool body.

[0028] The radially inwardly facing support surface may circumscribe the circumference of the tool body.

[0029] The support surface may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions, which is advantageous in that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted by a limited contact between the tool body and the rotary shaft assembly. Thus, by the support surface being partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions an easy access to the shaft assembly bracket may be realized. In this way, a user of the service tool may access the shaft assembly bracket from a radial direction of the tool body in between the support surface portions.

[0030] The support surface may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions comprising two or more support surface portions.

[0031] The support surface portions may be circumferentially evenly distributed.

[0032] The set of support surface portions may comprise three support surface portions, which is which is advantageous in that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted by a limited contact between the tool body and the rotary shaft assembly.

[0033] The support surface portions may be circumferentially evenly distributed.

[0034] By the support surface portions comprising three circumferentially evenly distributed support surface portions, a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly in any radial direction may be counteracted by the circumferentially distributed support surface bearing against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis.

[0035] The tool body may comprise a connection section extending substantially along the axial direction between the attachment portion and the distal portion, which is advantageous in that the attachment portion and the distal portion may be held in relation to each other by the connection section.

[0036] The tool body may be integrally formed.

[0037] The connection section may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions, wherein each support surface portion is at least partially formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion, which is advantageous in that the circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions may serve the double purpose of holding the attachment portion and the distal portion in relation to each other while also forming part of the support surface.

[0038] The connection section may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions.

[0039] Each support surface portion may be at least partially formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion.

[0040] The connection section may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions comprising two or more connection section portions.

[0041] The connection section may be partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions comprising three connection section portions.

[0042] The circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions may be circumferentially evenly distributed.

[0043] The support surface may be configured to slidingly bear against at least a bearing of the rotary shaft assembly, which is advantageous in that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted by the support surface interacting with at least one bearing of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0044] The support surface may be configured to slidingly bear against more than one bearing of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0045] The bearing may be attached to and circumscribe a rotary shaft of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0046] The translating unit may comprise a threaded member threadedly connected to the distal portion and rotationally connected to the shaft assembly attachment bracket, or the translating unit may comprise a ratchet mechanism, or the translating unit may comprise a hydraulic cylinder, or the translating unit may comprise a pneumatic cylinder, which is advantageous in that the shaft assembly attachment bracket may be translated in relation to the tool body along the translation axis in a controlled manner by actuating the translation unit.

[0047] The shaft assembly attachment bracket may comprise a bracket attachment arrangement configured to be releasably attached to a shaft assembly attachment arrangement associated with the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis, which is advantageous in that the shaft assembly attachment bracket may be releasably attached to a rotary shaft assembly without the need for using any tools.

[0048] The bracket attachment arrangement may comprise a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions configured to engage a set of circumferentially distributed grooves of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement, each protrusion projecting in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket, which is advantageous in that a secure connection between the bracket attachment arrangement and the shaft assembly attachment arrangement may be realized. In this way, a secure connection between the bracket attachment arrangement and the shaft assembly attachment arrangement capable of transferring forces along the translation axis may be realized.

[0049] The set of circumferentially distributed grooves of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement may be separated by a respective void. In this way, each end of each groove of the set of circumferentially distributed grooves may be accessible from a void. Such Void may thus be located circumferentially between a pair of circumferentially distributed grooves of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement.

[0050] Each protrusion may be configured to slidingly engage an associated one of the grooves by sliding along the groove when rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis, which is advantageous in that a secure connection between the bracket attachment arrangement and the shaft assembly attachment arrangement may be realized without using any tools.

[0051] Each circumferential end portion of at least one protrusion may be provided with a respective stop configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis while the bracket attachment arrangement transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement along the longitudinal direction, which is advantageous in that unintentional detachment of the shaft assembly attachment bracket from the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted or prevented. In this way, the service tool may become safer for the personnel utilizing the service tool, since unintentional detachment of the shaft assembly attachment bracket from the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted or prevented.

[0052] The stop may comprise a rib extending in a transverse direction to the protrusion.

[0053] The stop may have an extension along the axial direction exceeding a transverse extension of protrusion.

[0054] The stop may comprise a rib having an extension along the axial direction exceeding a transverse extension of protrusion.

[0055] The stop may comprise a radially extending pin having a diameter exceeding a transverse extension of protrusion.

[0056] The stop may extend above a transverse extension of the protrusion as seen along the axial direction and be configured to interact with an axially extending surface defining an end of an associated one of the grooves, and / or the stop may extend below a traverse extension of the protrusion as seen along the axial direction and be configured to interact with an axially extending surface defining an end of an associated one of the grooves.

[0057] By the stop extending above a transverse extension of the protrusion as seen along the axial direction and being configured to interact with an axially extending surface defining an end of an associated one of the grooves, the stop may counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis while the bracket attachment arrangement transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement in the axial direction.

[0058] By the stop extending below a transverse extension of the protrusion as seen along the axial direction and being configured to interact with an axially extending surface defining an end of an associated one of the grooves, the stop may counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis while the bracket attachment arrangement transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement in a direction opposite to the axial direction. Thus, the stop may interact with a surface extending along the axial direction or substantially along the axial direction where the surface is located at an end of an associated one of the grooves.

[0059] The axially extending surface may define an end of the associated one of the grooves by being located where the groove ends.

[0060] The axially extending surface may define an end of the associated one of the grooves by facing a void of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement separating a pair of adjacent grooves.

[0061] The axially extending surface may define an end of the associated one of the grooves by being located where the groove ends.

[0062] The axially extending surface may define an end of the associated one of the grooves by being located where the groove ends.

[0063] The stop may be configured to be slid along an associated one of the grooves having a transverse extension along the axial direction being equal to or exceeding an extension of the stop along the axial direction, while rotating the shaft attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis, which is advantageous in that the stop may slid along the associated one of the grooves in an unbiased state, i.e. in a state where the bracket attachment arrangement does not transfer a load or only transfers a limited or negligible amount of load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement along the axial direction.

[0064] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a service arrangement for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly, the service arrangement comprising: a service tool according to the first aspect, and an attachment member, such as a coupling clutch, configured to be attached to and form part of the rotary shaft assembly and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket.

[0065] The attachment member may be any type of member, unit, element, arrangement or similar which is configured to be attached to and form part of the rotary shaft assembly and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket.

[0066] The attachment member may have any suitable design.

[0067] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the first aspect. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0068] The service arrangement may comprise a service tool according to the first aspect, and an attachment member comprising a shaft assembly attachment arrangement according to the above.

[0069] The shaft assembly attachment bracket may comprise a bracket attachment arrangement comprising a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions, each protrusion projecting from the shaft assembly attachment bracket in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket, and wherein the attachment member comprises a shaft assembly attachment arrangement comprising a set of circumferentially distributed grooves, each groove cutting into the attachment member in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the attachment member, wherein each protrusion is configured to slidingly engage an associated groove by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the attachment member about the translation axis.

[0070] Each end portion of at least one protrusion may be provided with a respective stop configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the attachment member about the translation axis while the bracket attachment arrangement transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement along the axial direction.

[0071] According to third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly using a service tool according to the first aspect, the method comprising: releasably attaching the attachment portion of the tool body to the bearing housing, releasably attaching the shaft assembly attachment bracket to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly, and actuating the translation unit, thereby translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing.

[0072] Hence, by the present method, a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly is counteracted by the rotary shaft assembly slidingly bearing against the rotary shaft assembly while translating the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the bearing housing along the translation axis.

[0073] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0074] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly, the service tool comprising: a tool body comprising an attachment portion and a distal portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion of the tool body is located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly as seen along an axial direction of the rotary shaft assembly, a shaft assembly attachment bracket configured to be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly, and a translation unit connecting the distal portion and the shaft assembly attachment bracket, the translation unit being configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the tool body along a translation axis extending along the axial direction, wherein the shaft assembly attachment bracket comprises a bracket attachment arrangement configured to be releasably attached to a shaft assembly attachment arrangement associated with the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the translation axis.

[0075] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0076] Consequently, the shaft assembly attachment bracket may exhibit any of the features and advantages of the shaft assembly attachment bracket of the first aspect.

[0077] Consequently, the bracket attachment arrangement may exhibit any of the features and advantages of the shaft assembly attachment bracket of the first aspect.

[0078] Further, it is contemplated that the service tool according to this aspect may comprise: a tool body comprising an attachment portion and a distal portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing such that the distal portion of the tool body is located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly as seen along an axial direction of the rotary shaft assembly, a shaft assembly attachment bracket of the type described above in conjunction with the first aspect, and a translation unit of the type described above in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0079] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided service system comprising: a service tool according to the first aspect, and an agitator system comprising; a rotary shaft assembly including a rotary shaft provided with one or more impellers configured to mix a liquid product, a drive unit coupled to the rotary shaft and configured to rotate the rotary shaft, and a bearing housing rotationally supporting the rotary shaft assembly and supporting the drive unit, wherein an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly is provided with an attachment member, such as a coupling clutch, coupled to the rotary shaft and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket.

[0080] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0081] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided service system comprising: a service tool according to the fourth aspect, and an agitator system comprising; a rotary shaft assembly including a rotary shaft provided with one or more impellers configured to mix a liquid product, a drive unit coupled to the rotary shaft and configured to rotate the rotary shaft, and a bearing housing rotationally supporting the rotary shaft assembly and supporting the drive unit, wherein an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly is provided with an attachment member, such as a coupling clutch, coupled to the rotary shaft and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket.

[0082] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0083] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspects. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0084] A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0085] Hence, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described as such device may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0086] Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0087] The above and other aspects of the present inventive concept will now be described in more detail, with reference to appended figures showing variants. The figures should not be considered limiting, instead, they are used for explaining and understanding.

[0088] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of variants. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Fig. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of mixing arrangement having a top mounted agitator system attached to a vessel. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a service tool for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing. Figs. 3A and 3B jointly form an image sequence showing the service tool of Fig. 2 in different operational states used for translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing. Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view corresponding to a portion of Fig. 3B. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a shaft assembly attachment bracket and an attachment member of a rotary shaft assembly. Fig. 6 is a side view of a portion of the shaft assembly attachment bracket and the attachment member of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a service tool having an alternative exemplifying design. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a shaft assembly attachment bracket and an attachment member of a rotary shaft assembly having alternative exemplifying designs. Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing supporting the rotary shaft assembly using a service tool. Detailed Description

[0089] The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred variants or embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variants set forth herein; rather, these variants are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to the skilled person.

[0090] Initially a mixing arrangement 1 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 1. The mixing arrangement 1 comprises an agitator system 10 and a vessel 50.

[0091] Agitator systems 10 is, as known in the art, used to mix, agitate or blend a product 2 or similar held in the vessel 50. Thus, the general function of the mixing arrangement 1 and its agitator system 10 will not be described in detail hereinafter. The agitator system 10 has a rotary shaft 12 which extends into the vessel 50, such as a stainless tank or similar, through an opening 52 in the vessel 50.

[0092] The rotary shaft 12 of the agitator system 10 is provided with one impeller 14 configured to agitate, mix or blend a product 2, such as a liquid product 2, held in the vessel 50.

[0093] The agitator system 10 has a drive unit 11 including an electrical motor 11a that transmits the energy required for agitating, mixing, and blending the product 2, either directly or via a gearbox, to the rotary shaft 12 shaft. As the rotary shaft 12 rotates, the impeller 14 is turned. The impeller movement typically creates a high flow of the product 2 with low shear due to a highly effective axial pumping effect on the product 2 in the vessel 50. This results in effective agitating, mixing or blending of the entire contents, i.e. the product 2 of the vessel 50.

[0094] The agitator system 10 is top-mounted meaning that the rotary shaft 12 of the agitator system 10 extends into the vessel in a downwards vertical direction. However, in so-called side mounted agitator systems, the rotary shaft of the agitator system extends into the vessel in a downwards oblique direction via an opening in a sidewall of the vessel. Further, in so-called bottom mounted agitator systems, the rotary shaft of the agitator system extends into the vessel in an upwards vertical or direction via an opening in the bottom of the vessel.

[0095] The agitator system 10 has a bearing housing 30 arranged between the vessel 50 and the drive unit 11. The bearing housing 30 supports the drive unit 11. Thus, the bearing housing 30 holds or fixes the drive unit 11 in relation to the vessel 50. To this end, the bearing housing 30 is provided at the interface between the opening 52 in the vessel 50 and the rotary shaft 12. The bearing housing 30 further has the purpose of receiving and supporting a rotary shaft assembly 20. The rotary shaft assembly 20 includes the rotary shaft 12. The rotary shaft 12 is rotationally supported. To this end, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may typically include one or more bearings used to radially support the rotary shaft 12 in a rotational manner. In order to seal the interface between the opening 52 in the vessel 50 and the rotary shaft 12 a seal cartridge is typically included in the rotary shaft assembly 20. The seal cartridge may include one or more mechanical seals and one or more bearings.

[0096] During service and maintenance of the agitator system 10 the drive unit 11, and hence the electrical motor 11a, is generally removed from the bearing housing 30. Further, during service and maintenance of the agitator system 10 the rotary shaft assembly 20 is generally translated in relation to the bearing housing 30 in order to e.g. access the components of the rotary shaft assembly 20. During such service and maintenance for instance bearings and seals of are generally serviced or replaced. Since the rotary shaft assembly 20 including the rotary shaft 12 typically has a significant weight the translation of the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30 may be troublesome and involve safety risks. As already indicated, the present inventive concept addresses these issues by providing a service tool 100 for translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30 supporting the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0097] Now turning to Fig. 2 and Figs. 3A and 3B. Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplifying embodiment of a service tool 100 or tool 100. Figs. 3A and 3B illustrates the tool 100 when attached to the bearing housing 30 of an agitator system 10. More specifically, the Fig. 3A illustrates when the tool 100 has been attached to the bearing hosing 30, whereas Fig. 3B illustrates how the rotary shaft assembly 20 of the agitator system 10 has been translated in relation to the bearing housing 30. More specifically, in Fig. 3A the rotary shaft assembly 20 is located in the bearing housing 30. That is, in Fig. 3A the rotary shaft assembly 20 is located in its operational position. On the other hand, in Fig. 3B, the rotary shaft assembly 20 has been pulled out of the bearing housing 30 by the tool 100.

[0098] The service tool 100 is designed for translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 in relation to a bearing housing 30 supporting the rotary shaft assembly 20. To this end, service tool 100 is designed for translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 of the agitator system 10 of Fig. 1 in relation to the bearing housing 30 thereof. Likewise, the service tool 100 is designed for translating the rotary shaft assembly of a side mounted agitator system in relation to a bearing housing thereof. Correspondingly, the service tool 100 is designed for translating the rotary shaft assembly of a bottom mounted agitator system in relation to a bearing housing thereof. Hence, the tool 100 is designed for pulling the rotary shaft assembly 20 away from the bearing housing 30. Correspondingly, the tool 100 is designed for pushing the rotary shaft assembly 20 towards the bearing housing 30.

[0099] The depicted tool 100 comprises a tool body 110. The tool body 110 comprises an attachment portion 112 and a distal portion 114.

[0100] The attachment portion 112 is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing 30, as illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B. Thus, the attachment portion 112 is designed to cooperate with or engage with an upper portion of the bearing housing 30. More specifically, the attachment portion 112 is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing 30 via a coupling arrangement 116 such that an abutment surface 112a of the attachment portion 112 abuts a support surface 32 of the bearing housing 30. The coupling arrangement 116 of the depicted tool 100 comprises three couplings 116a-c. A bottom portion of each coupling 116a-c is configured to engage the bearing housing 30. Further, each coupling 116a-c comprises a respective nut at a top portion thereof, such that the abutment surface 112a may be biased against the support surface 32 of the bearing housing 30 in response to tightening the nuts while the couplings 116a-c engages the bearing housing 30.

[0101] Further, the depicted tool 100 is designed such that the distal portion 114 of the tool body 110 becomes located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20 as seen along an axial direction AD of the rotary shaft assembly 20, when the attachment portion 112 is attached to the bearing housing 30.

[0102] The depicted tool 100 further comprises a shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. The shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 is configured to be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20. The shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 will be discussed in greater detail further below.

[0103] The depicted tool 100 further comprises a translation unit 180. The translation unit 180 connects the distal portion 114 and the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. Hence, the translation unit 180 is connected to the distal portion 114 and to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. This means that the translation unit 180 extends between the distal portion 114 and the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. The translation unit 180 is configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the tool body 100 along a translation axis TA extending along the axial direction AD.

[0104] The translation unit 180 of the depicted tool 100 comprises a threaded member 182 in form of a screw 182. The threaded member 182 of the depicted tool 100 is threadedly connected to the distal portion 114. Further, the threaded member 182 is rotationally connected to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. In this way, the translation unit 180 may be actuated by rotating the threaded member 182 about the translation axis TA. Thus, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be translated or moved in relation to the tool body 100 along a translation axis TA by rotating the threaded member 182. Figs. 3A and 3B clearly illustrates how the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 has be translated in relation to the tool body 100 along a translation axis TA by rotating the threaded member 182.

[0105] The translation unit 180 may alternatively or additionally comprise a ratchet mechanism. The translation unit 180 may alternatively or additionally comprise a hydraulic cylinder. The translation unit 180 may alternatively or additionally comprise a pneumatic cylinder.

[0106] The tool body 110 of the depicted tool 100 comprises a radially inwardly facing support surface 120 or support surface 120. Thus, the support surface 120 faces in an inwardly radial direction of the tool body 110. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the radially inwardly facing support surface 120 extends along the axial direction AD from the attachment portion 112 towards the distal portion 114. Further, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the radially inwardly facing support surface 120 is circumferentially distributed about the translation axis TA. In the depicted tool 100, the radially inwardly facing support surface 120 is partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c. More specifically, in the depicted tool 100, the radially inwardly facing support surface 120 is partitioned into a set of circumferentially evenly distributed spaced apart support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c. Specifically, the set of support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c of the depicted tool 100 comprises three support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c.

[0107] The support surface 120 of the depicted tool 100 is configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly 20 while translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30 along the translation axis TA. In this way a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly 20 is counteracted or prevented. Hence, the support surface 120 of the depicted tool 100 is designed in such a way that the rotary shaft assembly 20 is radially supported by the support surface 120 while translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30 along the translation axis TA. In practice, the support surface 120 is partitioned into the set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c in a way where each one of the support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c will slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly 20 while translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30 along the translation axis TA. To this end, the support surface portions 120a, 120b, 120c may be said to form a support surface 120 of an inner diameter substantially corresponding to an outer diameter of the rotary shaft assembly 20. In practice, the support surface 120 may be configured to slidingly bear against at least a bearing 22 of the rotary shaft assembly 20 as illustrated in Fig. 3B.

[0108] Given the above described design of the support surface 120, a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be counteracted throughout a translation of the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30. Hence, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be supported as the rotary shaft assembly 20 is translated from its operational position as illustrated in Fig. 3A to an elevated position as illustrated in Fig. 3B, as generally indicated by an arrow between Figs. 3A and 3B. Correspondingly, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be supported as the rotary shaft assembly 20 is translated from the elevated position as illustrated in Fig. 3B to the operational position as illustrated in Fig. 3A, as generally indicated by a hatched arrow between Figs. 3A and 3B.

[0109] Further, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the tool body 110 of the depicted tool 100 comprises a connection section 118. The connection section 118 extends substantially along the axial direction AD between the attachment portion 112 and the distal portion 114. The connection section 118 connects the attachment portion 112 and the distal portion 114. More specifically, in the depicted tool 100, the connection section 118 is partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions 118a, 118b, 118c. Each depicted support surface portion 120a, 120b, 120c is at least partially formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion 118a, 118b, 118c, as illustrated in Fig. 2. In practice, each support surface portion 120a, 120b, 120c may be formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion 118a, 118b, 118c. However, each support surface portion 120a, 120b, 120c may be formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion 118a, 118b, 118c and an inwardly facing surface portion of the attachment portion 112.

[0110] Now also turning to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates in cross-section through the tool 100 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 in the elevated position of Fig. 3B. In Fig. 4, it is clearly illustrated how the bearing 22 of the rotary shaft assembly 20 slidingly bears against the support surface 120. It is further illustrated how the threaded member 182 is threadedly connected to the distal portion 114, and how the threaded member 182 is rotationally connected to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 via a sleeve 183.

[0111] Further, as illustrated in phantom in Fig. 2 and in cross-section in Fig. 4, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 comprises a bracket attachment arrangement 152. The bracket attachment arrangement 152 is configured to be releasably attached to a shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 associated with the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20 as illustrated in Fig. 4. More specifically, the bracket attachment arrangement 152 is configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the translation axis TA.

[0112] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 may be provided on an attachment member 21 which in turn may be attached directly or indirectly to the rotary shaft 12 of the rotary shaft assembly 20. It is however to be noted that the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 may be provided on any part or portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20 associated with the end portion thereof. For instance, the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 may be provided directly on the rotary shaft 12.

[0113] In Fig. 4, the attachment member 21 is a so-called coupling clutch which is configured to transfer a rotational torque from the motor 11a of the drive unit 11 to the rotary 12 when the agitator system 10 is mounted in its operational state. Hence, the attachment member 21 is configured to be attached to and form part of the rotary shaft assembly 20. Further the attachment member 21 is configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150.

[0114] Thus, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the depicted tool 100 may be releasably attached to attachment member 21 in response to rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the translation axis TA.

[0115] The design of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and its bracket attachment arrangement 152 as well as the attachment member 21 and its shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 will be described below while also referring to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and the attachment member 21 of the rotary shaft assembly 20 in a state where the bracket attachment arrangement 152 is releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and a portion of the attachment member 21 in a state where the bracket attachment arrangement 152 does not engage the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24.

[0116] As best illustrated in Fig. 4, the depicted shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 is generally bowl-shaped. Further, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 has an inner diameter which slightly exceeds an outer diameter of the attachment member 21. This means that the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be translated in a direction opposite to the axial direction AD (in a downward direction in Figs. 4, 5 and 6) along the translation axis AD such that the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 circumscribes the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20 formed by the attachment member 21. The shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may then be releasably attached to the attachment member 21 by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA.

[0117] As illustrated in Figs. 4-6, the depicted bracket attachment arrangement 152 comprises a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions 156. The protrusions 156 are configured to engage a set of circumferentially distributed grooves 26 of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24. Each protrusion 156 projects in an inwards radial direction and extends along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. To this end, the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 of the depicted attachment member 21 comprises a set of circumferentially distributed grooves 26, as best illustrated in Fig. 6. Each groove 26 cuts into the attachment member 21 in an inwards radial direction and extends along a portion of a circumference of the attachment member 21, as best illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0118] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 6, each protrusion 156 is configured to slidingly engage an associated groove 26 by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA. In practice, the generally bowl-shaped shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be translated in a direction opposite to the axial direction AD (in a downward direction in Figs. 4, 5 and 6) along the translation axis AD in a way where each protrusion 156 fits in-between a pair of neighboring grooves 26. Thus, the generally bowl-shaped shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be translated along the translation axis AD in a way where each protrusion 156 fits in-between a pair of neighboring grooves 26 such that the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 circumscribes the attachment member 21. Followingly, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be releasably attached to the attachment member 21 by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 about 1 / 8 of a turn in relation to the attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA. Thus, each protrusion 156 of the depicted tool 100 is configured to slidingly engage an associated one of the grooves 26 by sliding along the groove 26 when rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the translation axis TA. Hence, each protrusion 156 of the depicted tool 100 is configured to slidingly engage an associated one of the grooves 26 by sliding along the groove 26 when rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA.

[0119] Further, as best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, each circumferential end portion of each protrusion 156 is provided with a respective stop 158. The respective stops 158 of a protrusion are configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. In practice, a stop 158 provided at first circumferential end portion of a protrusion 156 is configured to counteract a clockwise rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. Correspondingly, a stop 158 provided at second circumferential end portion of said protrusion 156 is configured to counteract a counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. In other words, opposite end portions of a protrusion 156 may be provided with respective stops 158 configured to counteract a clockwise and a counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 respectively.

[0120] It is to be noted that it is sufficient that each circumferential end portion of at least one protrusion 156 is provided with a respective stop 158 to counteract a clockwise and a counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD.

[0121] To achieve that the stops 158 counteracts or prevents rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD, different designs of the stops 158 are conceivable. What is important is that the stops 158 are designed so as to counteract or prevent a rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD, since such a function will counteract or prevent that the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 is unintentionally detached from the rotary shaft assembly 20 when the rotary shaft assembly 20 is held or carried by the tool 100 irrespective of the rotary shaft assembly 20 is pulled away from the bearing housing 30 or is pushed towards the bearing housing 30. Such unintentional detachment of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 when the rotary shaft assembly 20 is held or carried by the tool 100 may result in that the rotary shaft assembly 20 falls or is translated uncontrolled in relation to the bearing housing 30 and hence in relation to the agitator system 10, potentially with severe consequences for the agitator system 10 and / or for personnel.

[0122] In the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the depicted tool 100, the stops 158 extend above a transverse extension of its associated protrusion 156 as seen along the axial direction AD. In other words, each stop 158 of the depicted shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 extends above its associated protrusion 156 in an upwards direction of Figs. 2-6. Further, each stop 158 is configured to interact with an axially extending surface 26a defining an end of an associated one of the grooves 26. Thus, the axially extending surface 26a may extend in an upwards direction of Figs. 2-6 from an end of an associated groove 26. The axially extending surface 26a may have a component in an upwards direction of Figs. 2-6. In this way, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be prevented or counteracted from being rotated in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 in an upwards direction of Figs. 2-6 along the axial direction AD.

[0123] Correspondingly, in the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the depicted tool 100, the stops 158 extend below a transverse extension of its associated protrusion 156 as seen along the axial direction AD. In other words, each stop 158 of the depicted shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 extends below its associated protrusion 156 in a downwards direction of Figs. 2-6. Further, each stop 158 is configured to interact with an axially extending surface 26b defining an end of an associated one of the grooves 26. Thus, the axially extending surface 26b may extend in a downwards direction of Figs. 2-6 from an end of an associated groove 26. The axially extending surface 26b may have a component in a downwards direction of Figs. 2-6. In this way, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be prevented or counteracted from being rotated in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 50 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transfers a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 in a downwards direction of Figs. 2-6 along the axial direction AD.

[0124] In order to be able to releasably attach the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 to the attachment member 21 of the rotary shaft assembly 20, the stops 158 are designed such that the stops 158 may be slid along an associated one of the grooves 26 in response to rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 and hence in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20. More specifically, the stops 158 are designed such that the stops 158 may be slid along an associated one of the grooves 26 in response to rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 when no or only a limited amount of load is transferred between the bracket attachment arrangement 152 and the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. To this end, the depicted stops 158 are each configured to be slid along an associated one of the grooves 26, by the groove 26 having a transverse extension along the axial direction AD being equal to or exceeding an extension of the stop 158 along the axial direction AD, as best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. In other words, the depicted stops 158 are each configured to be slid along an associated one of the grooves 26 in an unbiased state.

[0125] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be provided with a spring loaded member 155. The spring loaded member 155 may be configured to push the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 along the axial direction AD, i.e. in an upward direction of Fig. 4, when the spring loaded member 155 interacts with or engages a top surface of the attachment member 21 and hence a top portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20. In this way, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 may be biased into a state in which the stops 158 counteract or prevent the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 from being rotated in relation to the attachment member 21 and hence the rotary shaft assembly 21 given that the bracket attachment arrangement 152 is releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 as have been described above.

[0126] Now turning to Fig. 7. Fig 7 schematically illustrates a service tool 100 of a different design as compared to the above described service tool 100 of Figs. 2-6. The service tool 100 of Fig. 7 is similar to the service tool 100 of Figs. 2-6. Given the similarities, only differences will be described below. The service tool 100 of Fig. 7 has a tool body 110 of a different design as compared to the tool body 110 of the tool 100 of Figs. 2-6. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the tool body 110 has a single connection section 118. The single connection section 118 extends substantially along the axial direction AD between the attachment portion 112 and the distal portion 114. The connection section 118 connects the attachment portion 112 and the distal portion 114. Further, the support surface 120 is formed of a single support surface portion. In other words, the support surface 120 is not partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions like in the service tool 100 of Figs. 2-6. However, since the support surface 120 formed of the single support surface portion circumscribes more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the tool body 110 a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly 20 in any radial direction may be counteracted correspondingly to what have been described above.

[0127] Now turning to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and an attachment member 21 having a different design as compared to the above described shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and the above described attachment member 21. In Fig. 8, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and the attachment member 21 of the rotary shaft assembly 20 are, like in Fig. 5, depicted in a state where the bracket attachment arrangement 152 is releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24. The shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and an attachment member 21 of Fig. 8 are similar to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and an attachment member 21 of Figs. 2-6. Given the similarities, only differences will be described below. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the stop 158 is formed by a pin 158 which is inserted through an opening in an outer wall of the generally bowl-shaped shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. Fig. 8, illustrates a section through the circular pin 158 to more clearly illustrated how the pin 158 is inserted through the outer wall of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 and how the pin engages the groove 26 of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 of the attachment member 21. In practice, the stop 158 in form of the pin 158 has the overall general function as the stops 158 described above in conjunction with Figs. 5-6.

[0128] Further, each circumferential end portion of at least one protrusion 156 of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of Fig. 8 is in practice provided with a respective stop 158 in form of a pin 158, where the pins 158 are configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 and hence the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. To this end, the pins 158 each have a diameter and a location such that the pins 158 extend below a transverse extension of its associated protrusion 156 as seen along the axial direction AD. Correspondingly, the pins 158 each have a diameter and a location such that the pins 158 extend above a transverse extension of its associated protrusion 156 as seen along the axial direction AD.

[0129] The attachment member 21 of Fig. 8 has slightly wider grooves 26 as compared to attachment member 21 of Figs. 3A-6. In other words, the grooves 26 has a transverse extension seen along the axial direction AD which exceeds a transverse extension of the grooves 26 of the attachment member 21 of Figs. 3A-6. Further, each stop 158 in the form of the pin 158 is configured to interact with an axially extending surface defining an end of an associated one of the grooves 26, correspondingly to what has been described above in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6.

[0130] A tool 100 of any one of the above described kinds and an attachment member 21 of any one of the above described kinds may jointly form a service arrangement 200 for translating a rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 in relation to a bearing housing 30 supporting the rotary shaft assembly 20, given that the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the tool 100 at hand may releasably engage the attachment member 21 at hand. More specifically, such a service arrangement 200 may comprise a service tool 100 of the above described type, and an attachment member 21, such as a coupling clutch, of the above described type, where the attachment member 21 is configured to be attached to and form part of the rotary shaft assembly 20 and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150.

[0131] To this end, the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the service arrangement 200 may comprises a bracket attachment arrangement 152 comprising a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions 156, where each protrusion projects from the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in an inwards radial direction and extends along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. Correspondingly, the attachment member 21 may comprise a shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 comprising a set of circumferentially distributed grooves 26, where each groove 26 cuts into the attachment member 21 in an inwards radial direction and extends along a portion of a circumference of the attachment member 21. In such a service arrangement 200 each protrusion 156 may be configured to slidingly engage an associated groove 26 by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA as have been described above.

[0132] Each end portion of at least one protrusion 156 of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the service arrangement 200 may be provided with a respective stop 158 configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 in relation to the attachment member 21 about the translation axis TA while the bracket attachment arrangement 152 transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement 24 along the axial direction AD. Thus, Each end portion of at least one protrusion 156 of the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 of the service arrangement 200 may be provided with a respective stop 158 of the above described kind.

[0133] Now turning to Fig. 9. Fig 9 is a flow chart of a method 300 of translating a rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 in relation to a bearing housing 30 supporting the rotary shaft assembly 20 using a service tool 100 of the above described kind.

[0134] The method 300 comprises releasably attaching 302 the attachment portion 112 of the tool body 110 to the bearing housing 30.

[0135] The method 300 proceeds by releasably attaching 304 the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0136] The method 300 proceeds by actuating 306 the translation unit 180, thereby translating the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the bearing housing 30.

[0137] It is to be understood that the translation unit 180 may be actuated in two opposite directions. Thus, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be pulled away from the bearing housing 30 along the translation axis TA, or the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be pushed towards the bearing housing 30 along the translation axis TA.

[0138] It will be appreciated that the present inventive concept is not limited to the variants and examples shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the invention which thus is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A service tool (100) for translating a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) in relation to a bearing housing (30) supporting the rotary shaft assembly (20), the service tool (100) comprising: a tool (110) body comprising an attachment portion (112) and a distal portion (114), wherein the attachment portion (112) is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing (30) such that the distal portion (114) of the tool body (110) is located distally beyond and extends across an end portion of the rotary shaft assembly (20) as seen along an axial direction (AD) of the rotary shaft assembly (20), a shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) configured to be releasably attached to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a translation unit (180) connecting the distal portion (114) and the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150), the translation unit (180) being configured to, when actuated, translate the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the tool body (100) along a translation axis (TA) extending along the axial direction (AD), wherein the tool body (110) comprises a radially inwardly facing support surface (120) extending along the axial direction (AD) from the attachment portion (112) towards the distal portion (114), the support surface (120) being circumferentially distributed about the translation axis (TA) and being configured to slidingly bear against the rotary shaft assembly (20) while translating the rotary shaft assembly (20) in relation to the bearing housing (30) along the translation axis (TA), such that a radial displacement of the rotary shaft assembly (20) is counteracted.

2. The service tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support surface (120) is partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart support surface portions (120a, 120b, 120c).

3. The service tool (100) according to claim 2, wherein the set of support surface portions (120a, 120b, 120c) comprises three support surface portions (120a, 120b, 120c).

4. The service tool (100) according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool body (110) comprises a connection section (118) extending substantially along the axial direction (AD) between the attachment portion (112) and the distal portion (114).

5. The service tool (100) according to according to 4, when depended on claim 2 or 3 wherein the connection section (118) is partitioned into a set of circumferentially spaced apart connection section portions (118a, 118b, 118c), wherein each support surface portion (120a, 120b, 120c) is at least partially formed by an inwardly facing surface portion of an associated connection section portion (118a, 118b, 118c).

6. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support surface (120) is configured to slidingly bear against at least a bearing (22) of the rotary shaft assembly (20).

7. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the translating unit (180) comprises a threaded member (182) threadedly connected to the distal portion (114) and rotationally connected to the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150), or wherein the translating unit (180) comprises a ratchet mechanism, or wherein the translating unit (180) comprises a hydraulic cylinder, or wherein the translating unit (180) comprises a pneumatic cylinder.

8. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) comprises a bracket attachment arrangement (152) configured to be releasably attached to a shaft assembly attachment arrangement (24) associated with the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly (20) by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the translation axis (TA).

9. The service tool (100) according to claim 8, wherein the bracket attachment arrangement (152) comprises a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions (156) configured to engage a set of circumferentially distributed grooves (26) of the shaft assembly attachment arrangement (24), each protrusion (156) projecting in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150).

10. The service tool (100) according to claim 9, wherein each protrusion (156) is configured to slidingly engage an associated one of the grooves (26) by sliding along the groove (26) when rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the translation axis (TA).

11. The service tool (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each circumferential end portion of at least one protrusion (156) is provided with a respective stop (158) configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the translation axis (TA) while the bracket attachment arrangement (152) transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement (24) along the axial direction (AD).

12. The service tool (100) according to claim 11, wherein the stop (158) extends above a transverse extension of the protrusion (156) as seen along the axial direction (AD) and is configured to interact with an axially extending surface (26a) defining an end of an associated one of the grooves (26), and / or wherein the stop (158) extends below a traverse extension of the protrusion as seen along the axial direction (AD) and is configured to interact with an axially extending surface (26b) defining an end of an associated one of the grooves (26).

13. The service tool (100) according to claim 12, wherein the stop (158) is configured to be slid along an associated one of the grooves (26) having a transverse extension along the axial direction (AD) being equal to or exceeding an extension of the stop (158) along the axial direction (AD), while rotating the shaft attachment bracket (150) in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the translation axis (TA).

14. A service arrangement (200) for translating a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) in relation to a bearing housing (30) supporting the rotary shaft assembly (20), the service arrangement (200) comprising: a service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an attachment member (21), such as a coupling clutch, configured to be attached to and form part of the rotary shaft assembly (20) and configured to be releasably attached to the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150).

15. The service arrangement (200) according to claim 14, wherein the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) comprises a bracket attachment arrangement (152) comprising a set of circumferentially distributed protrusions (156), each protrusion projecting from the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150), and wherein the attachment member (21) comprises a shaft assembly attachment arrangement (24) comprising a set of circumferentially distributed grooves (26), each groove (26) cutting into the attachment member (21) in an inwards radial direction and extending along a portion of a circumference of the attachment member (21), wherein each protrusion (156) is configured to slidingly engage an associated groove (26) by rotating the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the attachment member (21) about the translation axis (TA).

16. The service arrangement (200) according to claim 15, wherein each end portion of at least one protrusion (156) is provided with a respective stop (158) configured to counteract rotation of the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) in relation to the attachment member (21) about the translation axis (TA) while the bracket attachment arrangement (152) transferring a load to the shaft assembly attachment arrangement (24) along the axial direction (AD).

17. A method (300) of translating a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) in relation to a bearing housing (30) supporting the rotary shaft assembly (20) using a service tool (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, the method (300) comprising: releasably attaching (302) the attachment portion (112) of the tool body (110) to the bearing housing (30), releasably attaching (304) the shaft assembly attachment bracket (150) to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly (20), and actuating (306) the translation unit (180), thereby translating the rotary shaft assembly (20) in relation to the bearing housing (30).

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