US3854842A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotor blade having improved tip cap
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1973-04-30
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Granted: 1974-12-17
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Expires: 1993-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A turbomachinery rotor blade for use in cooperation with a circumscribing shroud and a moving fluid includes an internal cavity for cooling air, a pair of spaced radially extending side walls which combine to form an airfoil, and an open end between the radial extremities of the side walls. A tip cap is disposed within the open end, the tip cap including an axially extending closure plate for providing a partial seal between the blade interior and the blade environment and further including a rib extending radially outwardly from the closure plate. The rib and the radial extremities of the blade side walls extend into proximity with the shroud and form a labyrinth seal therewith against leakage of the operating fluid past the tip cap. In addition, the rib serves to subdivide the tip space and to distribute cooling air therethrough, the cooling air being provided by an aperture near the leading edge of the blade.
Inventors
- 👤 C Caudill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:41
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D5/00; F01D5/12; F01D5/14; F01D5/20; F01D5/147; F01D5/18; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
In a partially hollow turbomachinery blade having an upstream end, a downstream end and spaced radially extending sidewalls defining a partially open radially outward end, the blade used in cooperation with a circumscribing shroud disposed near the radial extremities of said sidewalls, a tip cap for cooperating with the open blade end, the tip cap comprising: a generally axially extending closure plate for providing a partial seal between the blade interior and the blade environment, the closure plate recessed from the radial extremities of said sidewalls and defining therewith and with the shroud a tip space; and a rib extending radially outwardly from the closure plate and generally axially from the upstream to the downstream end of said blade for partially dividing the tip space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a partially hollow turbomachinery blade having an upstream end, a downstream end and spaced radially extending sidewalls defining a partially open radially outward end, the blade used in cooperation with a circumscribing shroud disposed near the radial extremities of said sidewalls, a tip cap for cooperating with the open blade end, the tip cap comprising: a generally axially extending closure plate for providing a partial seal between the blade interior and the blade environment, the closure plate recessed from the radial extremities of said sidewalls and defining therewith and with the shroud a tip space; and a rib extending radially outwardly from the closure plate and generally axially from the upstream to the downstream end of said blade for partially dividing the tip space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tip cap of claim 1 wherein said rib extends into proximity with said shroud.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tip cap of claim 1 wherein said rib is disposed approximately equidistant from said sidewalls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tip cap of claim 1 wherein said sidewalls combine to form an airfoil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tip cap of claim 2 wherein said rib combines with said sidewalls to form a labyrinth seal with said shroud.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The tip cap of claim 5 wherein said sidewalls combine to form an airfoil, the blade is disposed within a moving fluid such that high pressure and low pressure sides of the blade are formed, and the labyrinth seal serves to substantially prevent leakage of the moving fluid past the blade tip cap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The tip cap of claim 1 wherein said blade further comprises an internal cavity for cooling air, and the tip cap further includes an exhaust aperture for releasing a portion of said cooling air to said tip space for cooling said tip cap.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tip cap of claim 7 further comprising upstream and downstream ends and wherein said exhaust aperture is disposed proximate one of said ends and said tip cap includes means for directing said cooling air toward the other of said ends within the tip space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tip cap of claim 8 wherein said means for directing includes said rib.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tip cap of claim 1 further comprising a flange extending generally radially from said closure plate for cooperating with one of said sidewalls in a retaining relationship.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tip cap of claim 1 wherein said one of said sidewalls includes a shoulder, and said flange engages said shoulder.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
A turbomachinery rotor blade for use in cooperation with a circumscribing shroud in a moving fluid, the blade comprising: upstream and downstream ends; an internal cavity for cooling air; a pair of spaced radially extending sidewalls; an open end between the radial extremities of said sidewalls; a tip cap disposed within said open end, the tip cap including a generally axially extending closure plate for providing a partial seal between the blade interior and the blade environment, the closure plate recessed from the radial extremities of said sidewalls and defining therewith and with the shroud a tip space; a rib extending radially outwardly from the closure plate and generally axially from the upstream to the downstream end of said blade for partially dividing the tip space; and exhaust apertures for releasing a portion of said cooling air to said tip space for cooling said tip cap.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
146 words
A turbomachinery rotor blade for use in cooperation with a circumscribing shroud in a moving fluid, the blade comprising: upstream and downstream ends; an internal cavity for cooling air; a pair of spaced radially extending sidewalls; an open end between the radial extremities of said sidewalls; a tip cap disposed within said open end, the tip cap including a generally axially extending closure plate for providing a partial seal between the blade interior and the blade environment, the closure plate recessed from the radial extremities of said sidewalls and defining therewith and with the shroud a tip space; a rib extending radially outwardly from the closure plate and generally axially from the upstream to the downstream end of said blade for partially dividing the tip space; and exhaust apertures for releasing a portion of said cooling air to said tip space for cooling said tip cap.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |