US3874824A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Turbomachine rotor assembly
Assignee: Avco Corp
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Filing: 1973-10-01
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A centrifugal compressor and centripetal turbine are interconnected by a central bolt engaging threaded portions in each of the components. The threaded portions have a different pitch so that the rotation of the bolt in a given direction relative to the compressor and turbine pulls them into tight axial engagement with one another. The differential bolt has a necked-down central portion which forms an annular flow path for seal pressurization fluid from one side of the compressor to the other. A locking element that is splined to the compressor is used to keep the differential bolt from loosening once the compressor and turbine have been tightened to the proper degree.
Inventors
- 👤 Val Cronstedt
- 👤 Wayne C Shank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:08
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D5/00; F01D5/02; F01D5/026; F04; F04D; F04D29/00; F04D29/05; F04D29/053; F04D29/054; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/29; Y10T403/297; Y10T403/55; Y10T403/556; Y10T403/70; Y10T403/7026; Y10T403/7033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly comprising: a first bladed turbomachine component and a first central tubular shaft having an end face; a second bladed turbomachine component having a second central tubular shaft coaxial with said first shaft and having an end face, said end faces having complementary splines for circumferentially locking said shafts when said faces are abutting; a bolt received in the interior of said first and second shafts, said bolt having first and second threaded portions respectively engaging the first and second threaded portions on said first and second shafts, the number of threads per unit length on said first portion being different from that for the second threaded portion; and wrench receiving means on the axis of said bolt for receiving a rotatable wrench for turning said bolt, whereby when said bolt is turned in a given direction relative to said turbomachine components the end faces of said shafts are drawn into tight axial abutment and said components are circumferentially locked by said complementary splines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly comprising: a first bladed turbomachine component and a first central tubular shaft having an end face; a second bladed turbomachine component having a second central tubular shaft coaxial with said first shaft and having an end face, said end faces having complementary splines for circumferentially locking said shafts when said faces are abutting; a bolt received in the interior of said first and second shafts, said bolt having first and second threaded portions respectively engaging the first and second threaded portions on said first and second shafts, the number of threads per unit length on said first portion being different from that for the second threaded portion; and wrench receiving means on the axis of said bolt for receiving a rotatable wrench for turning said bolt, whereby when said bolt is turned in a given direction relative to said turbomachine components the end faces of said shafts are drawn into tight axial abutment and said components are circumferentially locked by said complementary splines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
167 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly comprising: a first bladed turbomachine component and a first central tubular shaft; a second bladed turbomachine component having a second central tubular shaft coaxial with said first shaft and having its end face abutting the end face of said first shaft; a bolt received in the interior of said first and second shafts, said bolt having first and second threaded portions respectively engaging the first and second threaded portions on said first and second shafts, the number of threads per unit length on said first portion being different from that for the second threaded portion; a tool receiving socket in said bolt, said socket permitting rotation of said bolt relative to said turbomachine components whereby when said bolt is turned in a given direction relative to said turbomachine components the end faces of said shafts are drawn into tight axial abutment; and a lock having a first portion received in said socket and a second portion rotatably locked relative to said compressor shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
167 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly comprising: a first bladed turbomachine component and a first central tubular shaft; a second bladed turbomachine component having a second central tubular shaft coaxial with said first shaft and having its end face abutting the end face of said first shaft; a bolt received in the interior of said first and second shafts, said bolt having first and second threaded portions respectively engaging the first and second threaded portions on said first and second shafts, the number of threads per unit length on said first portion being different from that for the second threaded portion; a tool receiving socket in said bolt, said socket permitting rotation of said bolt relative to said turbomachine components whereby when said bolt is turned in a given direction relative to said turbomachine components the end faces of said shafts are drawn into tight axial abutment; and a lock having a first portion received in said socket and a second portion rotatably locked relative to said compressor shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 1 wherein said shafts have interfitting opposed splined end faces thereby preventing relative rotation of said shafts when they are in axial abutment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 1 wherein said first turbomachine component is a compressor impeller and said second turbomachine component is a turbine wheel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 4 wherein: said bolt is elongated and necked down in between said first and second threaded portions, said necked-down portion extending between the aft face and the forward face of said compressor impeller; and said compressor shaft has a first passageway connecting the aft face of said compressor to said necked-down portion and a second passage connecting said necked-down portion to a position upstream of said impeller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 5 further comprising: means for rotatably journaling the compressor shaft forward of said compressor hub; and means for sealing said shaft relative to said journaling means, said sealing means being in line with said second passage whereby said sealing means is pressurized.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 2 wherein the difference in the number of threads per unit length between the first and second threaded portions is relatively small, thereby enabling said bolt to assert a substantial axial holding force on said shafts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 1 wherein said locking element has a flange and a series of external splines integral with said portion, the interior of said compressor shaft having a plurality of splines receiving the external splines on said flange, thereby fOrming in combination said locking means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A turbomachine rotor assembly as in claim 8 wherein the number of teeth on said external spline and the number of faces on said socket define a ratio which is a prime number.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |