EP4711087A1 - Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing - Google Patents

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

Info

Publication number
EP4711087A1
EP4711087A1 EP24200246.7A EP24200246A EP4711087A1 EP 4711087 A1 EP4711087 A1 EP 4711087A1 EP 24200246 A EP24200246 A EP 24200246A EP 4711087 A1 EP4711087 A1 EP 4711087A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bearing housing
tool
slot
peg
axial direction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24200246.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Søren THORØE-BJERRISGAARD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Original Assignee
Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfa Laval Corporate AB filed Critical Alfa Laval Corporate AB
Priority to EP24200246.7A priority Critical patent/EP4711087A1/en
Publication of EP4711087A1 publication Critical patent/EP4711087A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING
    • B25B27/00—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
    • B25B27/02—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same
    • B25B27/06—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same inserting or withdrawing sleeves or bearing races
    • B25B27/062—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same inserting or withdrawing sleeves or bearing races using screws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/07—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft
    • B01F27/071—Fixing of the stirrer to the shaft

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sliding-Contact Bearings (AREA)

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 coupling arrangement (120) comprises at least one tool coupling detail (124) connected to the tool body (110) and configured to releasably engage a bearing housing coupling detail (34) of the bearing housing (30). The tool coupling detail (124) is movable along a axial direction (AD) in relation to the tool body (110) such that an abutment surface (112a) of the tool body (110) is biased against a support surface (32) of the bearing housing (30) in response to moving the tool coupling detail (124) along the axial direction (AD) while the tool coupling detail (124) engages the bearing housing coupling detail (34). 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Given the above, it would be beneficial to have an adequate tool which simplifies lifting of the rotary shaft in relation to the bearing housing.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is easy to attach to the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is easy to detach from the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is quick to attach to the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is firmly attachable to the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is quick to detach from the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is attachable to the bearing housing in a safe way.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is easy to detach from the bearing housing.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is safe to use.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is easy to use.
  • Another objective is to provide such a service tool which is more cost-effective.
  • 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 16. 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.
  • More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided 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 by a coupling arrangement such that an abutment surface of the attachment portion abuts a support surface of the bearing housing, and 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 coupling arrangement comprises at least one tool coupling detail connected to the tool body and configured to releasably engage a bearing housing coupling detail of the bearing housing in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface, and
      • wherein the tool coupling detail is movable along the axial direction in relation to the tool body such that the abutment surface is biased against the support surface in response to moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction while the tool coupling detail engages the bearing housing coupling detail.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The present invention is based on the realization that by providing a service tool which has a coupling arrangement which is engageable in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis and which may bias the service tool against the bearing housing, a service tool which is quick to firmly attach to the bearing housing may be realized. More specifically, the tool body of the service tool may be attached to the bearing housing by rotating or twisting the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface. Thus, the tool body and the service tool as such may quickly and easily be attached to the to the bearing housing by arranging the tool on the bearing housing such that the abutment surface abuts the support surface and thereafter rotating or twisting the tool body in relation to the bearing housing. In this way, the at least one tool coupling detail may releasably engage the bearing housing coupling detail. Further, the abutment surface may be biased against the support surface by moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction while the tool coupling detail engages the bearing housing coupling detail. In this way, the tool body and hence the service tool may be firmly fixed in relation to the bearing housing.
  • 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 by a coupling arrangement such that an abutment surface of the attachment portion abuts a support surface of the bearing housing, and 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • By the coupling arrangement comprising at least one tool coupling detail connected to the tool body and configured to releasably engage a bearing housing coupling detail of the bearing housing in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface, the tool body and the service tool as such may quickly and easily be attached to the to the bearing housing.
  • By the tool coupling detail being movable along the axial direction in relation to the tool body such that the abutment surface is biased against the support surface in response to moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction while the tool coupling detail engages the bearing housing coupling detail, the tool body and the service tool as such may be firmly fixed in relation to the bearing housing.
  • The at least one tool coupling detail may be configured to releasably engage the bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in a range of 5-15 degrees, such as about 10 degrees, in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis.
  • Thus, the tool body and the service tool as such may quickly and easily be attached to the to the bearing housing by rotating the tool body about 10 degrees in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis.
  • The tool coupling detail may comprise a stop configured to counteract rotation of the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the coupling arrangement biases the abutment surface against the support surface, which is advantageous in that unintentional detachment of the tool coupling detail from the bearing housing coupling detail may be counteracted or prevented. Hence, unintentional detachment of the service tool from the bearing housing 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 service tool from the bearing housing may be counteracted or prevented.
  • The tool coupling detail may comprise a slot configured to receive the bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing, the slot comprising a first slot portion and a second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion is located distally of the second slot portion along the axial direction, wherein an end of the second slot portion facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction is at least partially open, and wherein the first slot portion having a first slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second slot portion having a second slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second slot cross section being smaller than the first slot cross section such that at least one slot step is formed at a transition between the first slot portion and the second slot portion, which is advantageous in that the service tool may be attached to the bearing housing without the need for using any tools. Further, the service tool may be attached to the bearing housing in a secure manner.
  • It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "slot step" may mean any surface or surfaces at the transition between the first slot portion and the second slot portion which has a component facing in the axial direction. The slot step may have any suitable shape as long as it has a component facing in the axial direction such that a force for biasing the abutment surface against the support surface may be transferred via the slot step in response to moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction.
  • The slot step may be perpendicular to the axial direction.
  • The slot step may be substantially parallel to the abutment surface.
  • The slot step may be inclined with respect to the axial direction.
  • The slot step may be a seat or form part of part of a seat configured to receive the bearing housing coupling detail.
  • The stop may comprise a notch provided at the slot step, which is advantageous in that unintentional detachment of the tool coupling detail from the bearing housing coupling detail may be counteracted or prevented in an efficient manner. The notch may thus counteract or prevent the bearing housing coupling detail from leaving the slot while the coupling arrangement biases the abutment surface against the support surface. The notch may thus counteract or prevent the bearing housing coupling detail from being translated out of the slot while the coupling arrangement biases the abutment surface against the support surface, such that the tool coupling detail and the bearing housing coupling detail remains engaged while the coupling arrangement biases the abutment surface against the support surface.
  • The notch may divide the slot step in a first slot step portion and a second slot step portion, wherein the first slot step portion being located distally of the second slot step potion along the axial direction, and wherein the first slot step portion being located closer to an engagement opening of the slot as compared to the second slot step portion, which is advantageous in that the bearing housing coupling detail may be prevented or counteracted from leaving or exiting the slot via the engagement opening by the notch when the bearing housing coupling detail bears against the second slot step portion. Thus, the housing coupling detail may be prevented or counteracted from leaving or exiting the slot via the engagement opening when the bearing housing coupling detail engages the slot step inside of the notch as seen from the engagement opening.
  • It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "engagement opening" may mean any opening of the slot via which the bearing housing coupling detail may engage the slot of the tool coupling detail. Thus, the tool coupling detail will in practice engage the slot of the tool coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface.
  • The slot may be configured to receive a bearing housing coupling detail comprising a bearing housing peg comprising a first bearing housing peg portion and a second bearing housing peg portion, wherein the first bearing housing peg portion is located distally of the second bearing housing peg portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first bearing housing peg portion having a first bearing housing peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing peg portion having a second bearing housing peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second bearing housing peg cross section being smaller than the first bearing housing peg cross section such that a bearing housing peg step is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing peg portion and the second bearing housing peg portion, wherein the slot step being configured to interact with the bearing housing peg step when the bearing housing peg is received in the slot thereby counteracting movement of the service tool in relation to the bearing housing along the axial direction, which is advantageous in that slot may provide for a secure and firm engagement with a bearing housing coupling detail of a certain design.
  • The tool coupling detail may be recessed in the tool body at the abutment surface, which is advantageous in that the abutment surface may be made flat and/or smooth. Thus, the abutment surface may abut the support surface of the bearing housing without the tool coupling detail affecting the abutment.
  • The tool coupling detail may comprises a peg configured to be received in the bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing, the peg comprising a first peg portion and a second peg portion, wherein the first peg portion is located proximal of the second peg portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first peg portion having a first peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second peg portion having a second peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second peg cross section being smaller than the first peg cross section such that a peg step is formed at a transition between the first peg portion and the second peg portion, which is advantageous in that the service tool may be attached to the bearing housing without the need for using any tools. Further, the service tool may be attached to the bearing housing in a secure manner.
  • It should be noted that within the context of this application the term "peg step" may mean any surface or surfaces at the transition between the first peg portion and the second peg portion which has a component facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction. The peg step may have any suitable shape as long as it has a component facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction such that a force for biasing the abutment surface against the support surface may be transferred via the peg step in response to moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction.
  • The peg step may be perpendicular to the axial direction.
  • The peg step may be substantially parallel to the abutment surface.
  • The peg step may be inclined with respect to the axial direction.
  • The peg step may be configured to be received in a seat of the bearing housing coupling detail.
  • The peg may be configured to be received in a bearing housing coupling detail comprising a bearing housing slot comprising a first bearing housing slot portion and a second bearing housing slot portion, wherein the first bearing housing slot portion is located proximal of the second bearing housing slot portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first bearing housing slot portion having a first bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing slot portion having a second bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second bearing housing slot cross section being smaller than the first bearing housing slot cross section such that a bearing housing slot step is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing slot portion and the second bearing housing slot portion, wherein the peg step being configured to interact with the bearing housing slot step when the peg is received in the bearing housing slot thereby counteracting movement of the service tool in relation to the bearing housing along the axial direction, which is advantageous in that peg may provide for a secure and firm engagement with a bearing housing coupling detail of a certain design.
  • The tool coupling detail may protrude from the abutment surface, which is advantageous in that the support surface of the bearing housing may be made flat and/or smooth. Further, the tool coupling detail may assist in positioning the service tool correctly in relation to the bearing housing.
  • The tool coupling detail may be substantially rotationally locked in relation to the tool body about a tool coupling detail axis extending along the axial direction, which is advantageous in that the tool coupling detail may be rotationally locked in a way where the tool coupling detail may engage the bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface. Thus, when the tool coupling detail comprises a slot, the tool coupling detail may be rotationally locked such that an engagement opening of the slot may receive a bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface.
  • The tool coupling detail may be movably connected to the tool body via a connection member provided with a tensioning member configured to, when actuated, move the connection member and the tool coupling detail along the axial direction, which is advantageous in that the abutment surface may be biased against the support surface by actuating the tensioning member.
  • The tool coupling detail may be movably connected to the tool body via a rod extending along the axial direction and protruding from the distal portion of the tool body, wherein the rod threadedly engages a threaded member, configured to, when rotated, move the rod and the tool coupling detail along the axial direction by pressing against the distal portion, which is advantageous in that the abutment surface may be biased against the support surface by simply rotating the threaded member. Further, by the rod extending along the axial direction and protruding from the distal portion of the tool body, the threaded member may be easily accessed at a distance from the support surface. In this way, the tool may be operated by a user in a convenient manner. The threaded member may be any type of element which may threadedly engage the rod.
  • The threaded member may comprise a nut.
  • The threaded member may comprise a wing nut.
  • The threaded member may comprise a screw nut.
  • The threaded member may comprise a plate with a threaded opening.
  • The tool coupling detail may be spring loaded along the axial direction towards an attachment position in which the tool coupling detail is engageable by the bearing housing coupling detail, which is advantageous that the engagement between the tool coupling detail and the bearing housing coupling detail may be facilitated. Thus, attachment of the service tool to the bearing housing may be facilitated. Correspondingly, detachment of the service tool from the bearing housing may be facilitated.
  • The coupling arrangement may comprise three circumferentially distributed tool coupling details configured to engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail, which is advantageous in that the tool body may be firmly releasably attached to the bearing housing. Thus, the service tool may be firmly releasably attached to the bearing housing.
  • The coupling arrangement may comprise two or more circumferentially distributed tool coupling details configured to engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail.
  • The tool coupling details may be circumferentially evenly distributed.
  • The tool coupling details may be circumferentially evenly distributed along an outer edge portion of the abutment surface.
  • The tool body may be integrally formed.
  • The tool coupling detail may be integrally formed.
  • 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
    • a bearing housing comprising the bearing housing coupling detail configured to releasably engage the tool coupling detail of the service tool.
  • 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.
  • The tool coupling detail may comprise a slot comprising a first slot portion and a second slot portion, wherein the first slot portion is located distally of the second slot portion along the axial direction, wherein an end of the second slot portion facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction is at least partially open, and wherein the first slot portion having a first slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second slot portion having a second slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second slot cross section being smaller than the first slot cross section such that at least one slot step is formed at a transition between the first slot portion and the second slot portion, and the bearing housing coupling detail may comprise bearing housing peg comprising a first bearing housing peg portion and a second bearing housing peg portion, wherein the first bearing housing peg portion is located distally of the second bearing housing peg portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first bearing housing peg portion having a first bearing housing peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing peg portion having a second bearing housing peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second bearing housing peg cross section being smaller than the first bearing housing peg cross section such that a bearing housing peg step is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing peg portion and the second bearing housing peg portion, wherein the slot step being configured to interact with the bearing housing peg step when the bearing housing peg is received in the slot thereby counteracting movement of the service tool in relation to the bearing housing along the axial direction.
  • The tool coupling detail may comprise a peg comprising a first peg portion and a second peg portion, wherein the first peg portion is located proximal of the second peg portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first peg portion having a first peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second peg portion having a second peg cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second peg cross section being smaller than the first peg cross section such that a peg step is formed at a transition between the first peg portion and the second peg portion, and the bearing housing coupling detail may comprise a bearing housing slot comprising a first bearing housing slot portion and a second bearing housing slot portion, wherein the first bearing housing slot portion is located proximal of the second bearing housing slot portion along the axial direction, and wherein the first bearing housing slot portion having a first bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing slot portion having a second bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second bearing housing slot cross section being smaller than the first bearing housing slot cross section such that a bearing housing slot step is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing slot portion and the second bearing housing slot portion, wherein the peg step being configured to interact with the bearing housing slot step when the peg is received in the bearing housing slot thereby counteracting movement of the service tool in relation to the bearing housing along the axial direction.
  • 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.
  • More specifically, the attachment portion of the tool body may be releasably attached to the bearing housing by the tool coupling releasably engaging the bearing housing coupling detail in response to rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface. Further, the abutment surface may be biased against the support surface by moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction in relation to the tool body along the axial direction while the tool coupling detail engages the bearing housing coupling detail. In this way, the service tool may be quickly firmly attached to the bearing housing.
  • 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.
  • The act of releasably attaching the attachment portion of the tool body to the bearing housing may comprise rotating the tool body in relation to the bearing housing about the translation axis while the abutment surface abuts the support surface, such that the tool coupling detail releasably engages the bearing housing coupling detail.
  • The act of releasably attaching the attachment portion of the tool body to the bearing housing may comprise moving the tool coupling detail along the axial direction in relation to the tool body while the tool coupling detail engages the bearing housing coupling detail, such that the abutment surface is biased against the support surface.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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 forms 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.
    • Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic perspective views illustrating how the service tool of Fig. 2 is attached to a bearing housing.
    • Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a tool coupling detail engaging a bearing housing coupling detail.
    • Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating how a service tool having an alternative exemplifying design is attached to a bearing housing having an alternative exemplifying design.
    • Fig. 7 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 housing 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.
  • 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.
  • The depicted tool 100 comprises a tool body 110. The tool body 110 comprises an attachment portion 112 and a distal portion 114 connected via a set of connection sections 118. The attachment portion 112 is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing 30 by a coupling arrangement 120. More specifically, the attachment portion 112 is configured to be releasably attached to the bearing housing 30 by the coupling arrangement 120 such that an abutment surface 112a of the attachment portion 112 abuts a support surface 32 of the bearing housing 30. Hence, the lower surface, i.e. the abutment surface 112a of the tool body 110, is configured to abut the upper surface, i.e. the support surface 32 of the bearing housing. In this regard it is to be noted that the wordings upper and lower are relative terms, since the tool 100 and the bearing housing may in practice be orientated in any orientation, such as an oblique orientation or an upside-down orientation. The coupling arrangement 120 and how the attachment portion 112 of the tool body 110 may be releasably attached to the bearing housing 30 will be discussed in greater detail further below.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • The translation unit 180 of the depicted tool 100 comprises a screw 182. The screw 182 of the depicted tool 100 is threadedly connected to the distal portion 114. Further, the screw 182 is rotationally connected to the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150. In this way, the translation unit 180 may be actuated by rotating the screw 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 screw 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 screw 182.
  • Hence, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be 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, by rotating the screw 182 of the translation unit 180 in a counterclockwise direction. Correspondingly, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be 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, by rotating the screw 182 of the translation unit 180 in a clockwise direction.
  • 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.
  • Now also turning to Figs. 4A-4C and 5. Figs. 4A-4C illustrates how the tool 100 of Figs. 2-3B may be attached to the bearing housing 30 by means of the coupling arrangement 120. Fig. 5 on the other hand illustrates a detailed view of how the coupling arrangement 120 engages with the bearing housing 30.
  • As best illustrated in Fig. 4A, the coupling arrangement 120 of the depicted tool 100 is configured to engage with bearing housing 30 at three different locations 120a, 120b, 120c. More specifically, the coupling arrangement 120 of the depicted tool 100 is configured to engage with bearing housing 30 at three different circumferentially distributed locations 120a, 120b, 120c. Further, the locations 120a, 120b, 120c of the depicted tool 100 are evenly circumferentially distributed about the translation axis TA.
  • It is however, to be understood that the coupling arrangement 120 may be configured to engage the bearing housing 30 at any suitable number of locations, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10 locations.
  • As best illustrated in Figs. 4B, 4C and 5, the coupling arrangement 120 comprises for each location 120a, 120b, 120c a tool coupling detail 124. Each tool coupling detail 124, like the tool coupling detail of Fig. 5, is connected to the tool body 110. Further each tool coupling detail 124 is configured to releasably engage a bearing housing coupling detail 34 of the bearing housing 30 as best illustrated in Fig. 5. More specifically, as best illustrated in Figs, 4B and 4C, each tool coupling detail 124 is configured to releasably engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail 34 in response to rotating the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA while the abutment surface 112a abuts the support surface 32 of the bearing housing 30, as generally indicated by a set of arrows in Fig. 4B.
  • In practice, the coupling arrangement 120 of the depicted tool comprises three circumferentially distributed tool coupling details 124 configured to engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail 34.
  • In practice, the tool body 110 is positioned on the bearing housing 30 when using the tool 100, such that the abutment surface 112a abuts the support surface 32. To this end, a recess 112b may be provided at the abutment surface 112a for each bearing housing coupling detail 34 since the bearing housing coupling details 34 protrude from the bearing housing 30. Hence, each bearing housing coupling detail 34 may be received in a respective recess 112b prior to being engaged in a respective tool coupling detail 124. Furter, each recess 112b of the depicted tool 100 extends to the periphery of the attachment potion 112. In this way, it is possible to see and verify that a bearing housing coupling detail 34 is received in a recess 112b. More specifically, it is possible to see from the side of the tool 100, that tool body 110 of the tool 100 is correctly positioned in relation to the bearing housing 30 prior to rotating the rotating the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA.
  • As best illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C and 5, the tool coupling detail 124 may be recessed in the tool body 110 at the abutment surface 112a.
  • Further, as best illustrated in Figs. 4B-4C, each depicted tool coupling detail 124 will releasably engage an associated bearing housing coupling detail 34 of the bearing housing 30 in response to rotating the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA while the abutment surface 112a abuts the support surface 32. In practice, when the tool body 110 of the depicted tool is rotated about 10 degrees clockwise in relation to the bearing housing 30 about translation axis TA, each tool coupling detail 124 will engage an associated one of the bearing housing coupling details 34 as schematically indicated in Fig.4 and illustrated in Fig. 5.
  • Further, each tool coupling detail 124 is movable along the axial direction AD in relation to the tool body 110. In this way, the abutment surface 112a will be biased against the support surface 32 in response to moving the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD while each tool coupling detail 124 engages an associated bearing housing coupling detail 34. In other words, the abutment surface 112a of the tool body 110 will pressed against the support surface 32 of the bearing housing as a result on moving the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD, i.e. in an upwards direction of Figs. 2-5.
  • In the following, it will be described how a single tool coupling 124 of the depicted tool 100 is designed and how the tool coupling detail 124 interacts with a bearing housing coupling detail 34 for reasons of simplicity. Correspondingly, it will also be described how a single tool coupling detail 124 of the depicted tool 100 movable along the axial direction AD in relation to the tool body 110 and how the tool coupling detail 124 is connected to the tool body 110 for reasons of simplicity. However, whenever beneficial for the understanding, more than one tool coupling detail 124 and more than one bearing housing coupling detail 34 may be described below.
  • In order to bias the abutment surface 112a of the depicted tool 100 against the support surface 32 in response to moving the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD, the tool coupling detail 124 may, as best illustrated in Figs. 2, 4A and 5, be movably connected to the tool body 110 via a connection member 115 provided with a tensioning member 116. The tensioning member may, as in the depicted tool 100, be configured to, when actuated, move the connection member 115 and the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD.
  • In the depicted tool 100, the connection member 115 comprises a rod 115 and the tensioning member 116 comprises a threaded member 116 in form of a nut 116. The depicted nut 116 is designed to be easily turned by hand while using no tools. It is however to be understood that any type of suitable connection member 115 and any type of suitable tensioning member 116 may be used to advantage in the tool 100. For instance, the connection member 115 may comprise a flexible member, such as a wire. For instance, the connection member 115 may comprise a bolt and be threaded throughout its length. For instance, the tensioning member 116 may comprise a quick lock configured to move the connection member 115 and hence the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD.
  • More specifically, in the depicted tool 100, the tool coupling detail 124 is movably connected to the tool body 110 via a rod 115. The rod 115 extends along the axial direction AD and protrudes from the distal portion 114 of the tool body 110, as best illustrated in Fig. 2. Further, the rod 115 threadedly engages a threaded member 116 in form of a nut 116. The threaded member is configured to, when rotated, move the rod 115 and hence the tool coupling detail 124 along the axial direction AD by pressing against the distal portion 114.
  • Further, the tool coupling detail 124 may be substantially rotationally locked in relation to the tool body 110 about a tool coupling detail axis TCDA extending along the axial direction AD, as best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. To this end, the tool coupling detail 124 may be provided with a pair of flat external surface portions 124a configured to interact with the tool body 110 so as to counteract or prevent the tool coupling detail 124 is rotated about the tool coupling detail axis TCDA. In this way, it may be counteracted or prevented that the tool coupling detail 124 is rotated into a rotational position in which the tool coupling detail 124 cannot releasably engage the bearing housing coupling detail 34. It is however to be understood that any suitable design or feature which is capable of substantially rotationally locking the tool coupling detail 124 in relation to the tool body 110 about the tool coupling detail axis TCDA may be used to advantage. For instance, the tool coupling detail 124 may be provided with a groove or a protrusion configured to engage with a relevant feature of the tool body 110.
  • Further, the tool coupling detail 124 may be spring loaded along the axial direction AD towards an attachment position in which the tool coupling detail 124 is engageable by the bearing housing coupling detail 34. To this end, a spring element 125 may be provided between the tool body 110 and the tool coupling detail 124 as illustrated in Fig. 5. The spring element 125 may, as in the depicted tool 100, push the tool coupling detail 124 in a downwards direction of Fig. 5 such that the bearing housing coupling detail 34 may releasably engage the tool coupling detail 124.
  • As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the tool coupling detail 124 may comprise a slot 124b. The depicted slot 124b is configured to receive the bearing housing coupling detail 34 in response to rotating the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 as have bene described above.
  • Further, the depicted slot 124b comprising a first slot portion 124b:1 and a second slot portion 124b:2. As clearly illustrated in Fig, 5 the first slot portion 124b:1 of the depicted the tool coupling detail 124 is located distally of the second slot portion 124b:2 along the axial direction AD. Further an end of the second slot portion 124b:2 facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction AD is partially open. In this way, the bearing housing coupling detail 34 may protrude into the slot 124b via the partially open end of the second slot portion 124b:2 when the bearing housing coupling detail 34 releasably engages the slot and hence the tool coupling detail 124.
  • Further the first slot portion 124b:1 has a first slot cross section CS1, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The second slot portion 124b:2 has a second slot cross section CS2, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The second slot cross section CS2 of the depicted the tool coupling detail 124 is smaller than the first slot cross section CS1. By this design, at least one slot step 124c is formed at a transition between the first slot portion 124b:1 and the second slot portion 124b:2. However, in the depicted tool coupling detail 124, a pair of opposite slot steps 124c are formed. The slot steps 124c are configured to engage with the tool coupling detail 34 as illustrated in Fig. 5.
  • Further, the tool coupling detail 124 may, as depicted in Fig. 5, comprise a stop 124d configured to counteract rotation of the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA while the coupling arrangement 120 biases the abutment surface 112a against the support surface 32. In this way, unintentional detachment of the tool coupling detail 124 and hence potentially the entire tool 100 from the bearing housing 30 may be counteracted or prevented. In other words, the unintentional detachment of the tool coupling detail 124 form the bearing housing coupling detail 34 may be counteracted or prevented as long as the abutment surface 112a is pressed against the support surface 32. The stop 124d may comprise a notch 124d provided at the slot step 124c as illustrated in Fig, 5. In practice, a notch 124d may be provided at each slot step 124c as illustrated in Fig, 5.
  • Further, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the notch 124d may divide the slot step 124c in a first slot step portion 124c:1 and a second slot step portion 124c:2. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 5 the first slot step portion 124c:1 of the depicted the tool coupling detail 124 is located distally of the second slot step potion 124c:2 along the axial direction AD. Further, the first slot step portion 124c: 1 is located closer to an engagement opening EO of the slot 124b as compared to the second slot step portion 124c:2. In this way, the notch 124d may efficiently counteract rotation of the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA while the coupling arrangement 120 biases the abutment surface 112a against the support surface 32, given that the bearing housing coupling detail 34 interact with the second slot step potion 124c:2 and hence is located inside of the notch 124d as seen from the engagement opening EO.
  • As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the depicted slot 124b may in practice be configured to receive a bearing housing coupling detail 34 comprising a bearing housing peg 34 as best illustrated in Fig. 5. The depicted bearing housing peg 34 comprises a first bearing housing peg portion 34:1 and a second bearing housing peg portion 34:2. The first bearing housing peg portion 34:1 is located distally of the second bearing housing peg portion 34:2 along the axial direction AD. The first bearing housing peg portion 34:1 has a first bearing housing peg cross section BPCS1, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The second bearing housing peg portion 34:2 having a second bearing housing peg cross section BPCS2, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. The second bearing housing peg cross section BPCS2 being smaller than the first bearing housing peg cross section BPCS1 such that a bearing housing peg step 34c is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing peg portion 34:1 and the second bearing housing peg portion 34:2. The slot step 124c is thus configured to interact with the bearing housing peg step 34c when the bearing housing peg 34 is received in the slot 124d as illustrated in Fig. 5. In this way, a movement of the service tool 100 in relation to the bearing housing 30 along the axial direction AD may be counteracted or prevented. In other words, the tool body 110 may be firmly releasably attached to the bearing housing 30.
  • Now turning to Fig. 6. Fig 6 illustrates a service tool 100 and a bearing housing 30 of a different design as compared to above described tool 100 and the above described bearing housing 30. The service tool 100 of Fig. 6 is similar to the above described service tool 100. The bearing housing 30 of Fig. 6 is similar to the above described bearing housing 30. Given the similarities, only differences will be described below. In practice, the tool 100 of Fig. 6 is provided with tool coupling details 124 in form of pegs 144, whereas the bearing housing 30 is provided with bearing housing coupling details 34 in form of slots 34b.
  • As illustrated in Fig. 6, the tool coupling details 124 may protrude from the abutment surface 112a. More specifically, the tool coupling details 124 in form of the pegs 144 may protrude from the abutment surface 112a.
  • In the following, it will be described how a single tool coupling 124 of the depicted tool 100 of Fig. 6 is designed and how the tool coupling detail 124 interacts with a bearing housing coupling detail 34 of the bearing housing 30 of Fig. 6 for reasons of simplicity.
  • More specifically, the tool coupling detail 124 comprises a peg 144. The peg 144 is configured to be received in a bearing housing coupling detail 34 in response to rotating the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30. The bearing housing coupling detail 34 in form of the slot 134 will be described in greater detail below. The depicted peg 144 of Fig. 6 comprises a first peg portion 144:1 and a second peg portion 144:2. The first peg portion 144:1 is located proximal of the second peg portion 144:2 along the axial direction AD. The first peg portion 144:1 has a first peg cross section PCS1, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The second peg portion 144:2 has a second peg cross section PCS2, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction AD. Further as illustrated in Fig. 6, the second peg cross section PCS2 is smaller than the first peg cross section PCS1 such that a peg step 144c is formed at a transition between the first peg portion 144:1 and the second peg portion 144:2.
  • Further, the depicted peg 144 is configured to be received in a bearing housing coupling detail 34 comprising a bearing housing slot 34b as depicted in Fig. 6. The depicted bearing housing slot 34b comprises a first bearing housing slot portion 34b: 1 and a second bearing housing slot portion 34b:2. The first bearing housing slot portion 34b:1 is located proximal of the second bearing housing slot portion 34b:2 along the axial direction AD. The first bearing housing slot portion 34b:1 has a first bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing slot portion 34b:2 has a second bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The second bearing housing slot cross section is smaller than the first bearing housing slot cross section such that a bearing housing slot step 34c is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing slot portion 34b:1 and the second bearing housing slot portion 34b:2. Further, the peg step 144c is configured to interact with the bearing housing slot step 34c when the peg 144 is received in the bearing housing slot 34b. In this way movement of the service tool 100 in relation to the bearing housing 30 along the axial direction AD may be counteracted or prevented. In other words, the tool body 110 may be firmly releasably attached to the bearing housing 30.
  • Further, it is to be noted that what has been described above related to the stop 124d in conjunction with the tool of Figs. 2-5 is equally applicable to the tool 100 of Fig. 6. However, in the tool 100 of Fig. 7, a stop in form of notch may be provided at the bearing housing slot step 34c. in this way, rotation of the tool body 110 in relation to the bearing housing 30 about the translation axis TA while the coupling arrangement 120 biases the abutment surface 112a against the support surface 32 may be counteracted or prevented as have been described above.
  • A tool 100 of any one of the above described kinds and a bearing housing 30 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 at least one tool coupling detail 124 of the coupling arrangement 120 of the tool 100 at hand may releasably engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail 34 of the bearing housing 30 at hand. More specifically, such a service arrangement 200 may comprise a service tool 100 of the above described type, and a bearing housing 30 comprising the bearing housing coupling detail 34 configured to releasably engage the tool coupling detail 124 of the service tool 100.
  • Now turning to Fig. 7. Fig 7 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.
  • The method 300 comprises releasably attaching 302 the attachment portion 112 of the tool body 110 to the bearing housing 30.
  • The method 300 proceeds by releasably attaching 304 the shaft assembly attachment bracket 150 to the end portion of the rotary shaft assembly 20.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 (17)

  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 body (110) 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) by a coupling arrangement (120) such that an abutment surface (112a) of the attachment portion (112) abuts a support surface (32) of the bearing housing, and 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 (110) along a translation axis (TA) extending along the axial direction (AD),
    wherein the coupling arrangement (120) comprises at least one tool coupling detail (124) connected to the tool body (110) and configured to releasably engage a bearing housing coupling detail (34) of the bearing housing (30) in response to rotating the tool body (110) in relation to the bearing housing (30) about the translation axis (TA) while the abutment surface (112a) abuts the support surface (32), and
    wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is movable along the axial direction (AD) in relation to the tool body (110) such that the abutment surface (112a) is biased against the support surface (32) in response to moving the tool coupling detail (124) along the axial direction (AD) while the tool coupling detail (124) engages the bearing housing coupling detail (34).
  2. The service tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) comprises a stop (124d) configured to counteract rotation of the tool body (110) in relation to the bearing housing (30) about the translation axis (TA) while the coupling arrangement (120) biases the abutment surface (112a) against the support surface (32).
  3. The service tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) comprises a slot (124b) configured to receive the bearing housing coupling detail (34) in response to rotating the tool body (110) in relation to the bearing housing (30), the slot (124b) comprising a first slot portion (124b:1) and a second slot portion (124b:2), wherein the first slot portion (124b:1) is located distally of the second slot portion (124b:2) along the axial direction (AD), wherein an end of the second slot portion (124b:2) facing in a direction opposite to the axial direction (AD) is at least partially open, and wherein the first slot portion (124b:1) having a first slot cross section (CS1), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second slot portion (124b:2) having a second slot cross section (CS2), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (AD), the second slot cross section (CS2) being smaller than the first slot cross section (CS1) such that at least one slot step (124c) is formed at a transition between the first slot portion (124b:1) and the second slot portion (124b:2).
  4. The service tool (100) according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the stop (124d) comprises a notch (124d) provided at the slot step (124c).
  5. The service tool (100) according to claim 4, wherein the notch (124d) divides the slot step (124c) in a first slot step portion (124c:1) and a second slot step portion (124c:2), wherein the first slot step portion (124c:1) being located distally of the second slot step potion (124c:2) along the axial direction (AD), and wherein the first slot step portion (124c:1) being located closer to an engagement opening (EO) of the slot (124b) as compared to the second slot step portion (124c:2).
  6. The service tool according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the slot (124b) being configured to receive a bearing housing coupling detail (34) comprising a bearing housing peg (34) comprising a first bearing housing peg portion (34:1) and a second bearing housing peg portion (34:2), wherein the first bearing housing peg portion (34:1) is located distally of the second bearing housing peg portion (34:2) along the axial direction (AD), and wherein the first bearing housing peg portion (34:1) having a first bearing housing peg cross section (BPCS1), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (AD), and the second bearing housing peg portion (34:2) having a second bearing housing peg cross section (BPCS2), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (AD), the second bearing housing peg cross section (BPCS2) being smaller than the first bearing housing peg cross section (BPCS1) such that a bearing housing peg step (34c) is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing peg portion (34:1) and the second bearing housing peg portion (34:2), wherein the slot step (124c) being configured to interact with the bearing housing peg step (34c) when the bearing housing peg (34) is received in the slot (124d) thereby counteracting movement of the service tool (100) in relation to the bearing housing (30) along the axial direction (AD).
  7. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is recessed in the tool body (110) at the abutment surface (112a).
  8. The service tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) comprises a peg (144) configured to be received in the bearing housing coupling detail (34) in response to rotating the tool body (110) in relation to the bearing housing (30), the peg (144) comprising a first peg portion (144:1) and a second peg portion (144:2), wherein the first peg portion (144:1) is located proximal of the second peg portion (144:2) along the axial direction (AD), and wherein the first peg portion (144:1) having a first peg cross section (PCS1), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second peg portion (144:2) having a second peg cross section (PCS2), in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (AD), the second peg cross section (PCS2) being smaller than the first peg cross section (PCS1) such that a peg step (144c) is formed at a transition between the first peg portion (144:1) and the second peg portion (144:2).
  9. The service tool according to claim 8, wherein the peg (144) being configured to be received in a bearing housing coupling detail (124) comprising a bearing housing slot (34b) comprising a first bearing housing slot portion (34b:1) and a second bearing housing slot portion (34b:2), wherein the first bearing housing slot portion (34b:1) is located proximal of the second bearing housing slot portion (34b:2) along the axial direction (AD), and wherein the first bearing housing slot portion (34b:1) having a first bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the second bearing housing slot portion (34b:2) having a second bearing housing slot cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, the second bearing housing slot cross section being smaller than the first bearing housing slot cross section such that a bearing housing slot step (34c) is formed at a transition between the first bearing housing slot portion (34b:1) and the second bearing housing slot portion (34b:2), wherein the peg step (144c) being configured to interact with the bearing housing slot step (34c) when the peg (144) is received in the bearing housing slot (34b) thereby counteracting movement of the service tool (100) in relation to the bearing housing (30) along the axial direction (AD).
  10. The service tool (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) protrudes from the abutment surface (112a).
  11. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is substantially rotationally locked in relation to the tool body (110) about a tool coupling detail axis (TCDA) extending along the axial direction (AD).
  12. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is movably connected to the tool body (110) via a connection member (115) provided with a tensioning member (116) configured to, when actuated, move the connection member (115) and the tool coupling detail (124) along the axial direction (AD).
  13. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is movably connected to the tool body (110) via a rod (115) extending along the axial direction (AD) and protruding from the distal portion (114) of the tool body (110), wherein the rod (115) threadedly engages a threaded member (116), configured to, when rotated, move the rod (115) and the tool coupling detail (124) along the axial direction (AD) by pressing against the distal portion (114).
  14. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool coupling detail (124) is spring loaded along the axial direction (AD) towards an attachment position in which the tool coupling detail (124) is engageable by the bearing housing coupling detail (34).
  15. The service tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling arrangement (120) comprises three circumferentially distributed tool coupling details (124) configured to engage a respective bearing housing coupling detail (34).
  16. 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
    a bearing housing (30) comprising the bearing housing coupling detail (34) configured to releasably engage the tool coupling detail (124) of the service tool (100).
  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 - 15, 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).
EP24200246.7A 2024-09-13 2024-09-13 Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing Pending EP4711087A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24200246.7A EP4711087A1 (en) 2024-09-13 2024-09-13 Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24200246.7A EP4711087A1 (en) 2024-09-13 2024-09-13 Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4711087A1 true EP4711087A1 (en) 2026-03-18

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24200246.7A Pending EP4711087A1 (en) 2024-09-13 2024-09-13 Service tool, service arrangement and method of translating a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system in relation to a bearing housing

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EP (1) EP4711087A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20130074500A (en) * 2011-12-26 2013-07-04 부산교통공사 Bearing puller for air end of main air compressor in subway train

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20130074500A (en) * 2011-12-26 2013-07-04 부산교통공사 Bearing puller for air end of main air compressor in subway train

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