GB1474710A - Rotary regenerators for use in gas turbine engines - Google Patents

Abstract

1474710 Thermal regenerators FORD MOTOR CO Ltd 25 Oct 1974 [19 Nov 1973] 46196/74 Heading F4K In a rotary thermal regenerator comprising a ceramic disc matrix 10 having a metal rim 12 and rotated within a housing by means of an annular ring gear 14 and including resilient torque transmitting means disposed between said rim 12 and said ring gear 14, a plurality of adjustable mounting means are provided around the ring gear 14 at angularly spaced intervals to support and axially vary the position of the regenerator matrix within the housing. As shown each adjustable means comprises, a bolt 32 including a head 34 and a threaded portion 36 received in aligned openings 28 and 30 in the regenerator housing 24, 26. The bolt 32 is surrounded by a hollow shaft 140 and first and second compression springs 40 and 42. An adjusting nut 38 is positioned on the threaded portion 36. The hollow shaft is formed with a pair of stems 46 and 48 carrying respective bearing wheels 50 and 60 each surrounded by a wear resistant sleeve 56, 62. The ring gear 14 is guided and rotated between the two bearing wheels. The resilient torque transmitting means may comprise a peripheral spring 98 provided with shaped bends 100 and 102 and located between the matrix rim 104, Fig. 8, and the surrounding ring gear 106. The ends of the spring 98 may be joined together by a linking element (108, Fig. 7, not shown). In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the ring gear is provided with a drive flange or projection 112 and the peripheral spring 98 is formed with a projection 114 which is folded around the flange 112 thereby locking the torque transmitting member 98 to the ring gear. Cushion material such as glass fibre reinforced cellulose rubber may be located between the rim of the matrix and the torque transmitting ring 98 (see Figs. 10-12, not shown). The cushion material may comprise a polymer reinforced with windings such as woven glass fibres, carbon fibres or metal wire (see Figs. 13, 13A and 14, not shown). In an alternative embodiment (Fig. 2, not shown), the bearing roller (74) concentrically surrounds the bolt (32<SP>1</SP>) and engages a peripheral groove (84) formed in the ring gear (86). In a further embodiment (Fig. 3, not shown), rollers (50<SP>11</SP>, 60<SP>11</SP>) similar to those shown in Fig. 1 are utilized, said rollers being carried by fork members (84 and 92).