Description:‘DEVICE FOR ACCURATE CENTERING AND SETTING OF HOLLOW CYLINDRICAL COMPONENT OVER SHAFT OF HYDRO PUMP’

FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to device for accurate centering and setting of hollow cylindrical component over shaft of Hydro Pump of Lift Irrigation scheme. More particularly, the present invention also relates to development of device for centering of hollow cylindrical component over Shaft of Hydro Pump, for concentric machining of hollow cylindrical component outer diameter with reference to shaft axis, while there is clearance between inner diameter of hollow cylindrical component and outer diameter of shaft, on lathe machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In rotating machines such as dynamo electric machine used in Power plants or Lift irrigation plants or the likes, it is often required that a diametric clearance is to be maintained between two annular members. In an exemplary means in Lift irrigation system wherein pump impeller and motor shaft are rotatably connected at distal ends of pump shaft.

During manufacturing, Hollow cylindrical component is to be assembled over Hydro Pump shaft as annular member which are engaged as inner member and an outer member respectively. The Annular Hollow cylindrical component is a fabricated cylindrical structure in two halves, split axially. These two halves are fitted over central cylindrical body i.e. hydro shaft and welded together to circumferentially form a hollow cylinder annular to the central cylindrical body of hydro shaft. After Welding, Hollow cylindrical component cannot be removed from shaft. During actual operation at site, central cylindrical body i.e. hydro shaft rotates, while Hollow cylindrical component is fixed with Guide Bearing body and is a stationary component. Sufficient radial clearance is to be maintained between hydro shaft outer diameter and Hollow cylindrical component inner diameter, for rotation of shaft without rubbing. Equal clearance is to be maintained so that shaft does not rub with stationary Hollow cylindrical component, during operation.

During machining of Hollow cylindrical component outer body, after its welding over shaft, it is required to center the Hollow cylindrical component axis with reference to shaft axis. If this Hollow cylindrical component is not properly centered over shaft before its machining, uneven clearance will be there between the hydro shaft and hollow cylindrical component. During operation, in case of vibration this uneven clearance can lead to rubbing and cause accident.

In prior art, for centering of hollow cylindrical component, the hollow cylindrical component is hanged using overhead crane and small wooden and copper wedges are inserted in the gap between hydro shaft outer diameter and hollow cylindrical component inner diameter. In order to achieve equal radial clearance between two components, position of wedges is set manually, by hammering. Considering the small clearance, it is very difficult to center hollow cylindrical component, by fitting small wedges. Centering process takes very long time on big Lathe machine, using overhead crane and wedges.

Now, reference may be made to the following known patents:

Patent EP3205893A1 describes a system which is to be used for tightening / fixing of two annular members, using interference means which is inserted between annular grooves formed circumferentially on an inner surface of the annular element & outer surface of the central cylindrical body. Limit in this patent is such that the interference means used becomes integral part of the system, which may not be required in all cases, such as present case. The prior art also fails to teach how the two annular members will be kept at a radial clearance with respect to each other during manufacturing, without making the interference member an integral part of the annular members.

Patent US8636419B2 pertains to a bearing assembly with annular bodies of plastic material overmoulded on the inner and outer races of one or more bearing units with a set of rolling elements (in this example balls) interposed between races. Limit in this patent is that it uses rolling elements, as a part of assembly, between inner and outer races, to maintain concentricity, which may not be required in all cases, such as present case. The invention in this patent also fails to teach how the two annular members will be kept at a radial clearance with respect to each other during manufacturing, without making the rolling elements an integral part of the assembly.
Thus there exists a need of a device and a method thereof, to accurately center the hollow cylindrical component over shaft of hydro pump of lift irrigation scheme, for concentric machining of the Hollow cylindrical component with shaft.

Hence, the present invention has been proposed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
An object of the present invention is to provide a device for accurate centering of Hollow cylindrical component over Pump Shaft, which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art(s).

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which supports the Hollow cylindrical component over Pump shaft and helps in its quick centering of Hollow cylindrical component with reference to shaft axis.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device, which eliminates the requirement of using Overhead crane during centering operation of Hollow cylindrical component over Shaft.

A further object is to provide a device which reduces the overall assembly and machining time for centering operation of Hollow cylindrical component over Shaft.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the invention proposes a Device (10) for accurate centering and setting of hollow cylindrical component (30) over shaft (20) of Hydro Pump of Lift Irrigation scheme. The said device comprises of a ring assembly (1) of two semicircular halves connected to each other at both ends by fasteners (4,5), wherein the ring assembly is provided with multiple setting blocks (2) along circumference thereof maintaining a gap between the two setting blocks (2), in which each of the setting blocks (2) is placed on the outer surface of the ring assembly (1) with the help of fastener (3).

The fasteners (3,4,5) are screws, bolts, nuts, respectively.

At least two identical devices (10) are fitted at the distal ends of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) using the Bolts (4) and Nuts (5), in which after welding of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) over shaft (20), devices (10) are used for accurate centering of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) with reference to shaft (20) axis, by adjusting multiple screws (3) up / down over the shaft (20) surface.

The inner diameter of said device (10), length and quantity of setting blocks (2) in device, length and size of the screws (3) and sizes of the Bolts (4) and nuts (5) are selected to ensure proper fitting and centering operation of said Hollow cylindrical component (30) over the shaft (20).

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

Figure 1 shows: An illustrative view of a central cylindrical body Hydro Pump shaft with Hollow cylindrical component fitted over it in the invention.

Figure 2 shows: An illustrative view of the Hollow cylindrical component in two halves.

Figure 3 shows: An illustrative view of the proposed device to accurately center the hollow cylindrical component over shaft of hydro pump of lift irrigation scheme according to the present invention.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to invention directing to device for accurate centering and setting of hollow cylindrical component over shaft of Hydro Pump of Lift Irrigation scheme.

Now, reference may be made to figures 1-3.

Accordingly, there is provided a Device for accurate centering and setting of annular Hollow cylindrical component (30) over Shaft (20) of Hydro Pump of Lift Irrigation scheme, wherein the device comprising of a Ring assembly (1), Setting block (2), plurality of threaded means such as Hex screws, Bolt and Nuts (3, 4, 5) as best seen in figure 3.

The device (10) includes a ring assembly (1) of two semicircular halves connected to each other at both ends by means of nuts and bolts (4,5). The ring assembly is provided with multiple setting blocks (2) along its circumference maintaining a gap between the two setting blocks (2) as shown. Each of the setting blocks (2) with screw (3) is placed on the outer surface of the ring assembly (1).

The ring assembly (10) can be made of mild steel without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.

During operation, for fitting and welding work of annular Hollow cylindrical component halves (30) around the shaft (20), a suitable supporting V-block is placed below shaft, which can support annular Hollow cylindrical component lower half (30), while shaft is being supported over rolling supports at distal end. Then, annular Hollow cylindrical component’s lower half (30) is lifted using overhead crane and placed over supporting V-block. Later annular Hollow cylindrical component’s upper half (30) is lifted using overhead crane and placed over Lower half. Joints & edges of Hollow cylindrical component’s lower half (30) and upper half are matched & aligned. After suitable clamping, both halves are welded together to form an annular Hollow cylindrical component.

The Shaft (20) along with fitted Hollow cylindrical component (30) is loaded on Lathe machine and shaft’s axis is aligned with reference to Lathe machine rotation axis. As there is sufficient clearance between Shaft (20) Outer diameter and Hollow cylindrical component (30) Inner diameter, Hollow cylindrical component (30) hangs over shaft. Before machining of outer diameter of Hollow cylindrical component (30), it is required to make Hollow cylindrical component (30) concentric with the shaft axis. For this at least two identical devices (10) are fitted at the distal ends of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) using the Hex Bolts (4) and Hex Nuts (5). Said device (10) fitted over left end of Hollow cylindrical component (30) has its Setting block (2) side towards left side and the device (10) fitted over right end of Hollow cylindrical component has its Setting block (2) side towards right side, so that the Hex screws (3) of devices come over shaft (20) surface. For centering of Hollow cylindrical component (30) over shaft (20), multiple Hex screws (3) are adjusted up / down over shaft surface, in the setting blocks of two devices. Centering of Hollow cylindrical component with reference to hydro shaft axis is checked using dial gauge on Lathe machine. Also the gap between Inner diameter of Hollow cylindrical component (30) and shaft (20) outer diameter can be checked and compared at few places, so as to ensure the concentricity. After centering operation using the devices, wooden wedges are fitted between shaft (20) outer diameter and Hollow cylindrical component Inner diameter, in order to lock the center position of the Hollow cylindrical component. Thereafter, the setting devices (10) are removed by disassembling said Hex Bolts (4) and Hex Nuts (5). Thereafter, machining of outer surfaces of Hollow cylindrical component can be carried out on Lathe machine.

From the above, working of invention can be understood particularly by a person skilled in the art.

Advantages over Prior art:
- Reduction in requirement of overhead crane, thereby reduction in overall cost;
- Accurately center the Hollow cylindrical component over shaft;
- Reduces the overall setting time of centering the Hollow cylindrical component over shaft.

Test Result:
In Model of hydro pump shaft 4-6 days was required for centering, whereas as per proto type the same consumes around 6-8 hrs.

Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A Device (10) for accurate centering and setting of hollow cylindrical component (30) over shaft (20) of Hydro Pump of Lift Irrigation scheme, the said device comprises of:
a ring assembly (1) of two semicircular halves connected to each other at both ends by fasteners (4,5), wherein the ring assembly is provided with multiple setting blocks (2) along circumference thereof maintaining a gap between the two setting blocks (2), in which each of the setting blocks (2) with screw (3) is placed on the outer surface of the ring assembly (1).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fasteners (3,4,5) are screws, bolts, nuts, respectively.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two identical devices (10) are fitted at the distal ends of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) using the Bolts (4) and Nuts (5), in which after welding of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) over shaft (20), the devices (10) are used for accurate centering of the Hollow cylindrical component (30) with reference to shaft (20) axis, by adjusting multiple screws (3) up / down over the shaft (20) surface.

4. The device as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the inner diameter of said device (10), length and quantity of setting blocks (2) in device, length and size of the screws (3) and sizes of the Bolts (4) and nuts (5) are selected to ensure proper fitting and centering operation of said Hollow cylindrical component (30) over the shaft (20).