Fuel supply nozzle unit having sealing structure

Abstract

A fuel supply nozzle unit includes a fuel supply nozzle, a rear end and an end plate. The fuel supply nozzle includes a front end that has a plurality of fuel supply holes. The rear end extends from the front end and is formed with a threaded portion on its outer surface. The end plate is connected to the rear end and is formed with a plurality of threaded holes.

Claims

1. A fuel supply nozzle unit, comprising: a fuel supply nozzle including a front end, a rear end that extends from the front end, and an end plate coupled to the rear end, wherein the front end includes a plurality of fuel supply holes, the rear end includes a threaded portion, and the end plate includes an arrangement of a plurality of screw holes; a fuel supply nozzle case that includes a plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes, each of the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes being formed with a threaded surface that threadedly engages with the threaded portion of the rear end of the fuel supply nozzle; and a washer disposed at an interface between the end plate and the fuel supply nozzle case, wherein the fuel supply nozzle further includes a stepped portion formed between the end plate and the threaded portion of the rear end, the stepped portion including a cylindrical structure that protrudes from the end plate toward the rear end, has an outer longitudinal surface formed inside the arrangement of the plurality of screw holes, and has an outer diameter greater than a diameter of the threaded portion of the rear end, wherein the stepped portion is integrally formed with each of the end plate and the threaded portion of the rear end, and wherein the fuel supply nozzle case further includes a stepped recess that is configured to receive the stepped portion, the stepped recess communicating with the threaded surface of each of the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes.

2. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, wherein the washer includes an outer periphery and a plurality of protrusions extending from the outer periphery, each protrusion including a distal end that is bent such that an outer peripheral surface and an upper surface of the end plate are enclosed by the distal ends of the plurality of protrusions.

3. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of annular seals having a rectangular cross section disposed at an interface between the outer longitudinal surface of the stepped portion and an inner longitudinal surface of the stepped recess of the fuel supply nozzle case, to form at least one contact surface facing the outer longitudinal surface of the stepped portion.

4. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, further comprising a metal spring disposed at an interface between a bottom surface of the stepped portion of the fuel supply nozzle and a bottom surface of the stepped recess of the fuel supply nozzle case, to form a seal having at least one contact surface facing the bottom surface of the stepped portion.

5. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of screws, wherein the washer includes a plurality of washer holes corresponding to the plurality of screw holes formed in the end plate, and wherein the plurality of screws are respectively disposed through the plurality of washer holes of the washer and into the plurality of screw holes of the end plate.

6. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of annular metal springs has an M-shaped cross section.

7. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of annular metal springs has a V-shaped cross section.

8. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, wherein the front end of the fuel supply nozzle has a cylindrical shape extending from the rear end and includes a distal end formed on the cylindrical shape, the distal end having a conical shape tapered toward the distal end, and wherein the plurality of fuel supply holes are formed in a tapered surface of the distal end.

9. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, wherein the threaded surface of each of the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes includes a first end formed at an inner side of the stepped recess and a second end disposed a predetermined distance from an inlet of the fuel supply nozzle mounting hole, such that the threaded surface extends from the inner side of the stepped recess toward the second end of the threaded surface and such that the inner side of the stepped recess communicates with the first end of the threaded surface.

10. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one annular metal spring disposed at an interface between the outer longitudinal surface of the stepped portion and an inner longitudinal surface of the stepped recess of the fuel supply nozzle case, to form a seal having at least one contact surface facing the outer longitudinal surface of the stepped portion.

11. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 10, wherein each of the at least one annular metal spring has an M-shaped cross section.

12. The fuel supply nozzle unit according to claim 10, wherein each of the at least one annular metal spring has a V-shaped cross section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a top view illustrating a washer having a protrusion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(2) FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a washer having a protrusion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fuel supply nozzle which is provided with a plurality of fuel supply holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a rear end of a combustor which is provided with a plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the fuel supply nozzle which is fitted into the fuel supply nozzle mounting hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the fuel supply nozzle having a plurality of sealing members according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fuel supply nozzle having the plurality of sealing members according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an annular metal spring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an annular V-shaped sealing member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(10) FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an end plate which is provided with a plurality of screw holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(11) FIG. 9B is a front view illustrating an end plate which is provided with a plurality of screw holes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(12) FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a finish gasket ring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(13) FIG. 10B is a front view illustrating a finish gasket ring according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(14) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rear end of the combustor, to which the fuel supply nozzle is fitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same elements, and redundant description thereof will omitted if necessary.

(16) In addition, the expressions that mean ordinal numbers in the specification, such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like, are used for describing various constituent elements without imposing any limitation to the various constituent elements. The expressions that mean the ordinal numbers are used only for distinguishing among the constituent elements of the same kind. when one element is described as being connected or coupled to the other element, it should be understood that one element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but a third element may be interposed between the two elements. In contrast, when one element is described as being directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, it should be understood that a third element is not interposed between the two elements.

(17) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fuel supply nozzle 11 which is provided with a plurality of fuel supply holes 113 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(18) The fuel supply nozzle 11 of the present disclosure includes a front end 110 which is provided with the plurality of fuel supply holes 113, a rear end 111 which extends from the front end 110, and is formed with a threaded portion 114 on its outer surface, and an end plate 112 which is connected to the rear end 111, and is formed with a plurality of screw holes 115.

(19) Meanwhile, a fuel supply nozzle case 12 is provided with a plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120, and the respective fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120 is formed with a threaded surface 121 which is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 114. The fuel supply nozzles 11 are assembled to the fuel supply nozzle case 12 to form a fuel supply nozzle unit 10.

(20) Specifically, the fuel supply nozzle 11 consists of the front end 110 having a conical spray member and the plurality of fuel supply holes 113, and the rear end 111 having a coupling portion which is connected to a rear end of a combustor.

(21) The fuel supply nozzle 11 is fed with a fuel from a fuel storage, and ejects a fuel/air mixture of high pressure into the combustor through the plurality of fuel supply holes 113.

(22) FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120 which are provided in the rear end of the combustor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(23) The rear end of the combustor is provided with the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120, and the respective fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120 has the threaded surface 121 formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The front end 110 of the respective fuel supply nozzles 11 is inserted from the rear end of the combustor, and then is threadedly engaged to the threaded surface 121 formed on the fuel supply nozzle mounting hole 120.

(24) FIG. 4 shows the process of fitting the fuel supply nozzle 11 having the threaded portion 114 into the mounting hole 120 having the threaded surface 121.

(25) More specifically, the conical front end 110 of the fuel supply nozzle 11 is first inserted into the fuel supply nozzle case 12, and then the threaded portion 114 formed on the rear end 111 of the fuel supply nozzle is directly engaged to the fuel supply case 12. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly and firmly engage the components by the engagement of the threaded portion 114.

(26) The fuel supply nozzle unit 10 may be provided with a plurality of sealing members 13 which are provided on an interface between the outer surface of the rear end 111 of the fuel supply nozzle and the inner surface of the plurality of fuel supply nozzle mounting holes 120 formed on the fuel supply nozzle case 12.

(27) FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the fuel supply nozzle 11 having the plurality of sealing members 13 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of sealing members 13 may be provided as a sealing member of a donut shape, and the sealing member of the donut shape is generally positioned in front of the threaded portion 114 formed on the rear end 111 of the fuel supply nozzle. Alternatively, the sealing member may be positioned between the fuel supply nozzle 11 and the fuel supply nozzle case 12.

(28) The sealing member of the donut shape may have a rectangular cross section, and this shape can provide the optimum sealing effect. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the rectangular cross section of the donut-shaped sealing member.

(29) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fuel supply nozzle 11 having the plurality of sealing members 13 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(30) The plurality of sealing members 13 may include a metal spring 130 having at least one contact surface. Specifically, the sealing member 13 may be provided by the M-shaped metal spring 130 having two contact surfaces, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or a V-shaped sealing member 131 having one contact surface, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The present disclosure is not limited to the number of contact surfaces described above, that is, two or less.

(31) The position of the plurality of metal springs 130 is not limited to the location illustrated in FIG. 6. The metal springs may be provided on the interface between the fuel supply nozzle 11 and the fuel supply nozzle case 12.

(32) FIGS. 9A and 9B are a cross-sectional view and a front view illustrating the end plate 112 which is provided with the plurality of screw holes 115 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

(33) As illustrated in the drawings, the fuel supply nozzle 11 includes the end plate 112 connected to the rear end 111, and the end plate 112 provided at the distal end of the fuel supply nozzle 11 is formed to have a width larger than an inner diameter of the mounting hole 120.

(34) The end plate 112 is configured to more firmly connect the fuel supply nozzle, as well as fixing the fuel supply nozzle by the screw structure. The end plate 112 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 115, so that the fuel supply nozzle can be fixed by additional screw engagement using the screw holes 115. The present disclosure is not limited to the number of screw engagement illustrated in FIG. 9, that is, 6.

(35) Preferably, a finish gasket ring 14 may be provided on the interface between the end plate 112 and the fuel supply nozzle case 12 to further improve the sealing effect, and the finish gasket ring 14 is provided with a plurality of holes 140 corresponding to the plurality of screw holes 115 which are formed in the end plate 112 of the fuel supply nozzle 11. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view and a front view illustrating the finish gasket ring 14 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(36) The finish gasket ring 14 is provided with the plurality of holes 140 corresponding to the position and number of the screw holes 115, and is interposed between the rear end of the fuel supply nozzle case 12 and the end plate 112 of the fuel supply nozzle 11 to firmly install and seal the fuel supply nozzle 11.

(37) Meanwhile, a washer 15 provided with a plurality of washer holes 150 corresponding to the plurality of screw holes 115 formed in the end plate 112 of the fuel supply nozzle 11 may be interposed between the end plate 112 and the fuel supply nozzle case 12.

(38) FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the washer 15 having a protrusion 151 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(39) The end plate and the washer 15 are not limited to a specific shape. If the contact area of the end plate 112 is not sufficient, the washer 15 is interposed between the end plate 112 and the fuel supply nozzle case 12 to increase a frictional force upon engagement and thus firmly fix the end plate.

(40) In the case where the end plate 112 is provided with the screw holes 115, the washer 15 is provided with washer holes corresponding to the screw holes 115, similar to the finish gasket ring 14.

(41) In addition, the washer 15 is characterized by having at least one protrusion 151. The protrusion 151 is bent to enclose the end plate 112, so as to prevent the end plate 112 from inadvertently rotating due to vibration or the like produced when the combustor operates which causes the fuel supply nozzle from to be unfastened. Therefore, the protrusion 151 more firmly fixes the end plate. Preferably, the side of the washer 15 is provided with at least one protrusion 151.

(42) The protrusion 151 should have a length and wide enough to enclose the end plate 112 by bending the protrusion from the side of the washer 15 so as to fix the end plate 112.

(43) In particular, the washer 15 can be used even if the end plate 112 is not provided with the screw hole 115. In this instance, the protrusion 151 has an excellent effect of preventing the rotation of the end plate 112.

(44) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rear end of the combustor, to which the fuel supply nozzle 11 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is fitted.

(45) FIG. 11 shows the state in which the fuel supply nozzle 11 is engaged to the fuel supply nozzle case 12. A stepped portion 122 is formed between the end plate 112 and the rear end 111 of the fuel supply nozzle formed with the threaded portion 114.

(46) The stepped portion 122 is configured to improve the sealing effect and the fixing force, and the plurality of sealing members 13 are provided to the longitudinal side of the stepped portion 122. The annular metal spring 130 is inserted at the bottom surface of the stepped portion 122 as the sealing member.

(47) Specifically, in addition to the sealing effect provided by the structure itself of the stepped portion 122, since the sealing members 13 and 130 are added by use of the lateral surface and the bottom surface of the stepped portion 122, the fuel supply nozzle unit 10 having the stepped portion 122 has the superior sealing effect and the fixing force, as compared to the configuration of the screw fastening only.

(48) The embodiments discussed have been presented by way of example only and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of the claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.

(49) Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a Technical Field, the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the Background is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the Brief Summary to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in the claims found herein. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to invention in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty claimed in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims associated with this disclosure, and the claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of the specification, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(50) 10: Fuel Supply Nozzle Unit 11: Fuel Supply Nozzle 12: Fuel Supply Nozzle Case 13: Sealing Member 14: Finish Gasket Ring 15: Washer 110: Front End of Fuel Supply Nozzle 111: Rear End of Fuel Supply Nozzle 112: End Plate 113: Fuel Supply Hole 114: Threaded Portion 115: Screw Hole 116: Axis of Fuel Supply Nozzle 120: Fuel Supply Nozzle Mounting Hole 121: Threaded Surface 122: Stepped Portion 130; Metal Spring 131: V-shaped Sealing Member 140: Hole 150: Washer Hole 151: Protrusion