Locking device for turbine blades

#This application claims priority to German Patent Application DE 102004017193.9 filed Apr. 7, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

#This invention relates to a turbine blade locking device for axial retention of a turbine blade on the turbine disk.

#In the state of the art, it is known to provide the blade roots of turbine blades with a profile to take up the radially directed forces occurring during the operation of a gas turbine.

#In the following, an embodiment of the present invention is described in light of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

#FIG. 1 is a simplified isometric view of a turbine blade with blade root according to the present invention,

#FIG. 2 is a simplified isometric partial view of a turbine disk with locking groove and associated locking pin, and

#FIG. 1 shows a turbine blade 1 which forms one part with a blade root 3. This blade root is provided with a fir tree-style profile, as known from the state of the art.

#On the bottom end area of the blade root 3, a transverse notch 9 is provided which can have a semi-circular cross-section conformal with a cylindrical cross-section of a locking pin 4. As shown, the locking pin 4 has a cylindrical center section and generally rectangular end sections. In an alternative embodiment, the locking pin can have an alternative configuration. For example, the entire length of the locking pin 4 can be generally rectangular in cross-section, and not just the end portions. Other configurations can also be used and the configuration of the transverse notch 9 set accordingly to receive the locking pin 4 in an axially movement prohibiting manner.

#FIG. 1 further shows an elastic element 5 in the form of a blade spring which serves to insert the locking pin 4 into the notch or groove 9, as described below.