摘要 |
The present invention relates to a segmented ring mounting (5) for retaining cylindrical components (2, 3) one within the other in a fluid-operated percussion drill tool, such as a downhole rock drill. However, the invention has application to other interengaging cylindrical components which are subject to heavy wear or pressure loading, such as compressors, pumps, borehole tools, casings and drillpipe mountings. The retaining ring (5) seats a smaller diameter cylindrical component (3) within a larger diameter cylindrical component (2), wherein one of the components is formed with a groove (12) or shoulder for seating the retaining ring in use, the ring being capable of radial compression and expansion so as to expand radially into the seating groove or shoulder for retaining the components one within the other in use. The retaining ring comprises at least three segments (7, 8, 9), which when touching end to end form a complete circle, and expansible holding means (11) such as an O-ring, for holding the segments together but allowing the segments to expand radially and move apart by a sufficient amount so as to seat the segments in the groove (12) or against the shoulder. <IMAGE> |