Turbine outer ring connection structure and turbine engine

Abstract

A turbine outer ring connecting structure comprises a turbine outer ring, a middle casing and a plurality of connecting assemblies, wherein the connecting assembly comprises an elastic beam and a connecting piece, the bottom of the elastic beam comprises a protruding part which abuts against the outer surface of the middle casing to form a gap between the other part of the elastic beam and the middle casing; the column of one end of the connecting piece passes through the through hole on the middle casing and the elastic beam and is fixedly connected with the elastic beam from the inner side of the middle casing, and the other end is connected with the turbine outer ring; the elastic beam provides stable pre-tightening force for the connecting piece and the turbine outer ring through deformation, and the gap between the elastic beam and the middle casing is used for absorbing the thermal deformation of the engine in the radial direction. The application further provides a turbine engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aero-engines, specifically relating to a turbine outer ring connection structure and a turbine engine. Background Technology

[0002] As a key high-temperature component of gas turbine engines, the turbine outer ring must withstand extremely high ambient temperatures during service. Conventional high-temperature alloys are increasingly unable to meet design requirements. Therefore, more and more aero-engines are using ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to replace high-temperature alloys in the manufacture of turbine outer rings. However, the physical properties of CMC turbine outer rings differ significantly from those of the metal middle casing, leading to noticeable thermal deformation mismatch during service, affecting the safety and reliability of the connection structure. Some existing outer ring connection structures absorb some thermal deformation by using elastic washers on the bolt fixing surfaces; however, the washers themselves are also affected by temperature, and alternating temperatures can cause repeated expansion and contraction of the washers, leading to bolt preload decay and loosening. Therefore, providing a turbine outer ring connection structure that can effectively absorb thermal deformation is of great significance for improving engine reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a turbine outer ring connection structure that can effectively absorb the thermal deformation between the turbine outer ring and the intermediate casing. This invention also provides a turbine engine.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a turbine outer ring connection structure is provided, comprising a turbine outer ring, an intermediate casing, and a plurality of connecting components, wherein: the intermediate casing is circumferentially provided with at least one row of mounting through holes penetrating the intermediate casing along the engine radial direction; the connecting components include an elastic beam and a connector; the surface of the elastic beam is provided with at least two mounting holes, the positions of which are respectively aligned with adjacent mounting holes on the intermediate casing; the bottom of the elastic beam is provided with a protrusion between two adjacent mounting holes, abutting against the outer side of the intermediate casing; one end of the connector is configured as a column, extending from the inner side of the intermediate casing and passing through the mounting through holes and the mounting holes, and is fixedly connected to the elastic beam; the other end of the connector is configured as a connecting structure for connecting the turbine outer ring; the elastic beam provides a stable preload for the connection between the connector and the turbine outer ring through elastic deformation, and a certain gap exists between the elastic beam and the intermediate casing, the gap being used to absorb thermal deformation generated along the engine radial direction.

[0005] Because the elastic beam has a protrusion at its bottom, it undergoes elastic deformation during assembly, creating a gap between the elastic beam in the mounting hole area and the middle casing. This gap absorbs thermal deformation generated radially along the engine, improving the stability of the connection structure under engine operating conditions. Simultaneously, the elasticity of the beam provides a stable preload to the connection mechanism under varying temperatures and thermal deformation conditions, preventing fastener loosening or harmful vibrations caused by temperature fluctuations. This connection structure eliminates the need for complex machining of the turbine outer ring; simply providing connecting through holes at appropriate locations allows for effective connection between the turbine outer ring and the middle casing via the connecting components.

[0006] Furthermore, the turbine outer ring includes a mounting rib protruding outward along the circumferential direction of the engine, and the mounting rib is provided with a connecting through hole along the axial direction of the engine; the connecting structure of the connector is configured as a U-shaped fork arm to allow the mounting rib of the turbine outer ring to be inserted into the U-shaped fork arm; the U-shaped fork arm includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is provided with a first pin hole, and the second arm is provided with a second pin hole coaxial with the first pin hole, so as to allow a connecting pin to pass through the first pin hole and the connecting through hole in sequence and be inserted into the second pin hole to fix the turbine outer ring and the connector together. This structure can effectively realize the connection of the turbine outer ring by only opening a connecting through hole on the turbine outer ring, without the need for complex structure processing of the turbine outer ring, thus improving production efficiency and reducing processing difficulty.

[0007] Furthermore, a positioning groove is provided on the outer side of the middle casing. The positioning groove is located between two adjacent mounting through holes to allow the protrusion of the elastic beam to engage in the positioning groove, thereby aligning the adjacent mounting holes on the elastic beam with the two adjacent mounting through holes. The positioning groove facilitates rapid positioning of the elastic beam during assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the elastic beam has two mounting holes, which are located at both ends of the elastic beam. Positioning the mounting holes at both ends of the elastic beam allows for full utilization of its inherent elasticity and facilitates installation.

[0009] Furthermore, the middle casing is provided with two rows of mounting through holes, and the turbine outer ring includes a first mounting rib and a second mounting rib arranged in parallel. The two rows of mounting ribs can provide more stable positioning for the turbine outer ring and prevent the axis of the turbine outer ring from deviating from the engine axis.

[0010] Furthermore, the first mounting rib engages with the U-shaped fork arm to provide axial positioning along the engine axis, and the second mounting rib is configured with a clearance fit to the connector. The first mounting rib provides axial positioning for the turbine outer ring, preventing it from moving back and forth; the second mounting rib is clearance-fitted to the connector to absorb thermal deformation along the engine axis.

[0011] Furthermore, the turbine outer ring includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged outer ring components. Each outer ring component has at least two connecting through holes on a mounting rib. One of the connecting through holes is configured as a circular hole, and the remaining connecting through holes are configured as raceway holes with their major axes along the line connecting the centers of the connecting through holes. The circular hole provides positioning of the turbine outer ring along the engine circumference, and the raceway holes are used to absorb thermal deformation along the engine circumference.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner surface of the middle casing is provided with a positioning structure that matches the contour of the connector, allowing the axis of the turbine outer ring to be parallel to the engine axis when the connector is snapped into the positioning structure from the inside. The positioning structure facilitates quick positioning and installation of the connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the first pin hole is configured as a through hole, and the second pin hole is configured as a blind hole. The second pin hole is configured as a blind hole to prevent the connecting pin from falling off during assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, a vent hole is provided at the end of the second pin hole. The vent hole is used to prevent air pressure in the blind hole from hindering the insertion of the connecting pin.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a turbine engine is provided, employing the turbine outer ring connection structure of any of the foregoing embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the turbine outer ring connection structure in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the middle casing in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the middle casing in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the outer ring single-piece structure in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic beam structure in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5b This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the turbine outer ring connection structure along the longitudinal section of the engine in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the turbine outer ring connection structure along the engine cross section in one embodiment.

[0025] Meaning of the reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1-Outer ring single piece; 2-Middle casing single piece; 3-Connecting assembly; 11-Outer ring wall; 12-First mounting rib; 13-Second mounting rib; 14-Round hole; 15-Runway hole; 21-Middle casing ring wall; 22-Ring wall flange; 23-Middle casing hook; 24-Mounting through hole; 25-Positioning groove; 26-Positioning structure; 31-Elastic beam; 32-Connector; 33-Connecting pin; 34-Fixing nut; 311-Mounting hole; 312-Protrusion; 321-Bolt post; 322-First arm; 323-Second arm; 324-First pin hole; 325-Second pin hole; 326-Ventilation hole.

[0027] The purpose of the above-described drawings is to provide a detailed description of the invention so that those skilled in the art can understand the technical concept of the invention, and not to limit the invention. For the sake of brevity, the above-described drawings only schematically depict the structures related to the technical features of the invention, and do not depict complete parts and all details strictly according to actual scale. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0029] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment herein. The phrase appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it limited to mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments herein can be combined with other embodiments without causing structural conflicts.

[0030] In this description, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms "installation," "connection," "joining," etc., should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to the connection of mechanical structures or the fixing and assembly of physical structures. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this description, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "lateral," "longitudinal," "height," "length," and "width," which indicate orientation or positional relationships, are intended to accurately describe the embodiments and simplify the description, rather than limiting the parts or structures involved to have a specific orientation, or to be installed or operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments in this document.

[0032] In this description, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different counterparts and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or limiting the number, specific order, or primary / secondary relationship of the described technical features. In this description, "multiple" means at least two.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a turbine outer ring connection structure is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a middle casing and a turbine outer ring connected by a connecting component 3, wherein the turbine outer ring and the middle casing are respectively surrounded by multiple outer ring pieces and middle casing pieces.

[0034] The structure of the middle casing unit 2 is as follows Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, with the middle casing annular wall 21 as the boundary, the upper part of the middle casing unit 2 constitutes the outer side of the middle casing, and the middle casing hook 23 is used to mount the middle casing onto the engine; the lower part of the middle casing unit 2 constitutes the inner side of the middle casing, and the annular wall flange 22 matches the corresponding structure of the turbine outer ring. Two pairs of mounting through holes 24 are respectively provided on the outer surface of the middle casing annular wall 21 near the middle casing hook 23. The mounting through holes 24 penetrate the middle casing annular wall 21 radially along the engine. In the middle casing formed by multiple middle casing units 2, these two pairs of mounting through holes 24 respectively constitute two rows of through holes arranged parallel to each other along the circumference of the engine. In some embodiments, the mounting through holes 24 can be set to two or more according to the casing structure design, and the number of rows of mounting through holes 24 can be set to one or more rows; in some embodiments, a positioning groove 25 is provided between two adjacent mounting through holes 24 in the same row; in some embodiments, a positioning structure 26 is also provided on the inner surface of the middle casing annular wall 21, and the position of the positioning structure 26 corresponds one-to-one with the mounting through holes 24, combined with Figure 5a , Figure 5b The positioning structure 26 matches the contour of the connector 32. When the connector 32 is fitted in the positioning structure 26, the axes of its first pin hole 324 and second pin hole 325 are parallel to the engine axis, thereby making the axis of the turbine outer ring also parallel to the engine axis.

[0035] The structure of the outer ring component 1 is as follows Figure 3As shown, the upper part of the outer ring wall 11 forms the outer side of the turbine outer ring. The outer side of the outer ring component 1 is provided with a protruding first mounting rib 12 and a second mounting rib 13. The first mounting rib 12 and the second mounting rib 13 on the multiple outer ring components forming the turbine outer ring respectively form two rib rings protruding outwards along the engine circumference. On the first mounting rib 12 and the second mounting rib 13, two connecting through holes are respectively provided along the engine axial direction, one of which is a circular hole 14, and the other is a raceway hole 15 along the line connecting the centers of the connecting through holes. During assembly, each connecting through hole corresponds one-to-one with the mounting through hole 24 on the middle casing. In some embodiments, the outer ring component can also be connected to the connecting assembly 3 via a hook structure. In some embodiments, depending on the structural design, the outer ring component may have only one mounting rib or multiple mounting ribs; in some embodiments, one or more connecting through holes may be provided on the same mounting rib; in some embodiments, two or more elongated holes may be provided on the same mounting rib.

[0036] Combination Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 6 The connecting assembly 3 includes an elastic beam 31 and a connector 32. One end of the connector 32 is a bolt post 321, which passes through a mounting through hole 24 from the inside of the middle casing ring wall 21, passes through a mounting hole 311 on the elastic beam 31 on the outside of the middle casing ring wall 21, and is then tightened by a fixing nut 34. The other end of the connector 32 is a connecting structure, which is configured as a U-shaped fork arm including a first arm 322 and a second arm 323. The first outer ring rib 12 and the second outer ring rib 13 are each inserted into their respective U-shaped fork arms and fixed by a connecting pin 33 passing through a connecting through hole. In this way, the turbine outer ring is connected to the middle casing. In some embodiments, the connecting structure of the connector 32 can also be configured as a hook or a claw structure according to the structural design of the outer ring, and the bolt post 321 can also be configured as a rivet or a barbed columnar elastic claw or other fixing structure. It is understood that, in specific embodiments, the component structures involved in the above connection relationship may differ depending on the specific structures of the outer ring component 1 and the middle casing component 2.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, during installation, the bottom of the elastic beam 31 can abut against the outer side of the middle casing annular wall 21. The bottom of the elastic beam 31 has a protrusion 312, and each end has a mounting hole 311. When the protrusion 312 is engaged in the positioning groove 25, the two mounting holes 311 are aligned with the mounting through holes 24 on the middle casing unit 21. In some embodiments, the elastic beam 31 may have multiple mounting holes 311. In the installed state, each of these mounting holes 311 is aligned with a mounting through hole 24 on the middle casing unit 21, and a protrusion 312 is provided between each adjacent mounting hole 311. In all embodiments, the structure of the elastic beam 31 should match the structural design of the middle casing.

[0038] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the first arm 322 of the connector 32 has a through first pin hole 324, and the second arm 323 has a blind second pin hole 325. A vent hole 326 is provided at the end of the blind hole of the second pin hole 325. Combined with... Figure 6 During the insertion of the connecting pin 33, the blind end of the second pin hole 325 prevents the connecting pin from slipping out, improving assembly efficiency; while the vent hole 326 prevents the air pressure in the blind hole from hindering the insertion of the connecting pin 33. In some embodiments, the second pin hole 325 can also be configured as a through hole; in other embodiments, for example, when an air guide groove is provided on the connecting pin 33, the vent hole 326 may not be provided at the end of the second pin hole 325, which is a blind hole.

[0039] In the installation state, such as Figure 7 As shown, due to the protrusion 312 at the bottom of the elastic beam 31, there is a certain gap between the other areas of the bottom surface of the elastic beam 31 and the outer surface of the middle casing ring wall 21. When the fixing nut 34 is tightened, the elastic beam 31 will undergo a certain elastic deformation, providing a preload force for the fixing nut 34. At different temperatures, the parts undergo thermal expansion, and the gap between the elastic beam 31 and the middle casing ring wall 21 can absorb the strain along the radial direction of the engine caused by thermal expansion; the elastic beam 31 maintains the relative constant preload force of the fixing nut 34 through its own elasticity to prevent the fixing nut 34 from loosening. The positioning pin 33 is inserted into the circular hole 14 provided on the first mounting rib 12 of the outer ring single piece 1, providing positioning of the outer ring single piece 1 along the circumferential direction of the engine; after the positioning pin 33 is inserted into the runway hole 15, there is a certain gap in the long axis direction of the runway hole 15. This gap can absorb the deformation along the circumferential direction of the engine when the parts undergo thermal expansion. Figure 6As shown, the first mounting rib 12 is tightly engaged in the U-shaped fork of the connecting assembly 3 to provide axial positioning for the outer ring component 1. The second mounting rib 13 has a clearance fit with the U-shaped fork of the connecting assembly 3. This clearance absorbs deformation along the engine axial direction during thermal expansion of the component. The clearance fit can be achieved by setting the second mounting rib 13 to a smaller thickness or by setting the corresponding U-shaped fork to a larger width. In some embodiments, the outer ring component 1 has only one mounting rib, in which case the mounting rib has a transition fit with the connecting assembly 3. In other embodiments, the outer ring component 1 has multiple mounting ribs, in which case one mounting rib is tightly engaged in the connecting assembly 3 to provide axial positioning, while the others have a clearance fit.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly process of the turbine outer ring connection structure is as follows: First, the U-shaped fork arm of the connector 32 is engaged at the corresponding positions of the first mounting rib 12 and the second mounting rib 13 of the outer ring single piece 1, and the connecting pin 33 is inserted through the first pin hole 324 and the connecting through hole on the mounting rib into the second pin hole 325 to complete the fixation. Next, the bolt post 321 of the connector 32 is passed through the mounting through hole 24 from the inside of the middle casing single piece 2, while the contour of the connector 32 is fitted into the positioning structure 26 on the inside of the middle casing single piece 2. On the outside of the middle casing single piece 2, the protrusion 312 of the elastic beam 31 is engaged into the positioning groove 25, so that the bolt post 321 passes through the mounting hole 311 of the elastic beam 31, the fixing nut 34 is tightened on the bolt post 321, and the fixing nuts 34 at both ends of the elastic beam 31 are adjusted to prevent the elastic beam 31 from tilting to one side, thus completing the fixation. This achieves a secure connection between the engine turbine outer ring and the intermediate casing. This connection structure effectively absorbs thermal deformation in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions of the engine, improving engine reliability. It should be understood that in different embodiments, the specific steps of the above process and the connection relationships between parts may vary depending on the structure of the relevant components.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a turbine engine is provided, employing the turbine outer ring connection structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0042] The purpose of the above embodiments is to provide a detailed description of the implementation of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can understand the technical concept of the present invention, and not to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the claims of the present invention, optimization or equivalent substitution of the involved part structure, as well as combination of implementation methods in different embodiments without causing structural and principle conflicts, all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A turbine outer ring connection structure, comprising a turbine outer ring, a middle casing, and multiple connecting components, characterized in that: The middle casing is provided with at least one row of mounting through holes that penetrate the middle casing radially along the engine; The connection assembly includes a flexible beam and a connector; The surface of the elastic beam is provided with at least two mounting holes, the positions of which are aligned with adjacent mounting holes on the middle casing; the bottom of the elastic beam is provided with a protrusion between two adjacent mounting holes, which abuts against the outside of the middle casing; One end of the connector is configured as a column, which protrudes from the inside of the middle casing and passes through the mounting through hole and the mounting hole, and is fixedly connected to the elastic beam; The other end of the connector is configured as a connecting structure for connecting the turbine outer ring; The elastic beam provides a stable preload for the connection between the connector and the turbine outer ring through elastic deformation. There is a certain gap between the elastic beam and the middle casing, which is used to absorb thermal deformation generated along the radial direction of the engine.

2. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turbine outer ring includes a mounting rib that protrudes outward along the circumferential direction of the engine, and the mounting rib is provided with a connecting through hole along the axial direction of the engine. The connecting structure of the connector is configured as a U-shaped fork arm to allow the mounting rib of the turbine outer ring to be inserted into the U-shaped fork arm; the U-shaped fork arm includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is provided with a first pin hole, and the second arm is provided with a second pin hole coaxial with the first pin hole, so as to allow a connecting pin to be inserted into the second pin hole by passing through the first pin hole and the connecting through hole in sequence, so as to fix the turbine outer ring and the connector together.

3. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the middle casing is provided with a positioning groove, which is located between two adjacent mounting through holes to allow the protrusion of the elastic beam to engage in the positioning groove, so that the adjacent mounting holes on the elastic beam are aligned with the two adjacent mounting through holes respectively.

4. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic beam has two mounting holes, which are located at both ends of the elastic beam.

5. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle casing is provided with two rows of mounting through holes, and the turbine outer ring includes a first mounting rib and a second mounting rib arranged in parallel.

6. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mounting rib is engaged in the U-shaped fork arm to form a positioning connector along the engine axis, and the second mounting rib is configured to have a clearance fit with the connector.

7. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The turbine outer ring includes multiple circumferentially arranged outer ring components. Each outer ring component has at least two connecting through holes on a mounting rib. One of the connecting through holes is configured as a circular hole, and the remaining connecting through holes are configured as runway holes with their major axis along the line connecting the centers of the connecting through holes.

8. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the middle casing is provided with a positioning structure that matches the contour of the connector, so that when the connector is snapped into the positioning structure from the inside, the axis of the turbine outer ring is parallel to the engine axis.

9. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pin hole is configured as a through hole, and the second pin hole is configured as a blind hole.

10. The turbine outer ring connection structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, A vent hole is provided at the end of the second pin hole.

11. A turbine engine employing the turbine outer ring connection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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