Recovered-cycle aircraft turbine engine

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft turbine engine (10) having: - a compressor (14), - an annular combustion chamber (24), - a system (32) for diffusing and straightening an air stream exiting the compressor in order to supply the combustion chamber, and - a heat exchanger (38), this heat exchanger having: + a first circuit (38a) supplied with exhaust gas from the turbine engine, and + a second circuit (38b) comprising an inlet (38ba) connected by a first scroll (40a) to an outlet (34b) of the diffuser (34), and an outlet (38bb) connected by a second scroll (40b) to an inlet (36a) of the straightener (36), the scrolls (40a, 40b) comprising connecting arms (82, 84) that rigidly connect the annular portions (86, 88, 94) of the scrolls which are secured or connected to the diffuser (34) and to the straightener (36), respectively. Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: RECOVERED CYCLE AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an aircraft turbomachine equipped with a set of scrolls for implementing a recovered cycle.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] An aircraft turbomachine comprises a gas generator comprising, from upstream to downstream, in the direction of gas flow, at least one compressor, an annular combustion chamber, and at least one turbine. The compressor is supplied with air and compresses it. The compressed air is mixed with fuel and burned in the combustion chamber, which supplies combustion gases to the turbine. These combustion gases expand in the turbine and rotate its rotor, which in turn drives the compressor rotor via a common shaft.

[0007] A turbomachine can be equipped with one or more bodies each comprising a compressor rotor connected by a shaft to a turbine rotor.

[0008] There are also turbomachines where a free turbine is mounted downstream of the turbomachine body(s). A turbine is free to the extent that its rotor is not connected by a shaft to a compressor rotor.

[0009] It is thus understood that a turbomachine can comprise several successive compressors (for example a low pressure compressor followed by a high pressure compressor), as well as several successive turbines (for example a high pressure turbine followed by a free turbine or a low pressure turbine).

[0010] In this application, a conventional cycle turbomachine is understood to mean a turbomachine in which the compressed air leaving the compressor(s) directly feeds the combustion chamber.

[0011] Conversely, a recuperative cycle turbomachine is a turbomachine in which the combustion gases flowing out of the turbine(s) are used to heat the compressed air leaving the compressor(s) and intended to supply the combustion chamber. This technology improves the performance of the turbomachine because the quantity of fuel required to reach the operating temperature of the turbomachine is less than that required in a conventional cycle turbomachine.

[0012] Figure 1 very schematically represents a recovered cycle turbomachine.

[0013] The turbomachine 1 comprises from upstream to downstream a compressor 2, an annular combustion chamber 3, a turbine 4 and a free turbine 5. The rotors of the compressor 3 and the turbine 4 are connected together by a shaft 6 and form a single body.

[0014] The turbomachine 1 comprises a heat exchanger 7, a first circuit of which is supplied by combustion gases taken from the outlet of the free turbine 5. The exchanger 7 comprises a second circuit which is supplied with compressed air leaving the compressor 2 and which provides heated compressed air to the combustion chamber 3.

[0015] The integration of this technology can be complicated when the compressor 2 is of the centrifugal type. A centrifugal compressor is a compressor that has an inlet oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine, and an outlet that is oriented radially relative to this axis. This type of compressor is associated with a system for diffusing and straightening the compressed air flow. This system comprises a diffuser-straightener assembly and therefore comprises an annular diffuser that is oriented substantially radially and that is aligned with the outlet of the centrifugal compressor, and an annular straightener that is oriented substantially axially to direct the compressed air flow towards the combustion chamber.

[0016] An integration solution for this technology has already been proposed in the past and consists of using a set of two volutes.

[0017] A volute is a duct wound in a spiral around an axis and whose fluid passage section changes. In the context of the present application, a volute comprises an annular duct wound around the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine and connected to a first port located at the external periphery of the duct and oriented in the tangential direction, and a second port located at the internal periphery of the duct and oriented in the radial direction. A first volute has its second port which is connected to the outlet of the diffuser and its first port which feeds the inlet of the second circuit of the exchanger. The outlet of this second circuit is connected to the first port of the second volute, the second port of which is connected to the inlet of the rectifier.

[0018] The solution proposed in the past consists first of nesting the scrolls one inside the other, from their first ports which are twinned, to the circumferential ends of the smaller section of the ducts. The solution also consists of bringing the scrolls of the centrifugal compressor and the combustion chamber as close as possible.

[0019] The Applicant has already proposed in document FR-A1-3 111 666 scrolls configured and arranged to optimize their size while limiting the heat exchanges between the fluids circulating in their ducts. The scrolls are further designed to facilitate their integration into the turbomachine while limiting the impact on the latter, i.e. by limiting the structural modifications thereof.

[0020] In the current technique, the volutes are fixed to turbomachine casings by fixing flanges. The volutes are connected to a first flange located upstream which is fixed to a compressor casing, and to a second flange located downstream which is fixed to a combustion chamber casing.

[0021] The forces that pass along the turbomachine therefore pass through the volutes which must therefore have a structural function, that is to say a function of transmitting structural forces. In addition, the pressure within the volutes causes additional forces.

[0022] The current geometries of the volutes do not allow the transfer of structural forces, and a phenomenon of "opening" of the volutes risks occurring, this phenomenon having the following consequences:

[0023] - the inability to achieve a volute configuration compatible with the forces present in normal operation, which would lead to a short service life of the volutes and the appearance of cracks in them in normal operation or to the ruin of the volutes under ultimate forces;

[0024] - deformations of the volutes (greater than several millimeters) propagated to the casings and leading to a deterioration of the rotor / stator clearances within the turbomachine, synonymous with degraded performance. Solutions to these problems have already been proposed and consist, for example, of equipping the volutes with screwed tie rods. However, these solutions are not ideal in particular because they impact the sealing of the assembly and degrade the aerodynamic performance by the introduction of non-aerodynamically optimal shapes.

[0025] The present invention provides a solution to the above-mentioned problems, which is simple, effective and economical.

[0026] Summary of the invention

[0027] The invention relates to an aircraft turbomachine, comprising:

[0028] - a compressor extending around an axis,

[0029] - an annular combustion chamber extending around the axis,

[0030] - a system for distributing and straightening a flow of air leaving the compressor to supply the combustion chamber, this system comprising:

[0031] - an annular diffuser which comprises an outlet oriented substantially radially and an inlet supplied by the compressor, and

[0032] - an annular rectifier which includes an outlet for supplying the combustion chamber, and

[0033] - a heat exchanger, this exchanger comprising:

[0034] + a first circuit supplied with exhaust gas from the turbomachine, and

[0035] + a second circuit comprising an inlet connected by a first volute to the outlet of the diffuser, and an outlet connected by a second volute to an inlet of the rectifier, the first and second volutes being joined and each comprising an annular duct wound around the axis A and connected to a first port located at the external periphery of the duct and oriented in a tangential direction, and a second port located at the internal periphery of the duct and defining an annular air passage vein, characterized in that the second port of each of the first and second volutes comprises connecting arms distributed around the axis, these connecting arms extending axially and / or radially through the vein of the second port and rigidly connecting annular portions of the first and second volutes which are fixed or connected respectively to the diffuser and to the rectifier.The invention thus proposes to transmit the structural forces through the volutes by means of the connecting arms. The connecting arms in fact ensure the transmission of forces between the annular portion of the volutes which is fixed or connected to the rectifier or to the first casing, and the annular portion of the volutes which is fixed or connected to the diffuser or to the second casing. These connecting arms are advantageously located in the second ports and therefore outside the air passage sections in the ducts.

[0036] The turbomachine according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following steps or characteristics, considered independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0037] -- the compressor is a centrifugal, axial or mixed compressor,

[0038] - the first volute comprises an upstream annular portion for attachment to the diffuser and / or to a first casing of the turbomachine, this upstream portion defining a part of the duct and of the second port of this volute, first connecting arms extending axially through the vein of the second port of this volute from this upstream annular portion,

[0039] - the upstream annular portion of the first volute comprises an annular flange, for example radially internal, for fixing to the diffuser and / or to the first casing, by elements of the screw type for example,

[0040] - the first and second volutes have in common an intermediate annular portion which defines a part of the conduit and of the second port of each volute, said first connecting arms extending axially through the vein of the second port of the first volute to this intermediate annular portion,

[0041] - the intermediate annular portion comprises air passage channels which are distributed around the axis and which each comprise a first end opening into the first volute, and a second end opening downstream of the diffuser, preferably in the vicinity of the combustion chamber,

[0042] - the air passage channels are inclined from upstream to downstream radially inwards relative to the axis, and are at least partly surrounded by the second volute, - the second volute comprises a downstream annular portion for attachment to the rectifier and / or to a second casing of the turbomachine, this downstream portion defining a part of the duct and of the second port of this volute,

[0043] - the downstream annular portion of the second volute comprises an annular flange for attachment to the diffuser and / or to the second casing, by screw-type elements for example,

[0044] - second connecting arms extend axially through the second port of the second volute from the intermediate portion to the downstream portion,

[0045] - the intermediate and downstream portions are formed in a single piece with the rectifier, the vanes of this rectifier forming second connecting arms between these portions,

[0046] - the parts of the conduits defined by said annular portions have thicknesses greater than those of the rest of these conduits,

[0047] - said annular portions are all formed from a single piece,

[0048] - the number of connecting arms of each of the second ports is between 6 and 60, and preferably between 8 and 20,

[0049] -- the connecting arms are regularly distributed around the axis,

[0050] -- the connecting arms have aerodynamic profiles,

[0051] -- the connecting arms in the vein of the second port of the first volute are aligned with the diffuser blades,

[0052] -- the number of connecting arms in the vein of the second port of the first volute is a submultiple of the number of diffuser blades,

[0053] -- the connecting arms in the vein of the second port of the second volute are aligned with the vanes of the rectifier,

[0054] -- the number of connecting arms in the vein of the second port of the second volute is a submultiple of the number of vanes of the rectifier,

[0055] - the diffuser is bent,

[0056] -- the duct of each of the volutes has an evolving passage section which is maximum at the level of the first port and minimum at a circumferential end of the duct opposite the first port,

[0057] -- the volutes have reversed winding directions so that their first ports are formed by portions of ducts spaced apart from each other and the minimum cross-section of each duct is located at the level of a larger cross-section of the other duct, -- each of the volutes has circular or oval-shaped passage cross-sections extending over an angle of at least 220°,

[0058] - the passage section of the first volute is not nested in the passage section of the other volute.

[0059] Brief description of the figures

[0060] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0061] [Fig.1] Figure 1 is a very schematic view of a recovered cycle aircraft turbomachine;

[0062] [Fig.2] Figure 2 is a partial schematic view in axial section of a recovered cycle aircraft turbomachine;

[0063] [Fig.3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a set of scrolls of the turbomachine of Figure 2;

[0064] [Fig.4] Figure 4 is a schematic axial sectional view of the volute assembly of Figure 3;

[0065] [Fig.5] Figure 5 is a partial schematic view in axial section of a recovered cycle aircraft turbomachine, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0066] [Fig.6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective and axial sectional view of the turbomachine of Figure 5;

[0067] [Fig.7] Figure 7 is a partial schematic view in axial section of a recovered cycle aircraft turbomachine, according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0068] [Fig.8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective and axial sectional view of the turbomachine of Figure 7.

[0069] Detailed description of the invention

[0070] Figure 1 has already been described in the above.

[0071] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate an aircraft turbomachine 10.

[0072] The turbomachine 10 is partially shown in Figure 1 and conventionally comprises at least one compressor, an annular combustion chamber and at least one turbine. In the example shown, the turbomachine 10 comprises one or two successive compressors 12, 14 which are therefore mounted one after the other and which can both be of the centrifugal type.

[0073] The compressors 12, 14 have an annular shape and are coaxial and centered on an axis A which is the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine 10. Each compressor 12, 14 comprises a stator 16 and a bladed rotor 18, called a wheel, which rotates inside the stator 16 and around the axis A.

[0074] In the example shown, each compressor 12, 14 comprises an inlet 20 oriented axially upstream and an outlet 22 oriented radially outwards with respect to the axis A. The expressions upstream and downstream here refer to the general flow of air and gases in the turbomachine 10.

[0075] Compressor 14 is thus located downstream of compressor 12.

[0076] Alternatively, the turbomachine 10 could comprise a single compressor, not necessarily of the centrifugal type. For example, the diffuser may be bent to transform the axial flow at the outlet of an axial compressor into a radial flow as on a centrifugal compressor or any intermediate compressor configuration between centrifugal and axial.

[0077] The turbomachine 10 of FIG. 2 further comprises a combustion chamber 24 which is located downstream of the compressor 14.

[0078] A combustion chamber 24 comprises two annular walls, respectively internal 24a, and external 24b, which define between them an annular cavity into which compressed air from the compressor 14 and fuel from injectors 26 are injected and mixed.

[0079] The walls 24a, 24b are connected to each other by a chamber bottom 28 which has an annular shape and which comprises orifices (not visible) for the passage of compressed air coming from the compressor 14 for supplying the chamber 24.

[0080] The combustion chamber 24 is surrounded by an external annular casing 29 which carries in particular the injectors 26.

[0081] In the example shown, the chamber 24 is of the inverted type because its chamber bottom 28 is located on the downstream side of this chamber. The outlet of the chamber 24 is located on the upstream side of the chamber and is connected to one or more turbines 30 arranged downstream of the chamber. The combustion gases injected into the turbine 30 expand and drive its rotor which is connected by a shaft to the rotor 18 of at least one of the compressors 12, 14 for the purpose of driving them in rotation about the axis A.

[0082] The combustion gases are then discharged into a combustion gas exhaust nozzle which is not shown.

[0083] In a conventional cycle turbomachine 10, the connection of the compressor outlet 14 to the combustion chamber 24 is achieved by an air diffusion and rectification system 32, also called a diffuser-rectifier.

[0084] This system 32 includes:

[0085] - an annular diffuser 34 which is oriented substantially radially and which comprises at its internal periphery an inlet 34a supplied by the compressor 14 and aligned radially with the outlet 22 of the latter, and an outlet 34b at its external periphery which opens radially towards the outside; and

[0086] - an annular rectifier 36 which is oriented substantially axially in the example shown and which comprises at its upstream end an inlet 36a, and at its downstream end an outlet 36b to supply the combustion chamber 24.

[0087] The diffuser 34 is located upstream of the chamber 24 and its walls 24a, 24b and the rectifier 36 extends around the chamber 24 and its walls 24a, 24b and inside the casing 29. The diffuser 34 can be fixed by clamping to the stator 16 of the compressor 12 and / or the compressor 14. The rectifier 36 can be fixed by clamping to the casing 29.

[0088] The diffuser 34 and the rectifier 36 may be vaned.

[0089] In a conventional cycle turbomachine 10, the outlet 34b of the diffuser 34 is directly connected, for example by an L-shaped duct to the inlet 36a of the rectifier 36. Otherwise, the compressed air leaving the compressor 14 directly feeds the combustion chamber 24.

[0090] According to the invention, the turbomachine 10 is of the recovered cycle type, which means that the compressed air leaving the compressor 14 is heated before being injected into the combustion chamber 24.

[0091] The heating of the compressed air is carried out by means of a heat exchanger 38 on the one hand and a set of two volutes 40 on the other hand. The heat exchanger 38 is schematically represented and essentially comprises two circuits 38a, 38b, namely:

[0092] - a first circuit 38a, an inlet 38aa of which is connected to means for sampling exhaust gases at the outlet of the turbines 30 or in the aforementioned exhaust nozzle, and an outlet 38ab which can also be connected to the exhaust nozzle for the purpose of releasing these gases into the atmosphere, and

[0093] - a second circuit 38b comprising an inlet 38ba and an outlet 38bb connected to the set of volutes 40.

[0094] The volute assembly 40 is shown in its entirety in Figure 3 and in section in Figures 2 and 4.

[0095] The assembly 40 comprises two volutes 40a, 40b which are here joined and coaxial.

[0096] Each volute 40a, 40b comprises a conduit wound in a spiral around an axis which is here the axis A, preferably over at least 360° so that the conduit makes at least one turn on itself.

[0097] Each volute 40a, 40b comprises a first port 42 located at the external periphery of the duct and oriented in a tangential direction, and a second port 44 of annular shape located at the internal periphery of the duct and oriented in a substantially radial direction.

[0098] The passage section of the duct can change over its circumference, preferably progressively. The passage section is maximum S1 at the first port 42 of each volute 40a, 40b and minimum S2 at the circumferential end of the duct opposite the first port 42. The set of volutes 40 is connected to the diffuser 34, to the rectifier 36 and to the exchanger 38 in the following manner. The volute 40a has its second port 44 which is connected to the outlet 34b of the diffuser 34 and its first port 42 which supplies the inlet 38ba of the second circuit 38b of the exchanger 38. The outlet 38bb of this second circuit 38b is connected to the first port 42 of the second volute 40b whose second port 44 is connected to the inlet 36a of the rectifier 36.

[0099] In the example shown, the volute 40a is located upstream of the volute 40b. The volutes 40a, 40b each have a passage section of circular or oval shape, preferably over their entire circumferential extent. By oval shape, we mean any elliptical or ovoid shape, or even oblong. Other shapes are however conceivable.

[0100] The volutes 40a, 40b are joined together and, preferably, are not nested within each other so as to limit the heat exchanges between the air flows circulating simultaneously in the two volutes. This means that the passage section of one volute does not encroach on the passage section of the other volute. In the present case, this means that the passage section of each volute is almost complete over 360°. It is for example perfectly circular or almost perfectly circular in the case where the passage section is circular in shape. This angle is at least equal to 220° and preferably tends as much as possible towards 360°.

[0101] Furthermore, the volutes 40a, 40b extend around and at a distance from the casing 29 and are fixed to the latter by clamping, as will be detailed below.

[0102] The plane P is defined as being a junction plane of the volutes 40a, 40b, this plane passing between the volutes and being perpendicular to the axis A. The plane P extends here just upstream of the diffuser 34.

[0103] The duct of each volute 40a, 40b comprises an annular skin which defines the aforementioned passage section and which has a substantially constant thickness, both over its circumferential extent around the axis A but also over its entire extent when considering an axial section of the duct, as visible in figure 2 for example.

[0104] As can be better seen in the figure, a first annular boss 46 is located at the inner periphery of the volute 40a and comprises blind and tapped holes 48 for screwing screws 50. A second annular boss 52 is located at the inner periphery of the volute 40b and comprises blind and tapped holes 54 for screwing screws 56.

[0105] The bosses 46, 50 are applied against annular flanges 58 of the casing 29 or of another external casing of the turbomachine, these flanges 58 comprising orifices for the passage of the screws 50, 56. The screws 50, 56 are oriented axially and regularly spaced around the axis A. The volutes 40a, 40b are thus fixed by clamping.

[0106] The volutes 40a, 40b have reversed winding directions so that their ports 42 are formed by duct portions spaced apart from each other. The ports 42 are independent of each other and are spaced apart and for example substantially diametrically opposed relative to the axis A.

[0107] Thus, the minimum section S2 of each duct is located at the level of a larger section of the other duct. The maximum section S1 of each duct is located at the level of a smaller section of the other duct. This is visible in Figure 3 in particular.

[0108] As can also be seen in Figure 3, the ports 42 each have a generally tubular shape and are coupled respectively to the inlet 38ba and outlet 38bb of the exchanger 38 by suitable means.

[0109] The second port 44 of each volute 40a, 40b comprises two annular walls 60, 62 extending around the axis A and defining between them an air passage vein.

[0110] The walls 60, 62 are substantially parallel and extend radially inwardly from the junction plane P of the volutes and from the annular skins of these volutes. In the example shown, the walls 60, 62 are frustoconical and converge from upstream to downstream radially inwardly. The walls 60, 62 are therefore inclined relative to the plane P.

[0111] In the example shown, the set of volutes 40 is formed from a single piece. The volutes 40a, 40b and their ports 42, 44 are therefore formed from a single piece.

[0112] In the case shown, this results in the fact that the walls 62 of the two ports 44 are merged.

[0113] The walls 60, 62 of the volute 40a have free ends opposite the duct, which define a connector 64 oriented substantially radially for connection to the outlet 34b of the diffuser 34. This connector 64 has an annular shape and can be fixed by screws or the like to the casing 29 or to another casing of the turbomachine.

[0114] The walls 60, 62 of the volute 40b have free ends opposite the duct, which define a connector 66 oriented substantially axially for connection to the inlet 36a of the rectifier 36. This connector 66 has an annular shape and can be attached to the boss 52 and fixed by means of this boss to the casing 29.

[0115] In the example shown, the walls 60, 62 have a thickness similar or identical to that of the skins of the conduits. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.

[0116] The turbomachine 1 of this first embodiment includes all the features described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4 to the extent that they are not contrary to the description which follows. These features are designated by the same reference numbers.

[0117] The diffuser 34 comprises two annular walls 34c, 34d extending around the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine 1. These walls 34c, 34d are oriented radially relative to this axis A and are respectively upstream and downstream walls. These walls 34c, 34d are connected to each other by blades 34e and define between them an air passage vein which is also oriented radially.

[0118] The upstream wall 34e comprises at its outer periphery a cylindrical rim 70 oriented upstream. This rim 70 comprises an outer cylindrical surface 70a and an upstream radial surface 70b. Threaded orifices 72 are formed in this rim 70 and open onto the upstream radial surface 70b.

[0119] An annular casing 74, such as a compressor casing, comprises a downstream annular flange 76 which is applied against the upstream radial surface 70b and which is fixed to the rim 70 and to the diffuser 34 by fixing elements 78 which are here screws. The screws pass through orifices in the flange 76 and are screwed into the threaded orifices 72 in the rim 70.

[0120] The downstream wall 34d comprises at its external periphery an external cylindrical surface 34d1. It also comprises at this periphery an annular tab 80 whose upstream end is connected to the downstream wall 34d and whose downstream end is free and has a radial orientation.

[0121] The external cylindrical surfaces 70b, 34e1 have substantially the same diameter.

[0122] The rectifier 36 comprises two annular walls 36c, 36d extending around the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine 1. These walls 36c, 36d have a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape and are respectively inner 36c and outer 36d walls because they extend one inside the other. These walls 36c, 36d define between them an air passage vein which is oriented axially and in which blades 36e are located. In the example shown, the outer wall 36d is integrated into the second volute 40b or at least the second volute 40b forms the outer wall of the rectifier 36.

[0123] The blades 36e are formed in one piece with the inner wall 36c and are therefore connected to the inner wall 36c by their radially inner ends. The radially outer ends of the blades 36e are surrounded by the second volute 40b and can be rigidly connected to the latter. The inner wall 36c has an upstream portion which is applied radially against the outer surface 34d1 of the downstream wall 34d of the diffuser 34, and which is intended to be interposed between this surface 34d1 and the set of volutes 40.

[0124] The set of volutes 40 of this embodiment differs from that of the previous embodiment in particular by the presence of connecting arms 82, 84 at the level of the second ports 44 of the volutes 40a, 40b.

[0125] In the first embodiment, first connecting arms 82 extend axially through the air passage vein of the second port 44 of the first volute 40a, from an upstream annular portion 86 of the first volute 40a to an intermediate annular portion 88 which is common to the two volutes 40a, 40b.

[0126] The connecting arms 82 preferably have an aerodynamic profile. In the example shown, they each comprise a radially inner leading edge and a radially outer trailing edge. The leading edge has an orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine while the trailing edge has an inclined orientation in the example shown.

[0127] The number of arms 82 is between 6 and 60, for example between 8 and 20. The number of arms 82 may be a submultiple of the number of blades 34e of the diffuser 34.

[0128] The arms 82 are preferably regularly distributed around the axis A. They can be aligned in the radial direction with the vanes of the diffuser 34.

[0129] The upstream annular portion 86 of the first volute 40a is a structural part of the first volute 40a and of the set of volutes 40 and is therefore configured to transmit structural forces in operation and to resist these forces. The upstream portion 86 has a minimum thickness E1 and a maximum thickness E2 of material. These thicknesses are for example measured in the radial direction.

[0130] The upstream portion 86 defines a portion of the second port 44 of the upstream volute 40a, and in particular the upstream wall of this second port 44, and further defines a portion of the duct of this volute 40a. As seen in Figure 5, for a particular cross-section of the duct which has a circular shape around an axis Y1 (perpendicular to the section plane), the upstream portion 86 defines between 5 and 20° (angle a) of the duct around this axis Y1.

[0131] The upstream portion 86 comprises an internal cylindrical surface 86a for radial support on the external cylindrical surface 70b of the diffuser 34. The structural part of the volute 40a is therefore directly applied against the diffuser 34.

[0132] The upstream portion 86 comprises an internal annular flange 90 which is fixed to the diffuser 34. In the example shown, the flange 90 is interposed between the flange 76 and the surface 70a of the diffuser 34. This flange 90 comprises axial orifices for the passage of the aforementioned elements 78.

[0133] When we look at the duct of the first volute 40a in Figure 5, we see that the thickness E1 is greater than or equal to the remainder of the thickness E3, E4 of the duct, and that the thickness E2 is greater than the thickness E3, E4. In the example shown, we see for example that the skin of the duct, which extends from the upstream end of the upstream portion 86, to the side diametrically opposite with respect to the axis Y1, has a small thickness noted E3.

[0134] The skin that extends over the last part of the duct has a thickness E4 slightly greater than E3. Seen in section, we see that, in the area where the skins of the ducts meet, these skins form a Y and have this slight excess thickness E4.

[0135] Second connecting arms 84 extend axially and radially through the air passage vein of the second port 44 of the second volute 40b, from the intermediate annular portion 88 of the first volute 40a to a downstream annular portion 94 of the second volute 40b. The connecting arms 84 preferably have an aerodynamic profile. In the example shown, they each comprise a radially external leading edge and a radially internal trailing edge. The leading edge has an orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine 1 while the trailing edge has an inclined orientation in the example shown.

[0136] The number of arms 84 is for example between 8 and 20. The number of arms 84 can be a sub-multiple of the number of blades 36e of the rectifier 36.

[0137] The arms 84 are preferably regularly distributed around the axis A. They can be axially aligned with the vanes 36e of the rectifier 36.

[0138] The downstream annular portion 94 is a structural part of the second volute 40b and is therefore configured to transmit structural forces in operation and to resist these forces.

[0139] The downstream portion 94 has a minimum thickness E5 and a maximum thickness E6 of material. These thicknesses are measured in the radial or substantially radial direction.

[0140] The downstream portion 94 defines a part of the second port 44 of the downstream volute 40b, and in particular the downstream or external wall of this second port 44, and further defines a part of the duct of this volute 40b. As seen in Figure 5, for a particular cross-section of the duct which has a circular shape around an axis Y2 (perpendicular to the cutting plane), the downstream portion 84 defines between 10 and 30° (angle (3) of the duct around this axis Y2.

[0141] The downstream portion 94 comprises an internal cylindrical surface 94a for radial support on the radially external ends of the blades 36e of the rectifier 36, or for connection to the blades 36e of the rectifier 36. The structural part of the volute 40b is therefore directly applied against the rectifier 36.

[0142] The downstream portion 94 comprises a downstream extension which ends in an annular fixing flange 94b.

[0143] An annular casing 92, such as a combustion chamber casing, comprises an upstream annular flange which is fixed to the flange 94b by fasteners which are here screws.

[0144] When we look at the duct of the second volute 40b in Figure 5, we see that the thickness E5 is greater than or equal to the remainder of the thickness E3, E4 of the duct, and that the thickness E6 is greater than the thickness E3, E4. In the example shown, we see for example that the skin of the duct, which extends between the portion 94 and the aforementioned Y-shaped part has a small thickness E3.

[0145] The intermediate portion 88 is located between the portions 86, 94 and is connected respectively to the arms 82 and to the arms 84.

[0146] This intermediate portion 88 is also a structural part of the volutes 40a, 40b and is therefore configured to transmit structural forces in operation and to resist these forces.

[0147] In the example shown, the intermediate portion 88 has a minimum thickness E7 and a maximum thickness E8 of material.

[0148] Preferably, E1, E5 and E7 are identical or close to each other (within + / -10%).

[0149] Preferably, E2, E6 and E8 are identical or close to each other (within + / -10%).

[0150] The intermediate portion 88 defines a part of the second port 44 of each downstream volute 40a, 40b, and in particular the downstream wall of the second port 44 of the first volute 40a, and the upstream wall of the second port 44 of the second volute 40b.

[0151] The intermediate portion 88 further defines a portion of the duct of the volutes 40a, 40b. As seen in Figure 5, for a particular cross-section of each duct which has a circular shape around the axis Y1, Y2, the intermediate portion 88 defines between 5 and 10° (angle y) of the duct around this axis Y1, Y2.

[0152] The intermediate portion 88 comprises an internal cylindrical surface 88a for radial support on the upstream end of the wall 36c of the rectifier, which is thus clamped radially between the portion 88 and the surface 34d1 of the diffuser 34.

[0153] The common structural part of the volutes 40a, 40b is therefore applied against the diffuser 34 and the rectifier 36.

[0154] The intermediate portion 88 may comprise air passage channels 96 which are distributed around the axis A and which each comprise a first end opening into the duct of the first volute 40, and a second end opening downstream of the diffuser 34 and radially inside the rectifier 36 and in particular its internal wall 36c. As seen in FIG. 5, the channels 96 are aligned with orifices 98 formed in the wall 36c for the passage of air leaving the channels 96. In the example shown, these channels 96 are inclined from upstream to downstream radially inwards relative to the axis A, and are at least partly surrounded by the second volute 40b.

[0155] The aforementioned tab 80 preferably has a frustoconical portion which extends parallel to the general orientation of the channels 96 to guide the air exiting these channels.

[0156] Preferably, this air is used to cool components of a turbomachine turbine, such as the nozzle and the high-pressure turbine ring. Conventionally, in an architecture without an exchanger, the air entering the combustion chamber serves as a cold source for cooling the turbine components. With an exchanger, the air heated by the exchanger and arriving in the chamber can become too hot for adequate cooling of these components. It is therefore useful to have a cold source upstream of the exchanger.

[0157] The arrangement of the air sampling channels 96 at the inlet of the volute 40a makes it possible to combine a sufficiently low temperature and a sufficiently high static pressure at the sampling level to supply the cooling circuit of the turbine components.

[0158] In this embodiment, the annular portions 86, 88, 94 are preferably formed in a single piece with the arms 82, 84. The other parts of the volutes 40a, 40b and of the conduits can be added and welded or brazed onto this piece for example. This is for example the case of the part of the Y-shaped skins mentioned above.

[0159] In this embodiment, the portions 86, 88, 94 are produced independently of the rectifier 36 which is formed by a separate part.

[0160] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the portions 86, 88, 94 are also made in one piece with the rectifier 36.

[0161] Thus the internal wall 36c of the rectifier 36 is integrated into the intermediate portion 88, or more precisely the intermediate portion 88 comprises an annular extension towards the upstream which forms the internal wall 36c of the rectifier 36. The vanes 36e are also an integral part of the portions 86, 88, 94. The vanes 36e may be at a distance from the arms 84 as in the previous embodiment. Alternatively, and as illustrated in the drawings, the arms 84 extend up to between the walls 36c, 36d to form the vanes 36e.

[0162] In yet another variant not shown, the connecting arms 84 could be formed by the vanes 36e of the diffuser which would also be formed in a single piece with the walls 36c, 36d and with the portions 86, 88, 94. The leading edges of the vanes 36e forming the connecting arms 84 would then be located further downstream compared to those in the previous embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Aircraft turbomachine (10), comprising: - a compressor (14) extending around an axis (A), - an annular combustion chamber (24) extending around the axis (A), - a system (32) for diffusing and straightening a flow of air leaving the compressor to supply the combustion chamber, this system comprising: - an annular diffuser (34) which comprises an outlet (34b) oriented substantially radially and an inlet (34a) supplied by the compressor, and - an annular rectifier (36) which comprises an outlet (36b) for supplying the combustion chamber, and - a heat exchanger (38), this exchanger comprising: + a first circuit (38a) supplied with exhaust gas from the turbomachine, and + a second circuit (38b) comprising an inlet (38ba) connected by a first volute (40a) to the outlet (34b) of the diffuser (34), and an outlet (38bb) connected by a second volute (40b) to an inlet (36a) of the rectifier (36), the first and second volutes being joined and each comprising an annular duct wound around the axis (A) and connected to a first port (42) located at the external periphery of the duct and oriented in the tangential direction, and a second port (44) located at the internal periphery of the duct and defining an annular air passage vein, characterized in that the second port (44) of each of the first and second volutes (40a, 40b) comprises connecting arms (82, 84) distributed around the axis (A), these connecting arms extending axially and / or radially through the vein of the second port and rigidly connecting annular portions (86, 88,94) first and second volutes which are fixed or connected respectively to the diffuser (34) and to the rectifier (36)., 2. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 1, in which the first volute (40a) comprises an upstream annular portion (86) for attachment to the diffuser (34) and / or to a first casing (74) of the turbomachine, this portion upstream defining a portion of the conduit and the second port (44) of this volute, first connecting arms (82) extending axially through the vein of the second port of this volute from this upstream annular portion (86).

3. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 2, in which the upstream annular portion (86) of the first volute (40a) comprises an annular flange (90), for example radially internal, for fixing to the diffuser (34) and / or to the first casing (74), by elements (78) of the screw type for example.

4. Turbomachine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first and second volutes (40a, 40b) have in common an intermediate annular portion (88) which defines a part of the duct and of the second port (44) of each volute (40a, 40b), said first connecting arms (82) extending axially through the vein of the second port of the first volute to this intermediate annular portion (88).

5. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 4, in which the intermediate annular portion (88) comprises air passage channels (96) which are distributed around the axis (A) and which each comprise a first end opening into the first volute (40a), and a second end opening downstream of the diffuser (34).

6. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 5, in which the air passage channels (96) are inclined from upstream to downstream radially inwards relative to the axis, and are at least partly surrounded by the second volute (40b).

7. Turbomachine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second volute (40b) comprises a downstream annular portion (94) for attachment to the rectifier (36) and / or to a second casing (92) of the turbomachine, this downstream portion defining a part of the duct and of the second port (44) of this volute.

8. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 7, in which the downstream annular portion (94) of the second volute (40b) comprises an annular flange (94) for attachment to the diffuser (36) and / or to the second casing (92), by elements of the screw type for example.

9. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 7, dependent on one of claims 4 to 6, in which second connecting arms (84) extend axially through the second port (44) of the second volute (40b) from the intermediate portion (88) to the downstream portion (94).

10. Turbomachine (10) according to claim 7, dependent on one of claims 4 to 6, in which the intermediate and downstream portions (88, 94) are formed in a single piece with the rectifier (36), blades (36e) of this rectifier forming second connecting arms (84) between these portions.

11. Turbomachine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the parts of the ducts defined by said annular portions (86, 88, 94) have thicknesses greater than those of the rest of these ducts.

12. Turbomachine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which said annular portions (86, 88, 94) are all formed from a single piece.

13. Turbomachine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the number of connecting arms (82, 84) of each of the second ports (44) is between 6 and 60, and preferably between 8 and 20.

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