Assembly of a turbomachine blower housing and a nacelle air duct

Abstract

An assembly of a fan casing (2) of a turbomachine, particularly for aircraft, and a nacelle air duct (3), the turbomachine extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising at least one fan mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X) so as to accelerate an upstream to downstream airflow, the fan casing (2) comprising an upstream flange (21) connected to a downstream flange (31) of the air duct (3) by a plurality of mechanical components (4). The assembly includes at least one stiffening element (5), positioned radially outside the air duct (3), the stiffening element (5) having a U-shape defining a base (50), an upstream arm (52) and a downstream arm (51), the downstream arm (51) being connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air duct (3). (Shortcut figure: Figure 4)

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly of a turbomachine blower housing and a nacelle air duct technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aircraft turbomachinery, in particular, the joining of a nacelle air duct to a turbomachine blower housing.

[0002] In a known manner, with reference to [Fig. 1], an aircraft turbomachine 100 extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a fan 101, rotatably mounted about said longitudinal axis X, which propels the aircraft from an upstream to a downstream flow of accelerated air by the turbomachine 100. Hereafter, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the upstream-to-downstream oriented longitudinal axis X. Similarly, the terms "inside" and "outside" are defined with respect to the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X. In a known manner, the turbomachine 100 comprises a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine to drive the compressor in rotation. In this example, the turbomachine 100 is a dual-flow turbomachine and has a bypass ratio greater than 16.

[0003] The fan 101 comprises a plurality of blades 111. Each blade 111 extends radially about the longitudinal axis X and has a free apex at its distal end. As is known, the turbomachine 100 comprises a fan housing 102 extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X and in which the fan 101 is housed. The fan housing 102 defines an annular cavity for airflow circulation. As is known, with reference to [Fig. 2], the fan housing 102 comprises an upstream flange 121 for mounting upstream of a nacelle air duct 103, also called an "air inlet". As is known, the air sleeve 103 includes a downstream flange 131 connected to the upstream flange 121 of the blower housing 102 by a plurality of mechanical components 104, in particular, bolts.As is known, such an air sleeve 103 fulfills a function of guiding the airflow upstream and towards the blower housing 102.

[0004] In the schematic representation of [Fig. 2], the upstream end of the nacelle air duct 103 is schematically represented as having an upstream nacelle air inlet. A nacelle is conventionally configured to receive equipment forming the outer shell of the turbomachine, in particular around the fan casing 102. Thus, the nacelle air duct 103 forms a radially inner part of the nacelle.

[0005] However, cases of blade loss 111 are known, that is, cases where at least one blade 111 detaches from the fan 101 or a portion of a blade breaks upon impact, for example. In such cases, under the effect of centrifugal force, the blade 111 or the portion of a blade 111 is thrown against the fan housing 102, generating an impact that causes radial displacement of the flanges of the fan housing 102 and the air sleeve 103, particularly at the point where they are connected by the mechanical components 104. As a result, the mechanical components 104 are subjected to bending, which can weaken them and reduce their service life.

[0006] In particular, residual play may develop between the fan casing and the air duct. Such residual play presents numerous drawbacks, such as the risk of potential damage to the turbomachine around its fan in the event of severe ingestion of a foreign object impacting the fan, for example, during the ingestion of very large birds in flight. By limiting the residual play, i.e., the geometric variations in the fan casing, the integrity of the turbomachine is improved in the event of large bird ingestion. Furthermore, residual play could potentially allow a fragment of the fan blade to pass through in the event of an impact. Finally, such residual play could also allow air to flow between the fan casing and the air duct, which could potentially fuel a fire in the assembly formed by the fan casing, the air duct, and the nacelle.

[0007] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to an assembly of a fan housing of a turbomachine, in particular for aircraft, and a nacelle air duct, the turbomachine extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one fan mounted movable in rotation about the longitudinal axis so as to accelerate an upstream to downstream airflow, the fan housing comprising an upstream flange connected to a downstream flange of the air duct by a plurality of mechanical members.

[0009] The assembly is remarkable in that it includes at least one stiffening element, positioned radially outside the air sleeve, the stiffening element having a U-shape defining a base, an upstream arm and a downstream arm, the downstream arm being connected to the downstream flange of the air sleeve.

[0010] Thus, the stiffening element corresponds to a U-shaped stiffening bridge that allows for the absorption of longitudinal, radial, and potentially torsional forces generated at the connection between the blower housing and the air duct, thereby strengthening the connection between the blower housing and the air duct, notably by adding additional stiffness. In the event of blade loss, the The transfer of forces transmitted between the upstream flange of the fan housing and the downstream flange of the air duct by the mechanical components prevents breakage and / or cracking of these components. In particular, this prevents the formation of residual play between the fan housing and the air duct, thus limiting the risk of damage to the turbomachine.

[0011] Preferably, the stiffening element is mounted in a separate manner on the air sleeve.

[0012] The stiffening element can therefore be integrated into an existing turbomachine, by being mounted on the air sleeve of said turbomachine.

[0013] Preferably, the upstream branch of the stiffening element is connected to an upstream flange of the air sleeve, the upstream flange being opposite the downstream flange of the air sleeve, the base of the stiffening element extending between the upstream flange and the downstream flange of the air sleeve.

[0014] The U-shape of the stiffening element cooperates with the section of the air sleeve, allowing the air sleeve to be reinforced on each of its flanges by adding material thickness in a localized manner, allowing additional stiffness to be added and limiting the forces transmitted between the upstream flange of the blower housing and the downstream flange of the air sleeve by the mechanical parts, particularly in the event of blade loss.

[0015] Preferably, the stiffening element conforms to the radially outer surface of the air sleeve.

[0016] This configuration allows better planar contact between the stiffening element and the air sleeve, thus improving their cooperation and further strengthening the air sleeve.

[0017] Preferably, the stiffening element is a single piece. This increases robustness. Alternatively, the stiffening element could be made by assembling several parts.

[0018] Preferably, the stiffening element is connected to the downstream flange of the air sleeve by a mechanical device connecting the upstream flange of the blower housing to the downstream flange of the air sleeve.

[0019] Alternatively, the stiffening element is connected to the downstream flange of the air duct between two mechanical components connecting the upstream flange of the blower housing to the downstream flange of the air duct. Preferably, the connection is made by welding or riveting.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the downstream branch of the stiffening element comprises two legs connected to the downstream flange of the air sleeve and extending on either side of the mechanical member.

[0021] Preferably, a plurality of stiffening elements is distributed circumferentially outside the air sleeve, each downstream branch of each stiffening element being connected to the downstream flange of the air sleeve.

[0022] The multiple stiffening elements distributed along the air sleeve allow for the addition of extra stiffness at various points along the air sleeve, thus limiting the radial forces transmitted between the upstream flange of the blower housing and the downstream flange of the air sleeve by the mechanical components. Consequently, the connection between the air sleeve and the blower housing is more robust along its entire length, reducing the risk of relative radial displacement of the blower housing flanges and the air sleeve, thereby also limiting the bending of the mechanical components and thus their failure and / or cracking in the event of blade loss.

[0023] The invention also relates to a turbomachine, in particular for aircraft, comprising a fan housing and nacelle air duct assembly as previously described, the turbomachine extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one fan mounted movably in rotation in the fan housing along the longitudinal axis so as to accelerate an upstream to downstream airflow. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aircraft turbomachine according to the prior art comprising a fan housing.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a close-up schematic representation in longitudinal half-section of the blower housing of Fig. 1, connected to an air sleeve according to the prior art.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal half-section view of a turbomachine according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a blower housing connected to an air sleeve.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a close schematic representation of the connection between the blower housing and the air sleeve of the nacelle of Fig. 3.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a close schematic representation of the connection between the blower housing and the air sleeve of the nacelle of Fig. 3 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] With reference to [Fig. 3], the invention will be presented for an aircraft turbomachine T, in particular, a turbojet engine. The turbomachine T extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a fan 1 mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis X, which propels the aircraft by means of an airflow entering the turbomachine T and circulating from upstream to downstream. Hereafter, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the longitudinal axis X oriented from upstream to downstream. Similarly, the terms "inside" and "outside" are defined with respect to the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X. In a known manner, the turbomachine T comprises a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine to drive the compressor. Preferably, the turbomachine T is a dual-flow turbomachine and has a bypass ratio greater than 16.

[0032] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the turbomachine T comprises a fan housing 2 and a nacelle air duct 3 mounted upstream of the fan housing 2. The fan housing 2 has at its upstream end an upstream mounting member, corresponding in particular to an upstream flange 21. Similarly, the air duct 3 has at its downstream end a downstream mounting member, corresponding in particular to a downstream flange 31, configured to cooperate with the upstream flange 21 of the fan housing 2. Thus, the air duct 3 can be mounted on the fan housing 2 by means of a plurality of mechanical members 4. Preferably, the flanges 21, 31 extend radially to provide an axial connection through the mechanical members 4.

[0033] As is known, each mechanical element 4 corresponds to bolted screws enabling the connection between the air duct 3 and the blower housing 2 and, more specifically, the retention of the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3 against the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2. In particular, each mechanical element 4 is formed of at least one threaded screw 40 passing through the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2 and the downstream flange of the air duct. The threaded screw 40 has a head bearing against said downstream flange 31 and a foot onto which a nut 41 is screwed, bearing against the upstream flange 21 ([Fig. 4]).

[0034] The entire blower housing 2 and nacelle air duct 3 assembly is notable in that it comprises at least one stiffening element 5. This stiffening element 5 is positioned radially outside the air duct 3. In particular, the stiffening element 5 has a U-shape defining a base 50, a branch upstream 52 and a downstream branch 51. The branches 51, 52 extend radially outwards relative to the base 50. In other words, the stiffening element 5 corresponds to a stiffening bridge whose U-shape allows for the transfer of longitudinal, radial and torsional forces generated at the connection between the blower housing 2 and the air sleeve 3, making the connection between the blower housing 2 and the air sleeve 3 more robust, in particular by adding additional stiffness.

[0035] In particular, and with reference to [Fig. 4], the downstream arm 51 of the stiffening element 5 is connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3. The upstream arm 52 of the stiffening element 5 is, for its part, connected to an upstream flange 32 of the air sleeve 3, the upstream flange 32 being opposite the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3. The connection of the upstream arm 52 to the upstream flange 32 is preferably made by a mechanical device, in particular, in a manner analogous to the connection of the downstream arm 51. It goes without saying that other connections could be suitable.

[0036] Furthermore, the base 50 of the stiffening element 5 extends between the upstream flange 32 and the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3. Thus, the U-shape of the stiffening element 5 cooperates with the section of the air sleeve 3, allowing the air sleeve 3 to be reinforced on each of its flanges by adding material thickness in a localized manner, allowing additional stiffness to be added and allowing the radial forces transmitted between the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2 and the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3 by the mechanical parts 4, in particular in the event of loss of blade 11.

[0037] Preferably, the stiffening element 5 conforms to the radially external surface of the air sleeve 3. This configuration allows for better planar contact between the stiffening element 5 and the air sleeve 3, thus improving their cooperation and further strengthening the air sleeve 3. The stiffening element 5 helps to transmit mechanical forces in the event of loss of the blade 11.

[0038] The stiffening element 5 can be attached to the air sleeve 3, so that it can be integrated into an existing air sleeve 3. In this example, the stiffening element 5 is a single piece, as shown in the figures, simplifying its manufacture and, more importantly, providing greater rigidity. Alternatively, the stiffening element 5 could be made by assembling several parts.

[0039] According to a first embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the stiffening element 5 is connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3 by one of the mechanical components 4 connecting the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2 to the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3. In such an embodiment, an opening is formed in the downstream arm 51 of the stiffening element 5, so as to allow the passage of the screw threaded 40. Advantageously, when the mechanical component 4 is associated with one or more interface components (washer, spacer, etc.), the stiffening element 5 can be associated with the mechanical component 4 in place of one or more interface components. In other words, it is not necessary to replace the mechanical components 4 according to the prior art to allow the mounting of a stiffening element 5, which is advantageous.

[0040] Thus, the head of the threaded screw 40, instead of being in contact against the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3, is in contact against the downstream arm 51 of the stiffening element 5. In other words, the downstream arm 51 of the stiffening element 5 is interposed between the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3 and the head of the threaded screw 40 of the mechanical member 4.

[0041] Such an embodiment makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the connection between the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3 and the upstream flange 21 of the fan housing 2 in a localized manner, that is, at the point where torsion is likely to occur following radial loading. In other words, the drawbacks of the prior art are addressed at their source. The stiffening elements 5 limit the bending of the mechanical component 4 at which said stiffening element 5 is located and prevent, or at least limit, the risk of breakage and / or cracking. Furthermore, such an embodiment makes it possible to add the stiffening element 5 to an existing turbomachine without requiring modification of the air duct 3 or the fan housing 2, or the addition of any extra parts other than the stiffening element 5, thus complicating the assembly and increasing its cost.Thus, this solution is applicable to all turbomachinery on the market and can be implemented practically and quickly during a maintenance step.

[0042] According to a second embodiment, not shown, the stiffening element 5 is connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3 between two mechanical components 4 connecting the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2 to the downstream flange 31 of the air duct 3. This connection can, for example, be made by welding or riveting. Such an embodiment makes it possible to provide practical reinforcement to an existing turbomachine while limiting the number of operations required.

[0043] According to a third embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 5], the downstream arm 51 of the stiffening element 5 comprises two legs 511, 512. The legs 511, 512 are connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3 and extend on either side of the mechanical member 4. In particular, the legs 511, 512 lie in the same plane transverse to the longitudinal axis X and extend on either side of the mechanical member 4, in a circumferential direction radially external to the air sleeve 3. The legs 511, 512 are inclined relative to each other, so as to form an angle. In other words, the legs 511, 512 have a V-shape. The angle formed by the inclination of the legs 511,512 allows the passage of the threaded screw 40. Thus, such a configuration makes it possible to provide reinforcement in a practical way on an existing turbomachine by limiting operations and this even at the level of the mechanical parts 4.

[0044] The assembly may include a plurality of stiffening elements 5 distributed circumferentially on the outside of the air sleeve 3, each downstream arm 51 of each stiffening element 5 being connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3. The plurality of stiffening elements 5 distributed on the air sleeve 3 makes it possible to add, at different points on the air sleeve 3, additional stiffness limiting the radial forces transmitted between the upstream flange 21 of the blower housing 2 and the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3 by the mechanical components 4. Thus, the connection between the air sleeve 3 and the blower housing 2 is more robust overall, limiting the risks of relative radial displacement of the flanges of the blower housing 20 and the air sleeve 3, particularly at the point of their connection by the mechanical components 4, and thus also limiting the bending of the mechanical components 4 and therefore their failure and / or cracking in case of blade loss

[0045] The plurality of stiffening elements 5 distributed circumferentially on the outside of the air sleeve 3 can be connected to the downstream flange 31 of the air sleeve 3 by one of the mechanical members 4 according to the first embodiment described above, or between two mechanical members 4 according to the second embodiment described above, or on either side of the mechanical member 4 according to the third embodiment described above, or a mixture of the different embodiments, i.e. with some of the stiffening elements 5 connected by mechanical members 4, other stiffening elements 5 connected between two mechanical members 4, and / or other stiffening elements 5 comprising two legs 511, 512 connected on either side of the mechanical member 4. The different embodiments are thus not incompatible.

Claims

Demands

1. An assembly of a fan casing (2) of a turbomachine (T), particularly for aircraft, and a nacelle air duct (3), the turbomachine (T) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising at least one fan (1) mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis (X) so as to accelerate an upstream to downstream airflow, the fan casing (2) comprising an upstream flange (21) connected to a downstream flange (31) of the air duct (3) by a plurality of mechanical components (4), an assembly characterized in that it comprises at least one stiffening element (5), positioned radially outside the air duct (3), the stiffening element (5) having a U-shape defining a base (50), an upstream arm (52) and a downstream arm (51), the downstream arm (51) being connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air duct (3).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening element (5) is mounted in a dependent manner on the air sleeve (3).

3. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the upstream arm (52) of the stiffening element (5) is connected to an upstream flange (32) of the air sleeve (3), the upstream flange (32) being opposite the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3), the base (50) of the stiffening element (5) extending between the upstream flange (32) and the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3).

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stiffening element (5) conforms to the radially outer surface of the air sleeve (3).

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stiffening element (5) is monobloc.

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stiffening element (5) is connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3) by a mechanical element (4) connecting the upstream flange (21) of the blower housing (2) to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3).

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stiffening element (5) is connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3) between two mechanical parts (4) connecting the upstream flange (21) of the blower housing (2) to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3).

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the downstream branch (51) of the stiffening element (5) comprises two legs (511, 512) connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3) and extending on either side of the mechanical component (4).

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of stiffening elements (5) are distributed circumferentially outside the air sleeve (3), each downstream branch (51) of each stiffening element (5) being connected to the downstream flange (31) of the air sleeve (3).

10. Turbomachine (T), particularly for aircraft, comprising a fan housing (2) and a nacelle air duct (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the turbomachine (T) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising at least one fan (1) mounted movably for rotation in the fan housing (2) along the longitudinal axis (X) so as to accelerate an upstream to downstream airflow.

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