Housing for a fluid flow engine

Abstract

A housing ( 1 ) for a fluid flow engine comprises a first rotor space ( 2 ) for receiving and housing a turbine rotor, a bearing space ( 4 ) to house a shaft ( 5 ) of said turbine rotor, and a second rotor space ( 3 ) for receiving and housing a compressor rotor. The housing portions, which surround the bearing space ( 4 ), are integrally formed at least in part with those portions that surround at least one of the rotor spaces ( 2,3 ).

1 - 6 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       7 . A housing ( 1 ) for a fluid flow engine, said housing comprising: 
 a first rotor space ( 2 ) for receiving a turbine rotor ( 2 ′) and comprising flow conduits for supply and removal of a gas ( 6 , 23 );    a second rotor space ( 3 ) for receiving a compressor rotor ( 3 ′) and comprising flow conduits for supply and removal of a gas ( 17 , 7 );    a bearing space ( 4 ) for a shaft ( 5 ) comprising a first end adapted to be axially attached to said turbine rotor ( 2 ′), and a second end adapted to be axially attached to said compressor rotor ( 3 ′);    wherein said housing ( 1 ) is formed as one piece and at least one of said spaces ( 2 , 3 , 4 ) surrounds each said rotor ( 2 ′, 3 ′).    
   
   
       8 . The housing of  claim 7 , wherein all three said spaces ( 2 - 4 ) are defined by a unitary housing ( 1 ).  
   
   
       9 . The housing of  claim 7 , wherein said bearing space ( 4 ) is larger than the diameter of said shaft ( 5 ) for receiving a bearing ( 13 ,  13 ′).  
   
   
       10 . The housing of  claim 8 , wherein said housing ( 1 ) comprises at least one supply support ( 8  or  9 ) for channeling a gas to the associated supply channel ( 6  or  7 ).  
   
   
       11 . The housing of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one means ( 15 ,  16 ) for axially fixing the bearing, wherein said means are located at at least one end of the bearing space ( 4 ).  
   
   
       12 . The housing of  claim 7 , wherein said means ( 15 ,  16 ) for axially fixing the bearing are located at both ends of the bearing space ( 4 ).  
   
   
       13 . The housing of  claim 11 , wherein the bearing space ( 4 ) further comprises a radially inward directed ring-wall ( 15 ) at one end of said bearing space for mounting and axially fixing the shaft ( 5 ).  
   
   
       14 . The housing of  claim 13 , wherein said ring-wall is an axial bearing.