FLANGE CONNECTION AND TURBOCHARGER HEREBY

Abstract

The invention relates to a profile clamp (1) comprising a profile strip (2) which extends in a peripheral direction (U) about a clamp centre (Z) and has two clamping heads (3, 4) which are connected to one another by means of a clamping element (5), wherein a profile groove (10) that extends in the peripheral direction (U) and has a profile strip sole (11) located at least in sections between groove flanks (12, 13) is formed on an inner side (I) of the profile strip (2), and wherein the profile clamp (1) has a securing feature (20) on the inner side (I) of the profile strip (2) which projects into the profile groove (10) and / or projects from the profile strip sole (11) in the direction of the clamp centre (Z). The invention also relates to a flange connection (50) comprising a first and a second component flange (51, 52) which are located opposite one another in a longitudinal direction (L), the first and second component flanges (51, 52) each having a recess (53, 54), a profile clamp (1) according to the invention bracing the two component flanges (51, 52) to one another, and the securing feature (20) projecting into the two recesses (53, 54) and thereby forming an anti-rotation lock between the first and the second component flange (51, 52). Finally, the invention also relates to a turbocharger (70) comprising such a flange connection (50).

Description

[0001] Profile clamp, flange connection and turbocharger hereby

[0002] The invention relates to a profile clamp according to the preamble of claim 1, a flange connection therewith according to claim 8 and a turbocharger with such a flange connection according to claim 13.

[0003] A profile clamp can be used, for example, to fluid-tightly connect two pipe ends or two housings equipped with radially outward-facing flanges. For this purpose, the flanges are positioned relative to each other, and the profile clamp is placed on the flanges using a tensionable, split profile band. The flanges are secured to each other by tensioning the profile clamp, with axial and radial holding forces acting on the flanges. For this purpose, a profile band of the profile clamp typically has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section, which is brought into surface contact with the flanges. A profile clamp of this type is shown as an example in DE 102009 039 862 A1.

[0004] The disadvantage of such a clamp is that, in various technical applications, components comprising the flanges to be connected are subjected to torsional forces. However, these forces are not adequately counteracted by the axial and radial clamping forces of the profile clamp. For example, such torsional forces exist in the connection between a turbine housing and a compressor housing of a turbocharger. This can lead to the connected components twisting relative to one another. In turbochargers, high clamping forces of the profile clamp are used for this purpose, generating enough friction to counteract the relative twisting. However, due to creep, stretching, temperature fluctuations, loosening of fasteners, and the like, these necessary high clamping forces can decrease over time.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to develop technical solutions that better, reliably, and permanently counteract torsional forces between two component flanges connected by a profile clamp. These technical solutions should also be feasible in the smallest possible space and be cost-effective.

[0006] Main features of the invention are set out in the characterizing part of claim 1, as well as in claims 8 and 13. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 7, 9 to 12 and the description.

[0007] The invention relates to a profile clamp with a profile band extending in a circumferential direction around a clamp center and having two clamping heads connected to one another via a clamping element. A circumferentially extending profile groove is formed on an inner side of the profile band, said profile groove having a profile band base arranged at least partially between groove flanks. This profile clamp is provided with a securing feature on the inner side of the profile band, which either protrudes into the profile groove, or protrudes from the profile band base toward the clamp center, or protrudes into the profile groove and from the profile band base toward the clamp center.

[0008] When connecting two component flanges, this profile clamp according to the invention ensures that the profile groove can continue to apply axial clamping forces to the component flanges and secures the component flanges against transverse displacement, while the locking feature provides additional anti-twist protection for the profile clamp relative to the first and / or second component flange, and preferably between the first and second component flanges. This anti-twist protection is also permanently maintained, even if the clamping force of the profile clamp decreases over time due to creep, expansion, temperature fluctuations, loosening of fasteners, and the like. The solution can basically be used in all applications in which a profile strip is intended to connect two flanges and where higher requirements for slip torque resistance are necessary.With this profile clamp, the profile groove can have a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. This is geometrically simple to manufacture and suitable for clamping the two flanges against each other with axial force in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] Optionally, the profile strip can have a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. This is particularly easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the profile strip can be made of metal. Manufacturing is particularly cost-effective if the profile strip is produced by forming a metal plate.

[0010] According to one variant of the profile clamp, the securing feature comprises a first securing pin that protrudes into the profile groove, or protrudes from the profile band base toward the clamp center, or protrudes into the profile groove and from the profile band base toward the clamp center. Such a securing pin is inexpensive and usually sufficient to provide sufficiently stable anti-twist protection. In most applications, the torsional forces are not expected to be so high that they could cause the securing pin to shear off.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the securing feature has a second securing pin which projects into the profile groove, or projects from the profile band sole in the direction of the clamp center, or projects into the profile groove and from the profile band sole in the direction of the clamp center, wherein the second securing pin is arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the first securing pin and / or offset in a longitudinal direction of the profile clamp running transversely to the circumferential direction to the first securing pin.

[0012] An offset in the circumferential direction is suitable for increasing the torsional forces that can be absorbed by the locking feature. On the one hand, this can simply double the absorbable forces. Alternatively, the locking pins can also be designed to absorb forces in one of the two circumferential directions. In this case, the first and second locking pins can be aligned in opposite directions so that equal torsional forces can be absorbed in both circumferential directions.

[0013] In contrast, a longitudinal offset can be used to ensure that the first locking pin engages only with the first component flange, while the second locking pin engages only with the second component flange. Recesses in the component flanges, for example, do not reduce the contact area between the two component flanges, e.g., if a seal is arranged there. The first and second locking pins can also be arranged on one of the groove flanks, and from there, protrude, in particular, into the profile groove.

[0014] Optionally, the first and / or second locking pin can be from the group bolt, pin, tenon, tooth, prong, mandrel and cam.

[0015] Furthermore, the security feature can be at least a separate component connected to the profile strip. This allows for security features with a relatively wide range of material thicknesses and designs.

[0016] A particularly cost-effective design is achieved when the security feature is formed as one piece with the profile strip, particularly through forming. This reduces the number of components and assembly steps required during production.

[0017] According to one possible design, the locking feature extends from the profile strip base between the groove flanks. This ensures that the groove flanks remain stable.

[0018] In an alternative design, the groove flanks are interrupted in the area of ​​a bridge section of the profile strip base. Such a bridge section facilitates the opening of the profile clamp during installation. It then preferably acts as a flexural joint. The profile strip is preferably formed as a single piece, including the two clamping heads. However, the bridge section can also form a connection between two sections of the profile strip. Thus, it is possible for a bridge element firmly connected to the two sections to form a flexural joint, or for a movable connection to be formed between the two sections.

[0019] In a more detailed design, the groove flanks are interrupted in the area of ​​a bridge section of the profiled strip base, and the locking feature protrudes from the profiled strip base toward the clamp center in the area of ​​the bridge section. This allows the locking feature to be easily located and aligned during installation.

[0020] The invention further relates to a flange connection having a first and a second component flange which are arranged opposite one another in a longitudinal direction, wherein the first and second component flanges each have a recess, wherein a profile clamp, as described above and below, clamps the two component flanges together, wherein the securing feature protrudes into the two recesses and thereby forms an anti-twist device between the first and second component flanges. The securing feature thus forms an anti-twist device of the profile clamp relative to the first and second component flanges and thus also between the first and second component flanges through positive locking. This anti-twist device is also permanently maintained, even if the clamping force of the profile clamp decreases over time due to creep, stretching, temperature fluctuations, loosening of connecting means and the like.The solution can basically be used in all applications where a profile strip is to connect two component flanges between which higher requirements for slip torque resistance are required.

[0021] According to a more detailed embodiment, the recesses of the first and second component flanges are arranged opposite one another and together form a securing recess which forms a radially outwardly facing insertion opening, wherein the securing feature protrudes into the securing recess and thereby forms an anti-twist device by extending into the recesses of the first and second component flanges.

[0022] This allows for easy alignment of the first and second component flanges before the profile clamp is installed by positioning the two recesses relative to each other. Furthermore, a simple design of the locking feature allows for direct anti-twist protection between the first and second component flanges.

[0023] The component flanges should each have an inclined clamping flank, which corresponds in particular to the cross-sectional shape of the profile groove and is in contact with the groove flanks for clamping.

[0024] Optionally, the recesses can be designed so deep that the recess bases pointing toward the clamp center and the locking feature are spaced apart. This allows the profile clamp to be tightened without colliding with the recess bases.

[0025] In a special embodiment, the recesses are designed so wide that the longitudinally facing recess walls of the recesses and the securing feature are spaced apart from each other. This prevents the securing feature from colliding with the component flanges in the longitudinal direction, and uniform longitudinal tension is achieved over the circumference of the component flanges. Another design option is to allow the securing feature to have circumferential play in the recesses. This play facilitates assembly. Furthermore, minimal twisting within the scope of the play rarely causes damage.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention relates to a turbocharger with a flange connection as specified above and below, wherein the first component flange and the second component flange are each formed on a component from the group consisting of turbine housing, optional intermediate housing and consumer housing, wherein a drive shaft extends from the turbine housing through the flange connection into the consumer housing, wherein the drive shaft is driven by a turbine wheel in the turbine housing, and wherein the drive shaft drives a consumer in the consumer housing.

[0027] Especially with such turbochargers, the simple design of the anti-twist clamp with its profiled clamp is particularly worthwhile. This saves space and weight, and the extremely hot turbocharger components do not change their position due to relative rotation in the engine compartment. This protects the entire periphery of the turbocharger, including its supply and discharge lines and electrical connections. Thermal stresses also have no effect on the anti-twist clamp.

[0028] In particular, a bearing with or without a seal for the drive shaft can be located in the optional intermediate housing. Alternatively, a bearing with or without a seal for the drive shaft can be located in the turbine housing or the output housing.

[0029] Optionally, it can be provided that the turbocharger has two flange connections, as specified above and below, wherein the first component flange and the second component flange of the first of the two flange connections are formed on a turbine housing and an intermediate housing, and wherein the first component flange and the second component flange of the second of the two flange connections are formed on the intermediate housing and a consumer housing, wherein a drive axle extends from the turbine housing through the intermediate housing and the two flange connections into the consumer housing, wherein the drive axle is driven by a turbine wheel in the turbine housing, and wherein the drive axle drives a consumer in the consumer housing.

[0030] Both in variants with one flange connection and in those with two

[0031] For flange connections, a seal should be formed between the turbine wheel and the collector in the turbine housing and / or the collector housing. This seal preferably has a shaft passage for the drive shaft. Furthermore, the turbine housing preferably has an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet.

[0032] Optionally, the collector housing can have an air supply connection and a compressed air outlet, with the collector being a compressor wheel. This allows compressed combustion air to be provided.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the output can be a gearbox, in particular to form a turbo-compound engine.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the consumer can be an electrical generator.

[0035] Mixed forms of these different customers are also conceivable.

[0036] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section through a flange connection with a profile clamp;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the profile clamp according to Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a profile clamp;

[0040] Fig. 4 a perspective cross-section through a flange connection with a profile clamp;

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a section of a pickup housing with a second component flange;

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a section of a cross section through a collector housing and a turbine housing arranged adjacent to each other with a first and second component flange; and

[0043] Fig. 7 a partially transparent representation of a turbocharger.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section through a flange connection 50 with a profile clamp 1. This profile clamp is shown in a perspective view in Fig. 2. The same reference numerals therefore refer to the same features and will be described together.

[0045] The profile clamp 1 essentially consists of a profile band 2 which extends in a circumferential direction U around a clamp center Z and has two clamping heads 3, 4. The two clamping heads 3, 4 are connected to one another via a clamping element 5, namely a screw with a nut. A profile groove 10 running in the circumferential direction U is formed on an inner side I of the profile band 2. The profile groove 10 has a profile band base 11 which is arranged in sections between groove flanks 12, 13. As a result, the profile groove 10 has a V-shaped cross-section which, with a greater width and a rounder shape, can also be considered U-shaped. The profile band 2 is produced by forming a metal plate, whereby the profile band 2 as such also has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section.

[0046] In the area of ​​a bridge section 14 of the profile strip base 11, the groove flanks 12, 13 are interrupted. The bridge section 14 is located in the circumferential direction U opposite the clamping heads 3, 4 and forms a flexible solid-body joint.

[0047] In the area of ​​the bridge section 14, the profile clamp 1 has a securing feature 20 on the inner side I of the profile band 2, which extends from the profile band sole 11 in the direction of the clamp center Z. The securing feature 20 is a first securing pin 21, which projects from the profile band sole 11 in the direction of the clamp center Z. This securing pin 21 is formed as a tooth or prong in one piece by forming with the profile band 2.

[0048] As can now be seen from the flange connection 50 of Fig. 1, the securing feature 20, namely the securing pin 21, engages in a recess 53. Therefore, the structure of the component flanges 51, 52 will first be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.

[0049] According to Fig. 6, a first and a second component flange 51, 52 are arranged opposite one another in a longitudinal direction L. The component flanges 51, 52 each have an inclined clamping flank, which corresponds in particular to the cross-sectional shape of the profile groove 10 and is in contact with the groove flanks 12, 13 for clamping.

[0050] The first and second component flanges 51, 52 each have a recess 53, 54, wherein the recess 54 of the second component flange 52 can also be seen in perspective view in Fig. 6. The recesses 53, 54 of the first and second component flanges 51, 52 are arranged opposite one another in the longitudinal direction L and together form a securing recess 55 with a radially outward-facing insertion opening 56.

[0051] The securing feature 20 according to Fig. 1 now engages in this securing recess 55 according to Fig. 6 and thus forms an anti-twist device between the first and second component flanges 51, 52 by extending into the recesses 53, 54 of the first and second component flanges 51, 52. The profile clamp 1 also clamps the two component flanges 51, 52 together. The clamping takes place primarily in the longitudinal direction L. Transversely to the longitudinal direction L, the component flanges 51, 52 are fixed in position in that the component 72 with the second component flange 52 is inserted with a fit into the component 71 with the first component flange 52.

[0052] The recesses 53, 54 and thus also the securing recess 55 are designed so deep that the recess bases 57, 58 of the recesses 53, 54, which point toward the clamp center Z, and the securing feature 20 are still slightly spaced from each other even after tightening. Furthermore, the recesses 53, 54 should be designed so wide that the recess walls 59, 60 of the recesses 53, 54, which point in the longitudinal direction L, and the securing feature 20 are still spaced from each other even after tightening. As can be seen, the securing feature 20 has some play in the circumferential direction U in the recesses 53, 54.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 which differs from the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 with regard to the securing feature 20. Instead of a securing feature 20 in the region of the bridge area 14, the profile clamp 1 according to Fig. 3 has a securing feature 20 on the inner side I of the profile strip 2, which projects into the profile groove 10 and in particular from the profile strip base 11 between the groove flanks 12, 13.

[0054] The profile clamp 1 according to Fig. 4 also differs with regard to the securing feature 20. Here, the securing feature 20 has a first and a second securing pin 21, 22, which are arranged at approximately 1 o'clock and 11 o'clock relative to the bridge section 14, and which each protrude into the profile groove 10 and from the profile band sole 11 in the direction of the clamp center Z. The first and second securing pins 21, 22 are thus offset from one another in the circumferential direction U. To form the anti-twist device, the second securing pin 22 also corresponds to a securing recess 61, which is formed by two recesses adjacent in the longitudinal direction L in one of the component flanges 51, 52.

[0055] Optionally, the first and second securing pins 21, 22 could also be arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction L of the profile clamp 1 and each of them could engage only in one recess 53, 54 of a component flange 51, 52.

[0056] The component 71 with the first component flange 51 in Fig. 6 is a section of a turbine housing 71. The component 72 with the second component flange 52 is a section of a pickup housing 72. The turbine housing 71 and pickup housing 72 can belong to a turbocharger 70 according to Fig. 7, wherein the turbine housing 71 and pickup housing 72 are connected to one another by one of the flange connections 50 described above. In the partially transparent illustration of the turbocharger 70 according to Fig. 7, it can be seen that a drive shaft 73 extends from the turbine housing 71 through the flange connection 50 into the pickup housing 72. The drive shaft 73 is driven in the turbine housing 71 by a turbine wheel 74. In the pickup housing 72, the drive shaft 73 drives a pickup 75, namely a compressor wheel.A seal is formed between the turbine wheel 74 and the collector 75 in the turbine housing 71 and / or in the collector housing 72, so that a compression chamber in the collector housing 72 and a drive chamber in the turbine housing are separated from each other. An exhaust gas inlet 76 opens into the drive chamber of the turbine housing 71, and an exhaust gas outlet 77 opens out. On the other side, an air supply connection 78 opens into the compression chamber of the collector housing 72, and a compressed air outlet 79 opens out of the compression chamber.

[0057] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0058] In particular, the number and shape of the securing features and recesses in the component flanges can be adapted by the specialist to the objectives of the specific technical application.

[0059] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.

[0060] Reference symbols

[0061] Profile clamp 57 Recess base Profile band 58 Recess base Clamping head 59 Recess wall Clamping head 60 Recess wall Clamping element 61 Securing recess

[0062] Profile groove 70 turbocharger

[0063] Profile strip base 71 Turbine housing groove flank 72 Pickup housing groove flank 73 Drive axle bridge section 74 Turbine wheel

[0064] 75 customers

[0065] Safety feature 76 Exhaust inlet first safety pin 77 Exhaust outlet second safety pin 78 Air supply connection

[0066] 79 Compressed air outlet

[0067] Flange connection first component flange I inside second component flange L longitudinal direction recess U circumferential direction recess Z clamp center securing recess insertion opening

Claims

Claims Profile clamp (1) with a profile band (2) extending in a circumferential direction (U) around a clamp center (Z) and having two clamping heads (3, 4) connected to each other via a clamping element (5), wherein a profile groove (10) extending in the circumferential direction (U) is formed on an inner side (I) of the profile band (2), which has a profile band base (11) arranged at least partially between groove flanks (12, 13), characterized in that this has a locking feature (20) on the inner side (I) of the profile band (2) which a) projects into the profile groove (10) and / or b) from the profile band base (11) in the direction of the clamp center (Z). Profile clamp (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking feature (20) has a first locking pin (21) which projects into the profile groove (10) and / or from the profile band sole (11) in the direction of the clamp center (Z).Profile clamp (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking feature (20) has a second locking pin (22) which projects into the profile groove (10) and / or from the profile band base (11) towards the clamp center (Z), wherein the second locking pin (22) is arranged a) offset in the circumferential direction (U) relative to the first locking pin (21) and / or b) offset in a longitudinal direction (L) of the profile clamp (1) extending transversely to the circumferential direction (U) relative to the first locking pin (21). Profile clamp (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first and / or second locking pin (21, 22) is from the group consisting of bolts, pins, studs, teeth, prongs, mandrels, and cams. Profile clamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking feature (20) is formed integrally with the profile band (2).Profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking feature (20) projects from the profile band base (11) between the groove flanks (12, 13). Profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove flanks (12, 13) in the area of ​​a bridge section (14) of the. The profile band base (11) is interrupted and the safety feature (20) in the area of ​​the bridge section (14) projects from the profile band base (11) towards the clamp center (Z).

8. Flange connection (50) with a first and a second component flange (51, 52) arranged opposite each other in a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the first and second component flange (51, 52) each have a recess (53, 54), wherein a profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims clamps the two component flanges (51, 52) together, wherein the locking feature (20) projects into the two recesses (53, 54) and thereby forms an anti-rotation device between the first and the second component flange (51, 52).

9. Flange connection (50) according to claim 8, characterized in that the recesses (53, 54) of the first and second component flanges (51, 52) are arranged opposite each other and together form a locking recess (55) which forms a radially outwardly extending insertion opening (56), wherein the locking feature (20) projects into the locking recess (55) and thereby forms an anti-rotation device by extending into the recesses (53, 54) of the first and second component flanges (51, 52).

10. Flange connection (50) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the recesses (53, 54) are designed to be so deep that recess bases (57, 58) of the recesses (53, 54) pointing towards the clamp center (Z) and the locking feature (20) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

11. Flange connection (50) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the recesses (53, 54) are designed to be so wide that the recess walls (59, 60) of the recesses (53, 54) pointing in the longitudinal direction (L) and the locking feature (20) are arranged apart from each other.

12. Flange connection (50) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the locking feature (20) has play in the recesses (53, 54) in the circumferential direction (U).

13. Turbocharger (70) with a flange connection (50) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the first component flange (51) and the second component flange (52) are each formed on a component of the group consisting of a turbine housing (71), optional intermediate housing and receiver housing (72), wherein a drive shaft (73) extends from the turbine housing (71) through the flange connection (50) into the receiver housing (72) extends, wherein the drive shaft (73) is driven by a turbine wheel (74) in the turbine housing (71), and wherein the drive shaft (73) drives a pickup (75) in the pickup housing (72).