Turbocharger bearing housing with integrated heat shield

Abstract

A system and method are provided in which a turbocharger includes a heat shield wall formed as a unitary structure with a bearing housing. The wall may extend from a body portion of the bearing housing in a generally radially outward direction. The wall may be spaced from the body and attached thereto by ribs such that chambers are defined therebetween. A circumferential passage may extend through the bearing housing to allow fluid communication between the chambers and the outside of the bearing housing. In this way, a fluid outlet from the chambers is provided. As a result of such an arrangement, the need for a separate heat shield is eliminated, which can facilitate the assembly process and specific attachment methods associated with separate heat shields.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to turbochargers, and more particularly to turbochargers having heat shields that minimize unwanted transfer of thermal energy from exhaust gas in the turbine housing to other parts of the turbocharger. Background technique [0002] A turbocharger is a forced air intake system. They deliver air into the engine intake at a greater density than is possible in standard aspirated engine configurations. As a result, more fuel can be burned, which in turn can increase the horsepower of the engine without significantly increasing the weight of the engine. FIG. 1 shows a prior art system in which a turbocharger 10 includes a turbine wheel 12 , a compressor wheel 14 , and a connecting shaft 16 . The turbine wheel 12 is positioned within a turbine housing 18 and the compressor wheel 14 is positioned in a compressor cover 20 . The turbine wheel 12 is driven by exhaust gases leaving the internal combustion engine. Rotation of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, such steps are time-consuming, challenging and not always repeatable

Images