Systems and methods for protecting a turbocharger aluminum bearing housing

Abstract

In an aluminum turbocharger bearing housing, there is a potential for wear of the bearing housing at the interface with the turbine housing and / or the bearing system. One area of potential concern is the interface between the flange of the bearing housing and an abutment of the turbine housing. With a protective element at the interface, the potential for wear, and thus misalignment of the rotating assembly with the housings in which they operate can be mitigated. The protective element can be a cap for the bearing housing flange or a heat shield adapted to cover certain faces of the bearing housing flange. The protective element can be a sleeve provided within a bore in the bearing housing. The protective element can be made of a material with a higher heat resistance and / or a higher wear resistance than the aluminum bearing housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments relate in general to turbochargers, and, more particularly, to turbochargers with bearing housings made of aluminum.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Turbochargers are a type of forced induction system. They deliver air, at greater density than would be possible in the normally aspirated configuration, to the engine intake, allowing more fuel to be combusted, thus boosting the engine's horsepower without significantly increasing engine weight. A smaller turbocharged engine, replacing a normally aspirated engine of a larger physical size, will reduce the mass and can reduce the aerodynamic frontal area of the vehicle.[0003]Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, turbochargers (10) use the exhaust flow from the engine exhaust manifold to drive a turbine wheel (12), which is located within a turbine housing (14). The energy extracted by turbine wheel (12) is translated to a rotating motion, which then drives a compressor wheel (16), which is located...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a way to use an aluminum bearing housing while protecting the interface between the housing and other components to avoid wear and tear. This is done by adding a protective surface made of a higher heat resistance and wear resistance material, such as steel, to the interface. This results in a longer lifespan for the components and better performance overall.

Problems solved by technology

In modern auto applications, the mass of the vehicle is becoming a major issue when it comes to the efficiency of the vehicle.

However, in doing so, there can be increased wear at the interface between the hot turbine housing (14) and the relatively cool bearing housing (22) and also at the interface of the bearing housing (22) to any bearing system that may be implemented, as aluminum is relatively soft compared to gray iron.

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