Turbocharger with temperature controlled bearing positioning fastener

Abstract

The present invention relates to a turbocharger having a temperature-controlled bearing positioning fastener. A turbocharger includes a housing and a rotor having a shaft housed within the housing. The turbocharger further includes a bearing structure that supports rotation of the shaft within the housing and a positioning fastener that maintains the bearing structure in a position relative to the housing. In addition, the turbocharger includes a heating system coupled to the positioning fastener and configured to selectively heat the positioning fastener.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to turbochargers, and more specifically to turbochargers with temperature-controlled bearing positioning fasteners. Background Technology

[0002] Some engine systems include one or more turbochargers. Typically, a turbocharger comprises a turbine impeller and a compressor impeller, mounted on a common shaft and housed separately in isolated turbine and compressor housings. The turbine impeller is driven to rotate by the exhaust gases from the engine. This, in turn, rotates the compressor impeller to compress the air fed into the engine's combustion chamber. Therefore, a turbocharger provides an improvement in engine performance and efficiency.

[0003] Turbochargers may need to operate under a variety of conditions. For example, in cold weather (i.e., low ambient temperatures), the viscosity of the oil inside the turbocharger may be relatively low. This can negatively impact the performance of the current turbocharger.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved turbocharger that selectively controls the oil viscosity within the turbocharger. It is also desirable to provide an improved turbocharger that selectively controls temperature, thereby affecting oil viscosity and improving the turbocharger's operating performance in cold weather conditions. Other desirable features and characteristics of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background discussion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a turbocharger is disclosed, comprising: a housing; and a rotor having a shaft housed within the housing. The turbocharger further includes: a bearing structure supporting rotation of the shaft within the housing; and a positioning fastener holding the bearing structure in position relative to the housing. Furthermore, the turbocharger includes a heating system coupled to and configured to selectively heat the positioning fastener.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for operating a turbocharger system for a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes detecting conditions by sensors. Furthermore, the method includes selectively heating positioning fasteners of the turbocharger based on the detected conditions. The positioning fasteners hold a bearing structure in position relative to the turbocharger housing. The bearing structure supports rotation of the turbocharger's rotor shaft within the housing.

[0007] In another embodiment, a turbocharger is disclosed, comprising: a bearing housing; and a rotor having a compressor impeller, a turbine impeller, and a shaft connecting the compressor impeller and the turbine impeller. The shaft is housed within the bearing housing. The turbocharger further includes a journal bearing structure that supports rotation of the shaft about an axis within the bearing housing. Furthermore, the turbocharger includes a locating pin extending radially through the bearing housing and the journal bearing structure relative to the axis to secure the journal bearing structure against rotation about the axis relative to the bearing housing. The locating pin includes an end received within a lubricant region defined between an outer diameter surface of the shaft and an inner diameter surface of the journal bearing structure. Additionally, the turbocharger includes a heating system coupled to the locating pin. The heating system includes a sensor configured to detect ambient temperature conditions. The heating system is configured to selectively heat the locating pin based on the detected ambient temperature conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following figures, wherein similar numerals denote similar elements, and wherein: Figure 1 This is an illustrative description of a turbocharger system configured according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 According to the example embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the turbocharger in a turbocharger system; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Axial cross-sectional view of the turbocharger; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the turbocharger; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a turbocharger according to an additional exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An axial cross-sectional view of a turbocharger. Detailed Implementation

[0009] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure or its application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by the foregoing background information or any theory presented in the following detailed description.

[0010] In summary, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include turbochargers with improved characteristics. Specifically, the exemplary embodiments include turbochargers with a journal bearing structure that supports rotation of the turbocharger shaft within a housing. A lubricant region may be defined between the outer diameter surface of the turbocharger shaft and the inner diameter surface of the journal bearing structure.

[0011] The turbocharger may also include locating fasteners, such as locating pins, which hold the journal bearing structure in position relative to the housing. These locating fasteners may be exposed to the lubricant area.

[0012] Furthermore, the turbocharger may include a heating system configured to selectively heat positioning fasteners. These fasteners can be selectively heated, for example, in cold weather conditions. As a result, the lubricant in the lubricant region can be selectively heated to alter its viscosity and affect the turbocharger's cold-weather performance.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a turbocharger 100, which includes a turbocharger housing 101 and a rotor 102. The rotor 102 is configured to rotate within the turbocharger housing 101 about a rotor rotation axis 103. The rotor 102 may be supported for rotation about the axis 103 via one or more bearings (not shown). In some embodiments, the rotor 102 may be rotatably supported by a thrust bearing and a plurality of journal bearings. Alternatively, other bearings may be included.

[0014] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the turbocharger housing 101 may include a turbine housing 105, a compressor housing 107, and a bearing housing 109. The bearing housing 109 may be disposed between the turbine housing 105 and the compressor housing 107. Furthermore, as will be discussed, the bearing housing 109 may include a bearing for the rotor 102.

[0015] Additionally, rotor 102 includes a turbine impeller 111, a compressor impeller 113, and a shaft 115. The turbine impeller 111 is substantially located within a turbine housing 105. The compressor impeller 113 is substantially located within a compressor housing 107. Shaft 115 extends along the axis of rotation 103 through a bearing housing 109 to connect the turbine impeller 111 to the compressor impeller 113. Thus, the turbine impeller 111 and the compressor impeller 113 rotate together about axis 103.

[0016] It will be understood that these features of the turbocharger 100 may differ from those of the illustrated embodiment. For example, the turbine impeller 111 may be configured as a radial, axial, or hybrid turbine impeller. Furthermore, the term "turbocharger" is intended to be broad and generally applies to the type of turbocharger illustrated, the turbocharger itself, the charger (electric charger), and similar devices for improving engine performance.

[0017] Turbine housing 105 and turbine impeller 111 cooperate to form a turbine (i.e., a turbine section, turbine stage) configured to circumferentially receive high-pressure and high-temperature exhaust gas flow 121 from an engine (e.g., from exhaust manifold 123 of internal combustion engine 125). Turbine impeller 111 (and thus rotor 102) is driven by the high-pressure and high-temperature exhaust gas flow 121 to rotate about axis 103, whereby the high-pressure and high-temperature exhaust gas flow becomes a lower-pressure and lower-temperature exhaust gas flow 127 and is axially released into exhaust system 126. In other embodiments, engine 125 may be of another type, such as a diesel fuel engine.

[0018] The compressor housing 107 and the compressor impeller 113 form a compressor stage. The compressor impeller 113, driven to rotate by the exhaust gas-driven turbine impeller 111, is configured to compress axially received input air (e.g., ambient air 131, or pressurized air from a previous stage in a multi-stage compressor) into a pressurized airflow 133 that is circumferentially injected from the compressor. Due to the compression process, the pressurized airflow is characterized by an elevated temperature (exceeding the temperature of the input air).

[0019] In some embodiments, the pressurized airflow 133 may be directed through an air cooler 135 (i.e., an intercooler), such as a convection-cooled intake air cooler. The air cooler 135 may be configured to dissipate heat from the pressurized airflow 133, thereby increasing its density. The resulting cooled and pressurized output airflow 137 is directed into an intake manifold 139 on the internal combustion engine 125, or alternatively, into a subsequent tandem compressor. The operation of the system is controlled by an ECU 150 (engine control unit), which is connected to the rest of the system via a communication connection 152.

[0020] For reference Figures 2 to 4 The features of the turbocharger 100 are illustrated in detail according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 The image shows a portion of the bearing housing 109 (i.e., the central housing), with a portion shown cut away. Additionally, a rotor 102, including a turbine impeller 111 and a shaft 115, is shown. Other portions of the turbocharger 100 are omitted and / or hidden from view.

[0021] As discussed above, shaft 115 can be supported to rotate about axis 103. Figure 4 As shown, the diameter of shaft 115 may vary along axis 103. For example, shaft 115 may include a first portion 116, a second portion 118, and an intermediate portion 120 disposed between the first portion 116 and the second portion 118. The intermediate portion 120 may have a smaller diameter than the first portion 116 and the second portion 118.

[0022] Furthermore, the turbocharger 100 may include a bearing structure 154 that supports the rotation of the shaft 115 within the bearing housing 109. A portion of the bearing structure 154 is in... Figure 2 The middle section was cut away to expose shaft 115. However, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bearing structure 154 can be cylindrical and hollow. In some embodiments, the bearing structure 154 can be a one-piece monolithic structure. In some embodiments, the bearing structure 154 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as copper. The bearing structure 154 may include an axial opening 156 that extends along the axis 103 and is substantially centered on the bearing structure 154. The axial opening 156 receives the shaft 115 of the rotor 102. Figure 4 As shown, the bearing structure 154 includes: a first end 151 that can point to the compressor stage of the turbocharger 100; and a second end 153 that can point to the turbine stage of the turbocharger 100.

[0023] The bearing structure 154 may also include an outer diameter surface 155. The outer diameter surface 155 may be radially opposite to the axis 103.

[0024] The bearing structure 154 can be received within the central cavity 157 of the bearing housing 109. The central cavity 157 can be formed by the inner surface 159 of the bearing housing 109. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Therefore, the outer diameter surface 155 of the bearing structure 154 can face opposite to the inner surface 159 of the central cavity 157.

[0025] The bearing housing 109 may include an oil inlet passage 140. As will be discussed, the oil inlet passage 140 may supply oil to the bearing structure 154 and the shaft 115 to support rotation of the shaft 115. The bearing housing 109 may also include a fastener aperture 142. The fastener aperture 142 may be a through-hole extending transversely to (e.g., perpendicularly to) axis 103. Figure 3 As shown, the oil inlet passage 140 and the fastener hole 142 can be circumferentially positioned on opposite sides of axis 103 (i.e., approximately 180 degrees clockwise apart about axis 103). Figure 3 As shown, the oil inlet passage 140 can be positioned above axis 103, and the fastener hole 142 can be positioned below axis 103. Furthermore, the oil inlet passage 140 can be as follows: Figure 4 The alignment shown, or in other embodiments of this disclosure, may be spaced apart along axis 103.

[0026] For reference Figure 4 The inner diameter profile of the bearing structure 154 will be discussed based on an example embodiment. The axial opening 156 of the bearing structure 154 may be defined by the inner diameter surface 158. Figure 4The inner diameter surface 158 may include a first pad region 160 closest to the first end 151, a second pad region 162 closest to the second end 153, and an intermediate region 164 axially disposed between the first pad region 160 and the second pad region 162. The diameter of the inner diameter surface 158 at the first pad region 160 and the second pad region 162 may be smaller than the diameter at the intermediate region 164. In other words, the intermediate region 164 may be defined by an intermediate recess 170 within the inner diameter surface 158. The intermediate recess 170 may extend axially between the first pad region 160 and the second pad region 162, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0027] The inner diameter of the first shim region 160 may approximately correspond to the outer diameter of the first portion 116 of the shaft 115. Similarly, the inner diameter of the second shim region 162 may approximately correspond to the outer diameter of the second portion 118 of the shaft 115. In contrast, the inner diameter of the intermediate recess 170 of the bearing structure 154 may be substantially larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion 120 of the shaft 115.

[0028] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, bearing structure 154 and shaft 115 can cooperatively define one or more lubricant regions configured to receive lubricant, such as lubricating oil. For example, a first oil film region 166 (i.e., a small gap for lubricating oil or other lubricants) can be defined between a first gasket region 160 and a first portion 116 of shaft 115. Similarly, a second oil film region 168 can be defined between a second gasket region 162 and a second portion 118 of shaft 115. Furthermore, an intermediate lubricant region 172 can be defined between a middle portion 120 of shaft 115 and a middle region 164 of bearing structure 154. The intermediate lubricant region 172 can be a relatively large gap, recess, orifice, etc., radially defined between an inner diameter surface 158 and the middle portion 120 of shaft 115. The intermediate lubricant region 172 can also be axially defined between the first oil film region 166 and the second oil film region 168. The intermediate lubricant region 172 is fluidly connected to the first oil film region 166 and the second oil film region 168, allowing lubricant to flow between them.

[0029] As stated, shaft 115 can be supported to rotate about axis 103 relative to bearing structure 154. Oil film regions 166, 168 and intermediate lubricant region 172 provide lubricated rotation of shaft 115 within bearing structure 154. Furthermore, first shim region 160 and second shim region 162 of bearing structure 154 support radial loads on shaft 115. Turbocharger 100 may further include one or more thrust bearings 174. Figure 4 ), to support the axial load of shaft 115.

[0030] Therefore, in some embodiments, bearing structure 154 may include journal bearings (i.e., rotary sliding bearings). Furthermore, in some embodiments, bearing structure 154 may include so-called semi-floating bearings. In some embodiments, other features of bearing structure 154 and turbocharger 100 may be configured according to U.S. Patent No. 7,160,082, issued January 9, 2007 to Allen et al. and / or according to U.S. Patent No. 9,039,391, issued May 26, 2015 to Marsal et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, it will be understood that turbocharger 100 may be configured in different ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bearing structure 154 may include a lubricant inlet orifice 176. The lubricant inlet orifice 176 may be a circular through-hole extending substantially perpendicular to axis 103 (e.g., along the vertical axis). Figure 3 As shown, the lubricant inlet orifice 176 can be circumferentially positioned above an imaginary horizontal reference plane 178. The axis 103 can be located within the horizontal reference plane 178. The lubricant inlet orifice 176 can be substantially aligned with the oil inlet passage 140 of the bearing housing 109. Therefore, lubricating oil can be fed into the inlet passage 140, into the inlet orifice 176, and into the intermediate lubricant region 172. Oil in the intermediate lubricant region 172 can flow axially towards the first oil film region 166 and the second oil film region 168. Furthermore, the oil inlet passage 140 can flow between the outer diameter surface 155 of the bearing structure 154 and the inner surface 159 of the central cavity 157 of the bearing housing 109. Similarly, oil can flow in the space between the first end 151 and the thrust bearing 174, in the space between the second end 153 and the adjacent structure, and through the bearing housing 109, as if... Figure 4 Arrow 198 in the diagram represents this.

[0032] The bearing housing 109 may also define various other passages for lubricating oil. For example, the bearing housing 109 may include an oil outlet 182 for draining oil from the bearing structure 154. The bearing housing 109 may further include other passages for lubricating oil, coolant fluid, etc. For example, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bearing housing 109 may include one or more coolant passages 184.

[0033] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the bearing structure 154 may further include a positioning fastener aperture 180. The positioning fastener aperture 180 may be a circular through-hole that extends substantially perpendicular to axis 103 (e.g., along the vertical axis). Figure 3As shown, the positioning fastener aperture 180 can be circumferentially positioned below an imaginary horizontal reference plane 178. The positioning fastener aperture 180 can be substantially aligned with the fastener aperture 142 of the bearing housing 109.

[0034] Additionally, the turbocharger 100 may include a locating fastener 186. Typically, the locating fastener 186 may be configured to retain the bearing structure 154 against movement relative to the bearing housing 109 in at least one linear or rotational direction. In some embodiments, the locating fastener 186 may be configured as a locating pin 188 extending into and attaching to both the bearing housing 109 and the bearing structure 154. However, it will be understood that the locating fastener 186 may be configured as different types of fasteners without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] The locating pin 188 may include a first end 190, a second end 192, and an axis 194 extending between the first end 190 and the second end 192. The axis 194 may be substantially straight.

[0036] The locating pin 188 can be received in the fastener hole 142 of the bearing housing 109 and the fastener hole 180 of the bearing structure 154, such that the first end 190 is received in the intermediate lubricant region 172. The second end 192 of the locating pin 188 can be seated on the substantially flat mounting surface 196 of the bearing housing 109.

[0037] Therefore, the locating pin 188 securely attaches the bearing structure 154 to the bearing housing 109 and holds the bearing structure 154 against rotation about the axis 103. Furthermore, the locating pin 188 holds the bearing structure 154 in a fixed axial position relative to the axis 103 and supports the axial load transmitted from the thrust bearing 174. Thus, the locating pin 188 indirectly supports the axial load on the shaft 115.

[0038] Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the locating pin 188 can be attached to the bearing housing 109 and the bearing structure 154 in various ways. For example, in Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the locating pin 188 may be press-fitted within the bearing housing 109 and / or the bearing structure 154. In some embodiments, the locating pin 188 may be friction-fitted or interference-fitted (i.e., via a press) with the bearing housing 109 and clearance-fitted within the bearing structure 154. In other embodiments to be discussed, the pin 188 may be threadedly attached to the bearing housing 109 and / or the bearing structure 154.

[0039] Furthermore, the turbocharger 100 may include a heating system 200. The heating system 200 may be configured to selectively heat the locating pin 188. For example, when starting the engine, during cold weather conditions, and / or in other situations, the locating pin 188 may be heated for a predetermined amount of time. Heat from the pin 188 may be transferred to the bearing housing 109, to the bearing structure 154, and / or to the lubricating oil therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that heating the oil will reduce its viscosity and can advantageously improve the operating efficiency of the turbocharger 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heating system 200 may include a heating element 202 ( Figure 4 The heating element 202 may be supported within the locating pin 188. In some embodiments, the heating element 202 may include a coil of resistive material spirally wound within the locating pin 188. Furthermore, the heating element 202 may be electrically connected to a power source 204 via one or more connecting lines 206 (e.g., wires). Thus, power from the power source 204 can heat the heating element 202 to heat the locating pin 188.

[0041] In some embodiments, the connecting wire 206 may be routed within a tunnel 208 defined within the bearing housing 109. The tunnel 208 may be isolated from and fluidly closed to oil passages (e.g., oil inlet passage 140, oil outlet passage 182, etc.) and to the coolant passage 184 of the bearing housing 109. Furthermore, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heating system 200 may include a bulb-shaped sealing element 210 of a sealing tunnel 208.

[0042] The heating system 200 may further include a control system 212. The control system 212 may include a computerized processor 214 and may be integrated into... Figure 1 Within the ECU 150. The control system 212 may include a sensor system having one or more sensors 216. The sensor(s)216 may include a thermometer that detects ambient temperature, oil temperature, and / or other thermal conditions affecting the turbocharger 100. The sensor(s)216 may also be a speed sensor for measuring engine speed. In some embodiments, the sensor(s)216 may be a height sensor for detecting the current altitude (altitude). The sensor(s)216 may include a flow sensor for measuring airflow to and / or from the compressor section of the turbocharger 100, and exhaust gas flow to and / or from the turbine section of the turbocharger 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, sensor 216 may be a thermometer that detects ambient temperature. Control system 212 receives a signal from sensor 216 indicating the ambient temperature detected by sensor 216. Upon starting engine 125, processor 214 receives a temperature reading and determines whether the current temperature is below a predetermined threshold. If not (i.e., hot start), control system 212 does not heat locating pin 188. However, if yes (i.e., cold start), control system 212 may generate a control command and send it to power supply 204. Power supply 204 may then supply power to heating element 202 for heating locating pin 188. In some embodiments, control system 212 may control power supply 204 and automatically cut off power and terminate heating of locating pin 188 after a predetermined time limit. In some embodiments, processor 214 may determine the time limit based on temperature or other readings detected by sensor 216 and / or based on computer logic, algorithms, lookup tables stored in computerized memory, etc. Thus, in some embodiments, in colder weather conditions, control system 212 may heat locating pin 188 for a longer period before cutting off power.

[0044] For reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustration shows a turbocharger 300 according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Except as noted below, the turbocharger 300 may be substantially similar to... Figures 2 to 4 The turbocharger 100. The corresponding reference number, increased by 200, is used to indicate the turbocharger. Figures 2 to 4 The components of the turbocharger 300.

[0045] The bearing housing 309 can be substantially similar to Figures 2 to 4 The bearing housing 109. However, as Figure 6 As shown, for example, the circumferential position of the locating pin 388 within the bearing housing 309 can be different. For example, the axis 394 of the locating pin 388 can be positioned at a circumferential angle 420 to the vertical axis 422 to avoid interference with the oil outlet 382.

[0046] Moreover, it can be seen from Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bearing housing 309 is omitted Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bearing housing 109 has a coolant passage 184. Therefore, the bearing housing 109 can be a so-called "air-cooled housing".

[0047] Additionally, the locating pin 388 may be threadedly attached (i.e., threaded or screwed) to the bearing housing 309 and / or bearing structure 354. In some embodiments, the heating system 400 may include a connecting wire 406 for connection to a power supply 404, a control system 412, and / or a sensor 416. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting wire 406 may be removably attached to the heating element within the locating pin 388. This facilitates manufacturing because the locating pin 388 can be rotated to thread-attach the locating pin 388 without necessarily accommodating the connecting wire 406. Once the pin 388 is threadedly attached, the connecting wire 406 can be attached to the locating pin 388. This is consistent with... Figures 2 to 4 In contrast, a press-fit embodiment is provided in which the connecting line 206 can remain connected to the locating pin 188 while pressing the locating pin 188 into the bearing housing 109 and the bearing structure 154.

[0048] Therefore, the locating pins 188 and 388 of the turbochargers 100 and 300 can be selectively heated to improve operating efficiency. Heating the oil may also have a positive impact on emissions. It will be understood that the locating pins 188 and 388 are particularly effective in heating the lubricating oil within the bearing structures 154 and 354. This is because the locating pins 188 and 388 are positioned in close proximity to the oil. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the first end 190 of the locating pin 188 is directly exposed to the intermediate lubricant region 172 and is in close proximity to the first oil film region 166 and the second oil film region 168. Heat from the locating pin 188 can be quickly transferred to these regions to improve the operating efficiency of the turbocharger.

[0049] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A turbocharger comprising: case; A rotor having a shaft housed within the housing; A bearing structure that supports the rotation of the shaft within the housing; A lubricant region, located within the housing, is configured to contain lubricant for lubricating rotation of the shaft within the housing; A locating pin that holds the bearing structure in a position relative to the housing, wherein the locating pin is exposed to the lubricant area; as well as A heating system including a power source, a heating element, and connecting wires, the heating element being supported within the locating pin, the connecting wires being configured to operatively connect the heating element to the power source, the power source being configured to provide power to the heating element for selectively heating the heating element within the locating pin and for selectively heating the lubricant within the locating pin and the lubricant region.

2. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The bearing structure and the shaft cooperate to define the lubricant region.

3. The turbocharger according to claim 2, wherein, The bearing structure includes a first liner region, a second liner region, and an intermediate recess disposed between the first liner region and the second liner region; The central recess and the shaft cooperate to define the lubricant region.

4. The turbocharger according to claim 2, wherein, The locating pin includes an end; The locating pin extends through the housing and the bearing structure, wherein its end is located within the lubricant area and exposed to the lubricant area.

5. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The locating pin is press-fitted into the housing.

6. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The locating pin is configured to hold the bearing structure in a circumferential position relative to the housing.

7. The turbocharger according to claim 6, wherein, The locating pin is configured to hold the bearing structure in an axial position relative to the housing.

8. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The locating pin is threadedly attached to the housing.

9. The turbocharger according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting line is removably connected to the positioning pin.

10. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element includes a coil heating element.

11. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting line extends through a channel defined in the housing; The housing includes at least one of a lubricant passage and a coolant passage, the lubricant passage being configured to contain lubricant and the coolant passage being configured to contain coolant; and The channel is isolated from and fluidly sealed from the lubricant passage and the coolant passage.

12. The turbocharger of claim 11, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal the passage.

13. The turbocharger according to claim 1, wherein, The locating pin is positioned in a circumferential position about the axis of rotation of the shaft; and The circumferential position is located below the horizontal reference plane, and the rotation axis is located within the horizontal reference plane.

14. The turbocharger of claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to control the power flow from the power source to the heating element.

15. The turbocharger of claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to detect conditions; in, The control system is configured to control the power flow from the power source to the heating element based at least in part on the conditions detected by the sensor.

16. The turbocharger according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor includes a thermometer.

17. A turbocharger comprising: Bearing housing; The rotor has a compressor impeller, a turbine impeller, and a shaft connecting the compressor impeller and the turbine impeller, the shaft being housed within the bearing housing; A journal bearing structure that supports the rotation of the shaft about an axis within the bearing housing; A locating pin extends radially through the bearing housing and the journal bearing structure relative to the axis to secure the journal bearing structure against rotation about the axis relative to the bearing housing. The locating pin includes an end portion received within a lubricant region defined between the outer diameter surface of the shaft and the inner diameter surface of the journal bearing structure. as well as A heating system comprising a power source, a heating element, connecting wires, and a sensor, the heating element being supported within the locating pin, the connecting wires being configured to operatively connect the heating element to the power source, the sensor being configured to detect ambient temperature conditions, and the power source being configured to provide power to the heating element for selectively heating the heating element within the locating pin and for selectively heating the locating pin and the lubricant in the lubricant region.

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