Semi-floating ring bearing assembly and turbomechanical device

Abstract

A semi-floating ring bearing assembly for a turbomechanical device is disclosed. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly comprises a bearing housing, wherein the bearing housing comprises a bearing cavity; a stopper plate; and a semi-floating ring bearing. The semi-floating ring bearing includes a body including a central axis, a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The semi-floating ring bearing further comprises a flange. The flange is disposed at the first end of the body. The flange extends radially beyond the outer surface of the body. The periphery of the flange is non-axisymmetric to define at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing defines a recess. An outer periphery of the recess is non-axisymmetric to define at least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with the bearing housing. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature and the semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature cooperate to limit rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing. The stop plate and the flange define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a semi-floating ring bearing for a turbomachinery device, a semi-floating ring bearing assembly for the turbomachinery device, the turbomachinery device, and a method for assembling the semi-floating ring bearing. Background Art

[0002] A turbocharger is a well-known device used to supply air to the intake of an internal combustion engine at a pressure above atmospheric pressure (boost pressure). A traditional turbocharger consists of an exhaust-driven turbine wheel mounted on a rotatable shaft within a turbine housing. The rotation of the turbine wheel drives the rotation of the compressor wheel, mounted on the other end of the shaft within the compressor cover. The compressor wheel delivers compressed air to the engine's intake manifold, thereby increasing engine power.

[0003] The turbocharger shaft is typically supported by semi-floating ring bearings and thrust bearings, including an appropriate lubrication system, located in a central bearing housing connected between the turbine and compressor. The turbine and compressor housings are typically mounted on the bearing housing.

[0004] The rotational and axial movement of semi-floating ring bearings is restricted during use. This is typically achieved by providing a locking pin that is fixed to the bearing housing and extends into a hole provided in the body of the semi-floating ring bearing. Assembling a semi-floating ring bearing can be time-consuming, as positioning the locking pin within the hole of the semi-floating ring bearing can be difficult for the user.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one or more problems associated with conventional semi-floating ring bearings, whether mentioned herein or elsewhere. Utility Model Content

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a semi-floating ring bearing assembly for a turbomachinery device is provided. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly includes a bearing housing including a bearing chamber; a stop plate; and a semi-floating ring bearing. The semi-floating ring bearing includes a main body including a central axis, a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The semi-floating ring bearing also includes a flange. The flange is disposed at the first end of the main body. The flange extends radially beyond the outer surface of the main body. The outer periphery of the flange is non-axisymmetric to define at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing defines a recess. The outer periphery of the recess is non-axisymmetric to define at least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with the bearing housing. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature and the semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature cooperate to limit rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing. The stop plate and the flange define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

[0007] The semi-floating ring bearing may be receivable by the bearing cavity. The semi-floating ring bearing may be disposed in the bearing cavity.

[0008] The bearing housing and the flange may further define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.The flange may be configured to abut against the bearing housing to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

[0009] The recess may be provided adjacent to the bearing cavity. The recess may form a portion of the bearing cavity.

[0010] The shape of the outer periphery of the recess may be complementary to the shape of the outer periphery of the flange.

[0011] At least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature and at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature that limit the rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing can be understood to mean that a degree of rotation of the semi-floating ring bearing is permitted, but the degree of rotation is limited. Similarly, at least one pair of complementary features that limit the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing can be understood to mean that a degree of axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing is permitted, but the degree of axial movement is limited.

[0012] In this document and throughout, the rotation of the semi-floating ring bearing can be understood to mean the rotation of the semi-floating ring bearing about the central axis. In this document and throughout, the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing can be understood to mean the translation of the semi-floating ring bearing in a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0013] Because the bearing housing anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with the bearing housing, assembly of the semi-floating ring bearing assembly is more efficient. This is because fewer parts are required to assemble the semi-floating ring bearing assembly. This is compared to, for example, a situation where the bearing housing anti-rotation feature is provided separately from the bearing housing. Furthermore, because the bearing housing anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with the bearing housing, the user does not need to spend time correctly positioning the bearing housing anti-rotation feature during assembly. This further improves the assembly efficiency of the semi-floating ring bearing assembly.

[0014] The outer periphery of the flange may define at least one radial notch.

[0015] The radial recess may extend along the entire axial length of the flange.

[0016] The radial notch may be generally arcuate.

[0017] The periphery of the recess may define at least one radial protrusion.

[0018] The at least one radial protrusion may be generally arcuate.

[0019] The stop plate may engage a first axial end surface of the flange to limit movement of the semi-floating ring bearing in a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0020] The second axial end surface of the flange may engage the bearing housing to limit movement of the semi-floating ring bearing in a direction parallel to the central axis. The second axial end surface may be opposite to the first axial end surface.

[0021] In a second aspect of the present invention, a turbomachinery device is provided that includes a semi-floating ring bearing assembly. The turbomachinery device includes a turbine and a compressor. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly includes a bearing housing including a bearing chamber; a stop plate; and a semi-floating ring bearing. The semi-floating ring bearing includes a main body including a central axis, a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The semi-floating ring bearing also includes a flange disposed at the first end of the main body. The flange extends radially beyond the outer surface of the main body. The outer periphery of the flange is non-axisymmetric to define at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing defines a recess. The outer periphery of the recess is non-axisymmetric to define at least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with the bearing housing. The bearing housing anti-rotation feature and the semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature cooperate to limit rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing. The stop plate and the flange define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

[0022] The bearing housing and the flange may further define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.The flange may be configured to abut against the bearing housing to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

[0023] The turbomachinery may be a turbocharger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a turbocharger;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a semi-floating ring bearing assembly of a turbocharger;

[0027] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A front view of a semi-floating ring bearing assembly; and

[0028] Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a semi-floating ring bearing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a turbocharger 2. The turbocharger 2 includes a turbine 4 coupled to a compressor 6 via a central bearing housing 8. The turbine 4 includes a turbine wheel 10 for rotation within a turbine housing 12. The turbine wheel 10 includes blades 14 and is rotatable about a central axis 16 of the turbocharger 2. Similarly, the compressor 6 includes a compressor wheel 17 (or "impeller") including blades 19 ( Figure 1 The turbine wheel 10 and the compressor wheel 17 are mounted on opposite ends of a common turbocharger shaft 22, which extends through the central bearing housing 8. The turbocharger shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a bearing assembly 24 disposed in the bearing housing 8. The bearing assembly 24 includes a semi-floating ring bearing 26 and a retaining plate 28.

[0030] The bearing housing 8 provides a lubrication system for the turbocharger assembly. The bearing housing 8 includes a series of passages 30a-30c through which oil is supplied to the bearing assembly 24. A manifold 30a leads to a first oil line 30b and a second oil line 30c. The passages 30a-30c receive oil from the engine oil circuit (not shown).

[0031] A compressor seal assembly 32 and a turbine seal assembly 34 are disposed in the bearing housing 8. The seal assemblies 32 and 34 are used to prevent oil leakage between the bearing housing 8 and the turbine 4 or compressor 6, respectively. The compressor seal assembly 32 includes an oil seal plate 36 and an oil slinger 38. The turbine seal assembly 34 includes seal members 40a and 40b that sealingly engage the turbocharger shaft 22 and the bearing housing 8.

[0032] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a bearing housing 8 with a semi-floating ring bearing 26 disposed therein is shown. The bearing housing 8 includes a first chamber 42, a second chamber 44, and a third chamber 46. The compressor seal assembly 32 may be housed in the first chamber 42. The first chamber 42 may be referred to as a compressor seal assembly chamber. The turbine seal assembly 34 may be housed in the second chamber 44. The second chamber 44 may be referred to as a turbine seal assembly chamber. The semi-floating ring bearing 26 may be at least partially housed in the third chamber 46. The third chamber 46 may be referred to as a semi-floating ring bearing chamber, or simply a bearing chamber.

[0033] First cavity 42 includes a first surface 48. First surface 48 is adjacent to third cavity 46. First cavity 42 includes a second surface 49. First surface 48 is axially offset from second surface 49 to define a recess 78. Recess 78 forms a portion of first cavity 42. First cavity 42 includes a third surface 51. Third surface 51 is axially offset from second surface 49. A shoulder 80 extends between second surface 49 and third surface 51.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 A perspective view of a semi-floating ring bearing assembly 24 is shown. The semi-floating ring bearing 26 includes a body 54. The body 54 defines a central axis 56. The body 54 defines a first end 58 and a second end 60. The first end 58 is disposed at an opposite end of the body 54 from the second end 60. The body 54 includes a first end face 55. The body 54 includes a second end face ( Figure 3 The first end face 55 is generally opposite to the second end face. The first end face 55 and the second end face define respective thrust pads 57 ( Figure 3Thrust pad 57 is integrally formed with body 54. However, in some embodiments, one or both of end faces 55 need not define thrust pad 57. Body 54 defines outer surface 62. Outer surface 62 of body 54 is generally cylindrical.

[0035] The semi-floating ring bearing 26 includes a flange 64. The flange 64 is disposed at the first end 58 of the body 54. The flange 64 disposed at the first end 58 of the body 54 can be understood to mean that the flange 64 is disposed at the absolute end of the body 54, or alternatively, at an end region of the body 54. In the case where the flange 64 is disposed at the absolute end of the body 54, at least a portion of the flange can define at least a portion of the first end face 55. The flange 64 extends radially beyond the outer surface 62 of the body 54 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 (relative to the central axis 56). The flange 64 surrounds the central axis 56. However, in some embodiments, the flange 64 may extend only partially around the central axis 56.

[0036] The outer periphery 65 of the flange 64 is discontinuous. The outer periphery 65 of the flange 64 is discontinuous, which can be understood to mean that the outer periphery of the flange 64 has a non-constant radius. The outer periphery 65 of the flange 64 is discontinuous, which can be understood to mean that the outer periphery of the flange 64 is non-circular, but can define one or more arcuate portions. Each portion of the flange 64 can extend tangentially from an adjacent portion. The flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 defines a notch 86. The notch 86 serves as an anti-rotation feature of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. The notch 86 extends radially inwardly of the flange 64. Therefore, the notch 86 can be referred to as a radial notch. The notch 86 extends along the entire axial width of the flange 64. However, in some embodiments not depicted, the notch 86 may extend only partially along the axial width of the flange 64. In particular, the notch 86 may extend from the rear surface ( Figure 3 and extends toward the first end face 55 of the main body 54 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26.

[0037] The stop plate 28 is generally arcuate. The stop plate 28 defines a first major face 88 and a second major face ( Figure 3 The second major face is generally opposite the first major face 88. The hole 90 extends from the first major face 88 to the second major face. Figure 2 , the protrusion 92 extends axially from the second main surface 94 of the stop plate 28. As shown, the protrusion 92 engages the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 (particularly the first axial end surface 47 of the flange 64). The engagement of the stop plate 28 with the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 limits the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 during use. In particular, the engagement of the stop plate 28 with the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 limits the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 in a first axial direction, which is toward the turbine housing ( Figure 2 ). Thus, the semi-floating ring bearing 26 and the stop plate 28 define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. The flange 64 also engages with the first surface 48 of the first chamber 42, which limits the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. In particular, the engagement of the flange 64 with the first surface 48 of the first chamber 42 limits the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing in a second axial direction. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction. Thus, the semi-floating ring bearing 26 and the bearing housing 8 define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. In some non-depicted embodiments, the protrusion is not required, and the second main surface of the stop plate 28 can directly engage the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. Thus, the stop plate 28 and the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 during use. Specifically, engagement of the protrusion 92 of the stop plate 28 with the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 limits axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. The oil seal plate 36 engages the first major surface 88 of the stop plate 28 to limit axial movement of the stop plate 28.

[0038] Return Reference Figure 3 , the pin 96 extends through the hole 90 of the stop plate 28 and enters the hole 90 provided in the bearing housing 8 ( Figure 3 The pin 96 secures the position of the stop plate 28, thereby limiting the rotation of the stop plate 28 during use.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 An end view of the bearing housing 8 having the semi-floating ring bearing 26 disposed therein is shown. The outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 is non-axisymmetric. The outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 is discontinuous. The outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 being discontinuous may be understood to mean that the radius of the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 is non-constant. The outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 being discontinuous may be understood to mean that the outer periphery of the recess is non-circular. Each portion of the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 may extend tangentially from an adjacent portion. However, the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 includes a generally arcuate portion. The outer periphery 82 of the recess 78 is discontinuous, thereby defining a protrusion 84. The protrusion 84 is integrally formed with the bearing housing 8. The protrusion 84 extends axially (i.e., parallel to the direction of the turbocharger). Figure 4 The protrusion 84 extends from the first surface ( Figure 4The first surface (not visible in the figure), which is located behind the semi-floating ring bearing 26, extends axially to the second surface 49 of the first chamber 42. However, in some embodiments not depicted, the protrusion 84 may only partially extend from the first surface toward the second surface 49. In the case where the protrusion only partially extends from the first surface toward the second surface, the recess 68 extends from the rear surface ( Figure 4 The projection 84 (not visible in the figure) extends only partially along the axial length of the flange 64. The projection 84 defines a portion of the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78. The projection 84 extends radially (i.e., toward the central axis). In some embodiments (not depicted), the projection 84 may be positioned radially inwardly of the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78. In such cases, the projection 84 may be in the form of a pin. The pin may be integrally formed with the bearing housing 8.

[0040] The outer periphery of the recess 78 of the bearing housing 8 is shaped complementary to the outer periphery 65 of the flange 64. The shape of the recess 86 is complementary to the shape of the protrusion 84 of the bearing housing 8. When the protrusion 84 of the bearing housing 8 is positioned within the recess 86, the rotation of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 is restricted. Thus, the protrusion 84 of the bearing housing 8 and the recess 86 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 define complementary features that cooperate to restrict the rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. Where the protrusion 84 is positioned radially inward of the outer periphery 82 of the recess 78, the recess 86 of the flange 64 can be replaced with a hole extending through the flange 64 or a hole extending from the rear surface of the flange 64 toward the first end surface 55 of the main body 54 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. It should be understood that the bearing housing can include a recess, and the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 can include a protrusion having a shape complementary to the recess.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 2 Discussion Assembling the semi-floating ring bearing assembly 24 into the turbocharger. First, the semi-floating ring bearing 26 is inserted into the third chamber 46 of the bearing housing 8 until the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 (particularly the second axial end face 53 of the flange 64) engages or abuts the first surface 48 of the first chamber 42. The engagement of the flange 64 and the bearing housing 8 limits the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. Thus, the bearing housing 8 and the flange 64 define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit the axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. During insertion, the recess 86 of the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26 is circumferentially aligned with the protrusion 84 so that when the flange 64 engages the first surface 48, the recess 86 receives the protrusion 84. Next, the stop plate 28 is mounted to the bearing housing 8. To mount the stop plate 28 to the bearing housing 8, the stop plate 28 is inserted so that the second major surface 94 of the stop plate 28 engages the third surface 51 of the first cavity 42 and the protrusion 92 of the stop plate 28 engages the flange 64 of the semi-floating ring bearing 26. Then, the pin ( Figure 2 The pin is not visible in the cross-sectional plane and is inserted into the hole of the stop plate 28 ( Figure 2 and inserted into corresponding holes (not visible in the figure, said holes being outside the cross-sectional plane) provided in the bearing housing 8. Figure 2 Then, the oil seal plate 36 is inserted into the first chamber 42 so that the oil seal plate 36 engages with the first main surface 88 of the stop plate 28.

[0042] Although the above description is made with reference to a turbocharger, the present invention is applicable to any type of turbomachinery, for example, an electric turbocharger or a supercharger.

[0043] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those described. The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications may be made to the present invention as described without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A semi-floating ring bearing assembly for a turbomachinery device, the semi-floating ring bearing assembly comprising: a bearing housing comprising a bearing chamber; stop plate; and A semi-floating ring bearing, comprising: a body comprising a central axis, a first end, a second end, and an outer surface; and a flange disposed at the first end of the body, the flange extending radially beyond the outer surface of the body; wherein the outer periphery of the flange is non-axisymmetric to define at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature; and wherein the bearing housing defines a recess, the outer periphery of the recess being non-axisymmetric to define at least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature, the bearing housing anti-rotation feature being integrally formed with the bearing housing; wherein the bearing housing anti-rotation feature and the semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing, Wherein, the stop plate and the flange define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

2. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The outer periphery of the flange defines at least one radial notch.

3. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The radial recess extends along the entire axial length of the flange.

4. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The radial notch is generally arcuate.

5. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The outer periphery of the recess defines at least one radial protrusion.

6. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one radial protrusion is generally arcuate.

7. The semi-floating ring bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The stop plate engages a first axial end surface of the flange to limit movement of the semi-floating ring bearing in a direction parallel to the central axis.

8. A turbomachinery device comprising a semi-floating ring bearing assembly, the turbomachinery device comprising: turbines and compressors; The semi-floating ring bearing assembly comprises: a bearing housing comprising a bearing chamber; stop plate; A semi-floating ring bearing, comprising: a body comprising a central axis, a first end, a second end, and an outer surface; and a flange disposed at the first end of the body, the flange extending radially beyond the outer surface of the body; wherein the outer periphery of the flange is non-axisymmetric to define at least one semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature; and wherein the bearing housing defines a recess, the outer periphery of the recess being non-axisymmetric to define at least one bearing housing anti-rotation feature, the bearing housing anti-rotation feature being integrally formed with the bearing housing; wherein the bearing housing anti-rotation feature and the semi-floating ring bearing anti-rotation feature cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the semi-floating ring bearing, Wherein, the stop plate and the flange define a pair of complementary features that cooperate to limit axial movement of the semi-floating ring bearing.

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