Supply line and internal combustion engine with such a supply line

Abstract

A supply line (2) that can be sealed in a recess (6, 7) of a line connection (4, 5), which is axially movable relative to a central axis (10) of the recess (6, 7) and can be sealed against an inner wall surface (14) of the recess (6, 7) by means of a sealing element (9) arranged on the circumference of a connection piece (8) of the supply line (2), wherein the supply line (2) is both axially movable relative to the recess (6, 7) and is additionally guided to be deflectable from a coaxial position of the central axes (10, 11) such that the central axis (11) of the supply line (2) and the central axis (10) of the recess (6, 7) enclose an angle, characterized in thatthat a limiting element (16) restricting axial movement is assigned to the supply line (2) and that the limiting element (16) rests axially against the circumference of the supply line (2) and can be fixed in an area of ​​the line connection (5) adjacent to the recess (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a supply line that can be fixed in a sealing manner in a recess of a line connection, which can be moved axially relative to a central axis of the recess and can be placed in a sealing manner against an inner wall surface of the recess by means of at least one sealing element arranged on the circumference of a connecting piece of the supply line. Furthermore, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine intended for driving a motor vehicle with a line connection having a recess, which accommodates a connecting piece, carrying a sealing element, of a supply line for a charger, in particular an exhaust gas turbocharger, so that it can move axially with respect to a central axis of the recess.

[0002] Such a supply line is used in practice, for example, to supply lubricant in closed systems. For example, certain chargers, in particular exhaust gas turbochargers, are known for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which are equipped with a bearing arrangement comprising a stationary housing and a shaft bearing which is movably arranged relative to the housing.

[0003] In applications for supporting shafts rotating at high speeds, such as in an exhaust gas turbocharger, the shaft bearing is usually used in a floating arrangement as a bearing bush which rotates between the shaft and the bearing housing. During operation, a lubricant of the exhaust gas turbocharger generates a hydrodynamic film on the boundary surfaces between the shaft bearing and the shaft on the one hand and between the shaft bearing and the housing on the other.

[0004] The lubricant required during operation is routed from the internal combustion engine to the turbocharger via the supply line. After the lubricant has passed through the bearings, it is returned to the engine. This is done with a section of the supply line designed as a return line, with the requirements on the seal being lower due to the significantly reduced fluid pressure.

[0005] For this purpose, the supply line is sealingly connected to the internal combustion engine via an integral seal.

[0006] The internal combustion engine has a recess formed as a bore, with one end of the supply line being connected therein. The other end of the supply line is attached to the turbocharger, usually by means of a clamp plate and screw connections.

[0007] Since the line connections on the exhaust gas turbocharger and the internal combustion engine are subject to considerable tolerance influences in practice and, moreover, during operation of the exhaust gas turbocharger due to the high operating temperatures and the associated thermal expansion of the materials, there is a relative displacement of the exhaust gas turbocharger relative to the internal combustion engine, the supply line is at least flexibly designed in sections.

[0008] In practice, a combination of dimensionally stable, preformed lines and flexible hoses has been used as the supply line between the internal combustion engine and the turbocharger.

[0009] A lubricant supply for a turbocharger arrangement is already known from US Pat. No. 5,261,237 A, which is intended to ensure a resilient connection in the area of ​​the line connection of the supply line to the internal combustion engine. At the same time, the supply line can be moved axially relative to the recess in order to enable relative movement of the connection piece in the recess of the engine block of the internal combustion engine. This mobility is necessary in order to enable a connection piece of the supply line, designed as a plate, to be fixed to the engine block by means of screw bolts, while the recess of the exhaust gas turbocharger accommodates the other end of the supply line in a movable manner. The seal is thereby achieved by means of an O-ring arranged between the inner wall surface of the bore and the connecting piece. In this way, the supply line is slightly shifted outwards in the recess due to the screw connection of one connection piece to the engine block, without the seal being impaired in the process.

[0010] With a lubricant supply for an exhaust gas turbocharger according to US Pat. No. 6,247,440 B1, the supply line is fixed in a bore in the engine block by means of a press fit. For this purpose, the connecting piece has a guide section that can be pushed into the bore and an overlying area, between which a groove for an O-ring is provided. The supply line can be pivoted about its own central axis in the recess without the seal being impaired as a result. As a result, the desired orientation can be set without any problems after the sealing connection with the internal combustion engine.

[0011] DE 694 22 601 T2 relates to a lubricant supply for exhaust gas turbochargers, which can be fixed to an engine block of an internal combustion engine by means of an integral seal. The supply line has, on the one hand, a connection piece designed as an insertion end section and, on the other hand, a connection designed as a fastening flange. The fitting, designed as an insertion end section, has a sealing section with a plurality of grooves for flexible O-rings and an axial position-determining stop part, designed as a radial extension, which abuts the outer surface of the engine block.

[0012] EP 1 512 901 A2 also relates to the supply of lubricant to an exhaust gas turbocharger by an internal combustion engine. For this purpose, a connecting piece of the supply line has an elastic ring and a radially projecting flange that determines the axial insertion position. Projections are attached to the front end area of ​​the connection piece, which form an undercut in the recess of the engine block and in this way reliably fix the supply line.

[0013] In FR 2908154 A1, too, the connecting piece of a supply line for supplying lubricant to an exhaust gas turbocharger is inserted into a recess and sealed by means of an O-ring inserted into a groove.

[0014] The relative displacement of the exhaust gas turbocharger in relation to the internal combustion engine proves to be disadvantageous during operation due to the thermal expansion and also depending on the driving conditions, which is counteracted with a flexible or elastic design of the supply line at least in sections. Due to the high pressure of the lubricant that occurs during operation, however, the use of hoses or flexible intermediate elements has proven to be problematic because leaks can increasingly occur in the transition area.

[0015] Against this background, the invention is based on the object of creating a significantly improved line connection in which the use of elastic elements can largely be dispensed with, even in the event of a relative movement of the elements connected by the supply line. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of creating an improved line connection for a supply line for a charger on an internal combustion engine.

[0016] The first-mentioned object is achieved with a supply line according to the features of patent claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly useful developments of the invention.

[0017] According to the invention, a supply line is provided which is both axially movable relative to the recess in the latter and also deflectable from a position coaxial to the central axis in such a way that the central axis of the supply line and the central axis of the recess enclose an angle or intersect. Due to the fact that the supply line can be inclined in the recess, i.e. tilted, without the sealing effect of the sealing element being impaired as a result, a further degree of freedom for a relative movement of the supply line in relation to the line connection is created according to the invention, so that in practice elastic or flexible properties are often required can be completely dispensed with. Therefore, tried and tested supply lines made of a dimensionally stable material, for example metal lines, can be used, which ensure optimal protection against leaks. Deviating from the known prior art, a press or screw connection of the connection piece is dispensed with in the exception and the contact surface between the supply line and the inner wall surface of the recess is limited to the sealing element, which thus also determines the maximum outer radial extent. In contrast, the circumference of the connecting piece is set back, so that the desired limited relative mobility is ensured.

[0018] The invention is not limited to specific applications, so that electrical supply lines could also be implemented according to the teaching of the invention. On the other hand, an embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in which the supply line is a fluid line assigned to an internal combustion engine or a unit of the internal combustion engine, in order to be able to ideally compensate for the relative movement that occurs particularly in motor vehicles during operation and at the same time to ensure maximum functional readiness.

[0019] It is particularly practical if the supply line is designed as a lubricant supply line, in order to ensure the necessary supply of lubricant to assemblies that are equipped with bearings. In addition to the internal combustion engine, additional lubricant pumps can also be connected to the respective unit with the supply line according to the invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention is particularly suitable for a variant in which the lubricant supply line connects a charger, in particular an exhaust gas turbocharger, to an internal combustion engine, because exhaust gas turbochargers in particular, but also mechanical chargers, in particular compressors, are particularly dependent on a reliable supply of lubricant.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention can be used particularly profitably in practice if the supply line is designed as a supply line or a discharge line, and the compensation of relative movements that can be achieved according to the invention is thus ensured equally in the lubricant inlet and in the lubricant return. The respective connection piece can also be designed to be structurally identical if the fluid pressure varies significantly in order to achieve uniform relative mobility of a plurality of supply or discharge lines.

[0022] In principle, the connecting piece can have any geometry, in particular a rotationally symmetrical one. On the other hand, it is particularly advantageous if the connection piece essentially has a cylindrical basic shape, so that the recesses of the line connection can be introduced in a simple manner through a bore.

[0023] The realization of the supply line is not limited to a specific choice of material. On the other hand, it is particularly practical if the supply line is designed to be dimensionally stable in order to achieve the desired pressure resistance to avoid leaks.

[0024] It has been shown that, according to a further particularly useful modification of the invention, the supply line has a bend, with a short and a long leg. As a result, when there is a relative displacement of the units connected by means of the supply line, there is preferably an axial displacement of the connecting piece in the recess and only a reduced degree of deflection.

[0025] In a simple case, the fitting is just the end portion of the supply line that carries the sealing element. In a particularly reliable design of the invention, however, the connection piece has two convex or conical formations that axially enclose the sealing element on both sides, the spacing of which can be adjusted, for example, or adapted to the desired sealing element. As a result, the sealing element is fixed in its axial position by the protrusions forming a respective stop.

[0026] In addition, according to a further practical variant, the connecting piece has a groove accommodating the sealing element. The connecting piece thus primarily serves to fix the sealing element.

[0027] In addition, according to a particularly advantageous modification of the invention, the connection piece has a stop surface that can be placed against the inner wall surface to limit the deflection from the concentric central position, in order to limit the maximum deflection by the connection piece in a simple manner and in particular to limit an undesirable bending moment acting on the supply line to avoid.

[0028] In addition to limiting the deflection, according to another advantageous variant of the invention, in which the supply line is assigned a limiting element that limits the axial mobility, the supply line is prevented from slipping out of the recess.

[0029] A particularly simple development of the invention is particularly suitable for this purpose, in which the delimiting element has a blocking element that delimits the cross-sectional area of ​​the recess and cuts out the supply line, so that the blocking element partially covers the recess after the supply line has been fixed, and thus as a stop for the radially expanded connector is used. Of course, the blocking element can also be designed as an automatically acting pawl, which only allows the supply line to be inserted into the recess, while counteracting the supply line from sliding out of the recess.

[0030] According to another, likewise particularly expedient variant of the invention, the limiting element can rest axially movably on the circumference of the supply line and can be fixed in a region of the line connection adjacent to the recess. In a simple case, the delimiting element has an opening that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply line but smaller than the connection piece, which encloses the supply line and is in turn fixed immovably, for example on the engine block.

[0031] Furthermore, it is particularly promising if the supply line can also be rotated about its central axis relative to the recess, in order to achieve an additional degree of freedom of the relative movement in a simple manner. The arrangement of the supply line on the units is thus significantly simplified by the possibility of a subsequent change in orientation, and the assembly and service costs in particular are reduced.

[0032] The connection piece can be arranged on the supply line so that it can be replaced, in order to achieve a modular structure for the supply line required in each case. On the other hand, it is particularly advantageous if the connection piece is connected in one piece to the supply line in order to reliably rule out leaks.

[0033] Depending on the intended use, the sealing element can consist of different materials or combinations of materials, with sealing elements preferably being used in practice which have elastic material properties.

[0034] The second-mentioned object, to create an internal combustion engine intended to drive a motor vehicle with a line connection having a recess, is achieved according to the invention in that the supply line is guided in such a way that it can be moved axially relative to the recess and can also be deflected from a position coaxial with the central axis is that the central axis of the supply line and the central axis of the recess enclose an angle, ie the central axes intersect. In this way, the necessary degrees of freedom are created in a simple manner in order to compensate for the relative movement of the exhaust gas turbocharger with respect to the internal combustion engine without additional flexible or elastic line elements. The supply line thus has a comparatively simple structural design and high pressure resistance.

[0035] The invention permits numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and is described below.

[0036] This shows in

[0037] figure 1 shows a perspective view of a supply line connecting an internal combustion engine to an exhaust gas turbocharger;

[0038] figure 2 shows a sectional view of a recess of the internal combustion engine accommodating the supply line;

[0039] figure 3 shows a sectional view of a recess in the exhaust gas turbocharger that accommodates the supply line.

[0040] figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of an internal combustion engine intended for driving a motor vehicle, which is not shown in more detail 1 , which means a two unequal legs 2a , 2b having supply line 2 with an exhaust gas turbocharger 3 connected is.

[0041] The respective line connection 4 , 5 the supply line 2 on the internal combustion engine 1 and on the exhaust gas turbocharger 3 is based on the figure 2 and figure 3 explained in more detail, each showing a sectional view of the supply line 2 receiving recess 6 the internal combustion engine 1 on the one hand and one the supply line 2 receiving recess 7 of the exhaust gas turbocharger 3 on the other hand show. The supply line 2 has a connector at each end 8 on, which is arranged on the circumference, designed as an O-ring sealing element 9 wearing. This results in limited axial mobility of the connecting pieces 8 in the recesses 6 , 7 achieved without impairing the sealing effect. In addition, the supply line 2 from one to the central axis 10 the recess 7 , 8 coaxial position so deflected that the central axis 11 the supply line 2 and the central axis 10 of the recess intersect each other. This pivoting mobility about a transverse axis to the longitudinal axis of the connector 8 or the supply line 2 to allow, has the connector 8 two convex or conical, the sealing element 9 axially enclosing formations on both sides 12 that the sealing element 9 in a groove 13 take up. At the same time forms the connecting piece 8 one against an interior wall surface 14 the recess 6 , 7 attachable stop surface 15 to limit the deflection from the concentric center position.

[0042] As in figure 3 shown, has the supply line 2 furthermore, a limiting element that restricts the axial mobility 16 to prevent the fitting from slipping out 8 from the recess 7 to avoid. For this purpose, the delimiting element closes 16 the extent of the supply line 2 between the two connectors 8 annular, axially movable, and thus forms an axial stop for the radially expanded connector 8. By means of a screw connection, not shown, is the limiting element 16 in one of the recesses 7 adjacent area of ​​the line connection 5 fixed. Reference List 1 internal combustion engine 2 supply line 2a thigh 2b thighs 3 exhaust gas turbochargers 4 line connection 5 line connection 6 recess 7 recess 8 connector 9 sealing element 10 central axis 11 central axis 12 shape 13 slots 14 interior wall surface 15 abutment surface 16 limiting element QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

[0043] This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Patent Literature Cited

[0044] - US5261237A

[0009] -US6247440B1

[0010] - DE 69422601 T2

[0011] - EP 1512901 A2

[0012] - FR 2908154 A1

[0013]

Claims

[1] A recessed area ( 6 , 7 ) of a line connection ( 4 , 5 ) sealingly fixable supply line ( 2 ), which in relation to a central axis ( 10 ) the exclusion ( 6 , 7 ) axially movable relative to this and by means of a connecting piece on the circumference ( 8 ) the supply line ( 2 ) arranged sealing element ( 9 ) opposite an interior wall surface ( 14 ) the exclusion ( 6 , 7 ) can be applied in a sealing manner, characterized by , that the supply line ( 2 ) both relative to the exception ( 6 , 7 ) in this axially movable position as well as additionally from a coaxial position of the central axes ( 10 , 11 ) is guided in such a way that the central axis ( 11 ) the supply line ( 2 ) and the central axis ( 10 ) the exclusion ( 6 ,7 ) include an angle. [2] Supply line ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) is a fluid line. [3] Supply line ( 2 ) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) an internal combustion engine ( 1 ) or an assembly of the internal combustion engine ( 1 ) is assigned. [4] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) is designed as a lubricant supply line. [5] Supply line ( 2 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lubricant supply line connects to a charger, in particular an exhaust gas turbocharger ( 3 ) with an internal combustion engine ( 1 ) connects. [6] Supply line ( 2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) is designed as a supply line or a discharge line. [7] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8 ) essentially has a cylindrical basic shape. [8] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) is dimensionally stable. [9] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) has an angle, with a short leg ( 2a ) and a long thigh ( 2b ). [10] Supply line ( 2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8 ) two convex and / or conical sealing elements ( 9 ) axially enclosing features on both sides ( 12 ) exhibits. [11] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8 ) a sealing element ( 9 ) receiving groove ( 13 ) exhibits. [12] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8 ) one against the inner wall surface ( 14 ) attachable stop surface ( 15 ) to limit the deflection. [13] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2) a limiting element restricting axial movement ( 16 ) is assigned. [14] Supply line ( 2 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the limiting element ( 16 ) the cross-sectional area of ​​the recess ( 7 ) limiting, the supply line ( 2 ) has a recessed locking element. [15] Supply line ( 2 ) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the limiting element ( 16 ) on the extent of the supply line ( 2 ) is axially movable and rests in one of the recesses ( 7 ) adjacent area of ​​the line connection ( 5 ) can be determined. [16] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) additionally around its central axis ( 11 ) relative to the exclusion ( 6 , 7) is rotatable. [17] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting piece ( 8 ) with the supply line ( 2 ) is joined in one piece. [18] Supply line ( 2 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element ( 9 ) exhibits elastic material properties. [19] An internal combustion engine designed to power a motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a cutout ( 6 , 7 ) having a line connection ( 4 , 5 ), which is a sealing element ( 9 ) load-bearing connecting piece ( 8 ) a supply line ( 2 ) for a charger, especially an exhaust gas turbocharger ( 3 ), with respect to a central axis ( 10 ) the exclusion ( 6 , 7) axially movable, characterized in that the supply line ( 2 ) both relative to the exception ( 6 , 7 ) axially movable as well as additionally from a coaxial position of the central axis ( 10 , 11 ) is deflectable in such a way that the central axis ( 11 ) the supply line ( 2 ) and the central axis ( 10 ) the exclusion ( 6 , 7 ) include an angle.

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