Securing device for securing a turbomachine
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing fastening devices for turbomachines, such as turbochargers, face challenges in ease of assembly and disassembly, resilience during these processes, and load capacity, particularly in withstanding dynamic loads and maintaining secure connections without additional fastening means.
A one-piece fastening device with a foot attachable to a base, featuring a first positive-locking element for a rotation-proof connection and a second form-fitting element for vertical security, allowing secure vertical and rotation-proof connections to turbomachine housings without additional fastening means, enhancing assembly and disassembly efficiency and load capacity.
The fastening device facilitates easier assembly and disassembly, maintains vertical security during disassembly, and improves load capacity, particularly beneficial for turbomachines with a cartridge concept, ensuring stability and reliability.
Smart Images

Figure EP2024063488_05122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
FASTENING DEVICE FOR FASTENING A TURBO MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to the field of turbomachines, in particular to fastening devices for fastening turbomachines, for example turbochargers, to a base. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Fasteners for mounting a turbomachine, especially a turbocharger, to a base or foundation play a crucial role in the stability and safety of the installation. Several important technical aspects related to fastening devices must be considered.
[0003] Typically, the turbomachinery, such as a turbocharger, is mounted on a foundation or base to ensure stability and rigidity. The foundation should be sufficiently strong and robust to support the weight of the turbomachinery and minimize vibration. Mounting devices are then used to securely anchor the turbomachinery to the foundation.
[0004] The most common method for attaching a turbomachinery to a base is with screws or bolts. These are inserted into pre-prepared threaded holes or anchors in the foundation or base. It is important to use high-strength screws or bolts that provide the necessary tightening torque and strength to securely hold the turbomachinery.
[0005] To minimize the transmission of vibrations and oscillations, Elastic or damping elements are often used. These elements can be rubber or elastomer pads, spring elements, or special vibration dampers. They serve to decouple the turbomachinery from the vibrations of the foundation and create a quieter and more stable operating environment.
[0006] When assembling a turbomachine, it is important to ensure correct alignment and adjustment. This ensures optimal performance and reduces wear and damage to components. Adjustable fixtures can be used to adjust the alignment of the turbomachine and ensure it is secured in the correct position.
[0007] Furthermore, the fastening devices must be able to withstand the loads encountered. In addition to the weight of the turbomachinery, dynamic loads such as vibrations, shocks, or thermal expansion must also be considered to ensure a safe and reliable installation.
[0008] It has been found that the fastening devices for turbomachinery known from the state of the art have certain disadvantages during disassembly and assembly and can still be improved with regard to their load-bearing capacity.
[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a fastening device for turbomachines with which one or more of the disadvantages known from the prior art can be partially or completely overcome. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a fastening device for fastening a turbomachine and a turbomachine according to the independent claims are provided. Further Aspects, advantages and features of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying figures.
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a fastening device for fastening a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger, to a base is provided. The fastening device comprises at least one foot that can be fastened to the base. Furthermore, the fastening device comprises a first form-locking element arranged on a first side of the fastening device for forming a form-locking and rotation-proof connection with a corresponding form-locking element of a first housing of the turbomachine without the use of additional fastening means. In addition, the fastening device comprises a plurality of fastening means receptacles arranged on the first side for receiving fastening means for fastening the first housing to the fastening device.Furthermore, the fastening device comprises a second positive-locking element arranged on a second side of the fastening device for forming a positive-locking and vertically secured connection with a corresponding positive-locking element of a second housing of the turbomachine without the use of additional fastening means. The fastening device is a one-piece construction.
[0012] The present invention provides an improved fastening device for fastening a turbomachine. In particular, the embodiments of the fastening device described herein enable easier assembly and disassembly of a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger. The fastening device is designed such that, in the first assembly step, at least one housing of the turbomachine can be securely connected to the fastening device in the vertical direction without additional fastening means. In addition, at least one housing of the turbomachine can be connected to the fastening device in a rotationally secure manner without the need for additional fastening means. During disassembly, the second The housing remains secured in the vertical direction even after the first housing has been released from the fastening device. Furthermore, the fastening device according to the described embodiments improves the load-bearing capacity of the fastening of a turbomachine to a base. The improved fastening device described herein is particularly advantageous for turbomachines, in particular turbochargers, with a cartridge concept.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, a turbomachine is provided. The turbomachine comprises a first housing, a second housing, and a fastening device for fastening the turbomachine according to one of the embodiments described herein. The first form-locking element of the fastening device forms a form-locking and rotationally secure connection with a corresponding form-locking element of the first housing of the turbomachine. The first housing is connected to the fastening device by means of a plurality of fastening means. The plurality of fastening means engage with the fastening means receptacles arranged on the first side. The second form-locking element forms a form-locking and vertically secured connection with a corresponding form-locking element of the second housing of the turbomachine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS
[0014] The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, from which further advantages and modifications emerge. Herein: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fastening device according to embodiments described herein; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective sectional view of a Fastening device according to embodiments described herein with a first housing and a second housing of a turbomachine connected thereto; and Figure 3 is a schematic axial sectional view of a section of a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger, according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] Various embodiments are described below, one or more examples of which are shown in each figure. Each example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used on or in conjunction with any other embodiment to obtain a further embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations.
[0016] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar components. Generally, only the differences between the individual embodiments are described. Unless otherwise stated, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment may also refer to a corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment.
[0017] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a fastening device 10 for fastening a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger, to a base 11 according to the present disclosure is described. The coordinate system illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 shows the vertical direction z, the axial direction x, and the lateral direction y, to which reference is made in the present disclosure.
[0018] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the fastening device 10 comprises at least one foot 12 that can be fastened to the base 11. Figure 1 shows an example with two feet 12. Furthermore, the fastening device 10 comprises a first form-locking element 13, which is arranged on a first side 10A of the fastening device 10. The first form-locking element 13 is designed to form a form-locking and torsion-proof connection with a corresponding form-locking element 42 of a first housing 41 of the turbomachine. The form-locking and torsion-proof connection can be provided without the use of additional fastening means. Furthermore, the fastening device 10 comprises a plurality of fastening means receptacles 14 arranged on the first side 10A for receiving fastening means for fastening the first housing 41 to the fastening device 10.Furthermore, the fastening device 10 comprises a second positive-locking element 15, which is arranged on a second side 10B of the fastening device 10. The second positive-locking element 15 is designed to form a positive-locking connection secured in the vertical direction with a corresponding positive-locking element 32 of a second housing 31 of the turbomachine. The positive-locking connection secured in the vertical direction can be provided without the use of additional fastening means. The fastening device is typically designed as a single piece.
[0019] Thus, a fastening device for fastening a turbomachine is advantageously provided, which is improved over the prior art. In particular, the embodiments of the fastening device described herein enable easier assembly and disassembly of a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger. The fastening device is advantageously designed such that, when a first housing and a second housing of the turbomachine are assembled on the fastening device, at least one The housing of the turbomachine can be connected to the fastening device in such a way that it is secured in the vertical direction without the use of additional fastening means. Furthermore, the fastening device is advantageously designed in such a way that at least one housing of the turbomachine can be connected to the fastening device in a rotationally secure manner without the use of additional fastening means. Furthermore, the fastening device, according to the embodiments described here, has the advantage that during disassembly after the first housing has been released from the fastening device, the second housing is still secured in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the fastening device, according to the embodiments described here, enables a fastening of a turbomachine to a base that is improved in terms of load-bearing capacity.The fastening device described herein for turbomachines, in particular turbochargers, with a cartridge concept is particularly advantageous.
[0020] The cartridge concept in turbomachinery refers to a design in which the core of the turbomachinery is designed as a separate unit, known as a cartridge. This cartridge typically comprises one or more impellers, such as a compressor wheel and / or a turbine wheel, and the associated bearings. In turbochargers, the cartridge concept refers to a design in which the turbocharger is divided into several components or modules. Each module performs a specific function and can be serviced or replaced independently of the others.
[0021] In the cartridge concept, the turbocharger is typically divided into three main components. The first main component is the turbine housing. The turbine housing is the part of the turbocharger that comes into contact with the hot exhaust gases. The turbine housing surrounds the turbine wheel. The second main component is the compressor housing, which is responsible for compressing the fresh air in the turbocharger. The compressor housing surrounds The compressor wheel. The compressor housing is connected to the engine's intake system and can be replaced separately from the turbine housing. The cartridge can be considered the third main component. The cartridge is the true core of the cartridge concept. The cartridge comprises one or more impellers, such as the compressor wheel and / or the turbine wheel, and the bearing units. The cartridge is considered a standalone unit and can be completely removed and replaced without removing the turbine or compressor housing, thus facilitating turbocharger maintenance and repair.
[0022] In the present disclosure, a "fastening device for attaching a turbomachine to a base" may be understood to mean a special structure used to securely and stably attach a turbomachine to its intended location on the base. The "base" is typically a stable platform or structure to which the turbomachine is attached. In particular, the base serves as a foundation or base upon which the fastening device is installed to securely hold the turbomachine. The base may be made of various materials such as steel, concrete, or other stable structural materials, depending on the specific requirements of the application and the forces acting on the turbomachine.
[0023] A "base-attachable foot" of a mounting device can be understood as a part of the mounting device that can be directly connected to the base and serves as a contact surface. This foot enables the stable attachment of the mounting device to the base. The foot can have various shapes and sizes depending on the design and requirements of the mounting device. Typically, the foot is made of a robust and durable material such as steel or another high-strength alloy. The foot can have a flat, circular, rectangular, or other suitable support surface to ensure good stability and secure hold on the base. Typically, the foot is provided with mounting holes or threads to ensure easy and secure attachment. To enable attachment to the base. These holes or threads allow screws, bolts, or other fasteners to be inserted through these holes or threads to securely connect the foot to the base. The main function of the base-mounted foot is to anchor the mounting device to the base and provide a solid foundation for the turbomachinery or other component. The foot helps transfer the forces and loads that can occur during operation to the base while ensuring the stability, alignment, and safety of the device. The base-mounted foot can be an integral part of the mounting device.
[0024] In the present disclosure, a "positive locking element" may be understood to mean an element, component, or structure of the fastening device that is configured to establish a secure positive locking between two or more parts. The first positive locking element 13 refers to a specific component or structure of the fastening device that serves to establish a positive and rotationally secure connection with the corresponding positive locking element 42 of the first housing 41 of the turbomachine. The specific configuration of the first positive locking element 13 typically depends on the specific construction and design of the turbomachine. It may be a groove, a tenon, a pin, a bolt, a tongue and groove connection, a spline, or another form of structural element that has a close fit or complementarity with the corresponding positive locking element 42.The technical function of the first positive-locking element 13 is to create a positive-locking connection in which the two parts, the first positive-locking element 13 and the corresponding positive-locking element 42 of the first housing 41, interact with each other and fit into each other to ensure a torsion-proof connection. A torsion-proof connection can be understood as a connection designed to prevent the two connected parts from twisting relative to each other.
[0025] The second positive-locking element 15 designates a specific component or structure of the fastening device that serves to establish a positive-locking and vertically secured connection with a corresponding positive-locking element 32 of a second housing 31 of the turbomachine. As with the first positive-locking element 13, the specific configuration of the second positive-locking element 15 typically depends on the specific construction and design of the turbomachine. It may be a groove, a tenon, a pin, a bolt, a tongue and groove connection, a spline, or another form of structural element that has a close fit or complementarity with the corresponding positive-locking element 32.The technical function of the second positive-locking element 15 is to create a positive-locking connection in which the two parts, the second positive-locking element 15 and the corresponding positive-locking element 32 of the second housing 31, interact and fit together to ensure a connection that is designed to secure the connection in the vertical direction. A connection secured in the vertical direction can be understood as a connection that is designed to prevent unintentional movement or displacement of the two connected parts in the vertical direction.
[0026] As can be seen from Figure 1, the second side 10B of the fastening device, on which the second form-locking element 15 is arranged, is a side facing away from the first side 10A. In particular, the first side 10A and the second side 10B are opposite and opposite sides. "Opposite and opposite sides" can be understood as sides of the fastening device that are opposite one another in terms of their orientation and positioning and point in opposite directions.
[0027] According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first form-locking element 13 extends in the axial direction. For example, the first The positive locking element 13 can be a pin or tenon, and the corresponding positive locking element 42 of the first housing 41 can be a matching pin or tenon receptacle. Alternatively, the corresponding positive locking element 42 of the first housing 41 can be a pin or tenon, and the first positive locking element 13 of the fastening device 10 can be a matching pin or tenon receptacle. An outer contour of the pin or tenon can be round, oval, circular, angular (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, etc.), or have another suitable outer contour geometry. Accordingly, an inner contour of the pin or tenon receptacle can be round, oval, circular, angular (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, etc.), or have another suitable inner contour geometry.
[0028] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the second form-locking element 15 extends in the axially opposite direction to the first form-locking element 13, as is shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 3. For example, the second form-locking element 15 can be an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, projection and the corresponding form-locking element 32 of the second housing 31 can be an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, groove. Alternatively, the corresponding form-locking element 32 of the second housing 31 can be an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, projection and the second form-locking element 15 can be an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, groove. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the arcuate, in particular part-circular, configuration refers to an arcuate orpart-circular curvature around an axis in the axial direction x.
[0029] It should be noted that although only one first form-locking element 13 and one second form-locking element 15 are shown in the figures, according to an alternative embodiment, two or more first form-locking elements and / or two or more second form-locking elements may be present. Accordingly, two or more corresponding form-locking elements 42 may also be provided on the first housing 41 and / or two or more corresponding form-locking elements 32 may be provided on the second housing 31.
[0030] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the plurality of fastening means receptacles 14 are arranged in an arc shape, in particular in a part-circle shape, on the first side 10A of the fastening device 10. In other words, the fastening means receptacles 14 can be arranged along a virtual arc, in particular along a virtual part-circle. As shown by way of example in Figure 1, the fastening means receptacles typically extend in the axial direction x. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the fastening device 10, which is connected to a first housing 41 and a second housing 31. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows, by way of example, fastening means 18 with which the first housing 41 is fastened to the fastening device 10.
[0031] In the present disclosure, "fastener receptacles" may be understood to mean specific elements or structures designed to receive or secure fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, or other fastening elements. Typically, the fastener receptacles are an integral part of the fastening device.
[0032] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the plurality of fastener receptacles 14 are arranged in one or more protruding elements 16. Typically, the plurality of protruding elements 16 extend in the axial direction x, as shown by way of example in Figure 1. According to an example illustrated in Figure 1, two or more protruding elements 16 are provided, each with at least one fastener receptacle 14, in particular two fastener receptacles 14.
[0033] According to an embodiment, with other methods described herein Embodiments can be combined, the first form-locking element 13 is arranged centrally between the plurality of fastening means receptacles 14, as shown by way of example in Figure 1.
[0034] A one-piece fastener design can be understood to mean that the fastener is manufactured as a single, undivided part or component. This means that the fastener does not contain any separate parts or elements that need to be connected together. A one-piece fastener can be manufactured in one piece, either by casting, forming, or machining a single material. There are no additional joints, welds, or assembly steps required to manufacture the fastener. The advantage of a one-piece fastener is its simplicity and high structural integrity. The absence of joints or intermediate elements means there is less risk of weak points or failures in the fastener.This can advantageously lead to greater strength, reliability and durability.
[0035] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the first housing 41 is a bearing housing. A "bearing housing of a turbomachine" can be understood to mean a housing of the turbomachine that serves to accommodate and protect the bearings for the rotors and shafts of the turbomachine. A turbomachine, such as a turbocharger, typically comprises various rotating parts mounted on bearings to enable low-friction and reliable rotation.
[0036] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the second housing 31 is a turbine housing. A "turbine housing" can be understood as a housing of the turbomachine that encloses and protects the turbine components, such as the rotor and guide vanes.
[0037] With reference to Figure 3, a turbomachine 50 according to the present disclosure is described. According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the turbomachine comprises a first housing 41, a second housing 31, and a fastening device 10 according to one of the embodiments described herein for fastening the turbomachine 50. The first form-locking element 13 of the fastening device 10 forms a form-locking and torsion-proof connection with a corresponding form-locking element 42 of the first housing 41 of the turbomachine 50. The first housing 41 is connected to the fastening device 10 by means of a plurality of fastening means 18. The plurality of fastening means 18 engage with the fastening means receptacles 14 arranged on the first side 10A.The second form-locking element 15 forms a positive-locking connection secured in the vertical direction with a corresponding form-locking element 32 of the second housing 31 of the turbomachine 50.
[0038] According to one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the turbomachine is a turbocharger. The first housing 41 can be a bearing housing. The second housing 31 can be a turbine housing. Typically, the turbocharger comprises a compressor with a compressor housing 21, a turbine 30 with the turbine housing 31, and an inner bearing 40 arranged between the compressor housing 21 and the turbine housing 31 with the bearing housing 41. For example, the compressor housing 21 can be connected to the turbine housing 31 via at least one connecting means 17 extending through the bearing housing 41, as shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 3.
[0039] As will be apparent from the embodiments described herein, according to the invention, a fastening device for a turbomachine is advantageously provided which is improved in terms of assembly / disassembly and load capacity. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Fastening device 10A first side of the fastening device 10B second side of the fastening device 11 Base 12 feet 13 first form-locking element 14 fastener holders 15 second form-locking element 16 protruding elements 17 connecting devices 18 fasteners 20 compressors 21 Compressor housing 30 turbines 31 second housing, in particular turbine housing 32 corresponding form-locking element of the second housing 40 bottom brackets 41 first housing, in particular bearing housing 42 corresponding form-locking element of the first housing 50 Turbomachinery, in particular turbocharger x axial direction z vertical direction y lateral direction
Claims
CLAIMS 1. Fastening device (10) for fastening a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger, to a base (11), comprising: - at least one foot (12) attachable to the base (11), - a first form-locking element (13) arranged on a first side (10A) of the fastening device (10) for forming a form-locking and rotation-proof connection with a corresponding form-locking element (42) of a first housing (41) of the turbomachine without the use of additional fastening means, - a plurality of fastening means receptacles (14) arranged on the first side (10A) for receiving fastening means (18) for fastening the first housing (41) to the fastening device (10), and - a second form-locking element (15) arranged on a second side (10B) of the fastening device (10) for forming a form-locking and vertically secured connection with a corresponding form-locking element (32) of a second housing (31) of the turbomachine without the use of additional fastening means, wherein the fastening device (10) is one-piece.
2. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first form-locking element (13) is a pin or tenon and the corresponding form-locking element (42) of the first housing (41) is a matching pin or tenon receptacle, or vice versa.
3. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second form-locking element (15) is an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, projection and the corresponding form-locking element (32) of the second housing (31) is an axial, arcuate, in particular part-circular, groove, or vice versa.
4. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the a plurality of fastening means receptacles (14) are arranged in an arc shape, in particular in a part-circle shape, on the first side (10A).
5. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of fastener receptacles (14) are arranged in one or more protruding elements (16).
6. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first form-locking element (13) is arranged centrally between the plurality of fastening means receptacles (14).
7. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first housing (41) is a bearing housing.
8. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second housing (31) is a turbine housing.
9. Turbomachine (50), comprising - a first housing (41), - a second housing (31), and - a fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for fastening the turbomachine (50), wherein the first form-locking element (13) of the fastening device (10) forms a form-locking and rotation-proof connection with a corresponding form-locking element (42) of the first housing (41) of the turbomachine (50), wherein the first housing (41) is connected to the fastening device (10) by means of a plurality of fastening means, wherein the plurality of fastening means engage with the fastening means receptacles (14) arranged on the first side (10A), and wherein the second form-locking element (15) is connected to a corresponding form-locking element (32) of the second housing (31) of the turbomachine (50) forms a positive and vertically secured connection.
10. Turbomachine (50) according to claim 9, wherein the turbomachine is a turbocharger, wherein the first housing (41) is a bearing housing, and wherein the second housing (31) is a turbine housing.
11. Turbomachine (50) according to claim 10, wherein the turbocharger comprises a compressor (20) with a compressor housing (21), - a turbine (30) with the turbine housing, and - an inner bearing (40) arranged between the compressor housing (21) and the turbine housing (31) comprising the bearing housing (41).
12. Turbomachine (50) according to claim 11, wherein the compressor housing (21) is connected to the turbine housing (31) via at least one connecting means (17) extending through the bearing housing (41).