Flange assembly with washer for turbocharging system

Abstract

A flange assembly (110) for a turbocharging system (100) is described. The flange assembly comprises a housing component (112) of the turbocharging system (100) having a first flange portion and an auxiliary component (111) of the turbocharging system (100) having a second flange portion (115). The housing component (112) and the auxiliary component (111) are attached to each other via the first and second flange portions using a plurality of fastening elements (113). The flange assembly further includes washers (120, 220) that are at least partially disposed and fixed on one of the first and second flange portions. Further, the use of the washers (120, 220) in the flange assembly (110) of the turbocharging system (100) is described herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a flange assembly for a turbocharging system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the use of washers in a flange assembly of a turbocharging system.

Background Art

[0002] A turbocharging system includes a plurality of housing components and other auxiliary components, such as air inlet or exhaust gas components that are fixedly coupled to each other by flange connections (e.g., by bolt connection of two flange joints).

[0003] During operation of the turbocharging system, these components and their respective flange portions are subject to high mechanical loads. High mechanical stress can lead to component failure. Failure of the mechanical components of the turbocharging system can lead to damage "spreading" to other components of the turbocharging system that may not be directly affected by the initial occurrence of the failure, or damage occurring to external components.

[0004] For example, the flange of the air inlet component may be damaged within or adjacent to the opening of the flange containing the mounting bolts. Even if the bolts remain intact, in such scenarios, the bolt connection may be lost. These and related scenarios should be avoided to prevent many bolt connections from being lost and the air inlet from being damaged and falling off the turbocharger. Another undesirable scenario may result from axial movement between the two components of the flange assembly, which may occur due to the inertia of one component (e.g., when the material properties of the two components are different). This can lead to radial cracks in one or both of the flange portions of the components. Additionally or alternatively, rotation between the components of the flange assembly may occur due to the inertia of one component (e.g., when the material properties of the two components are different). In this scenario, it is necessary to avoid the flange breaking outside the hole and / or the bolts pulling out of the joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] In view of the above, a flange assembly for a turbocharging system and the use of a washer in the flange assembly of a turbocharging system are provided to solve at least some of the above limitations and / or reduce the risk of some undesirable scenarios. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a flange assembly that can contain damage such that it does not spread to other components that are not directly affected by the initial occurrence of a failure. This object is achieved by the flange assembly according to claim 1 and the use of the washer according to claim 15. Further aspects, advantages, and features are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a flange assembly for a turbocharging system is provided. The flange assembly includes a housing component of a turbocharger system having a first flange portion. The flange assembly further includes an auxiliary component of the turbocharger system having a second flange portion. The housing component and the auxiliary component are attached to each other via the first and second flange portions using a plurality of fastening elements. The flange assembly includes a washer disposed and fixed at least partially on one of the first and second flange portions. The washer includes a first radially inward portion and a second radially inward portion spaced circumferentially therefrom, each including a through hole through which one of the fastening elements extends therethrough. The washer further includes a third radially inward portion spaced circumferentially from the first and second radially inward portions. The third radially inward portion is configured to provide a contact region to one of the first and second flange portions. The washer includes a connecting portion connected to each of the first, second, and third radially inward portions.

[0007] The washer of the present disclosure includes at least two radially inward portions having through holes. By the radially inward portions, the washer can be coupled to the auxiliary component and the housing component by at least two fastening elements. If one or more flange portions of the auxiliary component and the housing component are damaged at the joint of one fastening element, the flange assembly is held in place by a combination of the washer and the undamaged joint between the fastening element and the flange portion. The damaged component (auxiliary component or housing component) is protected from falling off the turbocharging system.

[0008] The washer of the present disclosure enables an increase in the contact area between the washer and an auxiliary component or a housing component. This is achieved, in particular, by providing a third radially inward portion, preferably by causing the first and second radially inward portions to extend onto the flange portion (of the auxiliary component or the housing component). By increasing the contact area of the washer, in particular when one of the auxiliary component and the housing component is damaged at the joint of a fastening element, the stress around the through holes of the first and second radially inward portions is reduced.

[0009] When referring to the axial direction, the radial direction or the circumferential direction in this specification, each direction is defined by the flange portion of the component and corresponds to the direction defined by the axis of the turbocharger in the embodiment. The axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the flange portion of the component.

[0010] The turbocharger system typically includes a plurality of components detachably connected to each other via flange portions. The present invention is not limited to a specific flange assembly of the turbocharging system.

[0011] The flange assembly is preferably used to couple each component when one of the components is brittle or when one of the components is more brittle than the other component. For example, the flange assembly of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous when one of the components such as an auxiliary component is a cast aluminum component. The flange assembly of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous for the air inlet component of the turbocharging system, the housing of which may be more brittle than other parts, particularly when they are made of cast aluminum.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing component is the housing component of the compressor of the turbocharger system. This component can accommodate a rotating component of the turbocharger system, such as an impeller of the compressor.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary component can be an air inlet component of the turbocharging system. For example, the auxiliary component can preferably be a silencer component, a suction branch, a compensator, or a supply line component connecting the first supercharging stage and the second supercharging stage, preferably a silencer.

[0014] The fastening element of the flange assembly is not particularly limited, but preferably enables a detachable connection between the components (auxiliary component and housing component). Typically, the fastening element can be a screw, or a combination of a bolt and two nuts, or a combination of a stud bolt and a nut. For example, one of the components (auxiliary component or housing component) can have a threaded stud bolt. The other component can include a through-hole for passing the stud bolt, and the components can be fixed to each other by nuts. Alternatively, both of the components (auxiliary component or housing component) can include through-holes for receiving the mounting elements.

[0015] A plurality of fastening elements are circumferentially arranged around the flange portion, specifically around the radially outer end of the flange portion.

[0016] The washer is preferably arranged on the side surface of one component (auxiliary component or housing component) facing away from the flange of the other component. In other words, the washer is preferably not arranged between the two flange portions of the components, but is arranged on the outer surface or the outer part of one flange (or the first and second flange portions). The attachment of the first flange portion and the second flange portion by a plurality of fastening elements may result in a contact surface between the housing component and the auxiliary component. The outer surface or the outer part of each of the first and second flange portions is a side surface facing away from the contact surface. The washer can be formed of metal. The washer can be arranged between the fastening element, specifically the end of the fastening element, and one side surface of the flange portion, specifically the outer part. The washer can improve the connection between the flange portion and the fastening element.

[0017] In addition, the flange assembly can further include an O-ring, gasket, or other suitable means between the two flange portions of the housing component and the auxiliary component. The gasket can be a sheet-shaped seal for sealing the joint between the housing component and the auxiliary component. The gasket and the washer are different components. In other words, the washer is not a gasket.

[0018] The fastening element can have an axial component that extends through the washer, specifically the first and second radially inner portions of the washer, further through the first or second flange portion, and then through the remaining flange portion (the second or first flange portion).

[0019] The fastening element preferably has an axial end that is in direct contact with the washer, specifically the first and second radially inner portions of the washer. The washer is preferably also in direct contact with one of the first or second flange portions. In other words, the washer can be axially clamped between the first or second flange portion and the axial end of the fastening element.

[0020] Preferably, the washer is axially disposed between the axial end of the fastening element and the second flange portion of the auxiliary component (i.e., the surface of the second flange portion facing away from the first flange portion), especially when the auxiliary component is a brittle component such as made of cast aluminum. Each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions can be disposed on and in contact with the second flange portion. Each of the first and second radially inner portions can be disposed between one of the fastening elements and the second flange portion of the auxiliary component.

[0021] The washer can be integrally formed, i.e., formed from a single piece of material. For example, the washer can be formed from sheet material. Preferably, each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions is flat and lies in one common plane.

[0022] The first, second, and third radially inner portions of the washer can typically be disposed entirely within the outer periphery of the flange portion (first or second). The first, second, and third radially inner portions can be adjacent to each other, but preferably do not contact and / or abut each other. The washer does not form a continuous surface within the outer periphery of the flange portion (first or second) and is interrupted by the radially inner portions spaced apart from each other.

[0023] Also, the connecting portion of the washer can be regarded as the radially outer portion of the washer. The connecting portion can typically be disposed mainly or entirely radially outward from the outer periphery or the radial end of the flange portion. The connecting portion may not be disposed radially between the flange portion and the fastening element or may not be clamped therebetween. The connecting portion may not contact the fastening element and / or the flange portion.

[0024] The connecting portion can have a plurality of sections. Exemplarily, the connecting portion can include one section for each radially inner portion of the washer and optionally can include one section for connecting these sections. Alternatively, the connecting portion can include two sections, a first section connecting the first and third radially inner portions and a second section connecting the third and second radially inner portions. Each section of the connecting portion may have different radial and / or circumferential dimensions, for example.

[0025] The washer can include any number (but at least three) of radially inner portions, and each radially inner portion is circumferentially spaced apart from the adjacent radially inner portion. For example, the washer can include a fourth radially inner portion including a through hole through which each one of the fastening elements extends and / or a fourth radially inner portion not including a through hole.

[0026] The radially inner portions can be arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. Thereby, a radial recess can be formed between pairs of adjacent radially inner portions in the circumferential direction. The radial recess can be defined in the circumferential direction by a pair of adjacent radially inner portions and in the radially outer direction by a connecting portion. The radial recess may open inside the recess in the radial direction. At least one of the radial recesses may extend radially outside the flange.

[0027] Specifically, the first radial recess can be defined between the first radially inner portion and the third radially inner portion, and the second radial recess can be defined between the second radially inner portion and the third radially inner portion. The first radial recess may extend radially outside the second radial recess. The radial recess enables accommodation of a stabilizing structure (e.g., a strut) extending through the flange region inside, while the connecting portion arranged radially outside the radial recess still enables connecting the radially inner portions to each other.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the third radially inner portion is configured to provide a contact area with respect to one of the first and second flange portions between adjacent fastening elements. The third radially inner portion can provide a contact area in a space where no fastening element is arranged. Thereby, the contact area of the washer with the flange portion can be maximized, and thereby, in particular, when one of the auxiliary component and the housing component is damaged at the joint of one fastening element, the stress around the through holes of the first and second radially inner portions can be reduced. The third radially inner portion can preferably be arranged between and spaced from adjacent fastening elements.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the third radially inner portion is circumferentially disposed between the first radially inner portion and the second radially inner portion. The third radially inner portion can provide an additional contact area in a space not occupied or not occupiable by the first or second radially inner portion.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the third radially inner portion does not include a hole. The third radially inner portion can provide an additional contact area in a portion that does not include a fastening element.

[0031] Also, the washer can have three or more radially inner portions including through holes, for example three or four (fourth, sixth, etc.) radially inner portions. In this case, additional intermediate radially inner portions (fifth, seventh, etc.) can be disposed between each adjacent pair of radially inner portions including through holes.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the washer is substantially flat. Thus, all portions of the washer, including the first, second, third, and connecting portions, can be flat. Each of the first, second, third, and connecting portions may be in one common plane. Manufacturing the washer to be flat facilitates the assembly of the flange portion. Preferably, the washer can be made of a sheet material.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the washer may not be flat. The first, second, and third radially inner portions can be arranged in a common plane. The connecting portion can define a connecting plane. The connecting plane can be arranged at an angle with respect to the common plane. For example, the angle between the common plane and the connecting plane can be in the range between 80° and 120°. Preferably, the common plane is substantially perpendicular to the connecting plane. The connecting portion can be substantially flat, in particular, except for the curved sections that contact the first, second, and third radially inner portions. The washer can be made of a sheet material.

[0034] The connecting portion may extend substantially along the axial longitudinal direction and, in particular, may not extend along the radial direction. Advantageously, the connecting portion can provide a radial barrier for the fastening element in the event of damage to the flange assembly. If one or both of the flange portions are damaged in the vicinity of a fastening element, the fastening element may become disengaged. However, a connecting portion extending along the axial longitudinal direction prevents the fastening element from slipping out of the flange assembly and, in particular, from slipping through the washer in the radial direction. Thus, damaged parts of the flange assembly can be confined within the flange assembly instead of damaging some further component of, for example, a turbocharging system.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flange assembly may include a plurality of washers, as described herein. For example, the flange assembly may include between 3 and 8 washers.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the flange assembly may include a second washer that is different from the washer described above (which may also be referred to as the first washer or the first type of washer).

[0037] The second (or second type of) washer may be disposed on and fixed to at least a portion of one of the first and second flange portions. The second washer may further include a radially inward flat portion having a single through-hole through which the fastening element extends. Preferably, the second washer has a single through-hole and / or does not have additional radially inward portions. The second washer may further include a radially outward portion disposed at an angle to the radially inward flat portion. The angle between the radially inward portion and the radially outward portion may be in the range between 80° and 120°. Preferably, the radially inward flat portion is substantially perpendicular to the radially outward portion.

[0038] The radially outer portion of the washer can extend substantially along the axial longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the radially outer portion of the second washer can provide a radial barrier for the fastening element in the event of damage to the flange assembly. Thus, in the vicinity of the fastening element clamping the second washer, if one or both flange portions are damaged, the fastening element may come loose. However, the radially outer portion extending along the axial longitudinal direction prevents the fastening element from slipping out of the flange assembly, and in particular from slipping radially through the second washer. Thus, the damaged parts of the flange assembly can be confined within the flange assembly instead of, for example, damaging some further component of the turbocharging system.

[0039] The above-mentioned reference to the (first) washer regarding its arrangement within the flange assembly is also appropriately applicable to the second washer (e.g., the arrangement regarding the first and second flange portions, and the mounting element).

[0040] Typically, the flange assembly can include a plurality of first washers and a plurality of second washers. The second washer is smaller than the first washer and can be used around the circumferential section of the flange assembly where space is tight and the first washer cannot be accommodated. The second washer can be easily attached when using a fastening member to fix the flange portions to each other. The combination of the flat first washer and the second washer is particularly advantageous. Both are easy to attach and cooperate when confining the flange assembly in the event of damage to the flange assembly. Exemplarily, the flange assembly can include two - four first washers and one - four second washers.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary component and / or the housing component, preferably the auxiliary component, includes a plurality of struts circumferentially arranged on the flange portion. The struts can extend along the radially outer section of the (first and / or second) flange portion, specifically up to the radially outer end of the (first and / or second) flange portion. In other words, the radially outer end or the end portion of the (first and / or second) flange portion may be interrupted by the struts. For example, the struts can be part of the auxiliary component when the auxiliary component is, for example, a muffler. The struts can support the housing component of the muffler. The struts can preferably be arranged on the surface of the second flange portion facing away from the first flange portion. Exemplarily, the struts can be arranged adjacent to the axial end of the fastening element and the washer.

[0042] Each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions of the washer can be arranged between a pair of adjacent struts. Preferably, only one of the first, second, and third radially inner portions is arranged between a pair of adjacent struts. Thus, the third radially inner portion can be arranged between a pair of adjacent adjacent struts. One or two or more of the first, second, and third radially inner portions can mainly or entirely extend over the circumferential length (arc length) between adjacent struts. Thereby, the contact area between the (first, second, and third) radially inner portion and the flange portion can be maximized.

[0043] The struts may not be arranged at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the flange portion. Additionally or alternatively, the struts may have different radial lengths and / or circumferential lengths. The first washer is particularly advantageous for use in a section of the flange assembly where the space is not overly restricted by the struts. The second washer is particularly advantageous for use in a section of the flange assembly where the space is quite narrow because of its small size and easy installation.

[0044] (The first) The connecting portion of the washer can extend circumferentially beyond at least two struts. The connecting portion can include a radially inward clearance for receiving each strut. Typically, the connecting portion can extend circumferentially beyond two struts and include two radially inward clearances with one strut disposed within each radially inward clearance. One section of the connecting portion can connect the first and third radially inward portions and extend beyond one strut. Another section of the connecting portion can connect the third radially inward portion and the second radially inward portion and extend beyond another strut.

[0045] (The first) The connecting portion of the washer can extend radially outward from at least two struts and circumferentially along at least two struts.

[0046] The struts may not be equally spaced around the outer periphery of the flange portion and may have different radial lengths or arc lengths. The connecting portion can include corresponding sections having different arc lengths and / or different radial lengths.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a turbocharging system is provided. The turbocharging system includes a flange assembly according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0048] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a washer in a flange assembly of a turbocharging system to contain the turbocharging system in the event of damage to the flange assembly. The washer includes a first radially inner portion and a second radially inner portion spaced circumferentially therefrom, each including a through hole for receiving a fastening element therethrough. The washer further includes a third radially inner portion spaced circumferentially from the first and second radially inner portions. The third radially inner portion is configured to provide a contact area for the flange portion of the turbocharging system. The washer also includes a connecting portion connected to each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions.

[0049] The washer can be provided according to any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. Thus, the washer can include any of the features described above with respect to the flange assembly.

[0050] The third radially inner portion is preferably configured to provide a contact area for the flange portion of the turbocharging system between adjacent fastening elements.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a washer for a flange assembly of a turbocharging system is provided. The washer includes a first radially inner portion and a second radially inner portion spaced circumferentially therefrom, each including a through hole for receiving a fastening element therethrough. The washer further includes a third radially inner portion spaced circumferentially from the first and second radially inner portions. The third radially inner portion is configured to provide a contact area for the flange portion of the turbocharging system. The washer also includes a connecting portion connected to each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions.

[0052] The washer can be provided according to any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. Thus, the washer can include any of the features described above with respect to the flange assembly.

[0053] The third radially inner portion is preferably configured to provide a contact area for the flange portion of the turbocharging system between adjacent fastening elements.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the accompanying drawings.

[0055] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis is placed on explaining the principles of the present invention. Further, in the figures, like reference numerals indicate corresponding elements. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the present disclosure and are described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 2d

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0057] Next, refer in detail to the various embodiments in which one or more examples are shown in each figure. Each example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limiting. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with some other embodiment to provide yet another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations.

[0058] In the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar components. Generally, only differences regarding individual embodiments will be described. Unless otherwise specified, a description of a part or aspect in one embodiment can also apply to the corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 1 by way of example, a turbocharging system 100 including a flange assembly 110 according to the present disclosure will be described. The flange assembly 110 includes a housing component 112 of the turbocharging system 100 and an auxiliary component 111 of the turbocharging system.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows one of the flange assemblies that may be included in the turbocharging system 100. In the specific example shown in FIG. 1, the housing component 112 is a compressor component. The component 112 houses the impeller of the compressor. The auxiliary component 111 is a silencer. The silencer 111 is detachably fixed to the compressor component 112. The silencer 111 and the component 112 are attached to each other via first and second flange portions having a plurality of fastening elements. However, the silencer 111 obscures the view of the flange assembly in FIG. 1.

[0061] FIG. 2a shows a schematic top view of the components of the flange assembly 110 according to the embodiments described herein, and FIG. 2b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2a. Some components of the components are cut away for clarity. In FIG. 2a, a part of the auxiliary component 111 is cut away to enable a good view of the components of the flange assembly. In FIG. 2b, the upper part of the auxiliary component 111 and the lower part of the housing component 112 are cut away.

[0062] FIG. 2a shows the auxiliary component 111 (the housing component is hardly visible in FIG. 2a but is visible in FIG. 2b). The auxiliary component includes a second flange portion 115. The second flange portion 115 has a first side or surface that contacts the side or surface of the first flange portion 116. These two sides form a flange connection. Also, the second flange portion 115 has a second side or surface that faces away from the first flange portion 116.

[0063] The flange assembly 110 includes a plurality of struts 114 circumferentially spaced around a radially outer section of the second side of the flange portion 115. The struts 114 can be provided for various purposes, so they are not necessarily equally spaced and do not necessarily have equal arc lengths. Also, some struts do not extend to the radially outer end of the second side and may provide a space at the radially outer end of the second side of the second flange portion 115.

[0064] The second flange portion 115 is detachably attached to the first flange portion 116 by a plurality of fastening elements 113. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fastening element 113 is a combination of a stud bolt and a nut.

[0065] The flange assembly 110 further includes at least one (first) washer 120. The part of the flange assembly 110 shown in FIG. 2a shows two washers 120, but the flange assembly 110 can have more or fewer than two washers 120.

[0066] Figure 3 shows washer 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The washer includes a first radially inner portion 121, a second radially inner portion 122, a third radially inner portion 123, and a connecting portion 124.

[0067] The first radially inner portion 121 includes a through hole 126 for accommodating the fastening element 113. The second radially inner portion 122 similarly includes a through hole 125 for accommodating the fastening element 113.

[0068] The third radially inner portion 123 preferably does not have a through hole for accommodating the fastening element 113. The third radially inner portion 123 provides a contact area for the second flange portion 115 between adjacent fastening elements 113.

[0069] Each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions is circumferentially spaced from each other. The first, second, and third radially inner portions are adjacent to each other but do not otherwise contact or abut each other. Each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions is preferably flat and configured to contact the second side surface of the flange portion facing away from the other flange portion. The radially inner portions enable full surface contact with the second side surface of the flange portion.

[0070] The third radially inner portion 123 is circumferentially disposed between the first and second radially inner portions 121, 122.

[0071] The connecting portion 124 includes two sections, one section connecting the third and second radially inner portions, and the other section connecting the first radially inner portion 121. In the specific example shown in FIG. 3, each of the two sections forms a gap configured to receive a strut. The two sections have different radial depths and form gaps of different sizes corresponding to the size of the strut 114 of the flange assembly 110. The sections of the connecting portion 124 may be different in size and shape from those shown in FIG. 3 depending on the type and size of the strut 114 of the flange assembly.

[0072] The washer 120 shown in FIG. 2a is substantially flat and is integrally formed from a sheet material.

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 2a, a plurality of fastening elements 113 attach the second flange portion 115 to the first flange portion 116. As further shown in FIG. 2c, the washer 120 is clamped between the axial end of the fastening element 113 and the second side surface of the second flange portion 115. This can be achieved by inserting the fastening element 113 into the through holes 125, 126 of the first and second radially inner portions and the openings of the second flange portion 115 and optionally the first flange portion 116. FIG. 2c shows a side view along line B-B of FIG. 2a.

[0074] The third radially inner portion 123 contacts the second side surface of the second flange portion between adjacent fastening elements 113 and between adjacent struts 114. Thus, the contact area between the washer and the second flange portion is maximized.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the flange assembly 110 further includes a second washer 130 (as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b). The second washer is fixed to the second flange portion 115 by one fastening element 113. The second washer 130 is clamped between the axial end of the fastening element 113 and the second surface of the second flange portion 115. The second washer 130 includes a radially inner flat portion 131 having one through hole and a radially outer portion 132 arranged at an angle to the radially inner flat portion 131. This angle is about 90°. FIG. 2d is a side view along line A-A of FIG. 2a. In FIG. 2d, it can be seen that the radially outer portion 132 is bent with respect to the radially inner portion 131.

[0076] The radially outer portion 132 of the second washer 130 provides a radial barrier for the fastening element 113 in case the flange assembly is damaged.

[0077] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a washer 220 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b is a side view of FIG. 4a.

[0078] The washer 220 is substantially the same as the washer 120 unless otherwise indicated. Also, the washer 220 can be used with the same flange assembly 110 shown in FIG. 2. The washer 220 can also be combined with the second washer 130 described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0079] The washer 220 includes a first radially inner portion 221, a second radially inner portion 222, a third radially inner portion 223, and a connecting portion 224. Each of the first radially inner portion 221 and the second radially inner portion 222 includes through holes 225, 226 for accommodating the fastening element 113.

[0080] The first, second, and third radially inner portions 221, 222, 223 are arranged in a common plane, and the connecting portion 224 defines a connecting plane arranged at an angle to the common plane. This angle is about 90°.

[0081] Therefore, considering the above, it is understood that the described embodiments enable the containment of the flange assembly in case of damage, compared to the prior art. The fixing of the washer via at least two fastening elements, the extended contact surface, and optionally the radial barrier enable the containment of the flange assembly if one or both of the flanges are damaged at the outer part of the hole (opening).

[0082] Although the above is directed to embodiments, other further embodiments can be considered without departing from the basic scope, which is determined by the claims that follow.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0083] 100 Turbocharging system 110 Flange assembly 111 Auxiliary component 112 Housing component 113 Fastening element 114 Strut 115 Second flange part 116 First flange part 120, 220 Washers 121, 221 First radially inward part 122, 222 Second radially inward part 123, 223 Third radially inward part 124, 224 Connecting part 125, 126, 225, 226 Through holes 130 Second washer

Claims

1. A flange assembly (110) for a turbocharger system (100), comprising: A housing component (112) of the turbocharger system (100) having a first flange portion; An auxiliary component (111) of the turbocharger system (100) having a second flange portion (115), wherein the housing component (112) and the auxiliary component (111) are attached to each other via the first and second flange portions using a plurality of fastening elements (113); A washer (120, 220) at least partially disposed and fixed on one of the first and second flange portions, the washer being essentially disposed outside one of the first and second flange portions; Comprising; The washer (120, 220) comprises: A first radially inward portion (121, 221) each including a through hole (125, 126, 225, 226) through which one of the fastening elements (113) extends; a second radially inward portion (122, 222) circumferentially spaced from the first radially inward portion (121, 221); A third radially inward portion (123, 223) circumferentially spaced from the first and second radially inward portions (121, 122, 221, 222), the third radially inward portion (123, 223) being configured to provide a contact area for one of the first and second flange portions (115); And a connecting portion (124, 224) connected to each of the first, second, and third radially inward portions (121, 122, 123, 221, 222, 223). A flange assembly.

2. The flange assembly according to claim 1, wherein the third radially inward portion (123, 223) is configured to provide a contact area for one of the first and second flange portions (115) between adjacent fastening elements (113).

3. The flange assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third radially inward portion (123, 223) is circumferentially disposed between the first radially inward portion (121, 122, 221, 222) and the second radially inward portion (121, 122, 221, 222).

4. Each of the first radially inner portions (121, 221) and the second radially inner portions (122, 222) is disposed between one of the fastening elements (113) and the second flange portion (115) of the auxiliary component (111). The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The third radially inner portion (123, 223) does not include a hole. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The connecting portions (124, 224) are disposed radially outside the radial ends of the flange portions (115, 116). The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The washers (120, 220) are substantially flat and are made of sheet material in particular. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first, second, and third radially inner portions (221, 222, 223) are disposed in a common plane, and the connecting portion (224) defines a connecting plane disposed at an angle with respect to the common plane. In particular, the washer (220) is made of sheet material. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The connecting portion (224) extends substantially along the axial longitudinal direction and / or is configured to provide a radial barrier for the fastening element (113) when the flange assembly is damaged. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The housing component (112) is a housing component of the compressor of the turbocharging system (100) and houses the rotating components of the turbocharging system (100). The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The auxiliary component (111) is an air inlet component of the turbocharging system, preferably a silencer component, a suction branch, a compensator, or a supply line component for connecting a first turbocharging stage and a second turbocharging stage. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The auxiliary component (111) is an air inlet component made of cast aluminum, and / or the auxiliary component (111) and the housing component (112) have different brittleness, and the washer (120) is arranged on a more brittle flange. The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Further comprising a second washer (130) disposed and fixed at least partially on one of the first and second flange portions, the second washer (130) including a radially inner flat portion (131) having a through hole through which the fastening element (113) passes, the second washer (130) further including a radially outer portion (132) disposed at an angle to the radially inner flat portion (131), and optionally, the radially inner flat portion (131) is substantially perpendicular to the radially outer portion (132). The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The auxiliary component (111) has a plurality of struts (114) circumferentially arranged at the flange portion (115), and optionally, each of the first, second, and third radially inner portions (121, 122, 123) of the washer (120) is arranged between adjacent struts (114). The flange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Use of the washers (120, 220) of the flange assembly (110) of the turbocharger system (100) for confining the turbocharger system (100) when the flange assembly (110) is damaged, the washers being configured to be essentially disposed outside the flange portion of the flange assembly, the washers (120, 220) being optionally according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and the washers (120, 220) Each includes a first radially inner portion (121, 221) and a second radially inner portion (122, 222) spaced circumferentially from the first radially inner portion (121, 221), the first radially inner portion (121, 221) having a through hole (125, 126, 225, 226) for receiving the fastening element (113) therethrough. A third radially inner portion (123, 223) spaced circumferentially from the first and second radially inner portions (121, 122, 221, 222), the third radially inner portion (123, 223) being configured to provide a contact area for a flange portion of the turbocharging system, the third radially inner portion (123, 223); Connection portions (124, 224) each connected to the first, second, and third radially inner portions (121, 122, 123, 221, 222, 223); Comprising, use.

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