Turbocharger and method for operating a turbocharger

Abstract

Presented is a turbocharger (1) for an internal combustion engine (2). The turbocharger comprises a turbine (3) comprising a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor (5) comprising a compressor wheel (6). The turbine wheel (4) and the compressor wheel (6) are interconnected by means of a drive shaft (15). The turbine (3) comprising a turbine housing (7) containing the turbine wheel (4) and having an exhaust gas inlet (8) and an exhaust gas outlet (9). The compressor (5) comprising a compressor housing (10) containing the compressor wheel (6) and having an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12). The turbocharger (1) is provided with at least one nozzle (13) that is connectable in fluid communication with a cleaning agent source (14) and that is in fluid communication with the turbocharger (1) to feed cleaning agent into the turbocharger (1). Presented is also a method for operating a turbocharger (1).

Description

[0001] TURBOCHARGER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A

[0002] TURBOCHARGER

[0003] Field

[0004] The invention relates to a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0005] The invention also relates to a method for operating a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine.

[0006] Objective

[0007] The object is to an improved turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having an improved cleaning feature and an improved method.

[0008] Short description

[0009] The turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the turbocharger are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 42.

[0011] The method for operating a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine is correspondingly characterized by the definitions of independent claim 43.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the method are defined in the dependent claims 44 to 51.

[0013] Presented is also a method for operating a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine defined in claim 52.

[0014] List of figures

[0015] In the following the turbocharger for an internal combustion engine and the method will described in more detail by referring to the figures, of which

[0016] Figure 1 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a first embodiment,

[0017] Figure 2 shows a turbocharger according to a first embodiment,

[0018] Figure 3 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in transparent view,

[0019] Figure 4 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in transparent view,

[0020] Figure 5 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in cut view,

[0021] Figure 6 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in transparent view,

[0022] Figure 7 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in transparent view,

[0023] Figure 8 shows a version of the nozzle for the turbocharger in transparent view,

[0024] Figure 9 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a second embodiment,

[0025] Figure 10 shows a turbocharger according to a second embodiment, Figure 11 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a third embodiment,

[0026] Figure 12 shows a turbocharger according to a third embodiment,

[0027] Figure 13 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a fourth embodiment,

[0028] Figure 14 shows a turbocharger according to a fourth embodiment,

[0029] Figure 15 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a fifth embodiment,

[0030] Figure 16 shows a turbocharger according to a fifth embodiment,

[0031] Figure 17 shows an internal combustion engine that is provided with a turbocharger according to a sixth embodiment, and

[0032] Figure 18 shows a turbocharger according to a sixth embodiment.

[0033] Detailed description of the invention

[0034] First the turbocharger 1 for an internal combustion engine 2 and some embodiments and variants of the turbocharger will be presented in greater detail.

[0035] The turbocharger 1 comprises a turbine 3 comprising a turbine wheel 4 and a compressor 5 comprising a compressor wheel 6. The turbine wheel 4 and the compressor wheel 6 are interconnected by means of a drive shaft 15.

[0036] The turbine 3 comprises a turbine housing 7 containing the turbine wheel 4 and having an exhaust gas inlet 8 and an exhaust gas outlet 9.

[0037] The compressor 5 comprises a compressor housing 10 containing the compressor wheel 6 and having an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12.

[0038] The turbocharger 1 is provided with at least one nozzle 13 that is connectable in fluid communication with a cleaning agent source 14 and that is in fluid communication with the turbocharger 1 to feed cleaning agent into the turbocharger 1.

[0039] Said at least one nozzle 13 comprises a plurality of first channels 16 disposed around a longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle 13.

[0040] The number of first channels 16 can for example be between 2 and 10, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

[0041] Each first channel 16 has a first inlet 17 configured for receiving cleaning fluid from the cleaning agent source 14 and each first channel 16 has a first outlet 18 opening up in a swirl chamber 19 of the nozzle 13.

[0042] The swirl chamber 19 is formed around the longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle 13 and is radially outward limited by a circumventing inner surface 20.

[0043] The first channels 16 are configured to direct cleaning agent streams in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis X-X from the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16 towards the circumventing inner surface 20 of the swirl chamber 19 to create a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0044] Said at least one nozzle 13 comprises a plurality of second channels 21 disposed around the longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle 13.

[0045] The number of second channels 21 can for example be between 2 and 10, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

[0046] Each second channel 21 has a second inlet 22 for leading cleaning agent from the swirl chamber 19 and each second channel 21 has a second outlet 23 configured to direct from the nozzle 13 cleaning agent streams, which are configured to collide at a collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger. This causes the cleaning agent to form small droplets, which are spread inside the turbocharger.

[0047] The cross-section of the swirl chamber 19 as measured transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X is smaller at the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16. This causes the velocity of the flow to be higher at the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0048] The first inlet 17 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated in the same virtual circumferential plane as the first outlet 18 of the first channel 16, so that the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18 of each first channel 16 are rotated with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes the forming of the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0049] The first inlet 17 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated in the same virtual circumferential plane as the first outlet 18 of the first channel 16, so that the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18 of each first channel 16 are offset with respect to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes the forming of the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0050] The first inlet 17 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the first channels 16 will all start at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0051] The first inlet 17 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the first channels 16 will all start at the same axial point with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0052] The first outlet 18 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the first channels 16 will all end at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0053] The first outlet 18 of each first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the first channels 16 will all end at the same axial point with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0054] At least one first channel 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, straight between the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18. In the version of the nozzle 13 illustrated in the figures, all first channels 16 are straight between the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18.

[0055] It is also possible that at least one first channel 16 is or that all first channels 16 are curved between the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18.

[0056] It is also possible that at least one first channel 16 is both curved and straight or that all first channels 16 are both curved and straight between the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 18.

[0057] The first outlets 18 of each first channel 16 adjoins preferably, but not necessarily, as in the version of the nozzle 13 illustrated in the figures, the circumventing inner surface 20 of the swirl chamber 19.

[0058] The first channels 16 are preferably, but not necessarily, distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes the forming of the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0059] Each first channel 16 has preferably, but not necessarily, the same configuration, and the first channels 16 forms preferably, but not necessarily, together a rotational symmetrical configuration around the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes the forming of the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19, which is stable, because cleaning agent will be fed symmetrically into the swirl chamber 19.

[0060] The swirl chamber 19 has preferably, but not necessarily, a first flat inner end surface 27 at one end of the swirl chamber 19, wherein the first flat inner end surface 27 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X-X, and wherein the first outlets 18 of each first channel 16 opening up into the swirl chamber 19 at the first flat inner end surface 27. This promotes the forming of a stable rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19, because the first flat inner end surface 27 will not disturb the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0061] If the swirl chamber 19 has a first flat inner end surface 27 at one end of the swirl chamber 19, at least one of the first channels 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, straight, and said at least one of the first channels 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, oriented in an angle with respect to the first flat inner end surface 27, so that the angle between said at least one of the first channels 16 and the first flat inner end surface 27 is between 60° and 75°. This promotes the forming of a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0062] If the swirl chamber 19 has a first flat inner end surface 27 at one end of the swirl chamber 19, all first channels 16 are preferably, but not necessarily, straight, and all first channels 16 are preferably, but not necessarily, oriented in an angle with respect to the first flat inner end surface 27, so that the angle between each first channel 16 and the first flat inner end surface 27 is between 60° and 75°. This promotes the forming of a stable rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19, because cleaning agent will be fed symmetrically into the swirl chamber 19 and because the first flat inner end surface 27 will not disturb the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0063] It is possible that all of the plurality of first channels 16 are straight so that at least one first channel 16 of the plurality of first channels 16 has a length that is different from the length of the other first channels 16 of the plurality of first channels 16 and so that the length of the longest first channel 16 of the plurality of first channels 16 is 110 to 140 % of the length of the shortest first channel 16 of the plurality of first channels 16. This promotes the forming of a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0064] At least one second channel 21 extends preferably, but not necessarily, at least partly helically in a semi helical manner, in semi helix manner or in a semi twisted manner about the longitudinal axis X-X between the second inlet 22 and the second outlet 23.

[0065] The second inlet 22 of each second channel 21 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the second channels 21 will all start at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0066] The second inlet 22 of each second channel 21 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the second channels 21 will all start at the same axial point with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0067] The second outlet 23 of each second channel 21 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the second channels 21 will all end at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0068] The second outlet 23 of each second channel 21 is preferably, but not necessarily, situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X. This means that the second channels 21 will all end at the same axial point with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0069] It is possible that at least one second channel 21 of the plurality of second channels 21 is straight between the second inlet 22 and the second outlet 23.

[0070] It is possible that at least one second channel 21 of the plurality of second channels 21 is curved between the second inlet 22 and the second outlet 23.

[0071] It is possible that at least one second channel 21 of the plurality of second channels 21 is both straight and curved between the second inlet 22 and the second outlet 23.

[0072] The swirl chamber 19 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second flat inner end surface 28 at one end of the swirl chamber 19, wherein the second flat inner end surface 28 extend transversely to the longitudinal axis X-X, and wherein the second inlets 22 of each second channel 21 leads from the second flat inner end surface 28 of the swirl chamber 19. This promotes the forming of a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19, because the second flat inner end surface 28 will not disturb the rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0073] The second channels 21 are preferably, but not necessarily, distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes forming of droplets at the collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger, because the cleaning agent streams fed from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21 will be similar to each other.

[0074] Each second channel 21 has preferably, but not necessarily, the same configuration, and the second channels 21 forms preferably, but not necessarily, together a rotational symmetrical configuration around the longitudinal axis X-X. This promotes forming of droplets at the collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger, because the cleaning agent streams fed from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21 will be similar to each other.

[0075] The second outlets 23 opens preferably, but not necessarily, up at semispherical cavity 29.

[0076] The second outlets 23 are preferably, but not necessarily, surrounded by sharp edges. This promotes the forming of cleaning agent streams all having the same configuration from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21, because such sharp edges have a small impact on the cleaning agent streams fed from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21.

[0077] The cross-section of the swirl chamber 19 decreases preferably, but not necessarily, at least partly steplessly and / or in steps the direction of the longitudinal axis X-X away from the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16 towards the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21. This causes the velocity of the flow to be higher at the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0078] The cross-section of the swirl chamber 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 10 and 30 % smaller at the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16. This causes the velocity of the flow to be higher at the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0079] The swirl chamber 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X is the central axis of the swirl chamber 19. This promotes the forming of a stable rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0080] If the swirl chamber 19 is at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X is the central axis of the swirl chamber 19, the diameter of the swirl chamber 19 decreases preferably, but not necessarily, at least partly steplessly and / or in steps the direction of the central axis X-X away from the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16 towards the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21. This promotes the forming of a stable rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19 and causes the velocity of the flow to be higher at the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0081] If the swirl chamber 19 is at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X is the central axis of the swirl chamber 19, the swirl chamber 19 has preferably, but not necessarily, a first cylindrical swirl chamber portion 25 into which the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16 opens, and the swirl chamber 19 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second cylindrical swirl chamber portion 26 from which the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21 leads, so that the diameter of the of the second cylindrical swirl chamber portion 26 is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical swirl chamber portion 25. The second cylindrical swirl chamber portion 26 adjoins preferably, but not necessarily, the first cylindrical swirl chamber portion 25. If the swirl chamber 19 is at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X is the central axis of the swirl chamber 19, the diameter of the swirl chamber 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, smaller at the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0082] If the swirl chamber 19 is at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X is the central axis of the swirl chamber 19, the diameter of the swirl chamber 19 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 10 and 30 % smaller at the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0083] The nozzle 13 in preferably, but not necessarily, made at least partly of at least one of metal and ceramic material. The nozzle 13 can for example be manufactured by using additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.

[0084] In the first embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 2, in the second embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 10, in the fourth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 14, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, the exhaust gas inlet 8 of the turbine housing 7 is provided with a nozzle 13. In these embodiments of the turbocharger, the nozzle 13 that the exhaust gas inlet 8 of the turbine housing 7 is provided with is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas inlet 8 of the turbine housing 7 and is configured to feed cleaning agent into the exhaust gas inlet 8 of the turbine housing 7. In these embodiments of the turbocharger, the collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger 1 is situated inside the exhaust gas inlet 8 of the turbine housing 7 upstream of the turbine wheel 4 of the turbine 3. In the first embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 2, in the second embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 10, in the fourth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 14, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, crust on surface of parts of the so-called exhaust side of the turbocharger and originating from exhaust particles can be removed. In the second embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 10, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, a drainage port 24 is in fluid connection with the exhaust gas outlet 9 of the turbine housing 7 and configured to receive liquid contained in the exhaust gas outlet 9 downstream of the turbine wheel 4 of the turbine 3.

[0085] In the second embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 12, in the fifth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 16, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, the air inlet 11 of the compressor housing 10 is provided with a nozzle 13. In these embodiments of the turbocharger, the nozzle 13 that the air inlet 11 of the compressor housing 10 is provided with is in fluid communication with the air inlet 11 of the compressor housing 10 and is configured to feed cleaning agent into the air inlet 11 of the compressor housing 10. In these embodiments of the turbocharger, the collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger 1 is situated inside the air inlet 11 of the compressor housing 10 upstream of the compressor wheel 6 of the compressor 5. In the second embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 12, in the fifth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 16, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, crust on surface of parts of the so-called pressure side of the turbocharger and originating from particles in the intake air can be removed. In the fifth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 16, and in the in the sixth embodiment of the turbocharger illustrated in figure 18, a drainage port 24 is in fluid connection with the air outlet 12 of the compressor housing 10 and configured to receive liquid contained in the air outlet 12 downstream of the compressor wheel 6 of the compressor 5.

[0086] Next the method for operating a turbocharger 1 of an internal combustion engine 2 and some embodiments and variants of the method will be presented in greater detail.

[0087] The method comprises running the engine, shutting down the engine, and restarting the engine.

[0088] The method comprises, after a first time interval from shutting down the internal combustion engine 2, and while a turbine 3 and a compressor 5 of the turbocharger 1 are rotating, performing a feeding step for feeding a cleaning agent into a stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 for a second time interval.

[0089] The method includes using as the turbocharger 1 a turbocharger according to any embodiment or variant presented herein so that the feeding step includes feeding cleaning agent into the first inlets 17 of the first channels 16 of the nozzle 13 and discharging cleaning agent from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21 of the nozzle 13 so as to cause cleaning agent streams to collide at a collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X- X inside said stream of gas flowing the turbocharger 1.

[0090] The pressure of the feeding cleaning agent that is fed into the first inlets 17 of the first channels 16 of the nozzle 13 in the feeding step is preferably, but not necessarily, less than 35 Bar. An advantage of this is that in such case no approval of a cleaning agent system the nozzle 13 is a part of will be needed.

[0091] In some embodiments of the method, said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 flows in an exhaust gas inlet 8 of a turbine housing 7 of the turbocharger 1 upstream of the turbine wheel 4. In such embodiments of the method, crust on surface of parts of the so-called exhaust side of the turbocharger and originating from exhaust particles will be removed. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a collecting step for collecting liquid from an exhaust gas outlet 9 of the turbine housing 7 of the turbocharger 1 downstream of the turbine wheel 4. Such embodiments of the method can comprise using collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the required amount of liquid is decreased. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a removing step for removing particles from the collected liquid prior using the collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the recycled liquid will be cleaner.

[0092] In some embodiments of the method, said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 flows in an air inlet 11 of a compressor housing 10 of the turbocharger 1 upstream of the compressor wheel 6. In such embodiments of the method, crust on surface of parts of the so-called pressure side of the turbocharger and originating from particles in the intake air will be removed. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a collecting step for collecting liquid from an air outlet 12 of the compressor housing 10 of the turbocharger 1 downstream of the compressor wheel 6. Such embodiments of the method can comprise using collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the required amount of liquid is decreased. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a removing step for removing particles from the collected liquid prior using the collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the recycled liquid will be cleaner.

[0093] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, using water as said cleaning agent.

[0094] Next a method for operating a turbocharger 1 of an internal combustion engine 2 and some embodiments and variants of the method will be presented in greater detail.

[0095] In the method a turbocharger 1 is used that comprises a turbine 3 comprising a turbine wheel 4 and a compressor 5 comprising a compressor wheel 6, wherein the turbine wheel 4 and the compressor wheel 6 are interconnected by means of a drive shaft 15.

[0096] In the turbocharger 1 that is used in method, the turbine 3 comprises a turbine housing 7 containing the turbine wheel 4 and having an exhaust gas inlet 8 and an exhaust gas outlet 9.

[0097] In the turbocharger 1 that is used in method, the compressor 5 comprises a compressor housing 10 containing the compressor wheel 6 and having an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12.

[0098] The method comprises a providing step for providing at least one nozzle 13 in fluid communication with a cleaning agent source 14 and in fluid communication with the turbocharger 1.

[0099] The method comprising running the engine 2, shutting down the engine 2, and restarting the engine 2.

[0100] The method comprises after a first time interval from shutting down the engine 2, and while the turbine wheel 4 and the compressor wheel 4 of the turbocharger 1 are rotating, performing a feeding step for feeding by means of said at least one nozzle 13 cleaning agent into a stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 for a second time interval.

[0101] Said at least one nozzle 13 that is provided in the providing step comprises a plurality of first channels 16 disposed around a longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle 13, wherein each first channel 16 having a first inlet 17 configured for receiving cleaning fluid from the cleaning agent source 14 and a first outlet 18 opening up in a swirl chamber 19 of the nozzle 13, wherein the swirl chamber 19 is formed around the longitudinal axis X-X and is radially outward limited by a circumventing inner surface 20 and wherein the first channels 16 are configured to direct cleaning agent streams in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis X-X from the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16 towards the circumventing inner surface 20 of the swirl chamber 19 to create a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber 19.

[0102] Said at least one nozzle 13 that is provided in the providing step comprises a plurality of second channels 21 disposed around the longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle 13, wherein each second channel 21 having a second inlet 22 for leading cleaning agent from the swirl chamber 19 and having a second outlet 23 configured to direct from the nozzle 13 cleaning agent streams, which are configured to collide at a collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger 1.

[0103] In said at least one nozzle 13 that is provided in the providing step, the cross-section of the swirl chamber 19 as measured transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X being smaller at the second inlets 22 of the second channels 21 than at the first outlets 18 of the first channels 16.

[0104] In the method, the feeding step includes feeding cleaning agent into the first inlets 17 of the first channels 16 of the nozzle 13 and discharging cleaning agent from the second outlets 23 of the second channels 21 of the nozzle 13 so as to cause cleaning agent streams to collide at said collision point C that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger 1 and inside said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1.

[0105] The pressure of the feeding cleaning agent that is fed into the first inlets 17 of the first channels 16 of the nozzle 13 in the feeding step is preferably, but not necessarily, less than 35 Bar. An advantage of this is that in such case no approval of a cleaning agent system the nozzle 13 is a part of will be needed.

[0106] In some embodiments of the method, said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 flows in an exhaust gas inlet 8 of a turbine housing 7 of the turbocharger 1 upstream of the turbine wheel 4. In such embodiments of the method, crust on surface of parts of the so-called exhaust side of the turbocharger and originating from exhaust particles will be removed. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a collecting step for collecting liquid from an exhaust gas outlet 9 of the turbine housing 7 of the turbocharger 1 downstream of the turbine wheel 4. Such embodiments of the method can comprise using collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the required amount of liquid is decreased. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a removing step for removing particles from the collected liquid prior using the collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the recycled liquid will be cleaner.

[0107] In some embodiments of the method, said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger 1 flows in an air inlet 11 of a compressor housing 10 of the turbocharger 1 upstream of the compressor wheel 6. In such embodiments of the method, crust on surface of parts of the so-called pressure side of the turbocharger and originating from particles in the intake air will be removed. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a collecting step for collecting liquid from an air outlet 12 of the compressor housing 10 of the turbocharger 1 downstream of the compressor wheel 6. Such embodiments of the method can comprise using collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the required amount of liquid is decreased. Such embodiments of the method can comprise a removing step 27 for removing particles from the collected liquid prior using the collected liquid as said cleaning agent. This way the recycled liquid will be cleaner.

[0108] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, using water as said cleaning agent. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advanced, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A turbocharger (1) for an internal combustion engine (2), wherein the turbocharger comprises a turbine (3) comprising a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor (5) comprising a compressor wheel (6), wherein the turbine wheel (4) and the compressor wheel (6) are interconnected by means of a drive shaft (15), wherein the turbine (3) comprising a turbine housing (7) containing the turbine wheel (4) and having an exhaust gas inlet (8) and an exhaust gas outlet (9), wherein the compressor (5) comprising a compressor housing (10) containing the compressor wheel (6) and having an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12), and wherein the turbocharger (1) being provided with at least one nozzle (13) that is connectable in fluid communication with a cleaning agent source (14) and that is in fluid communication with the turbocharger (1) to feed cleaning agent into the turbocharger (1), characterized by said at least one nozzle (13) comprising a plurality of first channels (16) disposed around a longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle (13), wherein each first channel (16) having a first inlet (17) configured for receiving cleaning fluid from the cleaning agent source (14) and a first outlet (18) opening up in a swirl chamber (19) of the nozzle (13), wherein the swirl chamber (19) is formed around the longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle (13) and is radially outward limited by a circumventing inner surface (20) and wherein the first channels (16) are configured to direct cleaning agent streams in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis X-X from the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16) towards the circumventing inner surface (20) of the swirl chamber (19) to create a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber (19), a plurality of second channels (21) disposed around the longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle (13), wherein each second channel (21) having a second inlet (22) for leading cleaning agent from the swirl chamber (19) and having a second outlet (23) configured to direct from the nozzle (13) cleaning agent streams, which are configured to collide at a collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger (1), and by the cross-section of the swirl chamber (19) as measured transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X being smaller at the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21) than at the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16).

2. The turbocharger according to claim 1, characterized by the first inlet (17) of each first channel (16) is situated in the same virtual circumferential plane as the first outlet (18) of the first channel (16), so that the first inlet (17) and the first outlet (18) of each first channel (16) are rotated with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis X- X.

3. The turbocharger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the first inlet (17) of each first channel (16) is situated in the same virtual circumferential plane as the first outlet (18) of the first channel (16), so that the first inlet (17) and the first outlet (18) of each first channel (16) are offset with respect to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis X-X.

4. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by the first inlet (17) of each first channel (16) is situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

5. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized by the first inlet (17) of each first channel (16) is situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

6. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized by the first outlet (18) of each first channel (16) is situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

7. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized by the first outlet (18) of each first channel (16) is situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

8. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterized by at least one first channel (16) being straight between the first inlet (17) and the first outlet (18).

9. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized by at least one first channel (16) being curved between the first inlet (17) and the first outlet (18).

10. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 9, characterized by at least one first channel (16) being both curved and straight between the first inlet (17) and the first outlet (18).

11. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized by the first outlets (18) of each first channel (16) adjoins the circumventing inner surface12. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by the first channels (16) being distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis X-X.

13. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by each first channel (16) have the same configuration, and by the first channels (16) forms together a rotational symmetrical configuration around the longitudinal axis X-X.

14. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 13, characterized by the swirl chamber (19) having a first flat inner end surface (27) at one end of the swirl chamber (19), by the first flat inner end surface (27) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X-X, and by the first outlets (18) of each first channel (16) opening up into the swirl chamber (19) at the first flat inner end surface (27).

15. The turbocharger according to claim 14, characterized by at least one of the first channels (16) being straight, by said at least one of the first channels (16) is oriented in an angle with respect to the first flat inner end surface (27), and by the angle between said at least one of the first channels (16) and the first flat inner end surface (27) being between 60° and 75°.

16. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 15, characterized by all first channels (16) of the plurality of first channels (16) being straight, by at least one first channel of the plurality of first channels (16) having a length that is different from the length of the other first channels of the plurality of first channels (16), by the length of the longest first channel (16) of the plurality of first channels (16) being 110 to 140 % of the length of the shortest first channel (16) of the plurality of first channels (16).

17. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 16, characterized by at least one second channel (21) extend at least partly helically in a semi helical manner, in semi helix manner or in a semi twisted manner about the longitudinal axis X-X between the second inlet (22) and the second outlet (23).

18. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 17, characterized by the second inlet (22) of each second channel (21) is situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

19. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 18, characterized by the second inlet (22) of each second channel (21) is situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

20. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 19, characterized by the second outlet (23) of each second channel (21) is situated at the same distance from the longitudinal axis X-X.

21. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 20, characterized by the second outlet (23) of each second channel (21) is situated at the same axial position with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

22. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 21, characterized by at least one second channel (21) being straight between the second inlet (22) and the second outlet (23).

23. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 22, characterized by at least one second channel (21) being curved between the second inlet (22) and the second outlet (23).

24. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 23, characterized by at least one second channel (21) being both straight and curved between the second inlet (22) and the second outlet (23).

25. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 24, characterized by the swirl chamber (19) having a second flat inner end surface (28) at one end of the swirl chamber (19), by the second flat inner end surface (28) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X- X, and by the second outlets (23) of each second channel (21) leads from the second flat inner end surface (28) of the swirl chamber (19).

26. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 25, characterized by the second channels (21) being distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis X-X.

27. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 26, characterized by each second channel (21) have the same configuration, and by the second channels (21) forms together a rotational symmetrical configuration aroundthe longitudinal axis X-X.

28. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 27, characterized by the second outlets (23) opens up at semispherical cavity (29).

29. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 28, characterized by the second outlets (23) being surrounded by sharp edges.

30. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 29, characterized by the cross-section of the swirl chamber (19) decreases at least partly steplessly and / or in steps the direction of the longitudinal axis X-X away from the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16) towards the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21).

31. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 30, characterized by the cross-section of the swirl chamber (19) being between 10 and 30 % smaller at the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21) than at the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16).

32. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 31, characterized by the swirl chamber (19) being at least partly rotational symmetric around the longitudinal axis X-X so that the longitudinal axis X-X being the central axis of the swirl chamber (19).

33. The turbocharger according to claim 32, characterized by the diameter of the swirl chamber (19) decreases at least partly steplessly and / or in steps the direction of the central axis X-X away from the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16) towards the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21).

34. The turbocharger according to claim 32 or 33, characterized by the swirl chamber (19) having a first cylindrical swirl chamber portion (25) into which the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16) opens, by the swirl chamber (19) having a second cylindrical swirl chamber portion (26) from which the second outlets (23) of the second channels (21) leads, and by the diameter of the of the second cylindrical swirl chamber portion (26) being smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical swirl chamber portion (25).

35. The turbocharger according to claim 34, characterized by the second cylindrical swirl chamber portion (26) adjoining the first cylindrical swirl chamber portion (25).

36. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 32 to 35, characterized by the diameter of the swirl chamber (19) being smaller at the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21) than at the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16).

37. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 32 to 36, characterized by the diameter of the swirl chamber (19) being between 10 and 30 % smaller at the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21) than at the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16).

38. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 37, characterized by the nozzle (13) being made at least partly of at least one of metal and ceramic material.

39. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 38, characterized by the exhaust gas inlet (8) of the turbine housing (7) being provided with a nozzle (13), by the nozzle (13) that the exhaust gas inlet (8) of the turbine housing (7) being provided with being in fluid communication with the exhaust gas inlet (8) of the turbine housing (7) and being configured to feed cleaning agent into the exhaust gas inlet (8) of the turbine housing (7), and by the collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger (1) is situated inside the exhaust gas inlet (8) of the turbine housing (7) upstream of the turbine wheel (4) of the turbine (3).

40. The turbocharger according to claim 39, characterized by a drainage port (24) in fluid connection with the exhaust gas outlet (9) of the turbine housing (7) and configured to receive liquid contained in the exhaust gas outlet (9) downstream of the turbine wheel (4) of the turbine (3).

41. The turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 40, characterized by the air inlet (11) of the compressor housing (10) being provided with a nozzle (13), by the nozzle (13) that the air inlet (11) of the compressor housing (10) being provided with being in fluid communication with the air inlet (11) of the compressor housing (10) and being configured to feed cleaning agent into the air inlet (11) of the compressor housing (10), and by the collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger (1) is situated inside the air inlet (11) of the compressor housing (10) upstream of the compressor wheel (6) of the compressor (5).

42. The turbocharger according to claim 41, characterized by a drainage port (24) in fluid connection with the air outlet (12) of the compressor housing (10) and configured to receive liquid contained in the air outlet (12) downstream of thecompressor wheel (6) of the compressor (5).

43. A method for operating a turbocharger (1) of an internal combustion engine (2), comprising running the engine, shutting down the engine, and restarting the engine, wherein, after a first time interval from shutting down the internal combustion engine (2), and while a turbine (3) and a compressor (5) of the turbocharger (1) are rotating, performing a feeding step for feeding a cleaning agent into a stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger (1) for a second time interval, characterized by using as the turbocharger (1) a turbocharger according to any of the claims 1 to 42, and by the feeding step includes feeding cleaning agent into the first inlets (17) of the first channels (16) of the nozzle (13) and discharging cleaning agent from the second outlets (23) of the second channels (21) of the nozzle (13) so as to cause cleaning agent streams to collide at a collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside said stream of gas flowing the turbocharger (1).

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized by the pressure of the feeding cleaning agent that is fed into the first inlets (17) of the first channels (16) of the nozzle (13) in the feeding step is less than 35 Bar.

45. The method according to claim 43 or 44, characterized by said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger (1) flowing in an exhaust gas inlet (8) of a turbine housing (7) of the turbocharger (1) upstream of the turbine wheel (4).

46. The method according to claim 45, characterized by a collecting step for collecting liquid from an exhaust gas outlet (9) of the turbine housing (7) of the turbocharger (1) downstream of the turbine wheel (4).

47. The method according to any of the claims 43 to 46, characterized by said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger (1) flowing in an air inlet (11) of a compressor housing (10) of the turbocharger (1) upstream of the compressor wheel (6).

48. The method according to claim 47, characterized by a collecting step for collecting liquid from an air outlet (12) of the compressor housing (10) of the turbocharger (1) downstream of the compressor wheel (6).

49. The method according to claim 46 or 48, characterized by using collected liquid as said cleaning agent.

50. The method according to claim 49, characterized by a removing step for removing particles from the collected liquid prior using the collected liquid as said cleaning agent.

51. The method according to any of the claims 43 to 50, characterized by using water as said cleaning agent.

52. A method for operating a turbocharger (1) of an internal combustion engine (2), wherein the turbocharger comprises a turbine (3) comprising a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor (5) comprising a compressor wheel (6), wherein the turbine wheel (4) and the compressor wheel (6) are interconnected by means of a drive shaft (15), wherein the turbine (3) comprising a turbine housing (7) containing the turbine wheel (4) and having an exhaust gas inlet (8) and an exhaust gas outlet (9), and wherein the compressor (5) comprising a compressor housing (10) containing the compressor wheel (6) and having an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12), wherein the method comprises a providing step for providing at least one nozzle (13) in fluid communication with a cleaning agent source (14) and in fluid communication with the turbocharger (1), wherein the method comprising running the engine (2), shutting down the engine (2), and restarting the engine (2), and wherein, after a first time interval from shutting down the engine (2), and while the turbine wheel (4) and the compressor wheel (4) of the turbocharger (1) are rotating, performing a feeding step for feeding by means of said at least one nozzle (13) cleaning agent into a stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger (1) for a second time interval, characterized by said at least one nozzle (13) that is provided in the providing step comprising a plurality of first channels (16) disposed around a longitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle (13), wherein each first channel (16) having a first inlet (17) configured for receiving cleaning fluid from the cleaning agent source (14) and a first outlet (18) opening up in a swirl chamber (19) of the nozzle (13), wherein the swirl chamber (19) is formed around the longitudinal axis X-X and is radially outward limited by a circumventing inner surface (20) and wherein the first channels (16) are configured to direct cleaning agent streams in an inclined manner to the longitudinal axis X-X from the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16) towards the circumventing inner surface (20) of the swirl chamber (19) to create a rotating laminar flow of cleaning agent in the swirl chamber (19), a plurality of second channels (21) disposed around the londitudinal axis X-X of the nozzle (13), wherein each second channel (21) having a second inlet (22) for leading cleaning agent fromthe swirl chamber (19) and having a second outlet (23) configured to direct from the nozzle (13) cleaning agent streams, which are configured to collide at a collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger (1), by the cross-section of the swirl chamber (19) as measured transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X being smaller at the second inlets (22) of the second channels (21) than at the first outlets (18) of the first channels (16), and by the feeding step includes feeding cleaning agent into the first inlets (17) of the first channels (16) of the nozzle (13) and discharging cleaning agent from the second outlets (23) of the second channels (21) of the nozzle (13) so as to cause cleaning agent streams to collide at said collision point (C) that is situated at an extension of the longitudinal axis X-X inside the turbocharger (1) and inside said stream of gas flowing in the turbocharger (1).

Images