Not applicable.
This disclosure relates to turbochargers and more particularly to a turbocharger compressor cover having an outlet that can be convertibly configured to be coupled to either an air hose or a flanged pipe that conveys the compressed air to an intercooler before it is conveyed to the air inlet port of an engine.
Turbochargers are forced induction devices used to increase the flow of fresh air into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to increase the efficiency and power of the engine. A turbocharger includes a turbine that is driven by the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas from the engine, and a compressor that is mechanically linked to and driven by the turbine to draw and compress ambient air that is conveyed to the air intake of the engine. Typically, for automotive applications, the pressure increase or boost over ambient pressure is about 6 to 8 pounds per square inch (psig). The discharge outlet from the compressor is typically provided with a smooth circumferential surface to allow the end of a hose to be firmly clamped to the outlet with a T-bolt clamp or worm drive clamp, or a flanged end to allow a pipe to be firmly secured to the discharge outlet using a V-band clamp.
There are commercially available kits for converting a discharge outlet of a turbocharger compressor from one having a smooth circumferential surface to one having a flanged end. Such kits have generally comprised of flanged fittings that can be welded to the discharge outlet of the turbocharger compressor to facilitate securement to a flanged pipe using a V-band clamp. It is also possible to cut off the flanged end of a discharge outlet of a turbocharger compressor to facilitate attachment of a hose using a T-bolt or worm drive clamp hose clamp. However, it has not been possible to easily switch back and forth between a hose clamp connection and a V-band clamp connection. However, such convertibility is desired by certain motor sports enthusiasts.
In accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, a turbocharger housing component has a discharge outlet that has a tubular configuration that extends generally tangentially from a peripheral portion of the turbocharger housing component, wherein the discharge outlet has an externally threaded section adjacent an end of the discharge outlet. The threaded section allows the compressor housing to be easily converted between a configuration in which a hose clamp (e.g., a T-bolt clamp or worm drive clamp) can be used for securing a hose to the discharge outlet, and a configuration in which an internally threaded flanged fitting can be coupled to the end of the discharge outlet to allow use of a V-band clamp to secure a flanged pipe to the discharge outlet. This arrangement allows greater flexibility during installation of parts, modifications, maintenance and repairs of a vehicle employing a turbocharger, such as modifications or repairs to the exhaust system.
Shown in
A turbocharger system 20 is shown in
Details of turbocharger 15 are shown in
As shown in
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited hereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings herein will recognize additional modifications and embodiments within the scope thereof. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the claims attached herein.