Abstract: An assembly can include vanes and a base configured to seat the vanes at a radial distance about an axis where each vane includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, a pair of lateral surfaces that meet at the leading edge and at the trailing edge, an extension that extends from one of the lateral surfaces and that has a contact surface, and a stop surface to form a contact with a contact surface of another vane to define a minimum flow distance between the vane and the other vane. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a shoulder radially overlapping the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.

Abstract: A process for calibrating a variable-nozzle assembly (200) prior to its installation in a turbocharger. The variable-nozzle assembly facilitating such process is installed in a calibration fixture (20) having internal flowpath contours configured to replicate corresponding internal flowpath contours of a turbocharger into which the variable-nozzle assembly (200) is to be installed. The calibration fixture (20) defines a generally annular chamber (110) in fluid communication with a flow path defined in the variable-nozzle assembly (200), and a fluid supply passage (112) extending into the annular chamber. A fluid is supplied through the fluid supply passage (112), and the fluid then flows through the flow path of the variable-nozzle assembly (200). While the fluid is flowing through the variable-nozzle assembly (200), the vanes (220) are pivoted to set a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A turbocharger with a variable nozzle includes a pin mounted in the center housing and extending axially therefrom and engaged in a hole in the nozzle ring to orient the nozzle ring rotationally relative to the center housing. A portion of a length of the pin has a substantially greater compliance than the remainder of the length such that the pin has a flexible tip that engages the hole in the nozzle ring. The flexible tip reduces constraint of thermal deformation of the nozzle ring. The pin portion of greater compliance can be a section of the tube that is slit and expanded. The turbocharger can also include a one-piece locator and heat shield having a locating portion abutting the center housing and the nozzle ring for radially locating the nozzle ring relative to the center housing, and having a shield portion shielding the center housing from hot exhaust gas.

Abstract: An assembly can include vanes and a base configured to seat the vanes at a radial distance about an axis where each vane includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, a pair of lateral surfaces that meet at the leading edge and at the trailing edge, an extension that extends from one of the lateral surfaces and that has a contact surface, and a stop surface to form a contact with a contact surface of another vane to define a minimum flow distance between the vane and the other vane. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are rotatably adjustable for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. An elastically deformable member is disposed between a radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring and a radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing, the elastically deformable member having a radially inner surface contacting the radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing and having a radially outer surface contacting the radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring so as to radially center the nozzle ring relative to the center housing.

Abstract: A variable nozzle device including an annular nozzle passage formed by a gap between two opposing wall members and at least one vane rotatably supported in the nozzle passage. The vane is formed by a strip of sheet metal contoured to have an outer aerodynamic profile, and having a hollow interior with surfaces mimicking the outer profile. The vane is affixed to a shaft having a wind-stream portion forming two contact surfaces that conformingly receive opposing portions of the interior surfaces.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a cartridge containing a variable vane mechanism connected between the center housing and the turbine housing. The cartridge comprises an annular nozzle ring supporting an array of rotatable vanes, an insert having a tubular portion sealingly received into the bore of the turbine housing and having a nozzle portion extending radially out from one end of the tubular portion and being axially spaced from the nozzle ring with the vanes therebetween, a plurality of spacers connected between the nozzle portion of the insert and the nozzle ring, and an annular retainer ring fastened to the center housing so as to capture the nozzle ring between the retainer ring and the center housing. The retainer ring is formed as a separate part from the insert ring and is mechanically and thermally decoupled from the insert.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are rotatably adjustable for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. An elastically deformable member is disposed between a radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring and a radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing, the elastically deformable member having a radially inner surface contacting the radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing and having a radially outer surface contacting the radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring so as to radially center the nozzle ring relative to the center housing.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are rotatably adjustable for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. An elastically deformable member is disposed between a radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring and a radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing, the elastically deformable member having a radially inner surface contacting the radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing and having a radially outer surface contacting the radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring so as to radially center the nozzle ring relative to the center housing.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle ring and an array of vanes circumferentially spaced about the nozzle ring and rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are variable in setting angle, and an insert having a tubular portion and an annular nozzle portion extending generally radially out from one end of the tubular portion. A plurality of axially extending holes extend through a thickness of the nozzle portion. A plurality of spacers have first ends joined to the nozzle ring, opposite second ends of the spacers being engaged in the holes and secured to the nozzle portion by welds formed at the second surface. An annular groove is defined in the second surface of the nozzle portion radially inward of and proximate to the holes. Alternatively or additionally, discrete recesses are formed in the second surface adjacent the holes. The groove and/or recesses facilitate weld penetration.

Abstract: Disclosed are retainers for a turbocharger. In one embodiment, the retainer includes a generally annular body that defines a bore and one or more channels. The bore is generally directed along a central axis of the body and can be configured to mate with a nose of a center housing of a turbocharger. The channels can be configured to accommodate vanes associated with a cartridge assembly of the turbocharger. One or more legs may extend from the retainer body and may be configured to mate with and locate the retainer relative to a cartridge assembly for the turbocharger. The retainer can also include a concave portion disposed around a perimeter of the body. The concave portion and the body may be together configured to act as a spring when the retainer is mechanically loaded in a direction having a component parallel to the central axis. Also disclosed are corresponding turbochargers.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a variable nozzle device and an exhaust housing being mechanically and/or thermally decoupled from the variable nozzle device. Additional optional advantageous features are provided, including various axial and radial clearances and various sealing elements.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a variable nozzle device and an exhaust housing being mechanically and/or thermally decoupled from the variable nozzle device. Additional optional advantageous features are provided, including various axial and radial clearances and various sealing elements.

Abstract: A variable-vane cartridge mechanism for a turbocharger is assembled from a nozzle ring, an insert that engages a turbine housing bore, and a plurality of spacers. Holes larger in diameter than the spacers are formed in the nozzle ring and a nozzle portion of the insert, such that the spacers fit loosely in the holes. A locating fixture is engaged with the nozzle ring and insert for precisely locating these parts radially (and optionally also axially) with respect to each other; the spacers can move within the holes as needed to allow the positions of the parts to be adjusted. Once located relative to each other, the nozzle ring and insert are fixed in the desired relative positions by affixing the spacers to them, such as by welding.

Abstract: A turbocharger turbine containing a separate insert affixed within the housing. The insert is of a stamped metal configuration, and forms at least a portion of inlet passageway outer wall. An axial discontinuity is machined into the inlet passageway outer wall, the axial discontinuity being characterized by a size and location to direct airflow away from the blade-gap zone over at least part of the range of flow conditions. The inlet passageway may be either larger or smaller upstream of the axial discontinuity.

Abstract: A turbocharger with a variable nozzle includes a pin mounted in the center housing and extending axially therefrom and engaged in a hole in the nozzle ring to orient the nozzle ring rotationally relative to the center housing. A portion of a length of the pin has a substantially greater compliance than the remainder of the length such that the pin has a flexible tip that engages the hole in the nozzle ring. The flexible tip reduces constraint of thermal deformation of the nozzle ring. The pin portion of greater compliance can be a section of the tube that is slit and expanded. The turbocharger can also include a one-piece locator and heat shield having a locating portion abutting the center housing and the nozzle ring for radially locating the nozzle ring relative to the center housing, and having a shield portion shielding the center housing from hot exhaust gas.

Abstract: A process for calibrating a variable-nozzle assembly (200) prior to its installation in a turbocharger. The variable-nozzle assembly facilitating such process is installed in a calibration fixture (20) having internal flowpath contours configured to replicate corresponding internal flowpath contours of a turbocharger into which the variable-nozzle assembly (200) is to be installed. The calibration fixture (20) defines a generally annular chamber (110) in fluid communication with a flow path defined in the variable-nozzle assembly (200), and a fluid supply passage (112) extending into the annular chamber. A fluid is supplied through the fluid supply passage (112), and the fluid then flows through the flow path of the variable-nozzle assembly (200). While the fluid is flowing through the variable-nozzle assembly (200), the vanes (220) are pivoted to set a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a shoulder radially overlapping the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a turbine housing defining a chamber for receiving exhaust gas, and a nozzle leading from the chamber. Exhaust gas flows from the nozzle through a turbine wheel in the chamber and changes direction from a radially inward direction in the nozzle to an axial direction downstream of the turbine wheel. A divider in the nozzle divides the nozzle into first-stage and second-stage nozzles. The divider has an upstream surface to guide exhaust gas through the first-stage nozzle and an opposite downstream surface to guide exhaust gas flowing through the second-stage nozzle. An axially slidable tubular piston, disposed in the turbine housing, has a radially inner surface extending along the axial direction and a non-flat upstream end surface. The piston also includes a curved flow-guiding surface causing the exhaust gas to change direction. In a closed position, the piston abuts the divider to close the second-stage nozzle.