Vanes And Blade In Same Radial Plane Patents (Class 415/164)
  • Patent number: 8702381
    Abstract: The flow path of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel (70) of a turbocharger is influenced by relative motion between two rings of vanes, at least one of which being provided on a vane ring. The outer ring of vanes contains a plurality of vanes (92, 122), the inner ring of vanes contains a plurality of vanes (93, 121), and the inner and outer vanes in registry forming a single generic vane shape. The aerodynamic effect of relative displacement of the outer ring of vanes to the inner ring of vanes produces a modulate-able control of exhaust flow to the turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Vahidin Alajbegovic, Gordon Jenks
  • Patent number: 8672619
    Abstract: A vane (234) is provided which reduces leakage of gas in a variable geometry turbocharger (210) from the high pressure side of the vane (234) to the low pressure side of the vane (234). The vane (234) can have a channel (330, 430) along a gas bearing surface (325, 425) for reducing the leakage. The channel (330, 430) can be defined at least in part by sideplates (300, 350). The sideplates (300, 350) can be integrally cast with the rest of the vane (234). At least one of the sideplates (300, 350) can have a hole therein for a vane shaft (228) which allows movement of the vane (234) for gas flow control. The sideplates (300, 350) can have edges (301, 351) that conform to the shape of the gas bearing surface (325, 425).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner
    Inventors: Steve Roby, David M. Decker, Dietmar Metz
  • Patent number: 8651804
    Abstract: A turbocharger (1) is provided with one or more movement control members (300) that are connected to the housing (2, 3, 3a) and limit axial movement of the adjustment ring (5). The members (300) can be inserted into one or more holes (400) formed in the housing (2, 3, 3a) and can extend from the holes (400) in a direction towards the adjustment ring (5). The holes (400) can be through-holes, blind-holes or combinations thereof. Various connection structures and methods can be used to affix the members (300) to the housing (2, 3, 3a) including self-locking members, casting, heat welding, friction welding, vibration hammering and staking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc
    Inventors: Richard Dwayne Hall, Georg Franz Scholz, Patrick Sweetland
  • Patent number: 8647056
    Abstract: Variable geometry turbomachine with a bearing housing, an adjacent turbine housing, a turbine wheel rotating in the turbine housing about a turbine axis; an inlet passage upstream of the turbine wheel between inlet surfaces of first and second wall members, one wall member moveable along the turbine axis to vary the inlet passage size; vanes across the inlet passage connected to a first wall member; an array of vane slots defined by the second wall member to receive the vanes for relative movement between the wall members; the second wall member comprising a shroud defining vane slots; the second wall member supported by a support member retained by a mounting feature; the mounting feature being one of the bearing housings, the turbine housing, or the actuation element; and the shroud is fixed to the support member so axial movement of the shroud relative to the support member is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Robert L. Holroyd
  • Patent number: 8632302
    Abstract: A compressor performance adjustment system includes a compressor chassis defining an inlet passageway, a diffuser passageway coupled to the inlet passageway, and a return passageway extending from the diffuser passageway. At least one inlet vane is located in the inlet passageway. At least one diffuser vane is located in the diffuser passageway. At least one return vane is moveably coupled to the compressor chassis and located in the return passageway. The return vanes may be adjusted without disassembling the compressor chassis in order to adjust the flow incident on compressor components and adjust the performance of a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: James M. Sorokes, William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 8616837
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly which includes a lower vane ring (22), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a plurality of spacers (42, or 50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings. By using a first set of fasteners (190) to fasten the lower vane ring to the turbine housing, and a second set of fasteners (191) to fasten the lower vane ring to the upper vane ring, the vane ring assembly is effectively decoupled from the turbine housing with regard to differential thermal expansion, and the co-planerism of the vane rings is easier to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Borgwarner
    Inventors: Georg Scholz, Richard Hall, George E. Heddy, III
  • Patent number: 8545173
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Philippe Valin, Francis Abel, Lorrain Sausse
  • Patent number: 8545172
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Severin, Lorrain Sausse, Pierre Barthelet, Francis Abel, Manuel Dufin
  • Patent number: 8500395
    Abstract: A vane (234) is provided which reduces leakage of gas in a variable geometry turbocharger (210) from the high pressure side of the vane (234) to the low pressure side of the vane (234). The vane (234) can have a channel (330, 430) along a gas bearing surface (325, 425) for reducing the leakage. The channel (330, 430) can be defined at least in part by sideplates (300, 350). The sideplates (300, 350) can be integrally cast with the rest of the vane (234). At least one of the sideplates (300, 350) can have a hole therein for a vane shaft (228) which allows movement of the vane (234) for gas flow control. The sideplates (300, 350) can have edges (301, 351) that conform to the shape of the gas bearing surface (325, 425).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Roby, David M. Decker, Dietmar Metz
  • Patent number: 8485779
    Abstract: A sealing device for prevention of exhaust gas in a scroll passage from leaking via a gap to a turbine impeller is arranged upstream, in a travel direction of the exhaust gas, of through-holes via which the vane shafts extend through a rear exhaust introduction wall, whereby pressure in a gap communicating with the through-holes of the rear wall is kept lower than pressure in an exhaust nozzle so as to displace nozzle vanes to the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8485778
    Abstract: A variable nozzle system can comprise a gas inlet ring, an opposing gas outlet ring, an actuation ring, guides, and vanes circumferentially spaced about and disposed between the gas inlet ring and the gas outlet ring. The gas inlet ring, the gas outlet ring, and the vanes can form nozzles, the nozzles being variable by rotation of the vanes about a pivot axis. The plurality of guides can extend from the gas inlet ring, the gas outlet ring, or the actuation ring, and the vanes can be connected to the actuation ring, so that each vane can be rotated by rotation of the actuation ring and by sliding against a respective guide from the plurality of guides. The actuation ring can have a gear rack and can be rotated by rotatable engagement of the gear rack with a pinion attached to the end of a rotatable gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lili Zhang, Bruce P. Biederman, Steven A. Lozyniak
  • Patent number: 8480358
    Abstract: A variable nozzle for a turbocharger (10) has a nozzle ring (138) supporting an array of vanes (134) that are variable in setting angle. The nozzle ring (138) is rotationally oriented and fixed in position by a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly extending locating members (170) that engage corresponding locating grooves (159) in a flange member (157) of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Frank, Baptiste Szczyrba, Claude Nivoit, Dominique Colombier
  • Patent number: 8480357
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger assembly comprises a unison ring which rotates about a longitudinal axis defined by a shaft on which a turbine wheel and compressor wheel are attached in order to pivot a plurality of vanes and thereby control a flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel. The unison ring rotates on at least one guide pin which is secured to the turbocharger. The guide pins may be press-fit into apertures in a center housing at an outer pilot surface. In other embodiments the guide pins may be press-fit into a different part of the turbocharger such as a nozzle ring. The guide pins may each have a wear surface which defines a circumferential radius of curvature which is substantially equal to a circumferential radius of curvature of a radially inner surface of the unison ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kolja Nikolic, Michael Moyer, George Adeff, Kevin Slupski, Matthew Oakes, Dennis L. Brookshire
  • Patent number: 8464528
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Raphael Hettinger, Dominique Petitjean, Gary Agnew, Philippe Arnold, Emmanuel Severin, Manuel Dufin
  • Patent number: 8418460
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, comprising a turbine rotor, which is rotatably housed in a rotor chamber through which exhaust gas coming from the internal combustion engine is conducted and wherein the flow around the turbine rotor is conditioned by means of a guide apparatus comprising a support ring with rotatably mounted guide vanes. For fixing a first distance (A) between the support ring and the contour sleeve, at least one spacer element with a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a cross-sectional area is provided so as to have a streamlined shape forming in the exhaust gas flow only a relatively narrow wake line and the spacer element is so arranged that the wake line formed thereby extends essentially through a flow space between two adjacent guide vanes without disturbing the exhaust gas flow around these guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Charging Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Ehrhard
  • Patent number: 8376695
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly includes a lower vane ring (20), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a spacer (50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30) for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30). The spacer has a first end (52) with a first diameter, a second end (54) with a second diameter, and a middle section (56) with a third diameter. The third diameter is larger than the first and second diameters. The first and second ends (52, 54) of the spacer (50) are inserted at least partially into a first counter bore (22) and a second counter bore (32) formed in the lower and upper vane rings (20, 30). A nut (40) and a fastener (42) running through a central through hole (58) of the spacer (50) are used to connect the vane ring assembly to a turbocharger housing. A clearance (c) of greater than e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Scholz, Richard Hall
  • Patent number: 8376696
    Abstract: A variable-capacity exhaust turbocharger is provided which is equipped with a variable-nozzle mechanism having a lever plate and a peripheral structure capable of ensuring regular operability of a nozzle vane and of preventing an occurrence of local excessive stress by increasing rigidity of the lever plate without increasing a thickness of the lever plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Yasuaki Jinnai, Yoichi Ueno, Noriyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8322978
    Abstract: An exhaust-driven turbocharger for a motor vehicle includes at least one of a variable turbine and a compressor geometry, a vane-mounting ring with guide vanes mounted rotatably thereon and a guide vane cage. The guide vane cage forms at least part of a flow duct and at the same time a mount for the vane-mounting ring. The guide vane cage is supported by spacer elements while creating an axial gap on a housing of the exhaust-driven turbocharger such that hot gas selectively flows behind the guide vane cage. Also, the guide vane cage is clamped between the turbine housing and the mounting housing of the exhaust-driven turbocharger without fixedly connecting the guide vane cage to either one of the two housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolay Dilovski, Patric Hoecker, Aurelia Kraemer, Michael Wein
  • Patent number: 8297942
    Abstract: A controllable coolant pump for internal combustion engines is driven by a belt pulley. The controllable coolant pump has a hydraulically actuated gate valve connected to a ring piston. An axial piston pump is disposed in the pump housing and is driven and “operated” by means of a swashplate having a suction groove and disposed on the back side of the flywheel. The “pumped volume flow” of the pump is controlled in a defined manner by means of a solenoid valve such that precise displacement of the hydraulically actuated gate valve is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Geraete- und Pumpenbau GmbH Dr. Eugen Schmidt
    Inventors: Eugen Schmidt, Franz Pawellek, Eberhard Geissel, Dirk Hagen, Michael Rexhaeuser
  • Patent number: 8240984
    Abstract: A variable geometry compressor housing module has a housing (1) into which a diffuser plate (3), a unison ring (5) and vanes (7) supported by a backplate (9) are inserted. The backplate is fixed to the housing by a crimping process. An actuation mechanism (13) for actuating the vanes (7) is provided on an inlet side of the housing (1). Furthermore, a shroud groove is partly defined by the diffuser plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Phillipe Noelle
  • Patent number: 8186944
    Abstract: A turbocharger (1) with a variable turbine geometry (VTG), includes a guide baffle (18), which has a blade bearing ring (6) with a plurality of guide blades (7), each of the latter having a blade shaft (8) that is mounted on the blade bearing ring (6). The guide baffle also has an adjusting ring (5), which interacts with the guide blades (7) by means of associated blade levers (20), which are fixed to the blade shafts (8) by one of their ends (21). The other end (22) of each blade lever (20) is provided with a lever head (23), which can be engaged in an associated engagement recess (24) of the adjusting ring (5). Each blade lever (20) is asymmetrical and has a bearing lug (25) in the form of an arched segment on only one side of the central section (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timo Tries, Ralf Boening
  • Patent number: 8177491
    Abstract: A compressor nozzle device comprises a set of adjustable vanes which is interposed between two opposite wall members (3, 5), and a unison ring (7) for actuating said vanes (1). The unison ring (7) is arranged at a side of one of said wall members (3) opposite to the other side thereof facing the vanes (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Phillipe Noelle, Mike Brown
  • Patent number: 8172508
    Abstract: A vane for a turbine assembly of a turbocharger includes a first airfoil that includes a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge, a second airfoil that includes a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge where the length of the first airfoil optionally differs from the length of the second airfoil, and one or more intra-vane throats defined at least in part by the first airfoil and the second airfoil. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ashraf Mohamed, David Strott, Scott MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8104280
    Abstract: A lever plate in a VGS type turbocharger that is incorporated in an exhaust guide assembly in a VGS type turbocharger. The lever plate has a fitting hole into which a shaft part of the adjustable vane is fitted formed at a position close to one end of an elongated plate main body thereof and an engaging protrusion to be engaged with the drive ring formed at the other end thereof. The engaging protrusion is formed by bending a blanking material having the shape of an elongated flat plate. The engaging protrusion is pressed in a direction of raising thereof so as to have a thickness greater than the thickness of the plate main body of the lever plate, and opposite side peripheries of the engaging protrusion are subjected to finish blanking to have an arc shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Akita Fine Blanking Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Akita
  • Patent number: 8083474
    Abstract: To provide a turbocharger whose lifetime is long, which is capable of inexpensively and precisely performing nozzle vane angle synchronous control by using inexpensive and highly wear resistant components in a link mechanism for driving a rotation mechanism of nozzle vanes of an adjustable nozzle mechanism. As pins fixedly arrayed in a ring plate rotatably supported on the turbocharger, that set an angle of the nozzle vanes for controlling an amount of exhaust gas for rotating a turbine rotor, each pin in which a hard coating with a thickness of approximately 2 ?m which is formed of Al, Cr, Si, and N by physical vapor deposition is formed onto an austenitic stainless steel as a base material, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Tofuji E.M.I.CO., Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Hashimoto, Noboru Hamaguchi, Yasuaki Jinnai
  • Patent number: 8079217
    Abstract: A turbocharger having a variable turbine nozzle that includes an array of vanes whose setting angle is adjustable by rotation of a crank shaft coupled with a unison ring that pivots the vanes. The crank shaft is rotated by an actuation system made up of a piston contained in a bore formed in the center housing, and a hydraulic system for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the bore selectively on one side or an opposite side of the piston for causing the piston to move in one direction or the other. The piston is connected to the crank shaft by a mechanical linkage that converts reciprocating movement of the piston to rotational movement of the crank shaft. A spring is arranged between the piston and a surface of the bore and continuously exerts a spring force on the piston toward the fully open position of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Li, Charles Li
  • Patent number: 8061976
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly which includes a lower vane ring (23), an upper vane ring (31), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a plurality of spacers (49, 50 or 59) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings (23, 31) for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings, the vane ring assembly being retained in a turbine housing (102) by a retaining ring (400) which is located in a groove (510) in the turbine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Dwayne Hall
  • Patent number: 8056336
    Abstract: A variable nozzle for a turbocharger includes a plurality of vanes rotatably mounted on a nozzle ring and disposed in a nozzle flow path defined between the nozzle ring and an opposite nozzle wall. Either or both of the faces of the nozzle ring and nozzle wall include(s) at least one step that defines sealing surfaces positioned to be substantially abutted by airfoil surfaces of the vanes in the closed position of the vanes and to be spaced from the airfoil surfaces in positions other than the closed position. This substantial abutment between the airfoil surfaces and the sealing surfaces serves to substantially prevent exhaust gas from leaking past the ends of the airfoil portions. At the same time, clearances between the nozzle ring face and the end faces of the airfoil portions can be sufficiently large to prevent binding of the vanes under all operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Arnold, Dominique Petitjean, Anthony Ruquart, Guillaume Dupont, Denis Jeckel
  • Patent number: 8033109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Raphael Hettinger, Dommique Petitjean, Gary Agnew, Philippe Arnold, Emmanuel Severin, Manual Dufin
  • Patent number: 8021106
    Abstract: A guide device with adjustable guide vanes is provided with a drive for the adjustable guide vanes, in which a cylindrical driving pin and an adjusting lever are provided each with one surface pair which are matched to one another and which slide on one another in operation when the guide vanes are being adjusted. To adjust the guide vanes, the adjusting ring is moved, by which the driving pin attached to the adjusting ring slides in an elongated groove of the adjusting lever and applies a force to the adjusting lever. This approach yields an economical and durable structure which is easy to install. This results in surface support with the corresponding low compressive loads per unit area and consequently greatly reduced wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Turbo Systems AG
    Inventor: Josef Bättig
  • Patent number: 8016551
    Abstract: A nozzle for radial inflow turbines having an outer surface having a concave shape, and an inner surface having a non-concave, i.e. straight or convex, shape. Also a leading edge may have a hole that is capable of receiving a fastener to secure the nozzle vane to an assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank F. Lin
  • Patent number: 8001792
    Abstract: Apparatus for channeling combustion gases to a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The engine has a compressor for providing compressed air, a combustor for combusting fuel with the compressed air to provide combustion gases, and a radial inflow turbine having an inlet configured to receive the combustion gases. The turbine is rotatable about an axis for expanding the combustion gases to produce work. The apparatus includes a subassembly of plurality of nozzle guide vanes fixed between a pair of spaced apart, ring-shaped sidewalls. A pair of spaced apart supports is configured to position the subassembly therebetween, concentric with the axis, and adjacent the turbine inlet. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolt assemblies extending axially through the pair of supports, apertures in the sidewalls, and holes in the guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: OPRA Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Marek Dvorak, R. Jan Mowill
  • Patent number: 7980816
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Severin, Lorrain Sausse, Dufin Manuel, Pierre Barthelet, Eric Boucher
  • Patent number: 7982323
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus 2 for generating electrical charge from a motive power source 3. The apparatus 2 comprises an alternator 3a and a worm drive assembly 4 connectable to the motive power source 3. The worm drive assembly 4 comprises a drive shaft 14 a worm gear 20; and, a worm wheel 32 configured so as to mesh with the worm gear 20 and as is further arranged so as to be operatively associated with the alternator 3a. During use, rotation of the drive shaft 14 by the motive power source 3 effects generation of electrical charge by the alternator 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Seghezzi
  • Publication number: 20110138805
    Abstract: A turbocharger assembly comprises a variable-vane assembly. The variable-vane assembly includes a unison ring with vane arms and/or a main-arm which adjust the setting angle of vanes. Vane arm-engaging elements and main-arm-engaging elements in the unison ring engage ends of the vane arms and the main-arm, respectively. Each vane arm-engaging element comprises an inner contact surface that engages an outer contact surface of the respective vane arm. The main-arm-engaging element comprises an inner actuation surface that engages an outer actuation surface of the main-arm. The inner contact surface and the outer contact surface and/or the inner actuation surface and the outer actuation surface may comprise conjugate curve profiles, such as involute curve profiles based on the involute of a circle. Use of conjugate curve profiles may result in rolling movement between the unison ring and vane arms and/or main arm, which may reduce friction occurring during pivoting of the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Barthelet, Olivier Espasa, Julien Mailfert, Nicolas Morand, Emmanuel Severin, Lionel Toussaint
  • Patent number: 7854585
    Abstract: A variable geometry compressor for use in, for example, a turbocharger. A swing-vane diffuser is provided down-stream of the centrifugal compressor wheel. A nozzle ring is adjustable mounted on a center housing, and defines the nozzle face for the compressor diffuser. No spacers are deployed in the diffuser thereby improving efficiency, yet by stacking only the vanes and the nozzle ring, the diffuser clearances are maintained within strict tolerances. Further, seals, such as O-rings, are situated between the nozzle ring and the compressor housing and back plate to eliminate deleterious gas leaks between the diffuser and the spaces behind the nozzle ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Dominique Petitjean
  • Patent number: 7794200
    Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a center housing (3) and a turbine housing (1) with a variable nozzle device arranged there between. The turbocharger further comprises an annular arrangement of adjustable vanes (7) interposed in an annular nozzle (9) for defining a plurality of nozzle passages, wherein the vanes (7) are axially resiliently supported on the center housing (3) or the turbine housing (601), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Shankar Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 7771162
    Abstract: Various cambered vanes are constructed for use within a vaned turbocharger and include an inner airfoil surface oriented adjacent a turbine wheel, and an outer airfoil surface oriented opposite the inner airfoil surface. The inner and outer airfoil surfaces define a vane airfoil thickness. A cambered vane leading edge or nose is positioned along a first inner and outer airfoil surface junction, and a vane trailing edge positioned along a second inner and outer surface junction. The vane inner and outer airfoil surfaces are specially configured to provide a vane camberline having a curved section, which can. provide for improved gas flow distribution, thereby increasing the effective operating range of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joel P. Castan
  • Patent number: 7670107
    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 radial-axial guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the radial-axial guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each radial-axial guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a groove for receiving the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the radial-axial guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Barthelet, Olivier Espasa, Eric Boucher, Francis Abel
  • Patent number: 7628580
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbine comprises a housing defining a chamber within which a turbine wheel is mounted. The chamber has an annular inlet having a width defined between side walls of the housing. An array of vanes is mounted within the inlet, each vane having a length extending across the inlet, and a chordal length defined between leading and trailing vane edges. The vanes can be pivoted to adjust the effective cross-section area of the annular inlet. Each vane is pivotable between a first position in which the area of the inlet is a minimum and a second position in which the area of the inlet is a maximum. At least one of the side walls is configured so that clearance between the side wall and at least a portion of the adjacent chordal edge of each vane varies in a predetermined manner as the vane moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Limited
    Inventors: John Frederick Parker, Stephen Edward Garrett
  • Patent number: 7600379
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbine in the exhaust line and a compressor in the intake tract of the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust gas turbine includes a gas inlet passage with a variable guide vane structure supported on one side of a support ring arranged in the inlet flow passage to the turbine wheel, the support ring is mounted in a floating manner such that the side thereof, which faces away form the guide vanes is exposed to the gas pressure in the inlet flow passage in order to bias the support ring toward the opposite inlet flow passage wall and spacer sleeves with expansion properties similar to those of the guide vanes are provided between the support ring and the opposite flow passage wall for delimiting the clearance between the guide vanes and the opposite flow passage wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Peter Fledersbacher, Paul Löffler, Michael Scherrieble, Siegfried Sumser, Siegfried Weber
  • Publication number: 20090220335
    Abstract: A turbine is provided which can reduce variations in mass flow at throats even when the flow rate of fluid is low or high, to prevent a decrease in performance. The invention employs a turbine including a turbine rotor which has turbine blades; a turbine housing which accommodates the turbine rotor 80 and whose cross-sectional area of a scroll portion formed between the turbine housing and the turbine rotor gradually decreases; a plurality of fixed vanes which are fixed along a curved line dividing the scroll portion into an inner scroll part and an outer scroll part; throats which are formed between the adjacent fixed vanes and communicate between the inner scroll part and the outer scroll part; and a switch valve which switches a flow path in the turbine housing either to the inner scroll part or to both the inner scroll part and the outer scroll part, in which flow path areas of the throats are reduced in a downstream direction of the scroll portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi MATSUO, Takao Yokoyama, Motoki Ebisu
  • Patent number: 7559199
    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, and a plurality of spacers connected between the nozzle portion of the insert and the nozzle ring. The turbine housing has a surface that directly contacts a surface of the nozzle ring that axially faces the insert for axially locating the nozzle ring relative to the turbine housing. A radial gap is defined between the turbine housing and the nozzle ring to allow radial movement of the nozzle ring relative to the turbine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Raphael Hettinger, Dominique Petitjean, Gary Agnew, Philippe Arnold, Emmanuel Severin, Manual Dufin
  • Patent number: 7553127
    Abstract: A variable nozzle device comprises a wall member 10, a unison ring 12, and a plurality of vanes 1 rotatable about a pivot axle 8 by the unison ring 12. Each vane 1 has a tab member 9 comprising a shaft portion 6 and a tab portion 5 for holding the vanes 1 on the wall member. The nozzle device further comprises an insert 11 for supporting the vanes 1 rotatably about said pivot axle 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Phillipe Noelle
  • Patent number: 7533529
    Abstract: A turbocharger comprising a turbine housing where at least one supply channel supplies an exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is fed through a guide grid that forms passages of variable cross-section between the supply channel and a turbine rotor. This guide grid comprises a plurality of vanes of predetermined width in a vane space of about the same width. A vane support ring defines one axial end of the annular vane space and an opposite ring is spaced from the vane support ring by about the width of the vanes to define the other axial end of the annular vane space. To maintain this width, at least two spacers are integrally formed on at least one the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Stilgenbauer
  • Patent number: 7509804
    Abstract: A turbocharger with a variable nozzle has a turbine impeller, a compressor impeller, a shaft coupling the turbine impeller and the compressor impeller, a bearing housing rotatably supporting the shaft, and a turbine housing accommodating the turbine impeller. The turbocharger further includes a variable nozzle mechanism, provided in a compressor impeller side in a radial-direction outer side of the turbine impeller, for adjusting a flow rate of an exhaust gas directed to the turbine impeller. The bearing housing has a radially expanded portion that extends to a radial-direction outer side to be coupled to the turbine housing at a radial-direction outer side portion thereof such that the variable nozzle mechanism is accommodated between the turbine housing and the radially expanded portion. Between the variable nozzle mechanism and the radially expanded portion, a heat shield plate is provided for preventing a heat transmission between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7478991
    Abstract: A variable nozzle device comprises a wall member, a unison ring provided on a first side of the wall member, and a vane, a vane body of which is provided on a second side of the wall member, said second side being opposite to said first side, wherein said vane further having a tab member comprising a tab portion and a shaft portion, said shaft portion being movably inserted in a slot of the wall member; and said tab portion being adapted to hold the vane body by abutting against a portion of the wall member which defines the slot, wherein the vane body and the tab member are provided as separate, parts and are fixable to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillipe Noelle
  • Publication number: 20080298955
    Abstract: An inner air seal carrier for use in a gas turbine engine having an inlet guide vane surge retainer comprises a body, a stationary sealing element and an outcropping. The body secures around an inlet guide vane inner diameter shroud. The stationary sealing element is disposed on a radially inward face of the body for engaging with a rotatable sealing element of a compressor rotor. The outcropping is positioned on the radially inward face of the body forward of the stationary sealing element for engaging with the surge retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Major, Edward Torres
  • Patent number: 7448847
    Abstract: There is provided an adjustable vane turbine and turbine generator using the same, in which hydrodynamic properties are employed to adjust adjustable vanes automatically in response to flow condition such as the flow rate of the working fluid, thereby simplifying the system using the adjustable vanes and reducing cost. In the adjustable vane turbine, a turbine wheel is installed in a turbine housing and rotatably supported by a shaft, and a plurality of adjustable vanes are movably installed between the turbine housing and the turbine wheel, wherein each of the adjustable vanes includes an adjustable vane member having one end portion rotatably fixed to the turbine housing, a vane control element attached on one side of the adjustable vane member at a set angle, and a guide element attached on the other side of the adjustable vane member, the plurality of adjustable vanes being connected using links between neighboring vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-sun Lim
  • Patent number: 7445428
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes a turbine housing, a bearing housing, a guide vane carrier, a flow passage component which forms a portion of a flow passage in a turbine of the exhaust-gas turbocharger, and guide vanes, which are disposed on the guide vane carrier such that they can pivot in an annular passage formed between the flow passage component and the guide vane carrier. At least one securing bolt secures the guide vane carrier to the bearing housing. The securing bolt extends through the guide vane carrier and into the bearing housing in a plane parallel to the annular passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Roland Baar