TURBOCHARGER HAVING VARIABLE-VANE TURBINE NOZZLE INCLUDING SPACERS THAT ALSO SERVE AS HARD STOPS FOR THE VANES

摘要

A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a variable-vane mechanism that has an annular nozzle ring supporting an array of rotatable vanes, an insert having a nozzle portion axially spaced from the nozzle ring, and a plurality of spacers connected between the nozzle portion of the insert and the nozzle ring for maintaining an axial spacing between the nozzle portion of the insert and the nozzle ring. The spacers are structured and arranged to mechanically stop the vanes from rotating in one direction past a maximum-open position and to mechanically stop the vanes from rotating in an opposite direction past a minimum-open position of the vanes.