Bayonet spacer retention system for variable turbine geometry vane packs

摘要

A variable geometry turbocharger includes a vane pack having rotatable vanes constrained by a pair of vane rings connected by a plurality of spacer connectors. The spacer connectors can include a spacer body for maintaining a minimum spacing between the vane rings. The spacer connectors are configured for bayonet mounting to at least one of the vane rings. To that end, the spacer connectors can include shaft portions extending from opposing sides of the spacer body. A plurality of transverse protrusions can extend outwardly from each shaft portion. Each shaft portion can be received in a respective in a vane ring. The spacer connectors can be rotated such that the transverse protrusions are offset from aperture portions that allow passage of the transverse portions, thereby retaining the vane rings in place in spaced relation. Such a system avoids close tolerances, press fits, expensive bolted joints or weld processes.